Hi All,

Just want to add a bit to the helmet debate.

We have been testing helmets for a long trip and have some findings to share.

We have no comment on brands as one persons application or demands would differ from another. But what we have found is that a helmet that has been said to be noisy can change dramatically by a change of screen or be quiet with no screen at all when another helmet could be the opposite.

We tested four of the most popular, two costing circa �120 - �200 and two costing circa �300 - �350. You all know what lids they are.

When you can test them back to back under different conditions it really is six of one, half a dozen so to speak.
We opted for a lid that was on the noisy side with our screen we plan to use but had great fit-removable liner and vents that beat the rest. It was one of the more costly ones but the fit was the best for us both.

So in round up, don't be put off a lid just because one person might say it's noisy/heavy/poor fit etc etc. Poor quality is the thing to look out for, if you try it and it fits you well and ticks your own boxes then it is a good lid.

hope you don't mind us adding our six pence worth.

Paul and Angie

that's not 6 pence... that's about 2pence.

So you tested 4 helmets, with names we know but have no idea what the are and we're supposed to guess ?

Most bemusing post i've ever read.

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You're not supposed to guess anything, I thought it's pretty obvious what they're saying.

Here's my 2 pence re the title...CCC's minus baffles + no ear plugs = noisy lid whatever the make/model

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Not doing a review of lids weeks, that's for people with far greater knowledge than us, perhaps some one like yourself could do that.

Just wanted to get a point across that just because one person finds a problem with a lid doesn't mean to say that you will.

How lucky are we to have the four best lids in the market to test though!
Good luck with the guessing.

Arai Tour x, Shoei Hornet DS, Airoh S4 and a Marushin X-Moto??

Not a bad guess Canny, three out of four is far better than 4-1!!

Helmets used on R6's

I owned the following helmets (no baffles on bike no ear plugs)

shark RSR helmet cost �200.00
arai Astro R �350.00
Some bright coloured AGV helmet �250.00

The shark helmet and arai were super quiet the AGV helmet was deadly within 10 minutes of riding along a 50 limit road I would get the worst headache ever. Even with earplugs in the AGV was shocking. I owned the helmet for a grand total of 1 day before selling it to a friend.
In terms of weight the AGV was the most heavy by far followed by the Arai then shark being the lightest.

I really do believe helmets can differ big style.

I also found that visor mechanisms vary big style some good, some very bad. Much to my supprise I found the Arai visor mechanism a fiddle and frankly a paint to remove even though Arai boast about their quick release mechanisims. My original Shark helmet had an awfull mechanism however the new Shark helmet is very good and fairly Robust.
In terms of safety not yet tested any of them if I live I'll let you know!

I currently own a Shark RSI prime helmet and it has been very good so far, I'd say it is fairly quiet and the cheapest helmet I have owned �185.00 on offer.
The mechanism is good on the visor and easy to change visors.
In terms of aero dynamics my XT isn't exactly the most streamline of machines so really dont think it makes that much difference to be honest.
The only downfall I think is the mechanism on the air vents. I find it confusing to work out when the vents are open or closed.
Overall I have always been impressed with the shark helmets.

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2004-2006 Yamaha R603 plate Akra carbon can Ohlins steering damper carbon air intakes/rear fender/hugger double bubble race screen YM600 cycle lock LED indicators tail tidy
2009 - 2009 Yamaha R657 plate with titanium Akra full exhaust system ASV short levers Carbon fuel tank/front fender/rear hugger Ohlins steering damper LED indicators, double bubble race screen
2011 - now Yamaha XT660X 56 plate mtc cans 2b contd...