K11 Owners Group

Off the grid · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:05 pm Post subject: HJC CL-MAX - Evolve MC5-Helmet

Well after riding with a DOT-approved shorty helmet for over a year, I finally ponied up and got a full modular.

My previous experience was only with a pretty ill-fitting and older Nolan that came with the bike.

My reason for using a shorty were many, but it was mostly because I smoke. While riding I smoked a lot. There was almost always a Marlboro in my mouth.

Now a full month without a cigarette I decided it was time to get serious about my head protection.

So here's the story:

200$ It was 170 actually, but I got the amber-colored screen as well.

I tried on a CL-Max at my local dealer and ordered this online.

XXXL. Yes, I have a big grill, but the XL and XXXL are the same shell, just the amount of padding inside is different.

Conclusion?

Pros:

Great fit. Sits nicely and "low" on the head. Single-hand flip-up mechanism, holds in place securely via friction.

The chin piece every so slightly grazes my goatee...not noticeable or bothersome at all except when I am chewing some Big League chew. Razz

The visor is very easy to change, no tools needed. It has a friction-actuated ratchet system that was stiff as hell out of the box but once it wore in works well.

Great look and the convenience of a modular. Not too much wind noise. (although I do not have any experience with full-face helmets so I can't really judge)

The skirt around the bottom keeps me warm, and I am riding here in temps below freezing.

D-ring closure, no fancy ratchets.

Closes securely and quickly.

Cons:

Visor fogs, especially when fully closed and behind the fairing. If I lower the windshield it goes away fast, but I have taken to cracking the visor a half an inch which works perfectly. Even though there is a breather vent right by the mouth which when open lets air in there, it isn't enough to combat the condensation.

Pain in the ass to get on and off compared to a half-helmet. And when you wear it your hair is fubared....no going to work and just running your hand through your hair when you get there.

Last thing, and this is just a subjective observation:
I ride faster and more aggressively with a full-face on. Significantly faster.
I'm not sure if it's the "feeling of security" that a full-face provides or the lack of wind in my face as a barometer that I used to use to gauge the "shit man this is too fast" feeling, but I constantly need to ratchet down the throttle.

Does not help that the cooler air and recent TBS has made the bike as fast as it has ever been.

Here is the website of the place where I got it. Good prices, and free shipping for orders >$100.

http://www.extremesupply.com/hjchelmets/hjchelmetsclmax.htm

I am going to pick this helmet up for the wife. Good side and rear protection with some face protection. I still have to check to make sure the plastic is shatterproof.

She won't wear a full-face because she is very claustrophobic.

Hope this helps someone!

-Dave
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Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 9:01 pm Post subject:

I am by no means a helmet Nazi (I ride with a shorty or even no helmet when the ;ocal laws, mood and weather are right) but you might want to show this to your SO. Notice that over a third of impacts are in the chin area. Shocked

It's a very compelling graphic, eh?
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owrstrich · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:35 pm Post subject:

otg...

we are using the hjc... even though i have busted 4 pivot kits...

about fog... i can send you a hjc breath box if you wish... that is if your new bucket aint gotts one... we have 2 that are new and unused...

also... the hjc has an optional electric and nonelectric snow shield that is a double lens shield... we use them often when fogging may be an issue... actually we almost always use them exclusively anymore...

here is the cl max with the double lens shield...

nonelectric dual lens choices for the cl max...

these guys can get one to you straight away...

http://www.motorhelmets.com or http://www.helmetoutletusa.com

both are good peoples...

and your hjc stealer has them too here...

http://www.extremesupply.com/hjchelmets/hjchelmetscl15.htm#HJC_Accessories

owrstrich
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rydor · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject:

Awesome

the perfect winter warrior helmet setup! It'll have to wait for next winter tho, as I'm currently burnt up from buying all these seats Rolling Eyes

owrstrich · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:57 pm Post subject:

i still have the butt cancer shield at 20% off if interested... however i took "seat" and "piaa decals" off my favorite ebay searches in attempt to prevent you from further self destruction...

i noticed it was in the 60s in monkeysboro today... a glorious day for a motor bike ride...

owrstrich
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Off the grid · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:28 am Post subject:

Drake-

Very compelling indeed.

Will run it by her.

Johnny-

Great...I ordered the double lens shield. Looks evil too.....right up my alley.

I wonder if the smoke is too dark for night?
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

owrstrich · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:58 am Post subject:

no evil hjc helmet is complete with out this sinister accessory...

http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/694

owrstrich
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max · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject:

As I remember one neurosurgeon saying: "The face is the brains' crumple zone." ... Probably pays to assist it a bit more if possible!!

Max

rydor · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:58 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:15 am Post subject:

Even when I create the thread, every time I visit this section of the forum I spend money. Sad

Thanks for the cool double shield, wind-powered LED and helmet lock extender Johnny you bastaige. Razz

_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Off the grid · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:52 am Post subject:

Hey Johnny for the record that double paned shield does not fit my helmet.

It's not approved for road use.....snowmobile helmets only. Sad

But I got that light for the top....looks cool and great conversation piece. It's got like a mini-turbine in it. Cool

_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

owrstrich · Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 11:05 am Post subject:

they do have double shields that fit... you gotta find the right part number for you helmet and order it that way... the folks at helmetoutletusa know all about them because they are in idaho... lots o snow up there...

the sticker on the shield says for snowmobile use only... i know i know i know... its the lawyers... its not dot approved... but it doesnt have to be... the helmet is... the shield isnt... just like glasses... they are not dot approved...

we have used the snowmobile shield since we got the brick...

it a matter of fog or no fog... that is the question...

we chose no fog...

now... if you got an extra 50 laying around... and i know you do... the hjc lights only work when you are moving... so you need a wireless helmet brake light too... i found one in black for you...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2009574&TID=101&productId=2009574&catalogId=10111

owrstrich
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