ADV helmet choices | GTAMotorcycle.com

ADV helmet choices

Jampy00

Jampy00

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Well now that I am moving into the ADV world, I'll require a new helmet, since the bike has an infotainment system I'll also be considering Bluetooth installed.
Does not need to come with helmet.
While I never use the phone or communicate while riding hearing the GPS and maybe a bit of music would be enjoyable.
I've been looking around for some options but wanted to hear from my fell GTAM'ers on what they would consider a good choice.

I will point out I'm looking at "budget friendly" brands, makes and models, I also wear glasses so the helmet has to be suitable for them as well.

So hit me up with some idea's and thank for taking the time to reply!
 
I went back and forth with a Bell Moto8 and a Bell MX-9 ADV on my supermoto bike, depending on how long of a ride I was doing. The Bell is relatively inexpensive, has MIPS, and is fairly quiet. You can pull the shield off and use goggles with it as well. I wear Homer Js so I could read my Trail Tech. They were fine. No real fitment issues.

fortnine.ca

Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Solid Helmet

With the MX-9 Adventure Mips, pavement is optional. This go-anywhere helmet gives you the best of both dirt and street. It's designed to adapt to your version of adventure. All-Terrain Explorer From the roughest singletrack to urban blacktop, the MX-9 Adv
fortnine.ca fortnine.ca
 
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Jampy00 said:
Well now that I am moving into the ADV world, I'll require a new helmet, since the bike has an infotainment system I'll also be considering Bluetooth installed.
Does not need to come with helmet.
While I never use the phone or communicate while riding hearing the GPS and maybe a bit of music would be enjoyable.
I've been looking around for some options but wanted to hear from my fell GTAM'ers on what they would consider a good choice.

I will point out I'm looking at "budget friendly" brands, makes and models, I also wear glasses so the helmet has to be suitable for them as well.

So hit me up with some idea's and thank for taking the time to reply!
Click to expand...
I have a touring helmet, Schuberth C3 that has been great. It's a modular helmet that has a built-in sun visor, it also has an optional comms. I bought an inexpensive Bluetooth head/mic set that I pair with my phone for music and comms.

Not the cheapest, I think I paid about $500 - but for the comfort, quietness, fit, and the fact it's protecting my second most important asset -- not a bad price.

It's very comfortable, and quiet enough that I don't need earplugs, warm in the winter (I also use it on my sled), and well-ventilated for summer riding. The optics are excellent, the visor doesn't fog. There is ample space behind the retractable visor to fit my oversized horn-rimmed riding glasses. I switched from a Shoei RF, and would never go back.

My son has a Nolan N90-3 Solid Helmet (good deal at the moment) Nolan that he absolutely loves, he uses it on and off-road and on his sled too.

I also have a Scorpion transformer -- nice, but the trim isn't that durable and the lens had to be buffed, I think my frequent cleaning created a haze. I've replaced a few 'bits' under warranty and the chrome has peeled off the logo and accent bits. Wouldnt, do that again, mostly because of the inconvenience of repairing the thing.

PS. The beaky thing on many ADV styled helmets is IMHO an unnecessary fashion detail (unless you're riding in my rooster tail). Quite frankly a PIA as it seems to get in the way.
 
Mad Mike said:
I have a touring helmet, Schuberth C3 that has been great. It's a modular helmet that has a built-in sun visor, it also has an optional comms. I bought an inexpensive Bluetooth head/mic set that I pair with my phone for music and comms.

Not the cheapest, I think I paid about $500 - but for the comfort, quietness, fit, and the fact it's protecting my second most important asset -- not a bad price.

It's very comfortable, and quiet enough that I don't need earplugs, warm in the winter (I also use it on my sled), and well-ventilated for summer riding. The optics are excellent, the visor doesn't fog. There is ample space behind the retractable visor to fit my oversized horn-rimmed riding glasses. I switched from a Shoei RF, and would never go back.

My son has a Nolan N90-3 Solid Helmet (good deal at the moment) Nolan that he absolutely loves, he uses it on and off-road and on his sled too.

I also have a Scorpion transformer -- nice, but the trim isn't that durable and the lens had to be buffed, I think my frequent cleaning created a haze. I've replaced a few 'bits' under warranty and the chrome has peeled off the logo and accent bits. Wouldnt, do that again, mostly because of the inconvenience of repairing the thing.

PS. The beaky thing on many ADV styled helmets is IMHO an unnecessary fashion detail (unless you're riding in my rooster tail). Quite frankly a PIA as it seems to get in the way.
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I don't require a true ADV helmet, just a full face, but I'd figure I'd stick with the styling just to get some more input.
 
GreyGhost said:
I think @Wingboy is running a street leaning adv helmet.
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I have a Klim Krios adv. It's good, but i wouldn't buy it again. Arai is a much better choice. Visor retention, ventilation and liner removal is much better in the Arai.
You get what you pay for. A cheap helmet will in a few ways be a pia.
 
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As you had described in your other thread, you plan to keep it on pavement so one of the main ADV features (google compatibility) is nullified.

One of the biggest challenges with ADV helmets is the peak buffetting due to the way your windscreen is set up. The windscreen would push air in a way that would then push the peak and it would either buffet the helmet or straight up pull your helmet in a certain direction.

The peak is mainly used as a shield to deflect rocks, or direct sunlight. In an on-road application, sunglasses, tinted visor or drop down visor all accomplish the same task.

What i'm saying is that other than to match the other 45+ yr old dentists and plastic surgeons that are riding BMW GSA's wearing the most expensive brands top to bottom, there's no real benefit to wearing a peaked helmet on pavement.

Personally, i'd recommend a sport touring helmet with a drop down visor or a transitions visor. Failing that, test fit to make sure the sunglasses channel doesn't push on your temples. Examples: Shoei GT-AIR 2, HJC RPHA 71, Scorpion ST1400, AGV K5

If you are used to a half helmet, then Modular might be a good half-step. These are helmets that can convert to a 3/4 open face helmet by flipping up the chin bar. I never worn or researched them, but brand names associated with quality modulars are Schuberth, Shoei and Scorpion.

And the last is just a normal full face sport helmet. Pick your favorite.

As for comms, the answer is "whatever brand your buddies are using" and if you don't have any buddies with comms, then its just for music anyways so literally anything.
 
Aens said:
As you had described in your other thread, you plan to keep it on pavement so one of the main ADV features (google compatibility) is nullified.

One of the biggest challenges with ADV helmets is the peak buffetting due to the way your windscreen is set up. The windscreen would push air in a way that would then push the peak and it would either buffet the helmet or straight up pull your helmet in a certain direction.

The peak is mainly used as a shield to deflect rocks, or direct sunlight. In an on-road application, sunglasses, tinted visor or drop down visor all accomplish the same task.

What i'm saying is that other than to match the other 45+ yr old dentists and plastic surgeons that are riding BMW GSA's wearing the most expensive brands top to bottom, there's no real benefit to wearing a peaked helmet on pavement.

Personally, i'd recommend a sport touring helmet with a drop down visor or a transitions visor. Failing that, test fit to make sure the sunglasses channel doesn't push on your temples. Examples: Shoei GT-AIR 2, HJC RPHA 71, Scorpion ST1400, AGV K5

If you are used to a half helmet, then Modular might be a good half-step. These are helmets that can convert to a 3/4 open face helmet by flipping up the chin bar. I never worn or researched them, but brand names associated with quality modulars are Schuberth, Shoei and Scorpion.

And the last is just a normal full face sport helmet. Pick your favorite.
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Cool thanks, I realize all of this, just looking for helmet idea's and choices I appreciate your input.
 
I have the Shoei GT Air 2 and the Neotec (modular) and like them both very much. Since I used to ride an ADV bike as a street bike, I am extremely qualified in this thread.

and for comms I'm really liking the Pactalk Bold.
 
The visor on my Klim has no effect on the aeordynamics even up to 130kph.
 
Mad Mike said:
PS. The beaky thing on many ADV styled helmets is IMHO an unnecessary fashion detail (unless you're riding in my rooster tail). Quite frankly a PIA as it seems to get in the way.
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I like the peaks on the ADV lids; really useful when the sun is low (and I use a tinted visor, as well). No trouble with the peak at highway speeds.

I've had three such helmets. HJC DS-X1, inexpensive, not particularly comfortable, almost nonexistent ventilation. Philips screwdriver required to change visors. Would not recommend.

Shoei Hornet X2. Very expensive, fit is okay, comfortable enough up to about three hours, ventilation is okay. Comes with a Pinlock. Toolless visor change, but incredibly and frustratingly fiddly. A little painful on the ears getting on and off.

My latest, Arai XD4. I should have bought it long ago. Now I know what all the Arai fuss is about. A little less money than the Shoei (solid colour), all day comfortable. The venting is almost unbelievable. In fact, it vents so well, I'm going to have to come up with some sort of cold weather mod. A coin or screwdriver is required to change the visor. Removing/installing cheek pads and the head liner is the easiest of the three.

All three are compatible with eye glasses, as long as the arms aren't excessively thick.

I always wear ear plugs (and you should, too, @Mad Mike), so won't comment on noise.

Yes, you get what you pay for, but go for the helmet which fits best and is most comfortable.

P.S. The Shoei is for sale. Anyone looking for a discount ADV brain bucket?
 
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As mentioned several times, ADV helmets are fashion only. They have all of the drawbacks of both the MX helmet and touring helmet and very little benefits except for style.

Having said that, I wear a Nexx X.WED2 when I attend black tie ADV events.

MX helmet when I'm being serious about off-road and a Schuberth C3 Pro when I tour.
 
I have the same ADV helmet as Lightcycle in the carbon fibre version and I also have this

www.chromeburner.com

Nexx X.Vilitur Latitude White Red Blue Modular Helmet

Buy your Nexx X.Vilitur Latitude White Red Blue at ChromeBurner. High quality Nexx X.Vilitur - Quick order processing - Lowest prices guaranteed - Personal service
www.chromeburner.com www.chromeburner.com

Coupled with the Nexx Bluetooth communicator.

The flip up is more practical, more comfortable and gets more use. The ADV helmet looks wicked with the gold mirror shield though.

Nexx helmets are great value for money when bought abroad.
 
Lightcycle said:
As mentioned several times, ADV helmets are fashion only. They have all of the drawbacks of both the MX helmet and touring helmet and very little benefits except for style.

Having said that, I wear a Nexx X.WED2 when I attend black tie ADV events.

MX helmet when I'm being serious about off-road and a Schuberth C3 Pro when I tour.
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Yeah I think I titled my post incorrectly, Should have been helmet choices for my new ADV...
 
Jayell said:
I like the peaks on the ADV lids; really useful when the sun is low
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Exactly why i bought my Klim.I was only riding in the evenings and usually head west into the setting sun where the better roads are out here.
 
I use an HJC RPHA 71 (recently replaced an older RPHA). Like has been stated, stick with a street type helmet without the peak. I really like my 71 and it is comms-ready, has a flip down visor, and I wear sunglasses in mine so it'll fit glasses just fine. Order from FC-Moto and it'll come to about $550 delivered depending on colour choice.
 
Jampy00 said:
Yeah I think I titled my post incorrectly, Should have been helmet choices for my new ADV...
Click to expand...

My vote is for a modular helmet.

Will give you the option to get more airflow when riding and when you're pulling over for tolls, border crossings, eating/drinking, and talking with randos, you don't have to take off your lid.
 
Lightcycle said:
My vote is for a modular helmet.

Will give you the option to get more airflow when riding and when you're pulling over for tolls, border crossings, eating/drinking, and talking with randos, you don't have to take off your lid.
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I'll do some more digging into these. Thanks
 
Whatever floats your boat.I was told last week at the Forks that my Klim jacket was wrong when on a Ural. Ummm okay.
 
I have a agv ax9 and love it very light the visor is only noticeable above 160 I have been told. But even then not a big deal. I do love the sun protection from the visor.

Sent from the future
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