Helmet wind noise

[Afewbeers]

Historically I've always used Arai helmets, throw back to my car racing days. Back in the 90s I used (and still have) a RX7 which was fine at the time. I got back in to motorcycling again 3 years ago and replaced it with an Arai Quantum QV pro. It's comfortable and well made, but I'm acutely aware of the wind noise. Due to increasing amounts of off road and adventure (type) riding I bought an Arai Tour X4. To my surprise it's considerably quieter than the Quantum, and I can't really figure out why. Suffice to say I haven't used the Quantum since.

So before I start pulling it all apart and trying to figure out why, does anyone have any suggestions about where to look etc?

 

[Sweaty Sock]

I have a X4 and an older Quantum ST-Pro (I think similar) and the X4 is quieter. I've even tried taping over vents, and took off the sun visor and fittings. The way the padding sits inside looks almost identical- I can only assume the deeper chinbar of the X4 has some positive effect...

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Where to start as this is a bit tricky

Lets start with ears

Different helmets fit around the ears in different ways so the sound deadening is different

The different design in helmet and the way it channels the air

Different bikes is the main one and the way they channel the air so we have a 3 way equation ears, helmet and bike

I had a BMW system 6 it was very quiet but very heavy so it was replaced with the new at the time Shoei GT air which was flouted as the quietest helmet

It wasn't it was horrendous for me because of the way it fitted around my ears head and on the GS in the way the GS channelled the air

I swapped for a Arai tour X widely regarded as a very noisy helmet - I swear that on my head and on the GS and the GSA it is still the quietest helmet I have ever owned

It was no good on the XR as the peak was pulling my head off so the Tour was replaced with an Arai Chaser which was again very quiet on the XR but bloody horrendous when I moved to the Ducati Hypermotard so the bike and helmet didn't work together

So a Arai RX7 replaced the chaser and it was brilliant, the bike the helmet and my head/ears all in tune so to speak

I have the latest Arai RX7 GP now and it is quite noisy on the Multistrada

So the only thing that has changed there is the way the different bike channels the air.

It is a shame that when you go to buy a helmet there isnt the opportunity to test ride

I know this does not help your problem but goes someway of explaining my thoughts on it

 

[Giles]

I think the classic Arai side pods don't help. Ive had Quantums and Tour x's (as well as a hundred and one other lids) and for me, anything with the classic pod design has always been noisy ...

 

[squibb34]

Any race style helmet, with scoops/vents up top designed to keep the racer's head cool, will be noisy for extended road use, unless you favour the barn-door screen option..

The RX7 & the quantum have the same shell shape IIRC, but the RX7 scoops make for far more noise.

I used foam earplugs in the top vents of my Quantum, one windy, wet tour, which cut noise & moisture, but did little for internal airflow. I later switched to a Shoei NXR, which answered my prayers & happens to fit my noggin perfectly, but then I always use -35dB earplugs as well.

Sometimes the noise is simply turbulence from the bike. The set of the mirrors, maybe an up-draft that can be cured with winglets, how you sit the bike, sometimes even your jacket, so it's worth experimenting to exclude any external influences.

 

[Afewbeers]

Hmm, well that's food for that, really appreciate the comments. Looks like this is going to be more complex than I expected. Hadn't considered the 3 way aspect - that's a pain. It's a nice helmet in so many ways but the noise is really irritating.

 

[Sneldog]

Had all kinds of lids but the quietest one so far is my current one. HJC RPHA 90. It’s a flip front and my favourite helmet I’ve ever had too. Really good and not crazy money. I think Helmet City are doing last years model at half price currently.

I agree with Redrick though in that something that is perfect for me may well be awful for you. For example, the shape of my head means that much as I’d like an Arai or Schuberth, they simply do not fit my head at all! I always think it’s a shame you can’t test ride a helmet on the bike as wind noise is a really key factor for most people. Shops need a small wind tunnel I reckon!

 

[younger06]

Had all kinds of lids but the quietest one so far is my current one. HJC RPHA 90. It’s a flip front and my favourite helmet I’ve ever had too. Really good and not crazy money. I think Helmet City are doing last years model at half price currently.

I agree with Redrick though in that something that is perfect for me may well be awful for you. For example, the shape of my head means that much as I’d like an Arai or Schuberth, they simply do not fit my head at all! I always think it’s a shame you can’t test ride a helmet on the bike as wind noise is a really key factor for most people. Shops need a small wind tunnel I reckon!

I've had a carbon RPHA 11 and quality wise they are as good as anything on the market.

I'm using a GT-Air II at the moment but am seriously considering the RPHA 90

It's good to hear positive comments from someone that's actually using one.....instead of the usual online reviews.

S20 5G sent this......

 

[Sweaty Sock]

My past Shoei have been quieter than the Arai.
I did try a neoprene thing around of the bottom of a helmet, years ago- bit awkward and stuffy but very quiet- Windjammer anyone remember? I agree that the side pods don't help, or the brow vents on Arai... And everything is noisy on a 1150GS with its shite screen!

 

[Wapping]

...... does anyone have any suggestions about where to look etc?

.......Looks like this is going to be more complex than I expected.

Unless I have missed it, you haven’t told us if you wear decent quality (properly fitting) ear plugs and nobody has asked.

As to the rest? Why do some people find helmet X quiet, whilst another person finds it noisy? * For the same reasons that some people find that the air buffets them on their bike (so they spend hours with gizmos seeking to reduce or remove it) whilst others don’t. Also for the same reason that person Y believes that boots A are way better - or worse - than boots B.

Find a helmet that suits you and (if you haven’t got them) invest in some good quality ear plugs.




* I, for example, have no problem with Arai helmets with side pods, using them on assorted bikes. Giles, for whatever reason does find a problem with them. I cannot find many Shoei helmets that fit me, others can and do. I have never found a BMW branded helmet that is shaped to my head, others find them off the shelf. That’s life and one of the joys of the independence of choice and personal satisfaction that riding a motorcycle brings with it.