Motorbike Helmet Noise

coolmangg · 09-03-2012 1:20pm #1

Hey,

I have a Caberg flip helmet, with integrated sun visor, it is my first helmet, and I really like it for comfort, style etc.
I do however find it a bit noisy when travelling at speed, like (100 - 120kph).
I am using ear plugs but it is still quite noisy particularly on long rides.
Can anybody tell me if all helmets are pretty noisy or if it is just Cabergs?
The bike itself is a Yamaha XMax 250 so not a particularly loud bike.

Aslo can anybody recommend a good, quiet, flip face, with built in sun visor helmet that wont break the bank!

Cheers.

ogriofa · 09-03-2012 2:14pm

Heya,
just throwing this out there... have you a touring screen on your bike?
I found mental wind noise on a previous bike with a big screen.

gipi · 09-03-2012 2:36pm

I had a Caberg and found it particularly noisy. Switched to a Schuberth C3 and although it's not the quietest, it was a lot quieter than the Caberg!

Pigeon Reaper · 09-03-2012 2:47pm

found most helmets are noisy. They do differ slightly depending on make but the screens affect the volume more.

Oryx · 09-03-2012 3:06pm

The C3 is known to be one of the quieter flips. Nolan N103s are quite noisy, the predecessor to that, the N102, was quieter even though it had an external sun visor.

None of them are going to be 'quiet'. You could try something like these earplugs which are better than the foam kind.

spankmaster2000 · 09-03-2012 3:15pm

gipi wrote: »

I had a Caberg and found it particularly noisy. Switched to a Schuberth C3 and although it's not the quietest, it was a lot quieter than the Caberg!

I've never tried the C3, but out of the 3 helmets I've had so far, the Schuberth was the quietest by a long shot.

KTRIC · 09-03-2012 3:16pm

I'm on my second C3 and I find it great.

spankmaster2000 · 09-03-2012 3:39pm

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Products/productsresults/Helmets/2009/July/jul2409-top1-quietest-helmets/

coolmangg · 09-03-2012 5:09pm

Thanks for that!
Yeah there is a screen on the bike, it's a half size one I think,
I originally had a larger one, but while it was quieter, it was hard to see through during wet weather and I thought it was very dangerous.

The Schuberth C3 looks great but quite expensive. Probably worth the investment though.
Start saving me-thinks.
Anybody know where they are sold in Dublin?

Del2005 · 10-03-2012 10:02am

coolmangg wrote: »

Thanks for that!
Yeah there is a screen on the bike, it's a half size one I think,
I originally had a larger one, but while it was quieter, it was hard to see through during wet weather and I thought it was very dangerous.

Have you tried to adjust the screen for better air flow? May be cheaper than buying a new lid if you can, if it's possible, or look into fairing deflectors.

DaveD · 10-03-2012 12:17pm

coolmangg wrote: »

The Schuberth C3.
Anybody know where they are sold in Dublin?

Megabikes sell them afaik.

I wear an RX7 GP and its noisy. Always wear earplugs though. Helps a little!

Hotblack Desiato · 11-03-2012 9:24pm

coolmangg wrote: »

I originally had a larger one, but while it was quieter, it was hard to see through during wet weather and I thought it was very dangerous.

Looking through the screen is not a good idea imho (and it will fail the bike in the German TUV test) but the idea is that it deflects the air up. There are screens available with flipped up top edges to give the effect of a higher screen while being physically lower.

I don't like big screens myself, I prefer to have my helmet in 'clean' air as this is quieter, I ride sport or sport-touring bikes so the effect of the screen is to keep the wind pressure off my chest, rather than anything to do with keeping rain of me

WildSalome · 11-03-2012 10:33pm

Had 2 Dainese helmets and were not as noisy as Arai. Never need to wear earplugs though.

coolmangg · 12-03-2012 10:31am

This is the bike,
The screen is low on it, but may be causing the noise,
Can anybody recommend a DIY deflector that I can attach to the existing screen?

Thanks

thecivvie · 13-03-2012 2:44pm

I have a Duchinni D909 and it drives me nuts on my Deauville but only when the visor is down, tried a new visor and still the same. I am looking at a Shark Vison-R but wondering about noise with them

alanmc · 13-03-2012 6:10pm

I had a Roof Boxer flip lid for a while. Very noisy. Used to drive me nuts at motorway speed.

Went back to a full-face lid recently. Bought an AGV Stealth with integrated sun visor. Quietest lid I've owned. But since you're looking for a flip lid, not much help.

The Schuberth is defo supposed to be the most refined flip available. But that's reflected in the price. All I can say is The Roof Boxer is not what you're looking for.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 14-03-2012 7:36pm

Genuine question here.

When people talk about noisy helmets are we talking about wind noise or the engine/exhaust sounds?.

Like I said, genuine question as I've never had what I'd consider a noisy helmet.

Del2005 · 14-03-2012 7:45pm

Jose Clean Toilet wrote: »

Genuine question here.

When people talk about noisy helmets are we talking about wind noise or the engine/exhaust sounds?.

Like I said, genuine question as I've never had what I'd consider a noisy helmet.

Wind noise. Your lucky if you've never heard it. Worst bit is going to the bother of putting in plugs, for one of to slip out but you don't notice till too late.

alanmc · 14-03-2012 7:49pm

Wind noise. The flip lids are especially guilty of this. The mechanism that allows the chin bar to flip up can cause wind resistence (similar to a car window that's open a crack). Gets quite noisy at 100 ..... errr 74.56 miles per hour. :eek:

Full face lids can get noisy if they don't have good aero properties. I had an Arashi which had vents in the top of the lid to aid in cooling your noodle. But it made the helmet quite noisy. It's also a function of the sound deadening properties of the padding.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 14-03-2012 8:04pm

Grand stuff, thanks for the replies.

I'm interested as I'm in the process of choosing a new lid, my current helmet is over ten years old.. Anyway, I noticed when I was looking around this morning how lightweight helmets are now compared to my old Arai and got to thinking if this (light weight materials) contributed to helmet noise.

I kinda chose a KBC open face, the thing hardly weighs more than my bicycle helmet!.

Please Kill Me · 14-03-2012 9:36pm

Jose Clean Toilet wrote: »

Grand stuff, thanks for the replies.

I'm interested as I'm in the process of choosing a new lid, my current helmet is over ten years old.. Anyway, I noticed when I was looking around this morning how lightweight helmets are now compared to my old Arai and got to thinking if this (light weight materials) contributed to helmet noise.

I kinda chose a KBC open face, the thing hardly weighs more than my bicycle helmet!.

KBC are decent enough. I have a couple myself. And a couple of Sharks. And a couple of HJC's. :pac: But yeah, helmets these days weigh a LOT less than they used to. One of my HJC's weigh 1050gms, which isn't a lot.

ogriofa · 15-03-2012 2:01am

Jose Clean Toilet wrote: »

Grand stuff, thanks for the replies.

I'm interested as I'm in the process of choosing a new lid, my current helmet is over ten years old.. Anyway, I noticed when I was looking around this morning how lightweight helmets are now compared to my old Arai and got to thinking if this (light weight materials) contributed to helmet noise.

I kinda chose a KBC open face, the thing hardly weighs more than my bicycle helmet!.

Good call, I reckon visors can play a roll in the noise also.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 21-03-2012 8:29pm

I wish I hadn't read this thread now, my helmet is driving me nuts and I've wondering where I can plug gaps to cut down on the noise :mad:

(I never noticed these things before).

TheFairy · 22-03-2012 12:20am

My cheapo helmet is well noisy. Just picked up a Shoei Hornet and its a lot quieter. Also started wearying a neck tube and the positioning of that also helps a lot.

RosieJoe · 22-03-2012 1:17pm

Jose Clean Toilet wrote: »

I wish I hadn't read this thread now, my helmet is driving me nuts and I've wondering where I can plug gaps to cut down on the noise :mad:

(I never noticed these things before).

Depends on you helmet I suppose. You can buy Whisper Kits for Shoei's that reduce noise, see here

You might be able to pick up something similar for your own lid though.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 22-03-2012 1:54pm

RosieJoe wrote: »

Depends on you helmet I suppose. You can buy Whisper Kits for Shoei's that reduce noise, see here

You might be able to pick up something similar for your own lid though.

Thanks, but I'm well used to noise now I guess.

I never really gave noisy helmets much thought, then I read this thread. Bought a new helmet yesterday and thought it was dreadfully noisy but by the time I was driving home from work today I'd forgotten all about it again

Hotblack Desiato · 22-03-2012 3:17pm

Joking aside, helmet noise can cause serious hearing loss in the long term, especially at higher speeds if you don't wear earplugs.

spankmaster2000 · 22-03-2012 3:59pm

I genuinely think that my hearing is fudged because of helmet noise / wind noise. Well; it's not what it should be anyway!

For about a year I used to do a Waterford <-> Dublin commute on the weekends and there were plenty of times where I forgot to bring earplugs, but said "f**k it, I'll be grand".
2 hours or whistling and howling in your ears can't be good for you.

I know I've said this before; there are dozens of things to look out for when buying a helmet; and of course safety comes first, but a "nice to have" is always a quieter helmet as well.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 22-03-2012 6:17pm

ninja900 wrote: »

Joking aside, helmet noise can cause serious hearing loss in the long term, especially at higher speeds if you don't wear earplugs.

Damage has long been done so.. I'm riding bikes both in my profession and for pleasure since 1985 - I'm that old

LookBehindYou · 22-03-2012 8:31pm

The screen on your scooter is deflecting the air towards your helmet and under it. Do something with your screen, or wear a balaclava under the helmet.

tiernanobrien · 22-03-2012 8:34pm

my caberg was also a joke for noise... I have a htc carbon now and its the business!

CJhaughey · 22-03-2012 9:26pm

Get some wide tape and tape over little holes and features one at a time.
Its possible to work out exactly which parts cause the most noise this way and you can leave the tape on to quiet it down.

Hotblack Desiato · 23-03-2012 12:21am

LookBehindYou wrote: »

The screen on your scooter is deflecting the air towards your helmet and under it. Do something with your screen, or wear a balaclava under the helmet.

Try taking the screen off. Your helmet will be in clean air and probably a lot quieter. If this works, a lower screen might give a better balance between weather protection and noise.

coolmangg · 18-05-2012 3:29pm

Cheers for the replies, I've added a spoiler to the screen (see Link) and she seems to be much quieter now.

Might try remove the screen altogether as some have mentioned and see if that works also.

Meanwhile saving for a C3.

http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/MRA_Spares.html#aCOL56095

Wally Runs · 21-05-2012 5:50pm

As said before, if you are going to spend time on the bike you really need ear plugs not matter how good the helment. Once your hearing is damaged there is no means of repair.

I use these and they cost €150. They are custom fitted and widely available. Expensive you may think but when compared (as with most bits of safety equipment) to the damage you may get without using them, they are cheap.

Because they are custom fitted, they are very comfortable, they simply filter out the wind noise so you can still hear what is going on around you.

Spend a little more and you can have speakers put in them so you could wire up to your phone etc. Mind you that is one of the great things about the bike, you can get away from the phone.

positron · 22-05-2012 9:04am

Good suggestions all around.

I have been commuting on M1 for little over a year now, and my pre-existing mild tinnitus (from tropical forest - critters) has become much more obvious and annoying now, and I am absolutely certain that was because I was riding with ill-fitting headphones under the helmet, which didn't cut out as much noise I was hoping it would.

A few things I have noticed over the year:

* Race helmets are setup for weight-saving, not for noise-isolation or long commutes. If you are motorway commuter, look into commuting style helmets.

* Each helmet has an optimum angle / lean that will give you the least amount of noise. The cheep and cheerful Nitro Akido that I have been using is pretty noisy if you hold your head straight with the visor 90 degrees against the wind. If you tilt your head a bit forward, pointing the temple of the helmet to the wind, it's much less noisier.

* Experiment with the airflow that your fairing is producing. Try standing up a little bit and see if the airflow is clearer there than your sitting position - may be you need taller fairing, but sometimes you are better off with less fairing for a cleaner airflow - depending your size, position, bike etc.

* Always use earplugs. El cheapo (20 pairs for £5, amazon) foam earplugs are dead easy to put on (roll between two fingers, insert, and keep it in place with your index finger for about 3-5 seconds), and they really make a huge difference - it's so much nicer to ride with them on because your brain is not overloaded with the constant wind buffeting noise, and you are much more relaxed and you can focus and enjoy riding more.

* Read good reviews about Nexx XR1R - good looking and it's supposed to be pretty good with noise isolation with it's adjustable inner padding. Anyone here has one of them?

Papa_Bear · 23-05-2012 1:05am

I have a honda deauville with a high screen which offers alot of protection from wind noise. In fact when I was commuting regularly up and down the M7 to shannon at 120kph id say the wind noise was twice as bad if i straightened by back up and poped my head above the screen.

I also wore a pair of earphones with the flexible rubber pluges on my journey and while riding at speed and with the protection of the screen i didn't really hear the wind. All I would hear is the music i was listening to and the sound of the engine in the background and I have a flip helmet. This is the litmus test for me. If i can hear the engine first instead of the wind then I know ive got enough protection. This only applies because of the large screen i have. Most probably wont have one large enough to sit behind.

Actally it worked so well i couldn't hear the operator at the toll booth whenever they spoke to me. I think they were commenting on the weather or some such:).

Just my two cent....

Dorsanty · 23-05-2012 10:07pm

I found the majority of the noise I experience is due to wind getting in around the neck. Or just generally creating air movement due to that gap in the seal around my head.

I use a neck sock in the winter and I'm tempted to use it more regularly as it probably halves the noise I experience. Did a Dublin to Cork run and was kicking myself for not bringing it.

My lid is the Shoei XR-1100. It comes with a chin guard but the full neck sock is needed to complete the seal and cut down on the noise.

echomadman · 24-05-2012 12:03pm

I use these ear plugs all the time now and find them the best, having tried every type i could find.
They're reusable just wash them in hot water, easy to insert properly unlike the foam ones which i have terrible problems with.

Motorbike Helmet Noise

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