Full face street helmet vs moto style helmet for dual-sport riding

Sierra Thumper · 10-30-2012, 03:55 AM

So just wondering how you guys feel about full face street helmets vs moto style helmets for dual sport riding? I've been using full face street style helmets for so long, I prefer the full coverage, wind tight quieter feel of them over the open, noiser, colder. goggles over the eyes moto style.

Dracus124 · 10-30-2012, 04:35 AM

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833434

Depends what you're doing, riding style etc. etc.
I use a Fox V1. It's hot out here in during the summer. And I would suffocate with in a full face helmet riding through whoops. If the helmet fits properly it should be almost as proctective as a full face in a spill on the asphalt.

byron555 · 10-30-2012, 04:40 AM

I have gone to a DS helmet. Face shield, and able to use goggles.... Looks like a MX helmet

nivag · 10-30-2012, 05:27 AM

i'm only a recent convert so using a old street full face helmet at the moment, will look at different once funds permit, probably a dual-sport style with visor.

broncobowsher · 10-30-2012, 06:06 AM

I like a full face street helmet when riding on the street, not so much when the dust kicks up. But the street helmet sure is nicer (wind, buffeting, drag) when at highway speeds.

It is a matter of picking what is appropriate for the riding you are going to be doing. There is no single helmet that works best everywhere. If there was then we wouldn't need this poll, again.

Ruffus · 10-30-2012, 06:08 AM

Depends on the ride. I use a moto, dual sport, or street helmet. Since I got the Dual Sport helmet I rarely use my street helmet though.

blake716 · 10-30-2012, 08:06 AM

I use this because I ride a lot more off road, but I'd like to get a dual sport helmet for longer rides with more road miles.
Something like a Fly Trekker maybe. That off road helmet can be a bitch when you get above 65 mph.

FlyGuy · 10-30-2012, 08:19 AM

Street helmet should work for most DS riders
Warmer in colder weather, Quieter and less wind drag especialy in cross winds.

DS helmet for speeds up to 70 MPH or so, the visor is a big help in low sun angles, like sun up or down (safer) greater visibility to the imediate ground.
More draggy and a nuisance in high cross wind or buffeting conditions

Motocross helmet for hot weather 80+degrees mostly used when in all dirt conditions with lower speeds and lower gearing or used to keep cooler in any hot conditions.
Verry draggy and a real pain at higher speeds especially in cross winds
But if hot enough may offset the wind issues

This is on a bike with no wind screen and my personal experiance.

smokin moses · 10-30-2012, 09:29 AM

i use a full face that i can flip up.the helmet works great to reduce wind noise at higher speeds,so don't my ear plugs.but when i,m in traffic or slow riding class 4 roads i leave it flipped up because it's cooler and in traffic i can see better with less blind spots.

TNkayaker · 10-30-2012, 10:03 AM

Dirt helmet with goggles. Light sensitive lens, and I put in earplugs when I am on the slab. In cold weather I often cover the helmet's vents with gaffers tape. If I get heated up on the trail, I pull the tape, stick it elsewhere on the helmet, and re-cover the vents when I hit the slab again.

Velociraptor · 10-30-2012, 10:07 AM

I use the Arai XD4 dual sport helmet. Works great in most situations. The only time I have trouble is riding trails in cold weather when I get fogging and condensation even with an anti-fog shield. In those cases I usually carry some goggles and flip up the shield and use goggles. I have a Klim helmet and it requires goggles but is very noisy for highway riding. I may use it next time I ride in Baja though as it is very light and well ventilated.

SBG · 10-30-2012, 10:11 AM

I run an Arai XD3, but they just came out with the XD4, and I think a dualsport helmet is the way to go. Goggles or face shield, up to the rider.

CA Stu · 10-30-2012, 11:43 AM

If you are dual sporting and you get caught in the rain / snow with a helmet with no shield, your nose will be stinging.

I have an XD.

Not really a Thumpers topic...

GotMojo? · 10-30-2012, 11:48 AM

I've tried the MX helmet with goggles, and I'm sure it has its place, but I switched to a Shoei DS Hornet with a shield that flips up. With goggles, I was always having bees and bugs sneek by the goggles and get inside the helmet... drove me nuts. Don't have to worry about that now. Oh, and a lot more wind noise with goggles... my Shoei is pretty quiet.

Sierra Thumper · 10-30-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byron555

I have gone to a DS helmet. Face shield, and able to use goggles.... Looks like a MX helmet

I've never ran that style of helmet, just the moto style with goggles or a full face street style. I might need to give one a try

Thats why I was curious on folks feedback

I have a couple moto style helmets, but always seem to end up taking my street helmet regardless of the bike I'm riding.....

View Results: Which do you prefer, full face helmet or moto style for dual-sporting?
Full face, I'm too good-looking to risk damaging my mug	58	59.79%
Moto style with goggles....you ride dirt, you better look dirt	27	27.84%
Helmets are for kids, old people, and nerds on bicycles	2	2.06%
A Harley-tough bandana's good enough for me	1	1.03%
Free Hookers for all	15	15.46%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 97. You may not vote on this poll

10-30-2012, 03:55 AM	#1
Sierra Thumper ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2012 Oddometer: 641	Full face street helmet vs moto style helmet for dual-sport riding So just wondering how you guys feel about full face street helmets vs moto style helmets for dual sport riding? I've been using full face street style helmets for so long, I prefer the full coverage, wind tight quieter feel of them over the open, noiser, colder. goggles over the eyes moto style. __________________ "Don't get so concerned with the slab that you choose a turd for the dirt"- The Gospel as spoken by itrack

10-30-2012, 04:35 AM	#2
Dracus124 SAND EATER! Joined: Dec 2011 Location: Twentynine Palms Oddometer: 472	http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833434 Depends what you're doing, riding style etc. etc. I use a Fox V1. It's hot out here in during the summer. And I would suffocate with in a full face helmet riding through whoops. If the helmet fits properly it should be almost as proctective as a full face in a spill on the asphalt. __________________ '83 Honda XL600R valve seat RIDE RED!

10-30-2012, 04:40 AM	#3
byron555 Lame Duck Adventurer Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Central Wisconsin Oddometer: 796	Uh.... dual sport helmets? I have gone to a DS helmet. Face shield, and able to use goggles.... Looks like a MX helmet __________________ Another inmate stole my Avatar... WR250R... 15 cubic inches of raw power. xr50r.... More than I can Handle Oil changed @ 11900 miles + filter (so I don't forget)

10-30-2012, 06:08 AM	#6
Ruffus Dirty Old Mudder Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Erie,Ontario Oddometer: 3,928	Depends on the ride. I use a moto, dual sport, or street helmet. Since I got the Dual Sport helmet I rarely use my street helmet though. __________________ We spend our lives chipping away at our ignorance :wisdom by Dakez Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.: wisdom by ?? Reverse Darwinism...he's only alive because he's to stupid to die. : wisdom by AZRamjet 06 Husky TE510

10-30-2012, 05:27 AM	#4
nivag Adventurer Joined: Oct 2012 Location: Sauf London Oddometer: 16	i'm only a recent convert so using a old street full face helmet at the moment, will look at different once funds permit, probably a dual-sport style with visor.

10-30-2012, 06:06 AM	#5
broncobowsher Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Oddometer: 446	I like a full face street helmet when riding on the street, not so much when the dust kicks up. But the street helmet sure is nicer (wind, buffeting, drag) when at highway speeds. It is a matter of picking what is appropriate for the riding you are going to be doing. There is no single helmet that works best everywhere. If there was then we wouldn't need this poll, again.

10-30-2012, 08:06 AM	#7
blake716 _____________ Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Baton Rouge, La. Oddometer: 3,497	I use this because I ride a lot more off road, but I'd like to get a dual sport helmet for longer rides with more road miles. Something like a Fly Trekker maybe. That off road helmet can be a bitch when you get above 65 mph. __________________ _________________________

10-30-2012, 08:19 AM	#8
FlyGuy MachineHead Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Middle of Highway 1 California Oddometer: 83	Street helmet should work for most DS riders Warmer in colder weather, Quieter and less wind drag especialy in cross winds. DS helmet for speeds up to 70 MPH or so, the visor is a big help in low sun angles, like sun up or down (safer) greater visibility to the imediate ground. More draggy and a nuisance in high cross wind or buffeting conditions Motocross helmet for hot weather 80+degrees mostly used when in all dirt conditions with lower speeds and lower gearing or used to keep cooler in any hot conditions. Verry draggy and a real pain at higher speeds especially in cross winds But if hot enough may offset the wind issues This is on a bike with no wind screen and my personal experiance.

10-30-2012, 09:29 AM	#9
smokin moses n00b Joined: Aug 2012 Oddometer: 2	smokin moses i use a full face that i can flip up.the helmet works great to reduce wind noise at higher speeds,so don't my ear plugs.but when i,m in traffic or slow riding class 4 roads i leave it flipped up because it's cooler and in traffic i can see better with less blind spots.

10-30-2012, 10:03 AM	#10
TNkayaker Wookin' pa nub Joined: Jul 2010 Location: Cleveland TN Oddometer: 69	Dirt helmet with goggles. Light sensitive lens, and I put in earplugs when I am on the slab. In cold weather I often cover the helmet's vents with gaffers tape. If I get heated up on the trail, I pull the tape, stick it elsewhere on the helmet, and re-cover the vents when I hit the slab again. __________________ The Woods are calling and I must go.

10-30-2012, 10:07 AM	#11
Velociraptor TrackBum Joined: Apr 2005 Location: Seattle Oddometer: 457	I use the Arai XD4 dual sport helmet. Works great in most situations. The only time I have trouble is riding trails in cold weather when I get fogging and condensation even with an anti-fog shield. In those cases I usually carry some goggles and flip up the shield and use goggles. I have a Klim helmet and it requires goggles but is very noisy for highway riding. I may use it next time I ride in Baja though as it is very light and well ventilated. __________________ 2009 KTM 690r Enduro in da house 2002 RC51 SOLD 2010 KTM 990 Supermoto R

10-30-2012, 10:11 AM	#12
SBG Neville1 to TT boys Joined: May 2004 Location: Rehoboth MA Oddometer: 303	I run an Arai XD3, but they just came out with the XD4, and I think a dualsport helmet is the way to go. Goggles or face shield, up to the rider. __________________ 1990 DR650S bikepics.com page http://www.bikepics.com/members/sbg1/

10-30-2012, 11:43 AM	#13
CA Stu Thanks Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Riverside, CA Oddometer: 42,603	If you are dual sporting and you get caught in the rain / snow with a helmet with no shield, your nose will be stinging. I have an XD. Not really a Thumpers topic... __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6cxNR9ML8k

10-30-2012, 11:48 AM	#14
GotMojo? Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2004 Oddometer: 4,042	I've tried the MX helmet with goggles, and I'm sure it has its place, but I switched to a Shoei DS Hornet with a shield that flips up. With goggles, I was always having bees and bugs sneek by the goggles and get inside the helmet... drove me nuts. Don't have to worry about that now. Oh, and a lot more wind noise with goggles... my Shoei is pretty quiet. __________________ My rides... 2009 Yamaha WR250X \| 2008 Yamaha WR250R \| 2013 Honda CRF250L \| 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

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