Modern Vespa

Hi again all,

That's so so much for all the advice regarding the Vespa GTS. I now have it on order and it will hopefully be in my possession at the latest, in 10 days!! I feel like I ordered about a month ago, but that days are just dragging because in so excited about it!!

I have another question now - what helmet should I get??
Every shop I go into tells me that a different helmet is better and then I realise that it may be because they only sell specific brands/types (which makes me think it may be down to the relationships with the sales reps). I have tried on a good few helmets at this stage and my requirements are:
- light
- comfy
But far and above ANYTHING else is:
- safety
- safety
- SAFETY!!!!
I really don't care about anything else, I want a helmet that will offer me the best protection!
I'm wondering should I add more to my requirements list? Pin-lock? Sun visor? In a way, its not very safe to drive with no sun visor in the blinding sun..any one able to offer advice on this?

I have tried on most types of helmets and the ones which feel very comfy are:
- all nitro's
- arai's (specifically axcess 2)
- shark s600

I have been going off the shark star rating, and on it the Arai Chaser helmet scored very bad on side impast sites and only ok on the front. The guy in the shop told me that the axcess is the exact same as the chaser. Is this true? I feel a bit nervous about going for it of it scored badly in any type of impact test. But it is Snell certified. The shark s600 had 4 starts, but why is it only EUR120??? That in itself makes me nervous too, and it doesn't seem to be certified my Snell. No nitro's seem to have Snell either, and they only have about 2 or 3 stars from sharp... I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO GET!!!!!!!

As I said before, I'm going to be on the bespa gts. Not planning in doing fast speed at ALL! But if a car ploughs into me at a speed of 200km/hr while I'm stopped then I'll be hitting it with that speed and I want to have the best chance. I know it's a bit morbid to think like that, but I'm very concious about safety and scooters.

So, a good long essay post there. Thanks in advance for any advice offered - it's much appreciated!!

Claire

Apologies, im typing in my phone and the autocorrect is very annoying! I meant I was going off SHARP star ratings..

Hiya.

You are always going to get the best protection off a helmet that fits correctly.
Sounds obvious, but it's not always people's main consideration, so you really need to try several on for size.

While spending more money is no guarantee of a safer helmet, there is usually a correlation so look at quality brands like Arai, Shoei, AGV and so on and remember some brands cater for different shapes of skull better than others. Watch out for the exceptions as you've seen - some costly lids do badly in tests.

You want one that's pretty snug, bordering on too tight at first as the padding will loosen a bit with use, but you want an even pressure around your head rather than a couple of tight spots. If it doesn't feel right, don't buy it as some shops are more concerned about selling you what they have in stock than what's best for you.

Then with it on, check how much play there is. Some helmets I've owned felt ok but would rotate about my head too easily so my lower jaw would get close to touching the chin piece at speed. If I'd face-planted in a crash that would have meant contact! My current AGV has more clearance in this area and also fits better so is much safer.

I also strongly recommend one with an integral sun visor - so much easier and safer than faffing around with sunglasses or a tinted replacement and you can adjust it on the move.

Comfort is pretty high on the list, as if not comfy you will hate it, I prefer open face as I feel to claustrophobic in them, nexx make nice helmets caberg make some nice ones, but as above stick with good makes and don't balk at the price after all it is your head, having said that bought mine as it was a perfect colour match for the bike

Just try on lots before you choose

Mark

Vital. Internet helmet buys usually turn out disastrous.

the safest would be a full face. most women are very concerned with their faces and a full face would offer the best protection of the face area of the head.

Comfort is high on the list like others have said . if its not comfortable it makes riding miserable.

Make sure you wear it around the shop for 15-30 minutes prior to buying.

Having a pinlock is something to consider as well as a drop down sun shield. these features do add to the long term likeablity to the helmet.

I would suggest you remove the cheek pads before trying on any helmet. Most people size a helmet based upon how it feels against their cheeks, and since most people are not used to things squeezing against their faces from the sides, they tend to keep grabbing larger helmets.
They arrive at a size that is comfortable on the cheeks but is overall much too large for their actual head. With the cheek pads removed, the helmet can more properly be sized to ones head, with out the distraction of having ones cheeks attempt to touch each other wheon ones mouth is open.
Once a proper fit is achieved, based on actual head size, many better helmet brands offer cheek pads in various thicknesses so one can achieve more of a "custom" fit.
If you will be riding in colder weather, a pinlock face shield is a great way to go, but be aware that any eyewear, or in many cases even the drop-down internal sun shield, will still fog. Because of this, pinlock inserts are available in a choice of tints that can be used in bright sunlight.
Not everyone is a fan of the internal sun shields: some just don't sit correctly on any given individual's face. Many systems are rather fragile and prone to breaking, and the wearer has no choice in the amount of tinting. Also, they tend to either add bulk to the helmet, al la "Great Gazoo", or they take away from some of the inside padding in the helmet. Many do find their convenience to be of great value, however.
As for me, I just keep a couple of pairs of sunglasses handy; quick and easy.
After you wait the additional six months, or so it will seem, for delivery of your new scooter, I'm sure you will enjoy it greatly. After all, you get to ride in Ireland!!!

You've not mentioned if you have budget limits so I'll throw this in the mix: The Schuberth C3 is a good all-around helmet that offers full face protection and comes with both Pinlock and internal sun visor. It's relatively quiet, well made, and easy to fit for most head types. If at all possible I'd suggest you try one on just to see.

On the topic of price point and why you'll find helmets that are approved yet not expensive what you'll generally find is they're made a bit on the flimsy side and often made of light weight cheaper materials. They compensate for this by adding flashy graphics to colors that catch your eye, neither of which will make you safer [in the event of an impact.] There are some who manage to get around this but for the most part when it comes to helmets you get what you pay for. The best brands are the ones that have been around a long time, Schuberth, Arai, Shoei, Bell, Nolan, to name a few.

I'll not get into safety issues by arguing full-face versus open-face models as I wear both types. My choice of which to wear is totally weather dependent but since you're in Ireland I can tell you for certain your weather is exactly like mine here at home. With that said and if there were only one choice I'd opt for the Schuberth C3, it would be a great choice for your environment. [I've driven nearly 4000 miles in Ireland so I'm familiar with what you're dealing with.]

You've no doubt heard this before but it's always worth quoting: Sign on the helmet display in the motorcycle store "If you've got a $10.00 head buy a $10.00 helmet"

As all others have said and I agree 100%, try before you buy.

Best luck,

LL75 8)

as a newbie please take my words as that
the best helmet is the one that you will wear so make sure it is one that feels good and is rated well
i also like looking at users reviews on the internet.
go to several places to try helmets as each store will only carry certain brands and by seeing more you will get a better feel for what you like
I also like an integrated sun shield, even when i am wearing sunglasses sometimes the sun is just too strong and the sunshield can help a lot

I have an HJC IS 33 and like it a lot but it is not full face

good luck

Wow, this is all SUCH great advice!!! Thanks so much! Price isn't really an issue for me - well I don't have EUR1000 to be spending, but I knew the helmet would be pricey, so I've budgeted for that. I just can't understand why a EUR70 helmet gets 5 stars on the sharp rating and a EUR400 helmet gets 2! But, it's not JUST down to safety standards, I understand it has to fit. I also had a few Shoei helmets on. I think I'll pop back into one of the shops and try on a Qwest one. Anyone heard bad of this type? Sharp-wise it has the 5 stars. Snell certified, and it's not EUR70, so I'm a little more trusting of it so far. But again, I will definitely go and try it on! Also never thought of keeping it on me for awhile - that's a great tip!! Makes sense to do that as I'll be wearing it for at least 30mins twice a day!
Think the Qwest has that pin-lock which is good.
I would love the drop down visor, so I'll keep searching for one that has that also.

God, I'm actually so so excited to get the Vespa!! Getting the helmet soon should pacify me a little!!

Thanks again guys, brilliant advice!

At the end of the day you have to like it and it needs to fit properly. Good luck and show us a pic when you get it please. I have 3. One for all occasions.

This is a good place to start

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

Have you tried on an AGV? I have a K-3 and a Stealth and find them both excellent. I do prefer my Arai Chaser slightly over the Stealth, but you are looking for safety and the Stealth is supposedly very good according to the SHARP rating.

Aslo if you don't mind me asking what part of Ireland are you in?

Thanks for that link DougL!!! That's brilliant! Will definitely have a read the reviews of each of the helmets that I'm interested in..Thanks a million!

Alexander, I'm in Dublin. So I'll be travellng into the city centre for college everyday. Are you from Ireland too?

And Judy, you don't need to ask me twice about pictures!! I can't wait to start uploading some once I become an offical Vespa owner!!

Yeah, i'm from Galway. What college, i might know people there. You say city center, is it NCAD?

Congrats on the Vespa purchase by the way, scootering is amazing. If you haven't got gear yet then i highly recommend a full textile outfit for 90% of the time, and then a good leather jacket for looking cool on the rare dry days

i have a full face for m,way and open face for in town....


best advice is go for the one which fits best...I have a fairly small head and i find spada, arai, and piaggio helmets are a good fit and the spada are fantastic value for money...also double shell size is v.important if you are a small/med as helmets with a single shell size can feel really cumbersome for those of us wearing the smaller sizes..


don't buy internet unless you are replacing a helmet with like for like or you have tried it on in a shop first.


good luck with your purchase and congrats on the GTS you will love it..

Ah, I LOVE Galway!!!! I did my Masters in Galway, and lived there for the year. AMAZING place, I absolutely love everything about it!!!!!!!!!

I'm actually in RCSI. Right beside Stephen's Green. Handy enough for getting if you live near a Luas stop, but what I have been doing is driving to the nearest Luas stop (15mins away) and then getting in in 45mins (hour in total). So with the Vespa I wont know myself getting in in 30mins, door to door!
Believe it or not, my dad went back to college as a mature student at 55(ish ) and he has just graduated from NCAD! Did you know anyone just gone?

When I was in Galway I cycled everywhere because it's just that type of place. I tried cycling a few times in dublin, but I actually got cycled into by another cyclist and broke my elbow. I really damaged my hip too, so the hour cycle one way really takes its toll. With the vespa, I'll be in so quick and I'll still have the option of cycling in the summer months if I want to!! I am so excited about getting it, I wish it would come tomorrow!!!!! I actually have a textile jacket and 2 pairs of trousers which I got from a friend - so I have saved a bomb on that! They are quite big on me which means I can fit lots of layers underneath.
Do you know if it's ok for a scooter to use the bus lanes? I keep seeing bikes in them, and no1 seems to stop them.

If its anything like London then there will be some you can and some you can't scooter in. There should be a sign a the beginning of the bus lane saying wether you can or can't.

Also something to bear in mind about helmets as i'm not sure anyone has mentioned it yet but the different brands of helmets will have different shapes. Some people prefer Arai to Shoei simply because of the shape and fit.

I would also say to do some lessons with a motorcycle instructor, that will teach you the basics of lane positioning, and generally how to make yourself as big and as visible as possible to motorists. If you already know this then ignore me

I say this as in my experience Irish drivers are truly awful. I have had less incidents and close shaves here in London than i had in Galway which surprised me as i was expecting it to be worse.

I don't know anyone in that year sadly, but i do know a fair group in the year below, the ones in final year now. I also know someone in RCSI i think. Ah Ireland, its so small......

I had a lucky escape. I was persauded by a young shop assistant that a Shoei lid fitted me. It wasn't until I got home and had time to relax/wear it for a good twenty minutes that I realized it was too tight across the forehead (plus I looked like a hamster). He didn't tell me there was a no returns policy. Makes perfect sense really and I didn't think to ask. I pleaded with the manager to take it back explaining I only bought it the night before. He took pitty on me. I legged it up the road to another dealer and bought an AGV which is extremely light and has a British Motorcycle Sport gold approaval sticker on it. I think AGV are pretty middle of the road but it fits and looks cool (In my opinion). Buyer beware, take your time.
AGV K-4 EVO

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The lids you list all seem to be full-face. That's great. I really, really, really, really, REALLY have no idea how people can do with anything else. Sorry, folks, but you are just (insert appropriate disparaging term here, plural form) if you think style and/or optimism will protect you from chin/mouth/nose damage. Unless you have a good plastic surgeon in the family.

A number of people mention here that you should get a helmet that is a little snug. This is true. The padding will break in a bit after use and will conform to your face, provided you start out with a good pre-fit. That said, you must try it on in a store unless the place you order from has a free size exchange program. I found my size in a Shoei Multitec in a store and ordered it online from revzilla.com after speaking with their really helpful customer service folks.

Also, there are 3 basic helmet shapes to consider -- check out the info videos on revzilla.com or elsewhere about helmets and basic head shapes.

And if you don't want the weight or other potential issues with flip down sun shields, consider Sunax visors. Check sunax.de for more. Really a great option.

Good luck and have fun!

+1 on the Schuberth C3. I bought one from my local MC shop and love it. If you are looking at better helmets, you may be able to take a test helmet out for a ride. That's what I did with my local dealer. I took a 30 minute ride with the test helmet and it sold me. It was way quieter then my half helmet and I was surprised to find that it was also much cooler. It was in the high 80's that day and was extremely comfortable while moving. It lets a lot of air in with the vents open.

I know how tempting it is to order online, but if you have a local dealer you should not try helmets on there then order one from an online company. Think about how unfair that is. The local shop is there for you. If you have a problem you can bring it right back in and they'll take care of it. The savings from the online purchase pales in comparison to the service you'll get from a good MC dealer. Without customers, they'll fade away like so many are doing.

Remember, you'll have the helmet for 5+ years, so cost shouldn't be a major consideration. Good luck in your search.

I actually totally agree with what MikeyL says about supporting local shops. I should have been clearer about that. I support my locals whenever possible. However, the people I was trying to purchase from didn't raise a finger to help me with my helmet buying. I became exasperated trying to help myself and went online instead.

Years ago I had a full face helmet which I don't remember which brand, and it had a nice feature, a knob on the lower end that pulled the face shield in tight and greatly reduced wind noise at higher speeds. I think it may have been an arai?? I got it with the motorcycle when purchased and gave it away when I sold the bike. I really liked that feature.
I currently have a hjc ff which fits nicely and a shoei ff but both are very noisy at high speed, so much I always wear sunglasses or clear glasses so I can leave the face shield open unless it is raining.
Anyone know which helmet I am talking about? I am needing a new ff helmet and I like all the above suggestions just wind noise is a big problem for me and I don't like wearing ear plugs.

A mention for my Bell (M3X), very comfy (for me), very light and sharp 5 star rating (if that is important to you) Bell Europe helmets are very different to Bell USA helmets, a different company all together I think.

We just finally broke down and bought 2 new Shub C3s this week and wondered why we waited so long. It was hard to pull the trigger but I am glad we did it. I saw they had a C3 Pro that was coming out earlier this year but it would have been more money. Web bike world is a great tool online and is highly recommended.

It's about proper fit, brand blather means nothing if you don't have a great fit. Sharp demontrates performance and webbikeworld sorts out the, noise, weight, fit, finish, general build quality, and comparisons. My way, first fit, second sharp safety, and third pick what's left on WBW in my budget.

Everything Dr Z says. Plus make good use of the webbikeworld reviews that Doug's linked to.

Pinlock would be a MUST for me, as would flip-front (even if only for the convenience of not having to take my helmet off at the petrol station).

And, although it might feel daft, don't skimp on the length of time you try it on for in the shop. Give it a good half hour. Some helmets feel great for 10 or 15 mins, but then give you a pain after a little longer. Take a book. Make yourself comfy. It's time really well spent. Even cheap helmets are expensive, so you don't want to end up with one that you don't like later on.

Another thing I thought of....if I'm paying good money for a helmet I insist that it has removable lining.

The lining gets dirty and smelly way before the helmet wears out, and taking the lining out and giving it a nice wash makes your helmet almost as good as new. Not all helmets have removable lining....even some of the expensive ones don't. In fact, I'd recommend buying a second set of lining+cheek pads. If your helmet lasts, say 5 yrs, then fitting in a new set of pads after half that time is a fantastic way to make it like new again. After a couple of years, your pads will have compressed down and you'll find that your helmet has a looser (i.e. not as safe) fit.

I wore full face helmets for years. But when I bought my scooter I went for a half helmet, thinking it seemed more appropriate for scootering. Soon, I was missing the full face. So yesterday, after a a lot of online comparisons and reviews, I chose a Scorpion 900 Transformer, in emergency yellow color. A bit pricy, but very versatile and extremely visible. I'll post again after a few weeks to let you all know how I'm liking it.

Here's my non full face but i do have one for nite riding. It even has a strip of LED lights on the back for better visibility. There are only 300 of the Ruby in the world. Best and most fun helmet.

Braggart!

Yes but i just love that helmet. I'd be buried in it but i'm being cremated. It will go to a good home when i'm gone.

Get the an appropriate helmet for your head shape, and one that fits well. Snug but not painful.

Best thing to do is measure your head first.

Then, take a photo from above looking down onto the top of your head to help you determine head shape.

I'd recommend full face if you can do it for maximum safety. Modulars are nice around town too.

I have a round-oval head and wear an Arai RX-Q (I think called Quantum in Europe, based on the old Quantum), and a Nolan N43E Trilogy modular (N43 AIR in Europe). The Arai's are made to a safety spec so well worth the investment. Sharks did better in several impact tests though.

If you have a longer oval head, you should look at the Arai Signet or the Shoei full face helmets.