[Marv]

I'm in the market for a new modular helmet. I have a perfectly good HJC IS-33 3/4 helmet but it is very noisy and not as protective as a modular helmet. My requirements are in the following order: Price, less noise, sun shield, major brand and quality of manufacture. Many of the online stores offer consumer testimony however they are trying to sell helmets and different riders consider wind noise unimportant. I have narrowed my selection down to a few but I'm open to suggestions. What I'm considering is the following: Nolen 104, HJC IS-MAX BT, HJC-RPHA. I would love to buy a Schubert but it's out of my price range.
If any of the riders on the forum can recommend or not recommend these or other helmets please reply.
Thanks

 

[Noth]

Shoei Multi tec has had a price cut... I just bought a new Shoei Neotech.. and my wallet still hurts.. It replaces a multi tec which is a great helmet

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

I can't speak to the Nolan 104 but, if its features and reviews are as good as the N90 which I have, I'd take the Nolan over the HJC IS-MAX, which I also have. Besides my comments which can be seen here http://burgmanusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=59920&hilit=+nolan+n90#p556687, I have also noticed that the sun visor of the N90 is darker than the HJC and makes it easier riding into the sun. I haven't felt compelled to put black tape across the top of the visor like I did the HJC. The only downside I've had with the N90 (again, you'd have to find out how this compares to the N104) is with the visor detents. They aren't as strong and I've had the face shield flip down on me at higher speeds when I've had it all the way up.

 

[Scootereno]

All Modular are louder than other helmets. The chin-bar hinge will cause the wind to make some noise. That being said some are louder than others.
I have a ZOX Genesis and like it very much. I bought it for the fit, price, and features. It is not the quietest or lightest but it is a great compromise for both and the price is half or more less than the others you are looking at (which are all good choices). It is my go to helmet when the temps are under 80 degrees. It vents well, has a drop down inner shield, and has a very comfy inner liner. They now have a new economy model that is very nice too called the EBEKO for $99 and up. If you go for a ZOX make sure you get the SVS models as that stands for Solar Visor System for the inner shield.
Buying a helmet is a personal thing and the most important thing is that it fits YOUR head well and is comfortable.
Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Coz Boogie]

I have a white Scorpion EXO 900 Air Transformer modular. It has built-in sun visor, chin vent, forehead vent, and exhaust vent in the rear. The collar is also inflatable to help ensure a snug fit. It's a bit loud at highway speeds but tolerable. The button to unlock the chin bar is easy to operate with gloves on and once raised I've never had a problem with the chin bar falling down. It's DOT and ECE certified.

Shop around for a price but it usually runs in the mid to high $200s.

late,
Coz

 

[Marv]

I can't speak to the Nolan 104 but, if its features and reviews are as good as the N90 which I have, I'd take the Nolan over the HJC IS-MAX, which I also have. Besides my comments which can be seen here http://burgmanusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=59920&hilit=+nolan+n90#p556687, I have also noticed that the sun visor of the N90 is darker than the HJC and makes it easier riding into the sun. I haven't felt compelled to put black tape across the top of the visor like I did the HJC. The only downside I've had with the N90 (again, you'd have to find out how this compares to the N104) is with the visor detents. They aren't as strong and I've had the face shield flip down on me at higher speeds when I've had it all the way up.

In my research I found the Nolan N104 now has a slide switch to lock the face shield in the upper position. In regards to the black tape you installed across the top of the face shield I did this on my HJC IS-33 3/4 helmet. You could have used pastel colored duct tape sold at Home Depot. I used the 2" wide tape. It was used for keeping the sun from being directly in my eyes while riding in the early morning or late afternoon sun. It is opaque and works like a sun visor in a car. No sun glasses regardless how dark will block the sun like a car sun visor.
Another helmet I'm considering is the HJC-RPHA-MAX. It's a toss up between this helmet and the Nolan N104. I like the yellow offered in the Nolan but the noise level in the premium HJC is tempting.

 

[Scotty1981]

I have a white Scorpion EXO 900 Air Transformer modular. It has built-in sun visor, chin vent, forehead vent, and exhaust vent in the rear. The collar is also inflatable to help ensure a snug fit. It's a bit loud at highway speeds but tolerable. The button to unlock the chin bar is easy to operate with gloves on and once raised I've never had a problem with the chin bar falling down. It's DOT and ECE certified.

Shop around for a price but it usually runs in the mid to high $200s.

late,
Coz

I also have one of these and it is super loud without ear plugs and I wouldn't use it on a MC but on the Burgman we have a nice big windscreen and combined with earplugs it's not bad at all. I think I paid $279.00 for it. My dad got a Shuberth C3 that I would love to have, much lighter, quieter and more comfortable than any helmet I've worn but it cost nearly $700 and the wife wouldn't let me spend that much so I settled for the Scorpion.

 

[Steve D UK]

?.....

I also have one of these and it is super loud without ear plugs and I wouldn't use it on a MC but on the Burgman we have a nice big windscreen................

I agree with that. I have a Nolan N43 Air and I can ride at any speed with the visor up and hardly feel a breeze on my face. I have a Givi screen fitted to my Burg. On my Honda SH300 though its another matter. Quite a bit of wind noise. However, I chose ths helmet to allow me some versatility and it is good in that respect as it converts to an open face helmet amongst others. It has the built in sun shield. I have the built in Nolan bluetooth 3 unit fitted also and that includes an FM radio so that blocks out most of the wind noise.

 

[MacDoc]

I have a convertible in Australia and a Bell Mag8 back in Canada.

I wear the convertible up most of the time here except in heavy rain as it's much quieter.

I much prefer the Bell Mag8 which even the reviewers found one of the quietest helmet they'd tested.....matches with my experience.

The Mag8 has a very good visor system - strong and easy to clean - removable pads and a total bargain at $85 just now if you want to reconsider your move away from 3/4
I've been using the Mag for 2 seasons now and I really enjoy it. A race car driver swears by his - he was the one that tipped me off to it.
Your call but if you are looking for quiet and value this is a very good buy.

I have a Shoei FF and never wear it---way too noisy.

My 2¢ - the convertibles tend to heavy as well....it's been useful here in Aus but I definitely prefer the Bell. The white matches my white Exec as well......very similar pearlescent finish.

There is a Mag9 out with a sun shield as well.

 

[Gambit1024]

I have a white Scorpion EXO 900 Air Transformer modular. It has built-in sun visor, chin vent, forehead vent, and exhaust vent in the rear. The collar is also inflatable to help ensure a snug fit. It's a bit loud at highway speeds but tolerable. The button to unlock the chin bar is easy to operate with gloves on and once raised I've never had a problem with the chin bar falling down. It's DOT and ECE certified.

Shop around for a price but it usually runs in the mid to high $200s.

late,
Coz

I too have one of these. There are small, I guess you could call them ear flaps, built in.
One of my co-workers hated them and cut them out. If I inflate mine to be very snug to my face, they fit over my ears perfectly and block out almost all sound. It was strange at first but I have gotten used to it and now even like it for the silence on the highway.

It is heavy when compared to others. Try it out at a dealership before you buy one.

Gambit...

 

[Coz Boogie]

If I inflate mine to be very snug to my face, they fit over my ears perfectly and block out almost all sound. It was strange at first but I have gotten used to it and now even like it for the silence on the highway.

Gambit...

Exactly....combined with ear plugs it makes for a pretty quiet ride.

late,
Coz

 

[Coz Boogie]

Also keep in mind that with the EXO-900 you can completely remove the chin bar/visor piece and replace it with a part that covers up the locking mechanism on the side of the helmet and turns your modular into a 3/4 helmet....thus explaining why the helmet is named "Transformer".

late,
Coz

 

[Marv]

I'm in the market for a new modular helmet. I have a perfectly good HJC IS-33 3/4 helmet but it is very noisy and not as protective as a modular helmet.

Boy, am I glad I didn't buy a full face or a modular helmet before going to a store to try one on. Regardless of price and I looked at the best offered and found them claustrophobic. I don't see how riders can wear them. In the Shoei brand I found the Multi tec more comfortable then the Neo tec The Multi tec was round vs oval for the neo tec but the Multi tec had no sun shield but was cheaper.

The reason I was exploring for a new helmet was my HJC IS -33 is not as safe being a 3/4 helmet but it fits like an old shoe, has a sun shield but is very noisy at highway speeds. However, I have solved the wind noise part of the problem. I found the perfect ear plug at least for me. It's made by Beneficial Products Co. in Oregon. They are cheap and can last for months. It feels like clay but it's not. One nice feature is when installed it is flat against your ear so when you put on your helmet it doesn't fall out or break the seal.

This might sound like a plug (no pun intended) for a product but I have nothing to gain by passing on some helpful information and isn't what this forum is for?

 

[fernando]

I'd start saying I own a Caberg Duke, it is ECE/ONU 22.05 . not DOT certified ( This helmet is not homologated for use in the United States of America and Canada).

so far I love this helmet,

I've tried both the Nolan 104 that many have mentioned and this one. I say this one is better, N104 is noiser than this one.

- Caberg helmets are tested in wind tunnel, and you will notice it when you ride over 40Mph.(behaves pretty well, noise level acceptable)
- It's pretty warm when closed
- you can mount a communicator, i have the Sena SMH10 no problem
- it is certified in both ways, full face and jet, it has a lock to fix the jet position.
- It is PINLOCK ready, forget about getting the visor fogged, the helmet comes with one for free.

Security wise:

Caberg Duke has got 5 stars in the UK Sharp test. others mentioned like the Nolan 104 have reach only 4.


if you can, I'd suggest this one, did I mention this is cheaper than the N104?


cheers.

 

[radman]

][/quote]

I agree with that. I have a Nolan N43 Air and I can ride at any speed with the visor up and hardly feel a breeze on my face. I have a Givi screen fitted to my Burg. On my Honda SH300 though its another matter. Quite a bit of wind noise. However, I chose ths helmet to allow me some versatility and it is good in that respect as it converts to an open face helmet amongst others. It has the built in sun shield. I have the built in Nolan bluetooth 3 unit fitted also and that includes an FM radio so that blocks out most of the wind noise.[/quote]

Just bought a Nolan N43E trilogy. You have the N43 air which reportedly has better air flow but does not meet the USA standards. If you want a true modular helmet, this is the one. Completely removable chin guard, jet fighter type dark visor that flips up/down with ease and flip up clear shield that moves in fixed increments or remove completely. It is called a 6 in 1 helmet. Destined to become one of my all time favorite helmets. The N43E trilogy is an updated version of the N43 trilogy and worth the extra price for the changes.
I would say noise reduction is average to better. I also ride a 2008 goldwing. Helmet is much quieter on the GW because the windshield is much better than the stock Burgman shield. Visibility excellent. Weight is much less than most modulars. Comes with pin lock extra shield to stop fogging and chin curtain for cold weather. Chin guard very easy to remove, thin and light weight. Yet it passes DOT and European standards. I rode mostly in the past with 3/4 helmets. I thought I would ride mostly with the chin guard removed except for cold weather. Discovered I have no issues with the chin guard left on. If it is hot, can raise the shield up one notch and have good air flow.
I have a more round to neutral head shape. Can't stand to wear a lot of helmets, especially full face helmets, including most chin flip up modular helmets. Thought i wanted a Nolan 104. Could not stand the Nolan 104. Tight fitting, clunky to use, heavy, and claustrophobic.
Check revzilla reviews of helmets. For me a helmet has to fit well or I won't use it. Good reviews of helmets.