[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Aren't such tasks (or for that matter any tasks related to making adjustments to your riding gear) meant to be done only when stopped?

Few questions:
- There are quite of few posts of people wanting to upgrade from the HJC helmets. Some of the are entry level sub 10K priced model's. Where are these available?

- When I bought my Duke 390 over 8 years ago KYT was available in stores. These days you don't see them. Any reviews on this brand?

- I still see people ordering helmets from European sites. Is there any way to calculate the customs duty beforehand?

- Regarding the ISI rule implementation what's your experience? If you get pulled over and the cops find you with a Non ISI helmet, is it just a fine or do they confiscate the helmet?

pedrolourenco, answering some of your questions in no particular order
- To the best of my knowledge, MT helmets are now being made in India. This ensured that they were (and continue to be) easily available in the updated ISI certification era. A lot of the other brands went off store shelves in the ISI era.
- Airoh helmets are now being imported once again.
- You can easily drop a sun visor while you are on the move, without any risk whatsoever. This depends on how well designed the mechanism is.
- The LS2 Storm is a good near Rs 10K helmet which is widely available. MT has a range of helmets in the price range as well.
- I dont believe KYT is being actively imported right now. This could change depending on the market dynamics. As with any other brand, you get what you pay for. A friend who bought one of the KYT models for around Rs 8K was saying that the padding isnt holding up as well as he expected it to.
- The benchmark for import duty is 40%. Expect to be hit by it.
- The implementation of the ISI rule is aimed more at stores than riders. Store owners were averse to stocking non-ISI helmets once the ruling came in. Cops arent stopping riders to check for ISI / non ISI lids.

[DieselAnna]

Looking for a new Helmet in the 10-12K range. Currently I own a MT Hummer, which is 2 years old. Need to add another with following requirements:

1. Less noisy upto 100kmph
2. Micrometer lock
3. Weight < 1500gms

I have shortlisted the below:
1. LS2 FF800 (but the latest models come with Double D)
2. MT Thunder 4

Please share feedback on the same and should I consider some other brands.

Ideally I wanted to go for Airoh. I tried one in Mumbai at Crossroad Bikers (they are official dealer in Mumbai) and boy I loved it the moment I put it on. It was 24K with Pinlock.

But my usage, currently, doesn't justify a premium Helmet. I may pick up an expensive helmet later once I retire my MT Hummer as I don't intend to keep more than 2 Helmets ever.

[doomketu]

Originally Posted by DieselAnna

I have shortlisted the below:
1. LS2 FF800 (but the latest models come with Double D)
2. MT Thunder 4

Please share feedback on the same and should I consider some other brands.

i tested both of these recently. The MT did not quite sit flush and was always having some fit issues. That aside, the shell is rather large as compared to the LS2. I wore the LS2 and the padding felt comfortable. The fit was amazing and the noise dampening was good. I got the FF 800 Storm 2 with Sunshade included ( dual visor) so at highway speeds the wind noise may be more. With balaclava and ear plugs i am sure it will reduce to nil. This is based on personal bias and experience. Please do wear them and test them thoroughly. Headbang while listening to Slayer if you have to, to simulate the lovely roads , and see if the helmet moves around a bit.

Cheers

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

All am seeing are Axor, Axxis and LS2 MX436 /MX 701. Am not very keen on LS2 as somehow I find their fit and finish lacking. In my previous riding stint I had a SOL FF helmet and had loved it but now I don't see the brand being available any more.

I have been looking at Dual Sport Helmets and checked out both LS2 MX 436 Pioneer ( ECE 22.05) and MX 436 Pioneer II ( ECE 22.06)

The Pioneer II felt light inspite of the 1500 Gm weight. The padding is plush. I also checked the LS2 MX 701 which is priced at 19K. THE plushness of it is in a different level.

However, it is disappointing that today there is no Dual Sport helmet available between 10-19K.

I also checked out the Axor DS priced at 7.5K and even though it is ECE 22.06, wasn't impressed. Hence passed.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

I have been looking at Dual Sport Helmets and checked out both LS2 MX 436 Pioneer ( ECE 22.05) and MX 436 Pioneer II ( ECE 22.06)

The Pioneer II felt light inspite of the 1500 Gm weight. The padding is plush. I also checked the LS2 MX 701 which is priced at 19K. THE plushness of it is in a different level.

However, it is disappointing that today there is no Dual Sport helmet available between 10-19K.

I also checked out the Axor DS priced at 7.5K and even though it is ECE 22.06, wasn't impressed. Hence passed.

Axxis has a dualsport helmet for 10k

https://powersports.in/collections/a...-forest-helmet

and an MX helmet for 8200

https://powersports.in/collections/a...tocross-helmet

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by .sourov

Two weeks back went to Thailand for vacation and got home a AGV K6 (it was very unplanned as the MT is still new) from the store 786 in Bangkok.

My friends are going to Bangkok in a couple of weeks. I read somewhere that Arai and Shoei are much cheaper in the Far East compared to Europe and the US. I'm tempted toast them the get me one.

Originally Posted by SaurAswale

2. Ignyte IGN 7- Above the budget @6200rs (5600 on Flipkart/Amazon). But comes with Pinlock, dual visor and the double-D ring retention mechanism. Polycarbonate shell. Also first one in India to have ECE 22.06 rating.
It is the complete package on paper.
Cons are- At around 1800g, it is the most heavy one. Doubtful about availability of spares and aftersell support. There is also lack of Graphics. I have to be a guinea pig to try this one.

3. SMK Stellar- Slightly cheaper than the Axor Apex around 4300rs also comes with Pinlock 30 and has same weight.
It has quick release retention mechanism.
There is confusion about certification of this one. The official website says it is ECE 22.06 rated but most of the websites are selling with ECE 22.05 badge. (I think they are clearing stock of older ones, new stock will have ECE22.06)
I contacted one of the online seller (MotoCentral) to clear confusion, he said the new stock has ECE22.06 and told me to place order and I'll get newer one with 22.06 badge. Also send me picture of the lid with ECE 22.06.

I have these 2 on my radar as a stopgap helmet. SMK seems to be a better option due to lot a reviews on the brand. Ignyte on the other hand is relatively new but have the edge on paper.

Originally Posted by trailsndirt

I'd prefer to try the shells in the shop vs. an online buy, especially if on Amazon or FK.

This is the standard advise given by everyone on every forum / WA Group. While all of you do have a valid point you are forgetting the following:
- Not everyone lives in cities which have big stores selling gear where you can try out.
- Not every store has every model in every size to try out.
- Not everyone can travel to a City which has such stores.

For such people the only option is online purchases. I wish someone who has purchased online could post some tips on getting the right fit helmet online.

Originally Posted by Aaditto

Hello all!

I've been trying to locate a highway-worthy helmet - but with a small shell-size!

Same problem here. I was using a size "L". Didn't know then that my size was "M" (With Hair). Now that I've shaved my head, I've realised that I actually need "S".

So, I am basically looking for a full-face helmet - in size:S - but with a proportionally small shell-size!

Now that is where I am getting stumped. I can't really go to a Store, right away. Since I live & work in an interior rural project.

Again I have a similar problem.

So, I tried buying a helmet off Amazon. Actually, I bought and returned one (Open-face - Ignyte IGN-1), then bought and returned another one (Full-face - Ignyte IGN-7) off Amazon - since both of them had humongous shell-sizes (seemed to me that the company was using the same shell for the XXL as well as the S sizes!)

Other than the shell size, did you find anything else wrong with the Ignyte IGN-7?

At the moment, I am considering the SMK Stellar Sports Solid Matt Black (MA200) Full-face Helmet.

We seem to have a lot in common. I have also shortlisted this.

Another important factor for me is that I just can't deal with helmets that are jazzy/ full of graphics - Ideally, I need a matte black/ grey coloured one.

This is where we differ. I can't stand anything matte.

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

For such people the only option is online purchases. I wish someone who has purchased online could post some tips on getting the right fit helmet online.

Unfortunately this is a big problem buying something like a helmet online. I personally have purchased only one helmet online. While it has worked OK because it was the cheapest carbon fiber helmet available and the size was fine it still had quite a lot of pressure on my cheeks and if I tried it at a store I might not have bought the helmet. The two helmets I have bought from a store are more comfortable for me as I could try them on and wait for 5 mins to see if there was any excess pressure anywhere or it was too loose.

[trailsndirt]

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

This is the standard advise given by everyone on every forum / WA Group. While all of you do have a valid point you are forgetting the following:
- Not everyone lives in cities which have big stores selling gear where you can try out.
- Not every store has every model in every size to try out.
- Not everyone can travel to a City which has such stores.

For such people the only option is online purchases. I wish someone who has purchased online could post some tips on getting the right fit helmet online.

My suggestion will be to still go to whatever store you have access to, try as many different bands and variants as possible, and note what size feels the best.
Then you can take an educated guess as to which size and model you can pick from an online store. I prefer this be from those who sell bike gear vs. FK or Amazon where fakes can also be sold.

One key point to see is your head shape and the shell design - oval, long ovals round, etc.

[R-Six]

Originally Posted by DieselAnna

should I consider some other brands.

You might want to look at the Bell Qualifier range too. I think they might fall in your price bracket as well.

Ride Safe,
R-Six

[DieselAnna]

Originally Posted by R-Six

You might want to look at the Bell Qualifier range too. I think they might fall in your price bracket as well.

Ride Safe,
R-Six

A quick google search shows it is not available in Mumbai stores. It is present online at International stores easily though. I want to try the helmet personally this time before putting in my money. Primarily because it'll be my all season helmet for the foreseeable future. I plan to retire my MT next year.

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by trailsndirt

My suggestion will be to still go to whatever store you have access to, try as many different bands and variants as possible, and note what size feels the best.
Then you can take an educated guess as to which size and model you can pick from an online store. I prefer this be from those who sell bike gear vs. FK or Amazon where fakes can also be sold.
One key point to see is your head shape and the shell design - oval, long ovals round, etc.

I tried out a SMK Typhoon in S at the store. Fits quite tight so should break in with use. Went ahead and ordered the Stellar online.

Originally Posted by R-Six

You might want to look at the Bell Qualifier range too. I think they might fall in your price bracket as well.

Ride Safe,
R-Six

Originally Posted by DieselAnna

A quick google search shows it is not available in Mumbai stores. It is present online at International stores easily though. I want to try the helmet personally this time before putting in my money. Primarily because it'll be my all season helmet for the foreseeable future. I plan to retire my MT next year.

Even I was looking for the Bell Qualifier or the HJC C10. No one has it in stock.

[skviknaraj]

Originally Posted by DieselAnna

A quick google search shows it is not available in Mumbai stores. It is present online at International stores easily though. I want to try the helmet personally this time before putting in my money. Primarily because it'll be my all season helmet for the foreseeable future. I plan to retire my MT next year.

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

Even I was looking for the Bell Qualifier or the HJC C10. No one has it in stock.

Due to the ISI mandate, the major dealers do not stock non-ISI helmets. Even if they had them in stock, they will not be displayed openly. May be visiting them and enquiring directly will be helpful. But considering the time the ISI mandate has been implemented, the helmets themselves will be about 2 years old. Effectively they will have a service life of 3 more years.

However this has opened another market of sorts where certain people are importing the required helmet and selling it at a margin. This will be perfectly fine if you are cent percent sure about the size and model. You can actually reach out to them and get a size confirmation based on the current helmet you are using.

However, unless these guys are located in your city, you may not be able to try out the helmet. Also, as with dealing with any online / social media go through recommended persons and exercise caution.

[Thamps]

Got an SMK typhoon helmet for local runs like grocery shopping and movies where I prefer not to carry the helmet with me. Retired the 5 year old HJC CL17 which I had been using for the same.
Got the ECE 22.06 version. Comes with Internal Sunvisor, pinkock, and Double D retention. Fit and finish fits the price (MRP 4950)and has adequate ventilation with 3 vents on the chin, forehead and brow each.
The only strange thing is according to my head size, M should fit me right. But even after sizing down to S, it does not feel as tight as other brands like LS2, KYT, MT ,Scorpion etc.Even size M of previous generation SMK Stellar used to fit me snug.
From the different head measurements stated for same size shell for EU and Indian markets, my guess is SMK uses different types of cheek pads for different markets. Maybe it has 2 shell sizes, one for XS to M, and M to XXL(for India) and maybe another shell for XXL and above (for EU markets) or entirely different shells for Indian markets and Europe in which case, ECE rating in Indian versions may not be worth much.

[Greecemonk]

August 03 2024,
Got LS2 thunder carbon black color FF helmet, 34k inr and non negotiable, at helmet paradise opp urvashi theatre bangalore, they only had LS2 imported brand, they are small roadside shop with decent stock. Helmet came with 1 additional dark film visor, 1 anti fog film, set of 6 visor protector film use and throw, 1 head and face cover black, 1 neck pillow air inflatable black, 1 screw to open visor, 5 year paint protection.

Liked: looks slim, light weight, size S was perfect fit for me.

Will post detailed review after using it, yet to shop around gloves, jacket, riding pant and shoes.

Thanks for some teambhpian above in this thread for recommending few helmet brands and this store.

Edit: August 14, 2024.
My personal opinion:
Wearing LS2 thunder plus carbon helmet, I went 200 kms ride on interceptor 650 on NH44, cruised at speeds upto 130 kmph.
Pros:
-air doesnt pass inside helmet.
-noise cancellation satisfied.
-switch on 3 vents gives ample air to breath and doesnt sweat the hair on top.
Cons:
-helmet covers full face giving little view on sides, this is fine on highway, but in city i had to turn sideways to look who is coming side & beside.
- The helmet seemed issueless upto 100 kmph, after that at higher speeds with wind, felt some neck pain and winds pressed the helmet inner coir to my head giving some hard pressure that felt like some chinese punishment machine, i had to stop 3 times to remove helmet & wear it back again adjusting it to fit in different angle. Any advice appreciated
- the inner cloth cusion used is thin i feel.

My riding gear:
This is the first time i bought full set of essential riding gear.
Helmet - LS2 Thunder Plus Carbon black, 34k.
Gloves - Rynox Cramster k2k motospprt gloves black, 4.6k.
Pant - Rynox stealth air pro pants black mesh, 8k.
Jacket - Rynox tornado pro 4 jacket all black, 9k.
Boots - Korda tourmaster riding boots, 8k.


Shopping experience:
-at Rynox store kalyannagar bangalore was nice, no obligation and no sales pressure after trying jacket and pants, staff were polite and decent. Tried Jacket of my size, the model i chose was not in stock, so got it online.
-Boots at roadside shop, PowerSports kalyannagar bangalore, the staff were great, they encouraged to try every brand of shoes & gloves they have on shelf, asked to go out walk and try on bike, zero obligation to buy, picked up korda boots & a set of solace air-x gloves as they fitted me well.
- at helmet paradise opp urvashi theatre, they are small shop & authorized LS2 dealer, seems the sales people have targets here.

will post review again after using these.
Hope this will be usefull to someone.

[pedrolourenco]

Ordered the SMK Stellar on Amazon

https://amzn.in/d/fpmCKO9

Received it in XL instead of S which I ordered. In the returns section I only got the option of refund. Replacement was not available as there was not stock. However on browsing it was indeed available but the price had increased. Spoke to customer care and they said to order with the new price and they will refund the extra amount (Around Rs.750) in the form of a gift voucher.