have a neotec3 helmet and it's windy and loud.
what options do I have for a quieter helmet
riding a r1250gsa for reference
what options do I have for a quieter helmet
riding a r1250gsa for reference
quiet helmet?
imjustdave
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I have tried, just can't do it. Yes I have tried both cheap and pricey options, just simply don't like anything in my ears.......already have tinnitus and hearing loss anyways. My current helmet is pretty quiet overall, also wind buffeting and noise from such is minimal and best I have ever had on the numerous bikes owned.
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I hate the plastic Christmas tree ones, dislike earpods/airpods and the like. The smooth plastic foamy ones irritate my ear canals after about 30 minutes.
But I found these open cell foam ones to finally work for me. 5+ hour rides and no problems. Less than $4 at Walmart.
Flents-Quiet-Time-Soft-Comfort-Ear-Plugs-NRR-33-10-Pair
2017 GS, Suzuki 800 DE, Ducati Desert Sled, many KTM Enduros, Kaw GPZ, Kaw H2 750 triple...
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This style is too long such that they often dislodge when pulling on my helmet.
For some but not for all......
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Schuberth Modular Helmets, I had a C3 Pro for years that was very quiet, now I have the E2, it's even better than the C3 Pro. I use ear plugs also, and with the E2 it's the best combo I've used. Schuberth are very expensive helmets, but you get what you pay for.
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I have no problems with that, just roll them tight and place them in the ear. Best to pull back on ear lobe when inserting them. As Graybeard mentioned you do need to keep your ears clean to prevent issues and the plugs getting gross.
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For the best ear plugs getting custom fit plugs for shooting, go to an audiologist. They are simply the best option
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2,035 Posts
Back when I got mine Sensaphonics recommended what they called Gold Seal audiologists that were qualified to to the testing and custom molds.
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510 Posts
I would steer you away from the latest Arai Corsair helmets. I used the older versions for 20+ years and each generation gets functionally worse. Recently replaced my old generation and found that not only is it almost impossible to manipulate the vent controls with gloves on, the faceshield lock also tends to get stuck. Not being able to open the visor if it suddenly fogs can be deadly. It's a stupid design change. Swapping faceshields has also become even more difficult than the weird old mechanism. It was pretty quiet, but I wound up tossing an $800 helmet in short order.
Tried the latest Shoei RF1400 since I could try one on in person locally. It's light and probably the quietest helmet I've ever had. Controls are all workable with gloves on. Only thing of note is they moved the visor lock to dead center, which is different from all the other helmets I've ever had.
Tried the latest Shoei RF1400 since I could try one on in person locally. It's light and probably the quietest helmet I've ever had. Controls are all workable with gloves on. Only thing of note is they moved the visor lock to dead center, which is different from all the other helmets I've ever had.
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In the previous decade, Schuberth C3, et. al. were consistently rated the quietest helmets. I rode with a C3 for a few years before I finally acknowledged to myself that it was made for a different head shape than mine. If you're an intermediate oval head then that helmet left a hot spot on your forehead. These days I'm sporting a Klim Krios Pro helmet that fits me perfectly and has a couple of things most other helmets don't have: a transitions face shield and the KOROYD impact absorbing layer instead of EPS foam like most other helmets. I liked that helmet enough that when my previous one took a couple of hard licks I replaced it with the exact same helmet (different color):
![Image]()
2017 GS, Suzuki 800 DE, Ducati Desert Sled, many KTM Enduros, Kaw GPZ, Kaw H2 750 triple...
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I have the same Klim helmet. Had to take a knife to the forehead foam for comfort. Now all is well for fitment. (I was squirmed as I cut the foam on an expensive helmet).
The Transition lens broke at one side of mount after thirteen months. I explained the situation to Klim and that I was technically out or warranty. They sent me a free replacement lens the next day. It's a $150 US item. Very nice of them.
The Transition lens is brilliant. I just wear my regular glasses. No need for sunglasses. Lens takes care of everything.
It's a quiet helmet but I still use plugs. Primary reason for purchase is that it is the lightest. Hours in the saddle and ounces make a difference. Lens is a bonus.
The Transition lens broke at one side of mount after thirteen months. I explained the situation to Klim and that I was technically out or warranty. They sent me a free replacement lens the next day. It's a $150 US item. Very nice of them.
The Transition lens is brilliant. I just wear my regular glasses. No need for sunglasses. Lens takes care of everything.
It's a quiet helmet but I still use plugs. Primary reason for purchase is that it is the lightest. Hours in the saddle and ounces make a difference. Lens is a bonus.
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IMO custom plugs are the only way to go. I had a pair made at a show 25 years ago or so and they still work great. But I should probably have a new pair made that uses an audio plug from this century...
Well said.
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I've been riding for around 60 years, with lots of different motorcycles and helmets, and now wear various styles of Shoei. That experience leads me to believe there is no such thing as a helmet quiet enough to prevent hearing loss, mostly from wind and road noise, not from loud pipes. Remember that hearing loss is due not just to the actual loudness, but the duration of that noise. What noise levels you can tolerate on a short ride to a meeting can easily cause permanent hearing loss when you're exposed to it several hours a day every day. Buy some good earplugs, and then be sure to wear them.
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SCHUBERTH C5Pro seems to be the best for me. Also have a C4 Pro and a Neotec II. Never tried Neotec 3. Biggest variable is the right wind screen from my experience.
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my N3 is fine (for me)
Try a higher windscreen, disc removal from spine, earplugs, etc
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Your right of course but the mighty plugs are very nice also. it's basically bees wax and cotton. I take one and pull it in half to fit my ears better. Kneed it a bit and push it into the ear. All day comfortable.
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I'll caution with a fact that's not very intuitive - that helmets are designed to be in undisturbed relative wind so a larger windscreen on the bike is not often the best solution. Don't believe me - at speed stand up on your pegs to get your head out from behind the wind screen. If you have a proper windscreen you may not see a lot of difference but most of the time your head will be in smoother airflow and it'll be quieter. Windscreens come in a lot of shapes and sizes and not always (maybe not often) designed in the most aerodynamic way to avoid turbulent air behind it. They act like big barn doors pushed through the relative air causing eddy action behind them making it so that you'd have to tuck in close behind it to put that turbulent air behind your head.
I've done 400+ mile days on sport bikes and naked bikes and I'm always reminded of this when I'm riding.
I've done 400+ mile days on sport bikes and naked bikes and I'm always reminded of this when I'm riding.
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5 Posts
THIS is the answer!!! I’m convinced there is no such thing as a “quiet” helmet. Ear plugs are the way.
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