K11 Owners Group

SugarHillCTD

I did a search here under the heading "helmets". Didn't find any info on what I am looking for. Here is what I am inquiring about:

Cathy and I are looking for new, matching helmets. Cathy needs to wear her eyeglasses at all times and we think that a flip up chinbar would work well for her. I had thought of the same for me, just so that we order the same model- but I understand that wind noise is a problem with this type of helmet.

So here is my primary question- being the rider on our K1100, am I better going with a regular full-face helmet while Cathy, sitting behind me and out of the direct wind blast could use a flip up helmet?

Second, any recommendations for helmets for both of us or one for the rider and one for the passenger.

Third- rider to passenger intercom suggestions? Twenty-five years ago I built my own and now I have been reading what I can on the various units available. But actual experience from some of the people here would be appreciated.

I am also thinking of a Laminar Lip to help deflect some wind- after just a couple of rides on the new (to us) K1100, I can see where getting 75mph wind right to my helmet would get old real fast.

Thanks for any help with the above. Getting back into riding after close to 20 years away has been fun and an education with all the new equipment that is now available.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

Having had both a Laminar Lip vs. just the deflector, there isn't a whole lot of difference. Both Parabellum and Aeroflow make a larger add-on type windscreen. Personally, I've decided that I prefer the stock RS setup and don't want to "uglify" my RS with an add-on. Although if I were riding in crap weather all of the time insterad of being a more or less fariweather rider, I might be tempted to go with the Aeroflow - though I don't know if they still make them.

The most improtant part of helmet selection is that it FITS. You and your SO might have different head shapes which might preclude both of you being comfortable in the same brand/model of helmet. Go try on helemts at local MC shops and find out what fits first. Wear the shelf demo ones around for a while and see how comfortable they are. No sense spenidng money on a helmet that will give you a headahce after an hour.

Personally, I prefer Arai Quantums. They weigh next to nothing, are both DOT and Snell rated, and I can wear them for 12-16 hours straight and when I take them off, it's like I was wearing a baseball hat all day. The only real issue I have with them is that they whistle at 35-40+ with the shield up - but I always wear earplugs or tunes so that isn't that much of an issue for me.

To reiterate, a proper fit for your headsshape is the key so I'd put the matching aspect as a lower priority behind fit and comfort for each of you.
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94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
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owrstrich · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:13 pm Post subject:

we have the camos bhs600... its really good...

here is a link to one of my intercom threads...

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28184

crazy aint it...

owrstrich
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Rider · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:12 am Post subject: Helmets & Intercoms

Bill and Cathy,

Welcome back to riding. Choosing helmets is very important. the first thing I would suggest is to buy from a store where you can try on one that appears to fit well and then sit and read or talk to Cathy for a half hour or so until you are sure the helmet fits comfortably. There is nothing worst than getting an hour away from home on a trip and finding out that your helmet fits painfully.
As far as open face helmets are concerned I could find no detectable difference between solid helmets and ones with opening faces. I have had experience with the Shoei DuoTec and the BMW Series I as well as a number of full coverage brands. The successor to the DuoTec looks like a good helmet and I'm sure there are other good brands out there.

On to communicators. We have had three com outfits over the years; a cheap one that was didn't work very well because it picked up too much wind noise and two models of AutoCom that worked very well. I recommend against a cheap setup because if it goes tits up the dealer most often won't offer repair services. I see that there are other quality sets out there besides AutoCom but you should check and be sure they will be able to repair the units and have replacement parts available. The last thing I can offer is to do a careful job of installing the com units with special attention to the fitting of the speakers in your helmet a proper distance from your ears.

Your have all winter to shop and get everything fitted so take your time.

Ed
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2007 650 Burgman, 2003 400 Burgman

Some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:36 am Post subject:

Thanks for the input so far. Cathy and I both have "oval" shaped heads and our last helmets were Bell Stars (that will really date us!) and they were very comfortable. Currently use HJC helmets that were available locally. Should have noted that the "matching" aspect is not high on the priority list.

As my location shows, we really do live in the middle of nowhere. Any MC shop that I have visited within a couple of hours just have low quality lids.
So we may have to do some mid-winter travel and get to some better shops. Anyone know what the Max BMW shop in NY has? May have to call them.

On the windshield/deflector topic- I agree- (IMHO) the Aeroflow shield is a bit much for me- kind of takes away from the lines of the bike. I know that some folks here have them- perhaps some more input from satisfied users. We do plan a super slab run out to Ohio this Summer- perhaps having an Aeroflow to put on for that and remove it for most other rides would work. FD, interesting that you didn't find any difference using a "lip".

Thanks again for the responses. ANY input is appreciated-
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Stoked Steve · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject:

I have the Nolan flip up and find it to be first rate comfortable, but on my RS, the wind howling by the ears gets tiresome, and I wear earplugs.

I also have the Laminar lip and have found its affects helpful but not overly different than stock. I find it smoothes the airflow over the top a bit, but doesn't really deflect it much, maybe an inch or two higher. The most beneficial aspect was reducing that side to side turbulence off the back off a large SUV or truck, it reduced that considerably. Also the wind blast from oncoming tractor trailers on a narrow two lane road is not quite as severe, although I still tuck down if a particularly big truck going by.

I'd say it's worth about $45, not quite the $85 or so that it is. I'd like to try the Areoflow or Parabellum, but think they look a bit much on such a sporty looking bike like the RS.

Good year by the way, what color?
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:29 pm Post subject:

Klinker · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:56 pm Post subject:

I agree that the RS fairing looks best stock - when you're not riding it. Once I'm on mine, however, I hardly notice how it looks with the Aeroflow. In other words, the best thing about the Aeroflow: it comes off. When I'm touring into unknown weather, I'm glad to have it. When I'm feeling like posing as I run to the auto parts store, I take it off. Yeah, those little 3M Dual Lock dots are still there, but how vain do I need to be? Not that I'm not a fool for good design, but I regard aesthetics AND function to be important attributes. And the older I get, the more I value function.

I'm curious as to how owrstrich and his pillion like their communicators with only the stock fairing for wind protection. Barely audible? Or just inaudible enough to be able to use the selective hearing defense when convenient?

Another consideration for helmets: More and more are coming out with built-in shaded visors. It's the favorite feature of my Caberg Justissimo.

There are some reasonably quiet modular (flip-up) helmets out there. Shoei is consistently ranked high. But you will find a much bigger drop in wind noise by switching from the stock fairing to an Aeroflow than from a modular helmet to a full-face.

A good place to try on helmets is at a motorcycle show. The International Motorcycle Show is always a good ticket. It will be on the east coast in the next month, but I'm sure making a trip to NYC (especially over the holidays) or Detroit from NH would be no small undertaking. You'd almost certainly love it, though.
_________________
tlp
1994 K1100RS

Only the Reasonists. They believe in an evidence-based world, something called Rationalism. But it's a tiny group, not so influential.
- Page Griffin

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject:

Klinker,

Some good thoughts. Back when we had our '81 Honda 900F Supersport we bought a quick detach Plexifairing that we used for trips but spent the rest of the time in the garage, so using an AeroFlow for trips might be OK.

How about your Caberg helmet? I understand that the chinbar is very close to your chin. Enough space to allow for a "boom mounted" microphone?

Thanks for your input. Getting to NYC for the MC show would be a scheduling stretch.

Thanks again.
John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Klinker · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject:

Das Boot · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:55 am Post subject:

I still like Schuberth Helmets, I have had four different models over the years and they fit my block head like a glove. The fit and finish is as good as Arai. The problem is they have always had importing problems and come and go like the wind, making parts not easy to come by in the US. If you try one on and like it, I would order two extra face shields for it, while you still can. I suppose, nowdays its not a big of a deal to order the parts from Europe if needed. The C2 is an excellent lid, lots of air, the INSIDE tinted visor, and is very quiet, nearly that of my Arai Regent. The inside lining comes out as does the chin cover and rear neck cushion for colder weather.

Best of Luck,
_________________
Dom

owrstrich · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:23 am Post subject:

the camos bhs600 intercom is all dialed in and has been a good investment...

its 2 channels of bluetooth so you can use the wirevo to feed the camos with any device with a jack such as a cell phone... mp3... zumo...

about the sound quality... its full stereo... its full duplex... we wear ear plugs and can hear each other just fine at 80mph...

camos link...

http://www.benchmarkhelmets.com/products/camos-bluetooth-headsets_17/

wirevo link...

http://www.benchmarkhelmets.com/products/wirevo-stereo-bluetooth-adapter_19/d1000v_40.html

webbikeworld review...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/imc-camos-bluetooth-intercom/

owrstrich
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yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:01 pm Post subject:

Well there are times when the most economical (in terms of time and effort) thing to do is just jump in. So....

Cathy and I ordered 2 Nolan N102 helmets today from Aerostich. Their policy is exchange if the fit is not right, but we both have oval type heads which is supposed to be what goes into an N102 best. The ability to use their N-Com intercom is a plus.

Guess we will also do the AeroFlow windshield deal in the Spring too.

As I stated previously, we used to ride with what was available 20+ years ago- the equipment today is MUCH better than that. We are both OK with the fit of lower-end HJC's so we are looking forward to the Nolans.

Hey, I am a lucky guy- we decided that these will be our Christmas gifts to each other- how many wives would be happy with that?

After we get them and do the try-ons, we are taking the K-RS a few hours south (in the pickup) and go for a ride. Will let everyone know what the results are.....

Thanks again for all the input.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Off the grid · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject:

John, just curious if you are riding with HJCs now and cost is a concern, why did you not explore the latest HJC offerings?

I did a pretty decent write up in this forum of their top-end model which goes for about 200$.

I would imagine you will be spending quite a bit more than 200$ on a Nolan.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
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SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:30 pm Post subject:

Well, first of all the local dealer would have to order better quality HJCs.

Second, the "quick release" shield pivot point on the HJC that I have now is TERRIBLE, IMHO. On several occasions, one side or the other came unhitched when I went to flip it down while leaving a stoplight. Now I don't know if they have the same set-up on the higher end models.

But we will see about the Nolans.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

owrstrich · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject:

i see a lot of geezers wearing nolans...

we tried them on at the long beach imc show... we tried all of them by the end... fulmer... agv... kbc... scorpion... hjc... arai... shoei... and such...

them nolans aint no skid lids but im thinking they will be a fine addition for the surgarhill posse...

owrstrich
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yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 7:10 am Post subject:

Stoked Steve · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject:

The flip latch on the Nolan is really cool, you can use it one handed. It takes a little getting used to, but works great once you do. My other favorite feature is the chin curtain which all but seals up the bottom and keeps the wind from drying out my contacts.

I haven't tried out the anti-fog shield yet as I haven't ridden in any cold rain (and hope not to).

I'm a bit disappointed in the flip down visor. It was the thing I was most excited about. It seems to either come down too much into my field of vision or is hard to get to stay in the middle setting, a truck blast will flip it up. It also makes a bit of wind whistle when you ride with it fully up. I think I'll remove it (it comes with plastic covers to seal up the holes) and just put some vinyl cling tint strip across the top edge of the visor like I had on my previous helmet.

All in all it's a very comfortable helmet for me, and I ordered mine with out being able to try one on. The Large fits like all other Larges I've had.
All of the mechanicals seem solid and sturdy. The quick chin strap latch is nice and softly padded.

I just need a Parabellum to deflect some air so it will be a little quieter.

By the way, best year and color Wink

_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Klinker · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:31 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject:

Back 20+ years ago when I was street riding and roadracing, I always used vinyl electrical tape on my visor. I would apply it a little above the horizon- it would act like a sun block and if the sun was right down on the horizon I could tilt my head forward to shield my eyes. NO MOVING PARTS
& keeping it simple.

During the day I have always used sunglasses inside my helmet. Both for the glare and to allow me to keep the flip up shield up until I got to highway speeds.

Plan on doing the same with the Nolan or whatever helmet I end up with.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.