Chris Terry
Registered user
Will the new system 6 helmet fit into the varo top case?
System 6 helmet
- Thread starter Chris Terry
- Start date
Will the new system 6 helmet fit into the varo top case?
Is it not more important that it fits on your head
GengeT
Guest
I bought one yesterday (hopefully the wife won't notice!) and did one hour long trip with it. It's very comfortable, and I love the pull down sun visor; all I need now is a law giver! I'm used to always wearing sunglasses - it's a great feeling to get full visibility in bright sunshine without glasses against my face.
Wind noise seems a little louder than my old Roof, but there is more on the helmet and I was using the smaller chin guard (the larger may reduce it a little more). I also have the lower seat on my GS, so it could be a height problem (surely lower is better though? with turbulance, who knows).
The main visor appears quite flimsy if left open on anything over 30 mph; I usually like to wear mine open until around 60mph or more, so it was a bit of a culture shock. With it closed up (snuggly, no joining problems for me) it feels good with great visibility. When open the visor really seems to catch the wind and makes my whole head vibrate - that's really my only gripe. I'd really love to be able to keep the bugger open.
...but then I only tend to leave them open to de-mist and look good. The formers a non-issue with the demist internal visor film, and the latter is me being a tart. Maybe if the produced a peak for the helmet at some point I could install that for the same effect.
Wind noise seems a little louder than my old Roof, but there is more on the helmet and I was using the smaller chin guard (the larger may reduce it a little more). I also have the lower seat on my GS, so it could be a height problem (surely lower is better though? with turbulance, who knows).
The main visor appears quite flimsy if left open on anything over 30 mph; I usually like to wear mine open until around 60mph or more, so it was a bit of a culture shock. With it closed up (snuggly, no joining problems for me) it feels good with great visibility. When open the visor really seems to catch the wind and makes my whole head vibrate - that's really my only gripe. I'd really love to be able to keep the bugger open.
...but then I only tend to leave them open to de-mist and look good. The formers a non-issue with the demist internal visor film, and the latter is me being a tart. Maybe if the produced a peak for the helmet at some point I could install that for the same effect.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
Depends on the size of it.
My System 5 wouldn't fit in the Vario case, but smaller ones would. Dont have my helmet with me, otherwise would tell you the size of it.
Why BMW didn't make the vario top box big enough to take the largest System 5 helmet is beyond me. I mean its not uncommon to want to put your helmet in your top box.
But FWIW, my same size System 5 fits in the GSA alu top box.
My System 5 wouldn't fit in the Vario case, but smaller ones would. Dont have my helmet with me, otherwise would tell you the size of it.
Why BMW didn't make the vario top box big enough to take the largest System 5 helmet is beyond me. I mean its not uncommon to want to put your helmet in your top box.
But FWIW, my same size System 5 fits in the GSA alu top box.
andrewsercombe
Registered user
System 6 in-depth review!
I've just taken a BMW System 6 on a 3,500 mile round trip to Norway on a on a 2008 1200GS with an Adventure screen. Storms, sunshine, noise, wind and cold.
Here's what I found:
Firstly, I bought the helmet from Chandlers BMW in Portslade near Brighton, England. The guys there are brilliant. Simon, Adam, Chris - great. Generous with their time and attention - even when I consistently turn up after 5.00pm. They close at 6.00. Visit them.
Secondly, if you belong to the BMW bike club you can get a discount. Don't tell 'em I told you I paid just under £300 - but I have also bought £1,000 worth of gear from them, so maybe that gives them a bit of room for added generosity.
Next, the little plastic ratchet/spring that holds the visor and flip front up is very sensitive and unfortunately pops out by itself. If it does it one side, it is not good and won't close properly. If it does it both sides (it happened outside a little shop in the middle of nowhere in Norway) the visor won't stay up AT ALL or close properly, and it will take you 20 mins of dismantling and fiddling the parts into place to get it back again. (... provided they haven't fallen into long grass. They are each about the size of a curved matchstick and black.) It is very fiddly, and a stupid design. For NO extra design costs they could self-retain. The guys at BMW told me, unofficially and a little embarrassed, that people super-glue them in to stop it happening and it won't invalidate the guarantee. Make sure you clean all the lube off first though - and replace it!
In normal riding, the dark inner sun-visor droops down eventually and needs to be pushed up again.
In the cold mountains of mid Norway on an early autumn morning the visor did cloud up. I levered the bottom back to let it refresh and it was more or less fine from then on.
I had several major rain storms on the motorways in Germany and Denmark, so I can tell you confidently that if you leave the air vents open or the 'crack' designed for city wear (it works but is a bit odd!) you WILL get a bit of water ingress. Not a lot, but drips running down the inside the visor. Click the visor fully closed and it is dry again. So in wet city riding, you settle for either fully dry or a bit hot and muggy. Side winds make any ingress worse.
BUT it is SUCH a quiet helmet - provided it is clicked fully shut. Thousands of miles with no ear plugs and little wind noise, yet you can hear the bike and the road, which I like. Put in nice soft ear plugs and it feels like you are cocooned, isolated even, in soft muted Alcantara comfort.
The System 6 is LIGHT and easy to wear. The chin 'apron' doesn't automatically flip into place with me, so I got used to 'snuggling' it onto my head as I set off, so the apron around the front and sides settled into my face and neck tube.
When I was really hot I rode with my collar undone and no neck-tube. Not good! The metal ratchet chinstrap cut into my neck and was very uncomfortable. The padding around the strap needs to be a centimetre wider to stop this. I eventually jammed my necktube into the strap to get some comfort, and pushed the helmet back on my head to bring the chinstrap forward. Again, poor scrimped design.
The helmet is great with the new STREETGUARD 3 jacket, with its double, soft, leather-lined collar feature. You may decide you don't really need any neck tube when you've got the two together - and the jacket is over £500! (SO worth it though.)
It is about £100 less than the C3. It had the three 'BMW' letters stuck on the back. I took 10 mins to peel them off. It already has a discreet BMW roundel moulded into the neck trim at the back. I don't need both thanks.
It doesn't have the little triangular deflectors at the top of the visor that the Schuberth C3 has. I wonder why -or why not. However, I like the smooth line.
Do I like it, and would I buy another? It was twice the price of my budget Justissimo GT, but is in another class of quality, much lighter and much much quieter. If Coberg can design a sun visor that has a click-up position, BMW surely can. I'm going to look at the C3 again, but I suspect from reading between the lines it IS pretty much the same - and £100 more.
My Verdict: At the moment I think the System 6 is probably the best compromise touring helmet available. If you don't think so, I'd love to hear from you ([email protected] or my blog: www.andrewsercombe.wordpress.com) so we can come up with some other viable alternatives.
I've just taken a BMW System 6 on a 3,500 mile round trip to Norway on a on a 2008 1200GS with an Adventure screen. Storms, sunshine, noise, wind and cold.
Here's what I found:
Firstly, I bought the helmet from Chandlers BMW in Portslade near Brighton, England. The guys there are brilliant. Simon, Adam, Chris - great. Generous with their time and attention - even when I consistently turn up after 5.00pm. They close at 6.00. Visit them.
Secondly, if you belong to the BMW bike club you can get a discount. Don't tell 'em I told you I paid just under £300 - but I have also bought £1,000 worth of gear from them, so maybe that gives them a bit of room for added generosity.
Next, the little plastic ratchet/spring that holds the visor and flip front up is very sensitive and unfortunately pops out by itself. If it does it one side, it is not good and won't close properly. If it does it both sides (it happened outside a little shop in the middle of nowhere in Norway) the visor won't stay up AT ALL or close properly, and it will take you 20 mins of dismantling and fiddling the parts into place to get it back again. (... provided they haven't fallen into long grass. They are each about the size of a curved matchstick and black.) It is very fiddly, and a stupid design. For NO extra design costs they could self-retain. The guys at BMW told me, unofficially and a little embarrassed, that people super-glue them in to stop it happening and it won't invalidate the guarantee. Make sure you clean all the lube off first though - and replace it!
In normal riding, the dark inner sun-visor droops down eventually and needs to be pushed up again.
In the cold mountains of mid Norway on an early autumn morning the visor did cloud up. I levered the bottom back to let it refresh and it was more or less fine from then on.
I had several major rain storms on the motorways in Germany and Denmark, so I can tell you confidently that if you leave the air vents open or the 'crack' designed for city wear (it works but is a bit odd!) you WILL get a bit of water ingress. Not a lot, but drips running down the inside the visor. Click the visor fully closed and it is dry again. So in wet city riding, you settle for either fully dry or a bit hot and muggy. Side winds make any ingress worse.
BUT it is SUCH a quiet helmet - provided it is clicked fully shut. Thousands of miles with no ear plugs and little wind noise, yet you can hear the bike and the road, which I like. Put in nice soft ear plugs and it feels like you are cocooned, isolated even, in soft muted Alcantara comfort.
The System 6 is LIGHT and easy to wear. The chin 'apron' doesn't automatically flip into place with me, so I got used to 'snuggling' it onto my head as I set off, so the apron around the front and sides settled into my face and neck tube.
When I was really hot I rode with my collar undone and no neck-tube. Not good! The metal ratchet chinstrap cut into my neck and was very uncomfortable. The padding around the strap needs to be a centimetre wider to stop this. I eventually jammed my necktube into the strap to get some comfort, and pushed the helmet back on my head to bring the chinstrap forward. Again, poor scrimped design.
The helmet is great with the new STREETGUARD 3 jacket, with its double, soft, leather-lined collar feature. You may decide you don't really need any neck tube when you've got the two together - and the jacket is over £500! (SO worth it though.)
It is about £100 less than the C3. It had the three 'BMW' letters stuck on the back. I took 10 mins to peel them off. It already has a discreet BMW roundel moulded into the neck trim at the back. I don't need both thanks.
It doesn't have the little triangular deflectors at the top of the visor that the Schuberth C3 has. I wonder why -or why not. However, I like the smooth line.
Do I like it, and would I buy another? It was twice the price of my budget Justissimo GT, but is in another class of quality, much lighter and much much quieter. If Coberg can design a sun visor that has a click-up position, BMW surely can. I'm going to look at the C3 again, but I suspect from reading between the lines it IS pretty much the same - and £100 more.
My Verdict: At the moment I think the System 6 is probably the best compromise touring helmet available. If you don't think so, I'd love to hear from you ([email protected] or my blog: www.andrewsercombe.wordpress.com) so we can come up with some other viable alternatives.
Dave Cr
Registered user
Yes, the System 6 helmet does fit as I have just tried it for you, Terry.
I bought my helmet at the same time as fitting the USA sourced screen for the 1200GS. Both have made real difference to the amount of buffeting and wind noise when compared to the original screen and an Arai helmet.
I bought my helmet at the same time as fitting the USA sourced screen for the 1200GS. Both have made real difference to the amount of buffeting and wind noise when compared to the original screen and an Arai helmet.
Migresch
Guest
BMW System 6 Helmet Review
I purchased this helmet in July, 2009 for $850(Can). I was looking for comfort and the integrated flip-down sun visor as major criteria for the purchase. I had tried on several other helmets (Shoei, Arai, Nolan, HJC, Shuberth, and BMW System 5) before deciding on the System 6. It was the lightest, most comfortable and had the integrated sun visor. I have been on 5 rides with the helmet, over a total distance of about 1000 kms, mostly on back roads (60-90 km/h), some highway riding (110-130 km/h). Temperatures ranged from 15C to 35C.
Positive points:
Very light and very comfortable (was initially tight on my forehead, but not an issue after the first two rides, about 5 hours total wear time). Very effective and easy to use flip-down sun visor. Noticeably quieter than my HJC CL-Max. Noticeably less head-buffet at the higher speeds versus my HJC CL-Max. Easy to use locking mechanism for the chin-bar. Easy to use and comfortable chin-strap. Easily accomodates my prescription glasses which do not interfere at all with the sun visor. Excellent ventillation over the top of the head even at slower speeds and with the visor down.
Negative points:
1) The clear visor kept falling down at speeds over 50 km/h. On examining the helmet, I found that a "friction bar" (my description, as the piece is not shown or described in the owner's manual) although present on the right side of the helmet, was missing on the left side of the helmet. I was given a replacement piece (this was taken off of a "defective" System 6 helmet that another rider had returned for refund/replacement. HMMNN!!). I found it quite simple to install the piece, even though there are no instructions in the owner's manual on how to go about this. Bad news: the visor still kept falling down at speeds over 50 km/h. One may argue, and I would agree, that for full facial protection, you should always have the visor down, anyway. But, even I will concede that city driving in 35C temperature makes it almost necessary to raise the visor. I also found the falling-down visor quite distracting. The "fix" also now made the visor stiff to "click" into the fully closed position. I thought that this was a good thing, as it ensured a good, tight seal.
Second problem: The clear visor has now formed cracks through the two holes where the anti-fog insert attaches to the inside of the visor. The BMW dealer from which I had bought the helmet has been very helpful and is giving me a new visor.
Bottom-line:
Except for the problem with the visor, this is a great helmet. The support from the BMW dealership has been very good. However, if the new visor has similar issues, I will be insisting on a refund and will be out helmet-shopping again.
I purchased this helmet in July, 2009 for $850(Can). I was looking for comfort and the integrated flip-down sun visor as major criteria for the purchase. I had tried on several other helmets (Shoei, Arai, Nolan, HJC, Shuberth, and BMW System 5) before deciding on the System 6. It was the lightest, most comfortable and had the integrated sun visor. I have been on 5 rides with the helmet, over a total distance of about 1000 kms, mostly on back roads (60-90 km/h), some highway riding (110-130 km/h). Temperatures ranged from 15C to 35C.
Positive points:
Very light and very comfortable (was initially tight on my forehead, but not an issue after the first two rides, about 5 hours total wear time). Very effective and easy to use flip-down sun visor. Noticeably quieter than my HJC CL-Max. Noticeably less head-buffet at the higher speeds versus my HJC CL-Max. Easy to use locking mechanism for the chin-bar. Easy to use and comfortable chin-strap. Easily accomodates my prescription glasses which do not interfere at all with the sun visor. Excellent ventillation over the top of the head even at slower speeds and with the visor down.
Negative points:
1) The clear visor kept falling down at speeds over 50 km/h. On examining the helmet, I found that a "friction bar" (my description, as the piece is not shown or described in the owner's manual) although present on the right side of the helmet, was missing on the left side of the helmet. I was given a replacement piece (this was taken off of a "defective" System 6 helmet that another rider had returned for refund/replacement. HMMNN!!). I found it quite simple to install the piece, even though there are no instructions in the owner's manual on how to go about this. Bad news: the visor still kept falling down at speeds over 50 km/h. One may argue, and I would agree, that for full facial protection, you should always have the visor down, anyway. But, even I will concede that city driving in 35C temperature makes it almost necessary to raise the visor. I also found the falling-down visor quite distracting. The "fix" also now made the visor stiff to "click" into the fully closed position. I thought that this was a good thing, as it ensured a good, tight seal.
Second problem: The clear visor has now formed cracks through the two holes where the anti-fog insert attaches to the inside of the visor. The BMW dealer from which I had bought the helmet has been very helpful and is giving me a new visor.
Bottom-line:
Except for the problem with the visor, this is a great helmet. The support from the BMW dealership has been very good. However, if the new visor has similar issues, I will be insisting on a refund and will be out helmet-shopping again.
same visor problem with mine, 1st time dealer had no spares replaced the entire helmet under warranty. 2nd time took some bits off another helmet, so far this one has been ok, but I heard from anther dealer that there may be a recall, the visor echanism is just too flimsy.
andrewsercombe
Registered user
System 6 - Schuberth C3 Review Update
I have now compared directly the System 6 and the Schuberth C3. I sat them side by side on a counter at Hein Gerricke in Portsmouth, UK.
The C3 has less 'clutter' on the top of the helmet and is very clean in design - hence the quietness, probably. I suspect BMW put the extra bits on to protect it a bit?
The C3 visor is rounded at the hinge, not tapered to a triangle as in the 6. It looks smoother and significantly flusher, though less stylish. Although stylish matters to me, I prefer quiet! The C3 visor is detached in a less brutal manner with two neat spring clips allowing it to slip off - you need a bit of a knack and thumb pressure to remove the System 6 visor. There is a second 'baffle' at the neck to reduce wind/noise ingress, the 6 has one better quality baffle. The catch to open and close the chin-guard is quite a lot more difficult to open with gloves on - fiddly. The quality of the chin 'baffle' is not so good - less padded - than the System 6. The vents are more discreet than the 6. The tiny triangular deflectors at the top of the visor are to disturb airflow over the visor to reduce noise. The visor is locked tight by pulling down at the centre and not on the left. Comfort wise, to put on and wear, they're about the same. The chinstrap is chromed in the C3 and black on the System 6. The Schuberth is more expensive, but that isn't particularly important when you ride a lot. (I've done 18,000 miles, in 11 countries, in the last year). I notice reviews of both helmets comment on side-wind noise.
So there you have the Andrew Sercombe definitive comparison! Do I like the C3 better? Probably yes, but Chandlers - they're currently high on my service ratings! - are keen for me to try another one that hopefully will stay together better and I will give them the opportunity to put the visor open/shut issues right. They are sending this one back to BMW. (You never know, BMW are constantly modifying things - the new one MAY just be different, or a better fit).
Pay your money, and take your choice! The best price I've been quoted for a C3 in a plain colour is £390 delivered. You pay an extra £20 for metallic.
I have now compared directly the System 6 and the Schuberth C3. I sat them side by side on a counter at Hein Gerricke in Portsmouth, UK.
The C3 has less 'clutter' on the top of the helmet and is very clean in design - hence the quietness, probably. I suspect BMW put the extra bits on to protect it a bit?
The C3 visor is rounded at the hinge, not tapered to a triangle as in the 6. It looks smoother and significantly flusher, though less stylish. Although stylish matters to me, I prefer quiet! The C3 visor is detached in a less brutal manner with two neat spring clips allowing it to slip off - you need a bit of a knack and thumb pressure to remove the System 6 visor. There is a second 'baffle' at the neck to reduce wind/noise ingress, the 6 has one better quality baffle. The catch to open and close the chin-guard is quite a lot more difficult to open with gloves on - fiddly. The quality of the chin 'baffle' is not so good - less padded - than the System 6. The vents are more discreet than the 6. The tiny triangular deflectors at the top of the visor are to disturb airflow over the visor to reduce noise. The visor is locked tight by pulling down at the centre and not on the left. Comfort wise, to put on and wear, they're about the same. The chinstrap is chromed in the C3 and black on the System 6. The Schuberth is more expensive, but that isn't particularly important when you ride a lot. (I've done 18,000 miles, in 11 countries, in the last year). I notice reviews of both helmets comment on side-wind noise.
So there you have the Andrew Sercombe definitive comparison! Do I like the C3 better? Probably yes, but Chandlers - they're currently high on my service ratings! - are keen for me to try another one that hopefully will stay together better and I will give them the opportunity to put the visor open/shut issues right. They are sending this one back to BMW. (You never know, BMW are constantly modifying things - the new one MAY just be different, or a better fit).
Pay your money, and take your choice! The best price I've been quoted for a C3 in a plain colour is £390 delivered. You pay an extra £20 for metallic.
I wonder if there has been a design change as I bought a System 6 last week and one of the things which impressed me was how firm the visor positions were.
It certainly stays open at speeds where my old Schuberth C2 would flip shut.
Apart from that, very light, comfortable. No quieter than the C2. Better ventilation. Got a good deal so a LOT cheaper than a C3.
Only used it for about 3 hours so far but very happy to date.
It certainly stays open at speeds where my old Schuberth C2 would flip shut.
Apart from that, very light, comfortable. No quieter than the C2. Better ventilation. Got a good deal so a LOT cheaper than a C3.
Only used it for about 3 hours so far but very happy to date.
kiwiAdventure
Registered user
I had a test ride this week of the 6, it had just arrived from BMW Germany. The visor kept coming down. I ride mostly with the visor up so did not buy the 6
949BFN
Guest
I'm sure the had to be a design changes, since there is no way the wind is going to close the visor on my week old System 6 helmet. The visor has definate stops as various positions and one needs to pul fairly hard on the visor to move it out of one of those stops.
kiwiAdventure
Registered user
949BFN
Guest
Maybe not fast enough! 
ExpatinIstanbul
Registered user
The visor always self closes, at around 50km/h, on my C2....it's bloody irritating. I've had both the C1 and C2, and have been contemplating the C3, but perhaps it's time for a change.....TourX possibly.
Dave Cr
Registered user
I'm taking my helmet back to the dealer this week as a slight problem has developed. When I raise the visor and then close it again, it does not seal properly on the left hand side of the chin bar. A light push ( and a click) on the left hand mechanism cures the problem, but I cannot see what is causing it.
Will report back when I find out.
Will report back when I find out.
Dave Cr
Registered user
Apparently the helmet is designed to do that! Was told that most riders close their visors with the left hand because the right one is the throttle control.
If the helmet closes on the left hand side with a firm click, as mine does, then all is well.
If the helmet closes on the left hand side with a firm click, as mine does, then all is well.
'[I'']Firstly, I bought the helmet from Chandlers BMW in Portslade near Brighton, England. [/I] " My brother lies nearby and went along there to buy one for me; I live it France but will be in the UK very brifly very this weekend. They are prepared to supply one at under £300 and have some in stock BUT the only snag is that if it doesn't fit they won't take it back. So the answer is clear - I go to my trusty BMW dealer in Lyon and ask if he can do one at 327€, the UK price (insted of around 560€ the french price) He may say yes, because I am a good customer - but if he says no I am sure he will let me try on one of the size i want - then i will safe buying it at distance. That is what the Euopean Union is all about!
;
;
Yep that's the way it is designed. The "City" postion I think they call it in the manual. The Schuberth C2 has an equivalent system where the top of the visor can be flicked forward. Gives some air flow without properly opening the visor.
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