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UTC

Lurker
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Los Angeles
 
Lurker
Joined: UTC
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Location: Los Angeles
UTC quote
Hello! I'm a brand new Vespa Gts 300 owner and scooter rider here in Los Angeles. I've only had her for 2 days. I'm currently looking for a good helmet to buy, preferably one that fits under the seat.

I was looking at the Shoei J Cruise Helmet, looks good for urban commuting, but it may not be safe for chin protection. The other option is the Nolan N91 Outlaw Helmet, though I doubt it will fit under the seat.

I live only 4 miles from my job and will primarily stay on regular streets. I have a motorcycle permit so I cant get on the freeway yet and I'm very new to scooter riding in general, though I bicycled to work for almost a year. I may not go faster than 60 mph for the first year.

Do you guys have any suggestions for the best helmet to buy? Full Face, Modular or Three quater. I'm looking for more a sleek, minimalist look. Nothing that screams sports-bike.

How safe is leaving a expensive full face helmet outside on the Vespa connected to cables and hooks under the seat?
My Vespa GTS 300 (2016)
My Vespa GTS 300 (2016)
I love this style helmet but seems more dangerous and lacks face/chin protection Especially for a new rider.
I love this style helmet but seems more dangerous and lacks face/chin protection Especially for a new rider.
Looks more safe but the modular style might not fit under the seat even with the chin guard in the upright position.
Looks more safe but the modular style might not fit under the seat even with the chin guard in the upright position.
@dailyrider28465 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Mia Dolce II 2017 GTV 300, Ragazzo Vespa 946, Il Pazzo BV 350, & Mia Dolce GTV 250 -sold-
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Location: Oak Island NC
 
Molto Verboso
@dailyrider28465 avatar
Mia Dolce II 2017 GTV 300, Ragazzo Vespa 946, Il Pazzo BV 350, & Mia Dolce GTV 250 -sold-
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Location: Oak Island NC
UTC quote
Welcome. That's a nice looking bike! I think you're on the right track looking for chin protection. The Nolan N44 has a quickly detachable chin bar. It may fit in the pet carrier with the bar removed.
@joedevola avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 Vespa LX150ie, 2007 GTS250ie, 1982 Honda CB900F, 1989 BMW K100RS
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Location: Sydney Australia
 
Molto Verboso
@joedevola avatar
2009 Vespa LX150ie, 2007 GTS250ie, 1982 Honda CB900F, 1989 BMW K100RS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1075
Location: Sydney Australia
UTC quote
I think you will find it particularly difficult to find a helmet that offers reasonable protection that will fit under the seat.

The best option for helmet storage in my opinion, is to get a top box.

As for best helmet - the one that fits well. Buy your helmet based on fit. To do that means going to a real store and trying them on. It is my view that if you use this 'service', it is worth the few extra dollars obove the online prices to buy it from the people providing that service.

As for full face versus open face, do you like eating steak?
@scutrbrau avatar
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The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4744
Location: Nelson County, VA
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You need to try on different brands to find the one that best fits the shape of your head. One size doesn't fit all. What's comfortable on my head might be all wrong on yours.

I have a Shoei Multitec modular that I love. It's lightweight and has fantastic ventilation. Being able to pop it open when you're stuck sitting in traffic is great.
@vespinado avatar
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Molto Verboso
'12 GTS 300 Super
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Location: Austin TX
 
Molto Verboso
@vespinado avatar
'12 GTS 300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1248
Location: Austin TX
UTC quote
Welcome to the forum!
Once you pick a helmet, check out this helmet painting technique:
http://i.imgur.com/myBFSlT.gifv
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (on the bench) 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (on the bench) 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Welcome to MV!

Although it seems you're both concerned with "the look" and protection. I'd suggest you focus on what happens in a crash. And being a newbie doesn't change much....your head's at the same risk on day one or year 20.

Not a concern here, but apparently people are willing to slice a chinstrap to steal one, even if unusable for protection. Every security situation is different.

What you pick boils down to priorities... appearance, protection and whether you can fit it in the pet carrier. Always compromises. Nerd emoticon

By the way, lovely scooter. Seems like black is pretty popular. My choice as well.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Get a modular or full-face - and you can use a lock though the chin-guard and the passenger grab-rail, though a top-box is far more convenient.
@troutbum avatar
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Ossessionato
2012 Kymco Like 200i (Sold), 2018 FLSL
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Location: San Jose, CA
 
Ossessionato
@troutbum avatar
2012 Kymco Like 200i (Sold), 2018 FLSL
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Location: San Jose, CA
UTC quote
Congratulations on your purchase. Nice color choice. They make top boxes with lockable quick release so you can easily remove for those times you don't want it attached.
UTC

Addicted
Vespa GTS Super ABS
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Location: Oceanside
 
Addicted
Vespa GTS Super ABS
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Location: Oceanside
UTC quote
+many on the top box. I have several helmets, 1/2, 3/4, and full face. I generally use the 1/2 helmet when riding locally, much more convenient.

A full face is safer in an accident, as is a car Razz emoticon

Also agree with "get the one the fits you".

Nice sccot!!
@drscooter avatar
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Addicted
2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
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Location: St.Louis, Missouri
 
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@drscooter avatar
2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: St.Louis, Missouri
UTC quote
Welcome, very nice looking bike. I have not found too many helmets that fit in anything other than a Top Box. It depends on where I am but fact is they are easy to steal. I have never had a helmet stolen in my 45 years of riding but I take them in with me 90% of the time unless it's locked in the rear box.

I'm a bit "old school" no two ways but a full face offers the most protection and tends to be the most confining, you can work your way down from there. I actually have different helmets for different bike and weather. That is a little over the top, I know.

For my scooter and usually Sportster I tend to wear a good 1/2 helmet, what is commonly know as a CHIPS. I've had a few models, trying them on is important due to head shape. It is probably more PC to buy from the shop you try them on at and I will if it's a Mom & Pop type, big Super Centers are the Motorcycle Boutiques, well I go on-line. They usually get enough money, I had to get a special screw for my Sportster to be correct, it was $9 for a #@%# Screw?

For the Scoot and the Sportster I wear a Scorpion old model EXO-100 (silver of course to match the scoot) somehow I seem to have lost one so I also have a Scorpion EXO 110 (Black but it does have a red flair strip) it's a bit more modern, both have a drop down shade. I just like open helmets, when I can. I have specific leather for each bike too but I'm a bit over the deep end.

I know not as safe but in nice weather I like to wear an open face, these are light have some nifty features and get good reviews for what they are. I also have on heavy solid Bell 3/4 for anytime I want an open face but more protection. For true safety you just can't beat a full coverage of good quality.

For the Ducati I use a Biltwell Gringo, full face but very large opening, no shield unless you snap that on. it's very "old school" but has the right look for the Monster.

After that I go Modular, have a GMax, it has a light in back for visibility, can even work with your brakes. Good fit, decent reviews. I also have a Zeus, they are a very good Helmet according to almost all reviews and very cheap in cost but a very GOOD Helmet. The Zeus brand gets very, good safety reviews in line with expensive $400 + and the Zeus can be had for around $100 here is a link to review the Zeus Helmet, may not work but one can find them easy enough
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/zeus-helmet/zeus-helmet.htm
Still, it has to fit well to be of any use.
⚠️ Last edited by DrScooter on UTC; edited 6 times
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
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Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
DailyRider28465 wrote:
I think you're on the right track looking for chin protection. The Nolan N44 has a quickly detachable chin bar.
I agree. The N43e or N44 is THE choice in a "minimalist" helmet with chin protection. Also has a larger face opening than other full coverage helmets so view and venting are more like a 3/4.
@crazycarl avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
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Location: Springboro, OH
 
Ossessionato
@crazycarl avatar
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3487
Location: Springboro, OH
UTC quote
Highly doubt that any helmet with chin bar is going to fit under the seat. But it seems to be prudent to have some protection for your chin.

As others have said, try to find a large dealer with a good selection of helmets to try on. Manufacturers will fit different shaped heads and sizing will vary. Proper fit is extremely important.

Web Bike World does a good job reviewing helmets, as does Revzilla.

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

http://www.revzilla.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwg9-vBRCK7L7wmO2u0JcBEiQA_tzoaM354RIZA9V7NbbnKN8kZYLmJHg3Vltz5KYAs7DABsQaAj2O8P8HAQ
A very high percentage of helmet impacts are in the chin and face area
A very high percentage of helmet impacts are in the chin and face area
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