Flip up lids

[Stu_C]

At the moment, the wife and I both have shark helmets which are uncomfortable on longer rides. We both want new helmets of the flip up type.
We did some research online and also popped into shops to try some lids on. The selection has now been narrowed down to Schuberth C2 (C3 has not been tried yet), Shoei Multitec, Nolan N103 and BMW System 5.

Schuberth C2

Shoei Multitec

Nolan N103

System 5

I searched the forum for all related threads and I think I read most of them! Some of them are pretty old though so I thought I'd rekindle the discussion!
The reason I have not included the Caberg range is that we tried on some helmets and the wife did not like the fit of them. Ideally, I would like us both to have the same brand of helmet but of course that is not always possible.

We tried on the schuberth which fitted perfectly on both our heads, but of course that is the most expensive helmet. Both the wife and I found it to be a comfy fit

I dismissed the Shoei immediatly because it has a double-D fastening chinstrap which are too fumbly and outmoded for my likening. I don't know if this is through the range but the lid in store had one on.

I have read good things about the Nolan but the controlls on the side of the helmet are a bit fumbly with gloves on. The wife found the helmet a bit on the heavy side too.

I have not had a chance to try on the BMW helmet but I presume they have the same fitting sizes as the Schuberth.


I have read alot about certain aspects of flip ups wearing out pretty fast (sunvisor falling down, front part not closing...) but I am sure that is down to having moving parts. Misting up seems to be a bit of a problem but IMO they all have that (except my old Uvex with double screen, it never misted up!) Pinlock or FogCity seem to be the only answer there.
I also hear alot of people complain about noise, what do they expect!? You're on a motorbike, of course its going to be noisey! Get some earplugs... I have ridden over 13 years and noise has been the least of my worries!

So, back to the basics. Who has any of the newer versions of these helmets and can recommend them? As you might have guessed, noise and misty visors do not play a role in my decision as these can easily be remedied. Comfort is down to individual head dimensions so the criteria really boils down to functionality and what you get for your money.
Once we have it narrowed down to two, we'll begin the bargain hunt and haggling at the NEC this year. Failing to find anything there, we have our winter holiday over new year in Germany to look forward to. Some good bargains over there!

 

[Thunder]

I dismissed the Shoei immediatly because it has a double-D fastening chinstrap which are too fumbly and outmoded for my likening. I don't know if this is through the range but the lid in store had one on.

Don't miss out on the Shoei because of the D ring, it's a fantastic helmet with lots going for it and a firm favourite of many on this site.

Do a search and see what I mean.

 

[GSwadd]

The missus just bought a Nolan on our latest trip and it is so noisy on the back of the GS I nearly got sent mad from the wind feeding back through the intercom. I will have to have a fiddle with things but the old HJC didn't have a problem until over 110kph. The Nolan starts giving problems at 80kph.

 

[solidback]

As Thunder has said, don't dismiss the Shoei because of the D rings, it's a very good helmet.
If I loosen the chin strap fully I can get the helmet on and off without any problems, so the D rings aren't a problem.

 

[Flashman2001]

I looked at a number of differant makes of flip front helmets and although most of them looked better (more like a standard helmet than the fish bowl c2 look) none of them compared in quality to a Schuberth C2.

The other helmets felt lighter and more plasticy flexing in areas which the C2 doesn't.

I have had mine now over 6 months and would buy another - much better for flicking up to talk and entering shops etc




.

 

[buellzebub]

I dismissed the Shoei immediately because it has a double-D fastening chinstrap which are too fumbly and outmoded for my likening. I don't know if this is through the range but the lid in store had one on.

This is actually the safest type of fastening as each time you put it on the strap is at the correct tension (providing you tighten it properly of course)

Mick

 

[AlanAce1967]

I have a Nolan S103 and have had problems with it. It had to go back for the replacement sunvisor as it kept dropping down but the new one wasn`t much better. The cheek pieces soon lost their size and the helmet feels loose now. Its currently back with the manufacturer for the sunvisor problem. (Not even a month old) I cant see how they are going to sort it, it seems to be a design fault, im hoping for a credit note and i will upgrade to a Shuberth C3.

 

[Jon]

What head size are you/your wife?

I'm only down the road & I've got a Nolan N103 Classic literally brand new - bought off here a while ago & never worn as it's "just" too small for me.

Couple of tiny scratches where I carried it in the top box when first having a try of it.

It also has one of them there hyperlite antifog/darkens slightly type lense type thingy in it

You're welcome to try it & if you like it, throw me a few beer tokens for it.

Or just try it & see if you like that sort of helmet.........

Size is small methinks

Let me know

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Multitec

 

[MG2]

I bought a C2 about a year ago. I do like it, but I find that the venting is fairly weak, particularly in hot weather (if we ever get any!). Yes you can push the visor out but that increases the noise as well as the ventilation. Other than that, I do like a flip-lid as I travel through London quite a bit and it's great for weaving through traffic as your peripheral vision is better.

I would echo the sentiments about D-ring fastenings. The snap-connector of my Schuberth is fine but the strap kept slipping out of place; not something that my D-ring Arai does. I finally solved it by putting a couple of stitches in to the strap.

 

[Stu_C]

On the schuberth size scale I am a L and my wife is a XS. The shark helmets on the other hand are M and S respectively.

I'm very sceptical about double-D ring straps... but I will try the helmet on next time I am in the shop though, just to make sure I don't regret my prejudice

I hear a lot about visors misting up and noise when riding open lid or at speeds... I am not too worried about that, both issues can be fixed with little cash. Anyway, I used to have an enduro/motocross helmet for years on my 125... now that was noisey!!
I read you can rearrange the padding inside the schuberth to alter airflow to the head? Anyone tried this?

 

[MG2]

Yes you can alter the padding, but only on the forehead vent. That vent works fine but I find that the chin vent is pretty useless. I've tried changing the angle of my screen but that doesn't help. Misting is not a problem except for the nastiest of wet, winter days and then, only until the helmet warms up.
As I said, I do like my C2 but be aware of the niggles that I've noticed.
You seem to have quite a thing about D-rings. I've got one of each (C2 & Arai)and I have no preference whatsoever on that score.

 

[Stu_C]

I just think double-D rings are a bit outdated and a bit of a fiddle to get secure. Maybe I am beeing biased due to an experience as a numb-fingered little kid... I will have a go at one next time I am in the shop...

 

[davegs]

Helmets

I would go for the C2 anytime, I brought one last year and by far the best I've ever used, unfortunatly wrote it off after three months! but did it's job am now saving for another. That sun viser is brilliant especially when used abroad in sunny climes (yes, they DO exist!). Dno't knock D rings, these are always used on Snell approved american helmets which is a higher standard than the EU, and they must be better than the flimsy catch on most helmets when push comes to shove!. But try a C2 and you wont regret it nice and quites and the visor is a boon when going into tunnels and shadows.
Dave (Abba Fan) GS.

 

[Bem]

I recently upgraded from a syncrotec to a Multitec - V Happy as it is a lot quieter, better balanced (but not lighter), ACU stamped, and with the Pinlock perfect vision (900 miles night and day in the flooding rain two weekends ago tells me this!).
Like you I had resevations about going back on my main helmet to D ring, but i have this on my X spirit, whilst my open face Airoh has the push/ratchet thingy.
I did look at the Shubert, but it seems bulky, whilst the Nolan did not have the "feel" of the Shoei.
Just my pennyworth.

 

[trangwales]

I bought a Multitech before I went to Italy - much quieter than my Raid 2 and very comfortable. I don't understand what the fuss about 'D' rings is - they are a very acceptable and secure fastening. I'd avoid the nyloc / quickloc buckles ... but maybe that's an age thing.
I got the lid from SportsBikeShop - with cleaner, whisper kit, spare smoke visor

 

[Stu_C]

All valid points here! At the end of the day its the fit of the lid. Whats the point of having the perfect functioning helmet if you can only wear it for 20mins at a time cause it hurts your head!!

By the way, nobody has commented on the System V from BMW... nobody got one?

 

[wedgie]

aparently nolan means no dick in hindy i have just been informed

 

[columbus]

I got a multitech at the end of May. My first flip front and first non-arai. Very happy with the whole package. The visor did leak a lot in heavy rain but I adjusted the side pods and it was cured. As far as the double d ring goes I would not buy a helmet if it was fastened with anything else. Double D is the safest securing method, but its all down to personal preference at the end of the day.

 

[vireo]

Another vote for a .....

MultiTech. I recently changed from a System V which, while very quiet, had (IMO) a design flaw whereby in any appreciable rain, water flooded in the upper (forehead) vent and dripped down the inside of the visor. i know a few other have had the same experience. I've not had the Shoei long enough perhaps, and not ridden in heavy rain with it, but I wouldn't expect it to leak like this. Others (many!) have the System V and been very very happy with them.

V