[chipcruiser]

Thanks a ton cyborg, IshaanIan, Neil, Redline, Rajesh et al for all the inputs. I absorbed all of it and here is what I am thinking

1. I realised that there is a critical component missing for me - which is real world experience using “any” premium helmets other than my entry level Studds. Without that I am not able to definitively answer if sunvisor, D ring, weight, noise, aerodynamics, fit or any other features matter to me. So at some level I am not able to answer Neil’s qn of do I want a race helmet or not. Because frankly I don’t even know what one is! When IshaanIan asked me to look there, it was my first introduction to Shark as a brand. So if I am going to invest 75K-1L on a helmet (that is what the Arai RX7V or AGV Pista or Shoei costs) I must know why I am doing it - for aerodynamics or noise or comfort or what. So I am more or less settling to trust the SHARP ratings and start with something more mid-budget in the under 40K range. Over time, if I feel the need for it I am thinking I will upgrade.

2. There is also another reason for it. I am not able to understand how to get the Arai in a trustworthy manner. Performance racing told me that one of their RX7V is a 2019 manufacture - maybe that is why it was 75K was others were 87K. I feel like if I have a bit more experience on what I need I can pick up the Arai in Europe/US/elsewhere when I travel in the post Covid world. That way I get to experience it as well before buying.

3. I also feel like I want to buy in a reputable place - Lets Gear Up/Biking Spirit/Orion all looks fine and so I prefer that I actually touch and feel the actual helmet and buy it. I am a little reluctant to still order one in from an on line store since I am kind of between sizes and would really like to be sure.

On that note I made another visit to Lets Gear Up (HSR) and they were even better this time. I spent a lot of time trying out Scorpion EXO 1400 and AGV K3. Both seemed comfortable after wearing it for a while. Still could not decide between MS and ML on AGV K3 and they said come and wear it for 30 mins each before deciding - great! The Scorpion is carbon fiber great value for money and good features but I am not able to find any SHARP rating for it. They have several new AGVs in stock and I love the K3 graphics - I know should not fall for looks. They also said they can order in a K5/K6 if needed. K5 is fibreglass. K6 is carbon fibre but no sun visor. They are more or less that once I ascertain sizes on K3 it should follow for K5/K6.

So at this point I am tempted to choose either the Scorpion or AGV K3/K5/K6. They are available in LGU in the size I need. Once I use them for some time, then I figure out if I need to upgrade to Arai/AGV Pista/Shoei etc and if so what matters to me on the upgrade. 

I am just going to assume that since these are fairly popular models, they should be fine from a safety standpoint. Happy to hear thoughts.

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

On that note I made another visit to Lets Gear Up (HSR) and they were even better this time.

Whatever you end up deciding, you're in good hands with LGU. Bought my Scorpion 1400 from them, lovely people. My helmet buying experience involved similar amounts of overthinking but finally ended up with the Scorpion, because it ticked the most boxes at the least price.

[chipcruiser]

Originally Posted by RiderZone

Whatever you end up deciding, you're in good hands with LGU. Bought my Scorpion 1400 from them, lovely people. My helmet buying experience involved similar amounts of overthinking but finally ended up with the Scorpion, because it ticked the most boxes at the least price.

Glad to know I am not the only "overthinking" one

Quick question - Scorpion EXO 1400 Carbon fibre does not seem to have SHARP rating. Bothered you?

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

Glad to know I am not the only "overthinking" one

Quick qn - Scorpion EXO 1400 Carbon fibre does not seem to have SHARP rating. Bothered you?

Not at all. Like I mentioned in an older comment, the non-carbon 1400 has 4* SHARP, no reason to believe this will be too far behind that. In the end, my primary requirement for the helmet was low weight, for the added comfort. Also wanted to have an internal sunvisor, for the convenience of touring without an extra visor. The Airfit system may be helpful in the future if the fit gets less snug over time. I was just tired of looking for the "perfect" helmet, the Scorpion seemed close enough

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by RajeshKanna

So, after many days of digging into the world of helmets and certifications and rating and stuff, i had finally ordered an Airoh Valor from High Note Performance and also received it couple of days back. It cost me about 13k. I have no reference here so i would not know if this is better or worse than the other options out there since this is my first helmet. But going by the suggestions i got here i guess it should be good enough atleast for a start.

Congratulations on your new helmet. It has a really attractive colour scheme!

Originally Posted by RajeshKanna

Thanks and here are the pictures sir. On a flip side, is extremely hard to remove cheek pads in this helmet. Whoever is having I here, can you guys share how to do that? Perhaps a video reference would be helpful. Hardly anything in Youtube also.

I had planned to check this at my local store, I forgot to do so the last time I went there. Let me see if I can swing by this week and check.

Originally Posted by Cyborg

When you finally buy the helmet you want, photographs are mandatory my friend. Kindly rectify that as soon as possible

I agree! A lot of international motorcycle forums have a strict informal rule - if there are no pictures to share, then you didnt buy it!

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

So I am more or less settling to trust the SHARP ratings and start with something more mid-budget in the under 40K range. Over time, if I feel the need for it I am thinking I will upgrade.

This is a very sensible decision. I bought my first race helmet after 15 years of riding, so I had enough experience with other good mid range helmets to understand and appreciate what I was gaining by going up the ladder.

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

2. There is also another reason for it. I am not able to understand how to get the Arai in a trustworthy manner. Performance racing told me that one of their RX7V is a 2019 manufacture - maybe that is why it was 75K was others were 87K. I feel like if I have a bit more experience on what I need I can pick up the Arai in Europe/US/elsewhere when I travel in the post Covid world. That way I get to experience it as well before buying.

Normally, the base colours for any helmet are lower priced that the racer inspired graphics one. So, that is why the base black or white RX7V helmets are at Rs 80,000 and the MotoGP / WSBK rider graphics are at Rs 87,000.

The lower priced Randy Mamola based one costing Rs 75K is definitely an old helmet, if it was new it would have been priced at Rs 87K. Did the mention if the other RX7V helmets are 2020 or newer?

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

3. I also feel like I want to buy in a reputable place - Lets Gear Up/Biking Spirit/Orion all looks fine and so I prefer that I actually touch and feel the actual helmet and buy it. I am a little reluctant to still order one in from an on line store since I am kind of between sizes and would really like to be sure.

Try and buy. Even with the K5 or K6, ask the retailer(s) to arrange for a new helmet in your size and preferred colour option with no strings attached. So, if you dont like the fit of the K5 / K6, you shouldnt be pressured into taking it since it was arranged to be brought only for you etc. The right dealer will know that you are serious about the purchase and do the needful.

Right now, I would say go with the K3SV for its
- relative affordability,
- proven heritage,
- real world feedback (a lot of us here are using it) in Indian conditions,
- drop down sun visor,
- attractive paint schemes,
- freshness of stocks
- multiple dealers to buy from (at least one of them will get you a small discount if you ask) and
- 4* SHARP rating.

[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

So if I am going to invest 75K-1L on a helmet (that is what the Arai RX7V or AGV Pista or Shoei costs)

Arai will give you the best ventilation possible. I'd stay away from AGV or Shoei unless you're a huge Rossi/Marquez fan as they are a bit overpriced according to me. Did you check out the X-Lite X803? It is the lightest FIM certified lid or atleast was at the time of its launch. You should be able to pick it up for between 40-50k. The reason I recommended a race lid is because at the end of the day the helmet will be on your face every time you ride so small things like light weight, weight distribution, optics, liner material comfort matter a lot as the helmet will become a home for your head throughout the period of riding.

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

So at this point I am tempted to choose either the Scorpion or AGV K3/K5/K6. They are available in LGU in the size I need.

According to me AGVs are extremely overpriced for what they offer so if you're sticking to a midrange lid, go for Scorpion

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

There is also another reason for it. I am not able to understand how to get the Arai in a trustworthy manner. Performance racing told me that one of their RX7V is a 2019 manufacture - maybe that is why it was 75K was others were 87K. I feel like if I have a bit more experience on what I need I can pick up the Arai in Europe/US/elsewhere when I travel in the post Covid world. That way I get to experience it as well before buying.

Very mature decision chipcruiser. You will also get more options in the segment with reference to colours/graphics and will be cost effective too.

I bought the Shoei X14 from Singapore a few years back for around INR 38,500 after the VAT return at the airport. Got a pin lock insert free with the helmet as well. The same helmet was available here for around INR 70,000 at the time. The plan was to get the helmet first and convince my Wife for a big bike in sometime. Plan didn’t work out and I sold the helmet to a friend (at cost) within two months. My friend said I bought the helmet for him . The bike plan is still a work in progress, started with an Activa 125

One more thing, properly try whichever helmet you settle for, here or abroad. Don’t buy anything without trying from a particular brand, at least for first time. I had tried an Arai at Performance Racing in Bombay (don’t remember which one) before going to Singapore in a size S (Shoei was a size M). While the Shoei was a very good fit, I still remember, the fit of the Arai was in a different league for me. It was as if the Arai was made for my head and felt like home (if that makes sense). Bought the Shoei as I fell in love with the MM93 graphics.











Happy hunting!

Cheers

[Sebring]

Meet Forcite. The smart helmet

https://youtu.be/13X8WmjfxCU

[chipcruiser]

Again great inputs from everyone

Riderzone: Thanks for your input on the Scorpion SHARP rating.

Neil: MSP Moto World is saying that the 5 year shelf life starts from the time you start using it. I also heard this a couple of times from other stores. Not sure it is true. Yes the Mamola is 75K. I am assuming the rest are newer - I have asked him. I found your argument on why K3SV very convincing - especially the tried and tested on Indian conditions part. Also thanks so much for the push to let the retailer try and buy the K5/K6. I may not have pushed for it without your input.

IshaanIan: Yes when I buy a premium helmet, it will 99% be an Arai. I tried an Axcess 3 and found even that wonderful - and it is their entry model. Thanks for your input on the Scorpion vs AGV. I am going to make a decision on that in store since the same store has K3 and EXO 1400. No, I could not find the X-Lite 803 in any store so far.

Cyborg: I completely understand your Arai fit comment. I felt the same.

I am a bit caught up for the next 10 days so cannot spare the time to visit the store and complete the purchase. But once I am done, will keep the forum updated and will not forget to post pics!

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

While the Shoei was a very good fit, I still remember, the fit of the Arai was in a different league for me. It was as if the Arai was made for my head and felt like home (if that makes sense). Bought the Shoei as I fell in love with the MM93 graphics.



Cheers

Just a general note on this point for the wider audience.

Arai helmets are typically made for round heads. Most asian heads are round. Apparently the fit of the european and american arai helmets (yes different line for those markets) are different from the Japan market lids. Performance racing sources from Europe if am not mistaken.

Shoei is traditionally for long or intermediate oval heads.

Ofcourse these are just general observations, some of our heads might fall between a round and oval and hence most such helmets will fit us. But, just see the small arai for you perfect but you had to do a medium in shoei. Thats because of the head shape.

AGV is also inter oval. Most of europe and american heads are long or inter oval heads.

I am a round head and measure 54 cms (xs). I measured my own head multiple times and also took a head shot of my head from the top to figure out what shape i fit into.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Of course these are just general observations, some of our heads might fall between a round and oval and hence most such helmets will fit us. But, just see the small arai for you perfect but you had to do a medium in shoei. Thats because of the head shape.

Agree and understand what you are saying. I bought the Scorpion Exo 400 a couple of months ago which is a size S and it’s a perfect snug fit. I even find the fit and comfort of the Scorpion Exo 400 to be better than the Shoei X14.

Cheers

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

Neil: MSP Moto World is saying that the 5 year shelf life starts from the time you start using it. I also heard this a couple of times from other stores. Not sure it is true. Yes the Mamola is 75K. I am assuming the rest are newer - I have asked him.

Below is what the Arai website states. Ive highlighted the crucial part.

All Arai helmets are warranted against defects in material and workmanship, and as serviceable only for the properly fitted first user for 5 years after purchase, but no more than 7 years from the date of manufacture. Based on the recommendations of the Snell Memorial Foundation www.smf.org it should be replaced within 5 years of first use.

Any Arai helmet or Arai helmet part found by Arai, or its authorized agents, to be defective in materials and/or workmanship within 5 years of the date of purchase, but no more than 7 years from the date of manufacture, will be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of Arai, free of charge to the original purchaser, when returned freight prepaid to the address provided by Arai.

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

I am going to make a decision on that in store since the same store has K3 and EXO 1400.

I was watching the Revzilla review of the Scorpion and the presenter brings up an excellent point with respect to the notch on the visor being right at the middle and hence proving to be inconvenient to use in the real world. While riding, you might often feel the need to lift the visor, whether it is by one notch (to let in some airflow and prevent the fogging of your glasses) or completely (to ask a passerby the directions to your destination) etc. The AGV K3's notch is placed very conveniently to the side and you can easily slide it up in one easy motion. With the Scorpion, it looks like it can get fidgety, especially if you are doing it on the move.

Revzilla

Originally Posted by chipcruiser

No, I could not find the X-Lite 803 in any store so far.

I am almost certain that no new XLite helmets have been imported recently.

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

I was watching the Revzilla review of the Scorpion and the presenter brings up an excellent point with respect to the notch on the visor being right at the middle and hence proving to be inconvenient to use in the real world. While riding, you might often feel the need to lift the visor, whether it is by one notch (to let in some airflow and prevent the fogging of your glasses) or completely (to ask a passerby the directions to your destination) etc.

Can confirm it's a bit annoying on the Scorpion, takes some force to make it open up, and you end up pushing the chin vent down for the leverage. Not a deal breaker for me, quickly got used to it, but definitely not ideal.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

All Arai helmets are warranted against defects in material and workmanship, and as serviceable only for the properly fitted first user for 5 years after purchase, but no more than 7 years from the date of manufacture.

With the Scorpion, it looks like it can get fidgety, especially if you are doing it on the move.

Thanks for the information on the Arai Neil, very good to know.

My Scorpion Exo 400 has two visor opening slats on either side.



Cheers

[neil.jericho]

A little birdie tells me that new AGV helmets may not be coming into the Indian market for the near future, unless the government finalizes its rules and regulations around the mandatory ISI stamping. It makes no sense for the helmets to be brought in because if the government suddenly decides to make ISI a must have, these helmets will become dead stock for the distributors and retailers.

This might only be a temporary halt in imports. But if you are on the fence regarding AGV helmets, do consider picking them up in the next couple of months.