New Enduro Helmet

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Abel's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/15
I’m in the market for a new enduro-type helmet. From my research there are three makes that I think one needs to seriously consider: the Arai XD3, BMW Enduro and the Shoei Hornet. Some specific questions – 1) Is there any other make worth considering? 2) What is your experience with any of these helmets that may help me to make the decision? 3) Obviously, the BMW Enduro helmet I need to buy at the agency. Where is the best place to look for the other two makes? I read the reviews on these helmets webBikeWorld.com.
The ride is the destination.
Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
Hi Able, I have the Bmw Enduro. I have used it on and off road, and on the track and am happy with it, BUT the thing does make my ears damn sore, admittedly, I have not looked at making some ear space and it could be because of sun glasses, but it hurts. The visor wears its pivot 'screws' down after a while...I found a way round that issue and the anti fog dies after a while, so again some effort to modify an anti-fog insert, but the peak is what I am most happy with. I had an Arai TourX, the peak vibrated badly for me...I had to sell it. I fancied the Shoei but it came out after I bought, and I did over- hear a few poor comments. Try and get a test ride with your choice as each person may/ may not have buffeting/ noise issues.
Jaco Kies's picture
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Joined: 2009/07/04
Hi Neil, How did you fix the visor problem on your enduro helmet? I also have a enduro helmet and the visor does'nt stay closed. MY BIKEMY BIKE
Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
With me it was keeping it open,this is the link, but use SEARCH as there may be more info. http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/bmw-enduro-helmet-maintenance http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/winter-mist-and-your-helmet
Gavin Cooper's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/25
I have had my BM Enduro helment for a year or so now. Took a few months to get fitted to my head and now find it brilliant. No problems at all. Maybe two worth noting. 1. With side winds seem to get more buffeting that with my normal road helmet - a system 3 (?). 2. Similar to Neil in as much as if I do not tuck my ears in properley when donning the helmet for a ride then I have the sore ear problem. If I do things correctly no problem and has made my off-road riding a pleasure. As with Neil the peak is the big boon.
Cloudgazer Steven's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/03
The BMW is much narrower than the Arai - which would explain why some people's ears hurt. On the plus side, its much lighter than the Arai (which is surprisingly heavy) The peak on all these helmets do tend to catch the wind, unlike full face helmets.
There are so many problems in this world. Luckily there's a wristband available for almost all of them.
tbk
tbk's picture
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Joined: 2008/09/04
Abel, I have had my Shoei Hornet for about 18 months now and from day one it was comfortable with decent space for my ears, unlike the BMW helmet which I tried along with the Arai. In my experience the Arai and the Hornet are the two worth considering. Both have top notch finish and unlike the BMW helmet will not wear out the visor rachets. Both come with proper anti mist double visor inserts that work and will not at some stage stop working. The shorter peak on the Shoei has never been an issue for me in all conditions, If needed I would just tilt my head slightly.The very long peak on the Arai vibrates to the extent that it blurred my vision at speeds in excess of 120km/h. I have heard that some Arai owners have resorted to sticking a wheel balancing weight on the underside of the peak to counter the vibrations.I recently bought a BMW Sport Integral helmet from BMW SA sale which was priced at cost + VAT at R1568! The same helmet was selling for over R4000 in the lifestyle stores!
KarinP's picture
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Joined: 2009/04/30
Hi Abel, both GAW and I have been riding with Shoei Hornets for 6 months; so far so good & the Hornet seemed to like my head shape (or other way round). As tbk says, the anti-fog system works well, as do all the vents. I get more buffeting from the peak than Gavin does, but this is noticeable only really in cross-winds (still trying to figure out if my screen is the right height) - no problem on a fairly quiet/wind-free day. Having said that, I adjusted the position of the peak a little & this seemed to help. We bought our helmets from Tracmac in town - we were lucky enough to get them before the prices went up.
rick's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22
Howzit Abel - check these out as well , dot and snel rated and 1/3 the price. ( I know price should not be a factor whith a helmet, but some of the guys we ride with are over the moon with them) For an independent road test follow this link - http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/zeus-helmet/zeus-zs-2100-b/
Abel's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/15
Thank you for all the sound feedback. I irritated seven kinds of water out of some of the sales people in my search for the right helmet. However, it is a lot of money you have to pay for something that is one of the most important pieces of equipment and the right decision is important. In the end I decided on the Shoei Hornet. Used it on my way back to Saldanha and it was good. I like the better view and the fit. It is noisier, though, than the Arai Chaser I used until now. The ride is the destination.
The ride is the destination.
Steph (not verified)
My pennies worth, if you stay in Cape Town where we "enjoy” the South Easter and you do the occasional 140Km/h plus on an open road, DO NOT buy the BMW Enduro Helmet. Your neck will be amputated in a Crosswind South Easter. I sold mine and bought the Sport Integral. BMW could hardly have made an uglier helmet, but it is very light and very quiet with no effect in any kind of wind. I just did 5800 km in 6days through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, it was almost like riding without a Helmet, and you forget that you are wearing a helmet. What I would like is the peak on the Helmet for the early Mornings and late afternoon sun, though. If you are serious about Riding and not about image, I would recommend that you look at anything but the BMW Enduro.
Freakonaleash's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/19
Check this out and yes it was available in SA last I heard. .. .. .. .. Hints allegations and things left unsaid, but UVEX makes the BMW Enduro helmet as well. 073 157 1168 021 5100 911 marius@millroy.co.za (w) freakonaleash@telkomsa.net (h) skype: marius-burger
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GJ
GJ's picture
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Joined: 2009/04/08
I have seen this Uvex helmet as above. It looks extremely good and gives a nice fit - however not as soft as my AraiTX3. I was also impressed at how light it is, and apparently the peak's design provides for less side wind shakes. The price is round R5500 and you can contact Off Road Cycles in Pretoria. The might be able to tell you who in CT stocks them. If you are also on the WD forum you can contact Runner - it's his shop. Good luck! "If I always do what I've always done, I'll always get what I've always got."
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Freakonaleash's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/19
Speak to matthew at Bikegear for a better price direct, they are the importers. http://www.bikegear.co.za/ http://www.bikegear.co.za/adde3961-189f-49af-a5e5-0f41e569c1ea-9.html Clearshield, improve your outlook on life ! 073 157 1168 021 5100 911 marius@millroy.co.za (w) freakonaleash@telkomsa.net (h) skype: marius-burger RIDE,RACE,P
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HeavyMetal's picture
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Joined: 2009/07/22
A friend and myself drove down to Stilbaai this weekend, he has a Hornet and the only complaint was that the sidewinds(was really strong) made his head bob a bit. This was with speeds at +180. I personally would buy the Hornet. The Arai i tried was very comfy but heavy, and the bigger peak will just make you feel wind even more. I have also heard people complain about the noise levels of the Arai. Safety wise all three helmets are on parr.

One cannot cross a chasm in two small leaps.

Maritz's picture
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Joined: 2008/05/17
That UVEX helmet looks pretty sweet.