Modular Helmets

[Jersey mike]

I've been considering making a switch to a full face, currently I use the HJC 1/2 helmet.

I'm looking for pro's and con's if there are any thoughts, likes and dislikes of the modular style.

I like the look of the HJC IS-MaxBT and CL Max2 but the website doesn't give too detailed photos

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm a fan of full face helmets but I have been considering a modular lately. No help for you I realize. I like the full face because of the extra protection, but they are hard to drink with.

[donaldcc]

I have half helmets and an HJC full face modular that I like for a few years.  though I got XXL I had to take out the cloth and carve down the styrofoam padding in the shell to give me more room in the front of the helmet. 

I really like the modular type of full face helmet.  I can lift up at lights or around town and it makes a good visor if the sun is in your eyes.

  I have been researching for a replacement and may pull the trigger on one of these in Matt Black.  I like the drop down shade.  See the video review half way through post.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,68174.0.html

[BigMac (SoCal)]

I've been using one for years. First I went through 3 HJC's. There nice but now using a Shoei which is by far better. You do kind of get what you pay for as well. It is nice to be able to flip it up to get a drink or scratch your nose.

Mac

[donaldcc]

I've been using one for years. First I went through 3 HJC's. There nice but now using a Shoei which is by far better. You do kind of get what you pay for as well. It is nice to be able to flip it up to get a drink or scratch your nose.

Mac

  I think I am going to drive over to Chaparral to try on one of those new Shoei modulars we looked at Dave.  Do you get any discount on helmets there?

[BF]

I also wear an HJC half.  I have an Arai full face, but when wearing it, it limits my peripheral vision....as all full face helmets tend to do IMO.  

I know that if I ever go down (again), I'm gonna want the Arai on my head instead of the half helmet I wear all of the time.  

If you're used to wearing a half helmet all of the time, you might not like a full face.  

I hate to suggest that you buy twice, but you might concider buying a fairly inexpensive full face (or modular) to try.  If you like wearing one, you can sell it and buy a better quality full face helmet.  

[RainMaker]

Have tried full face and 3/4 but now wear nothing but modular.  Nolan is the brand I use.  If you get one, just buy a white or black one.  I think the rest are painted (silver sure is) and their paint is not good.  But the helmet fits well and works great.

[gregc]

 I have an HJC Cl Max 2, me and the wife. Switched from a 3/4 Shoie.  It was my first modular helmet,  works out since I wear eye glasses. You can keep you glasses on when up put the helmet on your head, unlike a full face.  It does have a lot of wind noise, but the face shield doesn't get fogged up in cool weather.  Leaks like a screen door in the rain, water gets thru the top of the visor, not to good of a seal there.  Not to bad in the hot humid weather, you can lift the shield 1 notch and get some air moving, the top vents aren't that great for air movement. You get what you paid for it, they are not a real expensive helmet.

[Jack B]

I've been considering making a switch to a full face, currently I use the HJC 1/2 helmet.

I'm looking for pro's and con's if there are any thoughts, likes and dislikes of the modular style.

I like the look of the HJC IS-MaxBT and CL Max2 but the website doesn't give too detailed photos

If you want a detailed photo go to YouTube or any of the online store you can zoom in the the pictures.
Most cycle shops have HJC's on the shelf.
I just ordered a HJC Sy Max III in silver. This is my 3rd modular helmet all in silver. I had Nolan but the lens doesn't stay up anymore. Bell also makes a nice modular helmet for $200 if you want to stay in the $200 price range, Good luck

[jima]

They are great when that sneeze sneaks up on you.       

[big d]

1st modular helmet was an hjc  but the next one was a Nolan. Found it was lighter with a better balance. Also liked all the features. Have been buying from competition accessories. They have some unbelievable pricing and all the top brands. Great to do business with as well.. Good luck with your decision.
Remember you get what you pay for. Pay cheap get cheap

[specialdose]

Shark Evoline 3 @ RevZilla .com Been wearing my Evoline 2 for three years. When it is time to replace it,  will buy the 3. Best of both worlds, 3/4- full.

http://bigbikemad.com/shark-evoline-flip-front-helmet.html

[Promagnaman]

I've used Nolan modular helmets for many years. Started with the N-100, then the N-101, now the N-104 with the built in tinted visor. Great helmets...

[Tailgate Tommy]

I've always worn an HJC half helmet but recently purchased an HJC IS-MaxBT flip up with blue tooth Chatterbox that is made to clip onto the helmet. For me it's hard to get used to after using a half helmet for so long.

[Ken Tarver]

Jersey Mike

i have a HJC Sy Max. I like the fit, and the face shield. This is my first modular helmet, had always worn open face 3/4. I don't use the internal dark shade, tried it, just didn't like it.
On mine, the slide mechanism on top of the shell to open and close the dark shade lets in a bit of cold air in the winter, so in the winter I put some vinyl electrical tape there to keep out the cold.
I've had several HJC helmets but this is the 1st with that feature, next one won't have it.
Normal peripheral vision is about 170 degrees, 3/4 and full face helmets are designed to accommodate that range of vision. I understand though that for someone who only has ever worn half helmets a full face  would seem to block their vision, heck my wife says she can't breath in a full face,....."honey, it's inhale/exhale, repeat repeat repeat".

Potentially, we are in grave danger at all times while riding, no need to increase that level by riding with the chin bar in the up position. Could be a neck snapper....just sayin'

Ken

[3fan4life]

Have tried full face and 3/4 but now wear nothing but modular.  Nolan is the brand I use.  If you get one, just buy a white or black one.  I think the rest are painted (silver sure is) and their paint is not good.  But the helmet fits well and works great.

+1 On This

I have a black and a red Nolan modular and the paint is horrible on the red one.

I do like the convenience of the modular though and would not even consider a full helmet that wasn't a modular.

[Serk]

Long time skid lid wearer who got a few too many rocks/bugs/who knows smacking me in the face, and decided to make the change. Been running an HJC IS-Max BT with the bluetooth module bonded to my GPS so I can listen to my tunes. I used to use a speaker setup but decided it was hypocritical of me to rant against inconsiderate dullards sharing their Thump Thump crap with everyone else while I was simultaneously sharing my far superior music with everyone else.

Love the helmet. Absolutely love it. The pop down sun shade, the Bluetooth integration, the sound is all great. Only down side on the Bluetooth side is that the microphone is practically useless, but for LISTENING to stuff it's great.

[cookiedough]

Cycle gear store recently opened up nearby me and always wanted more protection than an open face helmet so I tried on the Bilt Demon modular helmet and it sucked was the cheapest one around 60 bucks and didn't fit very well at all.  Took the next step up at 100 bucks and bought the Bilt Apollo modular helmet fits much better not tight in areas fits very loose runs a tad bigger but still got XL and has the replaceable chin piece as well as the flip down sun visor.  Makes it nice to flip up entire front section in town and get a drink while driving or at stop signs which is very hard to do with a full face helmet. Not much out there under 100 bucks worth buying but the Bilt Apollo is decent for 100 bucks and has a 5 year warranty in case something breaks just bring into the local store and they will replace parts for free assuming not your fault like dropping the helmet, etc..  Am sure there are other modulars a tad more expensive though still under 200 bucks worth buying as well.

My other helmet is a GMAX GM7 just a face shield in front also prefer on hotter days was around 60 bucks at most.  I just wanted a modular helmet for more protection just in case.

http://www.cyclegear.com/nav/brand/bilt/0

[Jack B]

Have tried full face and 3/4 but now wear nothing but modular.  Nolan is the brand I use.  If you get one, just buy a white or black one.  I think the rest are painted (silver sure is) and their paint is not good.  But the helmet fits well and works great.

+1 On This

I have a black and a red Nolan modular and the paint is horrible on the red one.

I do like the convenience of the modular though and would not even consider a full helmet that wasn't a modular.

My silver Nolan paint is great and still looks great after 5 years and 50,000 miles. It's too bad the shield does stay up anymore. Or I would get a few more years out of it.

[Stanley Steamer]

Most of the shields can be tightened up

[Wetrudgeon]

What Promagnaman said.  Helmet suitability is very subjective, but for us the Nolan's fit and work very well; and have nice features.  Because of our spectacles, we find the modular easier and better for a full face.  We admit we wear a half or a 3/4 when the weather turns hot (as it is prone to in Texas).

Try the Nolan modular.  It is a bit pricey but a good helmet.

We trudge on.

[Jack B]

Most of the shields can be tightened up

not mine I went to the dealer were I got it and  he said it doesn't look good. I guess plastic gears don't last forever.

[miscott]

If your looking for a modular helmet, I don't think you can go wrong with this one.
Has more vents than you'll know what to do with.
I've had mine for two years now and it's still great!

GMax GM54S Modular Helmet Review - Jafrum.com

Their on sale at Jafrums...

http://www.jafrum.com/Shop-By-Brand/GMax-Modular-Helmets/GMax-Helmets-GMax-GM54S-Helmet-Solid

[Serk]

Oh, and this should be common sense but just a reminder... No matter how cool they might look, avoid the temptation of getting a black helmet... Unless you like having your head in an EZ-Bake Oven...

(Yeah, that was a lesson I had to learn the hard way...)

[solo1]

I started with Shoei full face.  Too hard to put on  glasses.  I switched to Nolan modular, first the 100 which fit fine, then the 102 which didn't have enough chin room for me.  Both were the same size.  The 102 had a built in sunshade (on the outside) which never stayed in the right position.  I took it off. Paint wise, I have had no trouble with the Nolan yellow paint.

Now the 102 is for a second helmet.  I switched again to a Vega, Summit II which has plenty of chin room and fits my head better.  It's a relatively inexpensive DOT modular which is fine so far. 

If you can, try on different helmets the sizes vary AND they are shaped differently for different heads.

[Paxton]

I purchased a set of two brand new ones of these, both for $95, delivered to my front door.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carbon-Modular-Flip-Up-Dual-Visor-Street-Motorcycle-Helmet-S-M-L-XL-XXL-/380540042255?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item5899f43c0f&vxp=mtr

ANOTHER OPTION... Same manufacturer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-FULL-FACE-MODULAR-MOTORCYCLE-FLIP-UP-HELMET-DUAL-SHIELD-SUN-VISOR-sz-S-2XL-/120932792562?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item1c2827f8f2&vxp=mtr

[cookiedough]

Oh, and this should be common sense but just a reminder... No matter how cool they might look, avoid the temptation of getting a black helmet... Unless you like having your head in an EZ-Bake Oven...

(Yeah, that was a lesson I had to learn the hard way...)

Yah, but black looks cool and matches my black I/S.

Do I care that yellow or white is most visible and stats show a brighter helmet is more visible and they claim can reduce accidents?  NOT! 

[Flat6Valk]

I bought a Nolan 104 and I really like it.  No visibility problems.  Very Comfortable.  Nice and quiet. 

Recently I had a chance to try on a Shuberth.  I thinking about getting one of those too.  Fit like a comfortable jacket.  Well you know what I mean.

Flat6Valk

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I've had a Scorpion convertible helmet for a few years now, not sure of the model. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. In the cooler months it keeps my face warm but I can flip it up to talk, de-fog, cool off or just for the hell of it. As it gets warm I remove the flip-up part of it and replace it with the visor and it becomes an open face helmet. The flip down sun shade stays with the helmet either way.

Occasionally in a really hard rain when I'm using it as a full face some rain will run down the inside of the shield. Because I bought it sight unseen and couldn't try it on I found out when I got it that XL in the Scorpion is a little snugger than XL in my old Nolan. Possibly because of that it's hard to put on glasses after putting on the helmet.

Those are my only two complaints. After several years of use the molding came loose from it this spring. A quick call got me a mailing address to send it to. I got it back in 3 weeks repaired at no charge except one way shipping.

[Jack B]

I purchased a set of two brand new ones of these, both for $95, delivered to my front door.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carbon-Modular-Flip-Up-Dual-Visor-Street-Motorcycle-Helmet-S-M-L-XL-XXL-/380540042255?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item5899f43c0f&vxp=mtr

ANOTHER OPTION... Same manufacturer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-FULL-FACE-MODULAR-MOTORCYCLE-FLIP-UP-HELMET-DUAL-SHIELD-SUN-VISOR-sz-S-2XL-/120932792562?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item1c2827f8f2&vxp=mtr

I looked at the first site $753???
The second one was $49.
I like the carbon fiber helmet

[big poppa pump]

I've had a Scorpion convertible helmet for a few years now, not sure of the model. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. In the cooler months it keeps my face warm but I can flip it up to talk, de-fog, cool off or just for the hell of it. As it gets warm I remove the flip-up part of it and replace it with the visor and it becomes an open face helmet. The flip down sun shade stays with the helmet either way.

Occasionally in a really hard rain when I'm using it as a full face some rain will run down the inside of the shield. Because I bought it sight unseen and couldn't try it on I found out when I got it that XL in the Scorpion is a little snugger than XL in my old Nolan. Possibly because of that it's hard to put on glasses after putting on the helmet.

Those are my only two complaints. After several years of use the molding came loose from it this spring. A quick call got me a mailing address to send it to. I got it back in 3 weeks repaired at no charge except one way shipping.

EXO 900 Transformer Helmet. I have the same helmet.

[Former BMW Guy]

Schuberth C3.
Will set you back $750 give or take.

http://www.schuberthnorthamerica.com/categories/motorcycle/c3/

Good luck

JP

[Jersey mike]

We'll now I'm thoroughly confused, looks like I'll be driving to several cycle shops to check out all the different models, sucks to NEED a reason to ride

[cookiedough]

We'll now I'm thoroughly confused, looks like I'll be driving to several cycle shops to check out all the different models, sucks to NEED a reason to ride

That is what I would do since NO way would I buy online sight unseen unless I tried one out just like it locally.  I'd even give the local shop a chance to come very close to the same exact same model helmet in price first before I ordered online.  If they were within about 10-15 bucks of each other,  I'd probably buy local to keep the local businesses happy.  Plus, if anything goes wrong with the helmet within say the 5 year warranty period if the helmet has one,  you can take it back locally to the store you bought it from and get parts.

[RainMaker]

I purchased a set of two brand new ones of these, both for $95, delivered to my front door.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carbon-Modular-Flip-Up-Dual-Visor-Street-Motorcycle-Helmet-S-M-L-XL-XXL-/380540042255?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item5899f43c0f&vxp=mtr

ANOTHER OPTION... Same manufacturer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-FULL-FACE-MODULAR-MOTORCYCLE-FLIP-UP-HELMET-DUAL-SHIELD-SUN-VISOR-sz-S-2XL-/120932792562?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&var=&hash=item1c2827f8f2&vxp=mtr

Read the reviews on Amazon for these helmets.  I don't think they would do much to help you in a crash after reading, plus they apparently have a strong smell in them.

Here's the review

"This review is from: TMS Star Matte Black Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet w/ Smoke Sun Shield (Medium)
I should have known better than to go by price. You get what you pay for, and that is definitely the case here, since you don't pay much at all. It's a good looking helmet, no doubt. The sun visor built in is also a cool feature. But that's about it. It's crap optical quality, you are better off with the old sunglasses inside helment technique.

The helmets (I ordered two) reeked of kerosene when I got them. I guess it's either the smell of the glue, or some cleaner that the manufacturer used. Whatever, it reeks bad enough to give me a headache. If I was keeping the helmet, I would leave it out for a day, and hopefully the smell would go away.

The helmet says FMVSS 218 DOT on the back. It should say it complies with FMVSS 218. It doesn't say so, and I think this is done on purpose. FMVSS 218 dictates the crash absorption standards that all helmet manufacturers' products need to meet. So, the claim is there that this helmet meets those standards. If you take the time to read the standard, and then examine the helmet, you would see that it is simply not possible for it to meet the many standards laid out in FMVSS 218. I would like to see proof before I buy this claim.

I have had dozens of helmets in my life. This is the cheapest, most dangerous-feeling helmet I have ever held. There is no cushioning at the crown, it's shocking. Elsewhere, too, my cheapest $80 HJC helmets feel a million times more cushioned than these helmets. I would never feel safe wearing these helmets. I feel nice and snug and well-protected in my other helmets (Shoei, Arai, HJC, Suomy).

The buckle used to keep the strap from flapping around is a cheap plastic job that slides off its strap the moment the straps are undone. They have not put a button in the middle of the strap to keep it from sliding off--every other helmet has the button. Also, the vent flaps cannot be operated if you are wearing gloves.

Crap helmet. Steer clear."

Considering why you are buying one, why not get a good one?

[Jersey mike]

Hey everyone,

Today I picked up my new HJC IS MAX BT.

Since it was raining I drove out there. After dinner the rain had stopped for a couple hours so I decided to test out my brand new helmet. Immediately there was a "buzz" in my ear while under throttle, when I let off the throttle the "buzz" would go away and the helmet performed as I hoped, quite and smooth.

Every other aspect of the helmet is outstanding, the fit and finish is beautiful (the helmet color is wine to match my '98), the fit and comfort inside is excellent. While out on my test ride I rode about 30 mile from surface streets to the closest interstate at highway speeds. If not for the "buzz" in my ears it would have been a great test ride. My bike is stock so there is no modification to the exhaust to reverb back to the helmet, but it sounds like a harmonics issue.

I tried riding w the visor open, vent closed even w/ the chin piece open with no change. I think I tried every option I could think of to see if it would alleviate the issue but nothing helped.

I'm hoping there is someone who had a similar issue and can recommend a solution to the problem because I LIKE THIS HELMET, it is my first full face in many years and it did not take long to adjust to the transition from my HJC half helmet which I've had for several years.

I've already shot off an email to HJC, so i'll wait for their reply too.

thanks,

mike

[cookiedough]

so is this HJC a modular helmet or full faced helmet?

Most modular helmets are going to be a tad bit louder (wind whistle/buzz, etc.) than a full faced helmet.

You better decide fairly quickly whether you like it or not besides the buzzing noise since most places only do either a 7 dayr or 30 day return policy.

[Jersey mike]

The HJC IS-MAX is a modular helmet.  There was very little noise inside from wind and riding, I liked it very much. As I said the only time the buzz noise was there was when the bike was under throttle. There was no buzz at an idle, I tried riding w just finger tips to see if there was some type of vibe transference and that was not an issue, I tried riding w just one hand, that didn't do it. I rode w the chin protector in the up position, that didn't fix it, but it did let in a lot of fresh air. 

If the noise was a constant rush of air incoming, then I could understand the problem, but as I said it's only when the consistent throttle action, if I'm cruising at say 50 and I release the throttle, then the buzz disappears, as son as I try to throttle up, it returns.

[Pappy!]

Another Nolan N-104 user.
Mine is  the silver version. Paint is perfect on mine and has been for a couple years now. Shield is sealed around the perimeter with a raised o-ring so water entry is minimized to say the least. Also helps with the quietness. Fairly quiet. Decent venting as well. Option of removing the neck skirt for Summer time riding to increase ventilation. Cut-outs for earphones. Easily removable interior for washing. Made for more oblong heads.
This thread reminded me that I needed a new visor. Ordered one today from Revzilla. Washed the interior as well. Easy snap in snap out assembly.

[BudMan]

I've had a Scorpion convertible helmet for a few years now, not sure of the model. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat....

Same here!
I'm on my second one. I find EXACTLY the same comments apply to my experience,