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Need Helmet Recommdation for Low Wind Noise

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Michael Adams

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Jul 16, 2001, 4:17:40 PM7/16/01
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Does anyone have any recommendations for a helmet which has been
specifically designed for low wind noise? My bike doesn't have a faring, so
I get the full brunt of the wind. I would like to get one that is
especially quiet.

Thanks,

Michael Adams
(to reply by email take out the no-spm.)


Norse Of Course

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Jul 16, 2001, 5:27:14 PM7/16/01
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"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
I know this sounds crazy but how about buying a *safe* helmet AND a set of
earplugs?

--
Norse Of Course
00 SV650
DoD# 2338
http://www.geocities.com/SV650Viking


Sean Aron

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Jul 16, 2001, 5:26:56 PM7/16/01
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In article <EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net>,
"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote:

I don't think it was specifically designed for low-noise, but my AGV R3
was super-quiet. Then I had to replace it with a HJC and it's so loud I
had to take off my slip-on...sigh.

Mark Olson

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Jul 16, 2001, 6:59:46 PM7/16/01
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Michael Adams wrote:
>
> Does anyone have any recommendations for a helmet which has been
> specifically designed for low wind noise? My bike doesn't have a faring, so
> I get the full brunt of the wind. I would like to get one that is
> especially quiet.

Motorcycle Consumer News did a comparison of eleven high-end ($$$)
helmets in their November 2000 issue. These are helmets in the price
range of $365 - $746 (gulp).

One point they stressed was that proper fit is extremely important no
matter what other criteria you value, assuming that the primary reason
you are wearing a helmet is for protection, and the way your head is
shaped will have a lot of bearing on which brand(s) and models of
helmet will fit you the best. So, find out if you are dolichocephalic
or brachycephalic[1], and proceed from there.

And- no matter what helmet you buy, if your head is in the wind and not
shielded by a fairing or windshield (I think even if it is) you DO need
earplugs, to prevent permanent hearing damage. Even the best helmet MCN
tested measured 98dB, which is loud enough to cause injury if you are
exposed to it over time:

http://www.headwize.com/articles/hearing_art.htm

"As seen in the OSHA Noise Exposure table in figure 2, the louder the
sound, the less time it takes for damage to occur. OSHA limits noise
exposure levels in the work environment to about 90dB for an 8-hour
period, but permits exposure to higher levels for short periods. Many
experts believe that the OSHA numbers are too high for hearing safety.
EU countries have very strict laws about noise exposure. For example,
U.K. employers must take action at two levels of noise exposure: 85dB
and 90dB. At 85dB, employers must offer hearing protection and hearing
education to employees. At 90dB or higher, employees MUST wear
earplugs, and the employer MUST try to reduce the ambient noise level."

Max OSHA limits:


My HJC CL-12 is an OK helmet, I doubt that it is the quietest (since I
have tried very few helmets over the years I'm a poor reference) but
with 30 dB or better earplugs it does fine for me, with my head
completely in the windblast. It sells for less than $150.

--
Mark
'01 SV650S
DoD #959635
RFB #2

[1] http://anthropology.about.com/library/glossary/bldefdolichoceph.htm?once=true&

Or if you have a 'Shoei head' or an 'Arai head' if you prefer the less
scientific terminology...

Mark Olson

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Jul 16, 2001, 7:02:02 PM7/16/01
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Mark Olson (FAILED to write in last post):
>
> Max OSHA limits:

http://www.headwize.com/articles/hearing_art.htm

90 dbA 8 hrs
92 dbA 6 hrs
95 dbA 4 hrs
97 dbA 3 hrs
100 dbA 2 hrs
102 dbA 1.5 hrs
105 dbA 1 hr
110 dbA 0.5 hr
115 dbA 0.25 hr or less

As I said previously, the best helmet MCN tested measured 98 dB, so if you
ride for more than 3 hours without earplugs, you are probably going to
suffer hearing loss.

Michael Adams

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Jul 16, 2001, 7:19:36 PM7/16/01
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I already use earplugs, but with the tinitus I have, it still doesn't do the
job. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't 120db in the helmet. With 30db
of reduction with earplugs, that's still 90 db, which is more than my
thrashed ears can take for long periods of time. Of course, safety is the
first concern, but I figured if I started with the quietest helmets first,
and worked my way down from there for fit, I would be getting the best of
both worlds. That's why I am looking for suggestions on which ones are the
quietest.

Thanks,

Michael Adams


"Norse Of Course" <SV650...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:YXI47.323$DL4....@newsfeed.slurp.net...

Armin Scheans

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Jul 16, 2001, 7:57:43 PM7/16/01
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"Norse Of Course" <SV650...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:YXI47.323$DL4....@newsfeed.slurp.net...
>
> I know this sounds crazy but how about buying a *safe* helmet AND a
set of
> earplugs?

Norse may be crazy, but he's right about the helmet and earplugs. Some
helmets are quieter than others, but the noise levels inside even the
quietest are more than enough to cause permanent hearing loss after a
while. Earplugs are the only way to go.

----
Armin
DoD #2221

hawkwynd

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Jul 16, 2001, 8:59:29 PM7/16/01
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I have a SHOEI Full face helmet, that really blocks out the wind, noise and
keeps my coco-nut warm in the not-so-nice riding season. I wore it up until
May, and then went to the 1/2 shell, but on some night rides I wear it to
keep the bugs out too!

Shoei helmets are expensive, but I feel well worth it.

--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.B.A.T.E. - American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
Niagara County Chapter Member
Let Those Who Ride Decide
http://abate.wolfcrews.com/


"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

Armin Scheans

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Jul 16, 2001, 10:18:17 PM7/16/01
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"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:cEK47.7957$23.9...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

> I already use earplugs, but with the tinitus I have, it still doesn't
do the
> job. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't 120db in the helmet. With
30db
> of reduction with earplugs, that's still 90 db, which is more than my
> thrashed ears can take for long periods of time. Of course, safety is
the
> first concern, but I figured if I started with the quietest helmets
first,
> and worked my way down from there for fit, I would be getting the best
of
> both worlds. That's why I am looking for suggestions on which ones
are the
> quietest.

MCN measured the helmets with the vents closed and open. The results
were:
Arai Quantum/f - 98/98 dB
Shoei X-SP II - 98/98 dB
Arai RX-7RR IV - 99/99 dB
Shoei X-tec - 99/100
Suomy Gunwind - 100/98 dB
AGV Q3R Anniversary - 100/102 dB
AGV X-Vent - 101/100 dB
Arai Signet/GT - 103/101 dB
Arai Renegade - 104/106 dB
Simpson Bandit - 105/105 dB
Bell M4 - 105/106 dB

The also tested helmets which cost $350 or less in their December 1999
issue, but I can't dig it up just now. I think the HJC LT-12 came out
best in that one.

----
Armin
DoD #2221

Giuliano Cisarri

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Jul 17, 2001, 4:11:41 AM7/17/01
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Il Mon, 16 Jul 2001 16:27:14 -0500, "Norse Of Course"
<SV650...@yahoo.com> scrisse:

>"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
>> Does anyone have any recommendations for a helmet which has been
>> specifically designed for low wind noise? My bike doesn't have a faring,
>so
>> I get the full brunt of the wind. I would like to get one that is
>> especially quiet.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Michael Adams
>> (to reply by email take out the no-spm.)
>>

You can buy the ARAI model MAVERICK
especially designed for the naked-bike.
Very Silent......


ciao.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Togliere la"x" per rispondere via E-mail, grazie .
Remove the "x" to post reply via E-mail, thanks .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Adams

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Jul 17, 2001, 12:54:10 PM7/17/01
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"Giuliano Cisarri" <xgci...@tiscalinet.it> wrote in message
news:3b53f296...@news.inet.it...

> Il Mon, 16 Jul 2001 16:27:14 -0500, "Norse Of Course"
> <SV650...@yahoo.com> scrisse:
> You can buy the ARAI model MAVERICK
> especially designed for the naked-bike.
> Very Silent......
>
>
> ciao.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> Togliere la"x" per rispondere via E-mail, grazie .
> Remove the "x" to post reply via E-mail, thanks .
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
>
I went on their website, but did not find this model.

Michael Adams


Scott_ZX-6R

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Jul 17, 2001, 2:00:30 PM7/17/01
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Be advised, that low wind noise and good ventilation are usually mutually
exclusive. If you ride in hot weather, you may want to test-ride with a few
helmets to see which gives you the balance you are looking for.

I recently went through the process of looking for my second helmet (I
bought the first one on impulse and regretted it). My dealer recommended
going with a helmet with good ventilation and then wearing earplugs. This
is the best advice I ever received. I now own a Shoei XSP-II helmet that I
got really cheap on close-out (check your dealers and web vendors) and I
wear Super Hearos (www.hearos.com) earplugs whenever I ride. Right now my
average afternoon temperature is over 100 degrees (Dallas, TX) and I am
really glad that I went this route.

You may want to look at the recent earplugs thread that has been going on in
this newsgroups the last week or so for more information.

Hope this helps.

Scott
'01 ZX-6R

"Michael Adams" <michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> wrote in message

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Michael Adams


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Beffie @ Work

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Jul 17, 2001, 3:06:11 PM7/17/01
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In article <EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, "Michael
says...

>
>Does anyone have any recommendations for a helmet which has been
>specifically designed for low wind noise? My bike doesn't have a faring, so
>I get the full brunt of the wind. I would like to get one that is
>especially quiet.

FWIW, i found that my Shoei RF700 was very quiet. my Arai Quantum /f is NOT. ear
plugs...very good ear plugs. ;)

can't speak for the other Shoeis, other than the RF700.

-Beffie Hard @ Work
http://lonestar.texas.net/~beffie
'00 SV650 (Boo-Boo the Monster Slayer)
DoD #4508, NGG Crack Sleuth, CMRA Team Greezy Kitty Mad Scientist

Ron Loewy

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Jul 17, 2001, 5:51:24 PM7/17/01
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"Beffie @ Work" <bef...@texas.net> wrote in message
news:9j22b...@drn.newsguy.com...
> In article <EZH47.7633$23.8...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, >

> FWIW, i found that my Shoei RF700 was very quiet. my Arai Quantum /f is
NOT. ear
> plugs...very good ear plugs. ;)
>
> can't speak for the other Shoeis, other than the RF700.

My RF800 is very quiet with the visor down. With the visor up there is a
shriek from the wind. I usually ride with the visor all the down or with
just a crack open for ventilation and it is very quiet in both position.

Ron.

HateSpam

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Jul 17, 2001, 6:05:35 PM7/17/01
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Someone else may have mentioned it, but the current issue of Sport Rider has
ratings for 82 helmets. No sure if they delve into wind noise insulation,
however.

The Shoeir RF800, now replaced by the RF900, is supposedly to be among the
quietest. I have the RF800 and recommend it highly. You can still buy it at
a very good price because it is being fazed out. From what I can see,
there's little difference with the RF900, but you might want to check that
one too.

The best protection is ear plugs, as some others have mentioned and if
you're really concerned about the effects of prolonged exposure to
wind/road/engine noise, that would be the way to go.

On a slightly different tangent, can anyone recommend a brand of ear plug
and a source? I've tried those soft, roll 'em up, stuff in your ears type
and they just don't work for me. I can't get them in well enough and what
little I can manage, doesn't seem to be particularly effective. I can still
hear my wife! I take that back. She's a good one.


ThinkTank

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Jul 17, 2001, 5:56:32 PM7/17/01
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>
> FWIW, i found that my Shoei RF700 was very quiet. my Arai Quantum /f is
NOT. ear
> plugs...very good ear plugs. ;)
>
> can't speak for the other Shoeis, other than the RF700.
>
> -Beffie Hard @ Work


I find my RF700 to be quite loud as far as wind is concerned, but riding a
nekkid bike will give you more wind in the face. I do like Shoei's shield
system the best, however, and I do plan on buying another one quite soon.
Wouldn't a neckwrap reduce windnoise also?


Giuliano Cisarri

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Jul 18, 2001, 3:56:25 AM7/18/01
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Il Tue, 17 Jul 2001 16:54:10 GMT, "Michael Adams"
<michaela...@no-spm.hotmail.com> scrisse:

>--
>>
>I went on their website, but did not find this model.
>
>Michael Adams
>
>
Well, Michael :))
The name Maverick is for the European Market.....(I have the Maverick
and the Quantum...) excusme, I'm Italian Biker...

well, for the American Market the name is :
RENEGADE

Besides the new model exists and it in America are called Tracker GT,
while it in Italy stays still with the Maverick name.

Don't wonder me, because in America they have put two models.....


I hope to be you useful state.


ciao Giuliano.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

David S Spear

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Jul 18, 2001, 4:51:12 PM7/18/01
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Hmm, I found quite the opposite... I just bought a Quantum/f and am amazed
how quiet it is... I haven't been bothering with earplugs as I do almost all
of my riding with the face shield down. This helmet replaced my Shoei RF700
and for me it's much quieter. I guess it depends on the shape of your
head. ONe thing I do like about the Arai is the air dam that retracts from
the bottom of the helmet which channels a lot of the wind and reduces noise

dave

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