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Maintenance & Repair => Products & Services => Topic started by: 1-600-matt on March 16, 2014, 07:55:17 PM

Title: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 16, 2014, 07:55:17 PM
I have had my arai for 9 yrs and noticed the other day it was actually manufactured in 2003!! Time for a new lid.
Has anyone had an arai and changed to another brand and found it equally as comfy etc as the arai? Looking at the sharp ratings it's possible to get a better rated lid for a lot less money and I am considering a change... Anyone else made the change from arai to ANother??
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Stuno1 on March 16, 2014, 09:00:35 PM
Nexx xr1r from viper gp.

Love the nexx.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Tucker Hauser on March 16, 2014, 10:22:56 PM
I just tend to try as many as possible on! All about the fit for me has to be perfect! That has tended to be shoei, but some of the shark lids are a good fit too. The top of the range shark lid doesn't fit me but the lower s700 model does!
Like it to have 4stars on the sharp tests too but every crash is different they are just a guide in my opinion!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 16, 2014, 10:58:53 PM
I love the fit of the arai, but I have tried other lids on which I thought were comfy. It's things like how well the vents work, does the visor seal, does it wear well... Stuff you don't know until you live with it for a couple of years. I don't wanna buy a lid at half the price of an arai to find out it's half the price cos it's shit... Even though it gets a slightly better rating purely based on safety. At the same time I don't wanna drop an extra £300 for an arai if there is something as good available at half the price
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Jarse on March 17, 2014, 07:52:54 AM
Quote from: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.

I would maybe add AGV to the list but would personally stick to Shoei and Arai too.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Stuno1 on March 17, 2014, 07:53:39 AM
Quote from: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.

Agree with this. May be as comfy but won't be as well made. My nexx is great and full carbon but not as well made as my arai.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gobert on March 17, 2014, 09:20:22 AM
Quote from: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.

The top of the range Arai's are VERY noisy..........
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: m6rk on March 17, 2014, 09:48:27 AM
the race rep top of the line lids tend to me more noisy, but i've tried other lids and it just seem to be what fits you head best is the one to go for..

for me shoei xr1100's fit well and have good build quality. I also have a carbon LS2 which was super cheap and fits me well, though the visor mech and general build quality isn't up to the ls2..
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: ash on March 17, 2014, 09:51:37 AM
I have a HJC/AGV shaped head. Couldn't get on with Arai or Shoei at all. Good fit ranks way above the brand.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: big gav on March 17, 2014, 01:25:04 PM
Quote from: Gobert on March 17, 2014, 09:20:22 AM
Quote from: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.

The top of the range Arai's are VERY noisy..........

I disagree with that. My RX7 GP isn't noisy.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gobert on March 17, 2014, 01:46:30 PM
Quote from: big gav on March 17, 2014, 01:25:04 PM
Quote from: Gobert on March 17, 2014, 09:20:22 AM
Quote from: Jonesy on March 17, 2014, 06:55:11 AM
I've always found going anywhere away from Shoei or Arai, its not the quality of the lid but the noise levels increase substantially.

The top of the range Arai's are VERY noisy..........

I disagree with that. My RX7 GP isn't noisy.

Mine is...........

I've got a RX7 GP, RX7 Corsair and a Quantum F - the Quantum is by far the quietest.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Maddog on March 17, 2014, 02:30:08 PM
Just got a NEXX XR2 in matt black. Not tested it yet so no idea on noise

http://youtu.be/nDzIqOTywNk
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 17, 2014, 03:58:22 PM
So far it seems like build quality and noise are the differences, no one who can say a cheaper alternative that is as good as an arai.
As it's gonna be used mostly for trackday, wind noise isn't a major concern.
In terms of build quality, are there any specific issues? Bits breaking etc or is it just in general how well visor clips in, is free to move, how the vents function etc?

Cheers for opinions
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Tucker Hauser on March 17, 2014, 05:53:41 PM
Have Arai's improved the visor changing method?
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gobert on March 17, 2014, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: Tucker Hauser on March 17, 2014, 05:53:41 PM
Have Arai's improved the visor changing method?

No it's still the same but I've never had a problem with it in over 25 years of wearing Arai's. Still doesn't feel right though.........
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Manic636 on March 17, 2014, 09:11:02 PM
With Arai, Shoei and Schuberth part of what you are paying for is the level of quality control and testing behind the lids, Thats why they are so damn good. Race reps are noisier than road based designs due to the amount of air they tend to flow. Find out what fits well and pay close attention to the fit around your face at the front because that is where a level of whistle will come from, are there any pressure points on your head? make sure the helmet wont roll forward off your head.
Personally I will be buying a Shoei next as they have been the best lids I've worn to date but X-Lite and high end AGV are also good.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Millhouse on March 18, 2014, 09:21:29 PM
Damn you Matt!!

Checked my lid because of this thread.




(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u52/M1llh0use/F42B66F1-5948-435C-952F-B04B5F0461E7_zpsal0n8yhu.jpg) (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/M1llh0use/media/F42B66F1-5948-435C-952F-B04B5F0461E7_zpsal0n8yhu.jpg.html)

Now own this!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Dom1 on March 18, 2014, 09:51:39 PM
The choice of champions.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: ash on March 19, 2014, 11:29:24 AM
Quote from: Dom1 on March 18, 2014, 09:51:39 PM
The choice of champions.

I thought Rossi used AGV ;)
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Maddog on March 19, 2014, 06:05:16 PM
nice lid......BUT......WTF is that thing bottom left of pic??
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Millhouse on March 20, 2014, 06:40:46 AM
Bulldog statue wearing reindeer ears obviously!!!!

Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Jarse on March 20, 2014, 08:13:30 AM
Quote from: Maddog on March 19, 2014, 06:05:16 PM
nice lid......BUT......WTF is that thing bottom left of pic??

I thought it, glad you asked it!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: MOzZereLLa on March 20, 2014, 08:56:37 AM
Arai's visor mechanism is fine as long as you do it right as suggested in the instructions.

Top of the range Arais are some of the noisiest lids of the market. This has been tested and proved.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 20, 2014, 09:40:03 AM
Well I'm gonna go trying a few on at the weekend and see if u can find anything that is as comfy as the arai. My mate raves about his shark lid and sees my arai preference as being purely for the name! But his shark has one puney little vent on the top and I can't see it getting any decent air flow. Compared to the rx7 with 3 vents on the top plus the brow vents plus the one on the chin bar plus all the exhaust ducts at the back. As a sweaty fucker I'd sacrifice noise for air flow.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 20, 2014, 09:42:21 AM
Quote from: Millhouse on March 18, 2014, 09:21:29 PM
Damn you Matt!!

Checked my lid because of this thread.


Now own this!

Sorry! Nice lid though.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: komp on March 20, 2014, 02:55:37 PM
just went a bought a new one too
nothing to do with this thread, more to do with the fact I noticed fibreglass where the paint was falling off!!

went for the new guinters rep,
always thought it looked bad ass
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/SHARK-S700S-GUINTOLI-REP-STREET-STYLED-PINLOCK-VISOR-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-BLACK-RED-/00/s/MTAyNFgxMDI0/z/VVoAAOxyUrZSquCO/$_12.JPG)

just got to wait for me dark visor to arrive to complete the look  :afro:
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Jarse on March 20, 2014, 03:32:17 PM
Cool lid Komp!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: the invisible dog on March 20, 2014, 04:47:47 PM
Had just about talked myself into replacing my XR1000 with an '1100 and the blighters have now replaced that with an NXR?!  :shocked:
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Green_Ninja on March 20, 2014, 05:10:30 PM
Quote from: the invisible dog on March 20, 2014, 04:47:47 PM
Had just about talked myself into replacing my XR1000 with an '1100 and the blighters have now replaced that with an NXR?!  :shocked:

but you can still get XR1100's and they are still great lids, price should fall a little as well :-)
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Maddog on March 20, 2014, 05:17:08 PM
Quote from: Millhouse on March 20, 2014, 06:40:46 AM
Bulldog statue wearing reindeer ears obviously!!!!

lol i need to get me one
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gilby104 on March 27, 2014, 02:46:54 PM
I love the design and fit of my AGV S4 but the noise makes it nearly unbearable on longer journeys. I'd get a shortlist of lids you like that fit and then scope out views on noise.... or sound them out if you will.

I suppose my problem could be fixed with ear defenders but I really don't like wearing them.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: MOzZereLLa on March 27, 2014, 06:50:35 PM
Riding a bike without ear plugs is just fucking stupid Gilby.

You'll have hearing damage in a matter of years.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Jarse on March 27, 2014, 07:29:06 PM
Hands up, I've virtually done it all my riding days and luckily my hearing range is still very, very good. Better than somebody of my age, never mind exposure deserves. I just have never found a plug that does not irritate or hurt.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: 1-600-matt on March 27, 2014, 11:19:09 PM
I can't ride without ear plugs in, apart from being stupidly loud, the bike sounds like a bag of spanners... Stick some plugs in and it's good to go!!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gobert on March 28, 2014, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: 1-600-matt on March 27, 2014, 11:19:09 PM
I can't ride without ear plugs in, apart from being stupidly loud, the bike sounds like a bag of spanners... Stick some plugs in and it's good to go!!

+1
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Green_Ninja on March 28, 2014, 09:31:47 AM
Quote from: Gobert on March 28, 2014, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: 1-600-matt on March 27, 2014, 11:19:09 PM
I can't ride without ear plugs in, apart from being stupidly loud, the bike sounds like a bag of spanners... Stick some plugs in and it's good to go!!

+1

+2
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Millhouse on March 28, 2014, 09:33:58 AM
Quote from: Green_Ninja on March 28, 2014, 09:31:47 AM
Quote from: Gobert on March 28, 2014, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: 1-600-matt on March 27, 2014, 11:19:09 PM
I can't ride without ear plugs in, apart from being stupidly loud, the bike sounds like a bag of spanners... Stick some plugs in and it's good to go!!

+1

+2

used to be a +3

but with the chin guard on the xr1100 it's FAR quieter!
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Green_Ninja on March 28, 2014, 09:54:43 AM
Quote from: Millhouse on March 28, 2014, 09:33:58 AM
Quote from: Green_Ninja on March 28, 2014, 09:31:47 AM
Quote from: Gobert on March 28, 2014, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: 1-600-matt on March 27, 2014, 11:19:09 PM
I can't ride without ear plugs in, apart from being stupidly loud, the bike sounds like a bag of spanners... Stick some plugs in and it's good to go!!

+1

+2

used to be a +3

but with the chin guard on the xr1100 it's FAR quieter!

but still not quiet enough to not need earplugs if you want to avoid damaging your ears.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Nat on March 28, 2014, 12:37:58 PM
I saw the stand for the custom earplugs at the show and enquired but I'm too much of a cheapskate to spend that much money on something there's a good chance I could lose.  Luckily I got used to wearing cheapie foam ear plugs from the second I passed my test.  They block out a lot of noise but it'd be interested to try custom or expensive ones to compare.

TBH the bike rarely goes over 2krmp so I probably don't need ear plugs :rofl:
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Millhouse on March 28, 2014, 12:40:43 PM
Quote from: Nat on March 28, 2014, 12:37:58 PM


TBH the bike rarely goes over 2krmp so I probably don't need ear plugs :rofl:

more to do with wind noise that engine nose nat.

supposed to be over 105db inside a lid at 70mph
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: ash on March 28, 2014, 07:13:46 PM
Quote from: Millhouse on March 28, 2014, 12:40:43 PM
Quote from: Nat on March 28, 2014, 12:37:58 PM


TBH the bike rarely goes over 2krmp so I probably don't need ear plugs :rofl:

more to do with wind noise that engine nose nat.

supposed to be over 105db inside a lid at 70mph

I could well believe that. Engine noise is insignificant irrespective of whether a standard or race can is being used. My HJC lid is actually the quietest lid I've ever used. I rarely use earplugs with it riding locally (on a long rideout I do though).

On a side note, my last HJC lid saved my mates life (he was loaning it at the time for a short ride). He has finally settled his case, and has agreed to allow me to bandsaw it in half to see the depression in the foam. He hit the car at 60, did a superman above the height of the car and the first thing to impact the road when he landed was the lid...no neck or head injuries. The impact point looks to me to be the ridge behind the visor mechanism

I just need to get it in to work to get it done now.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t34.0-12/1555835_10152282638773704_1565910301_n.jpg?oh=e24075356810bf76012afa0322f1de7d&oe=5337D359&__gda__=1396165622_c3562820f4159092f3cf98d3f5e132a2)
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gilby104 on April 07, 2014, 03:09:27 PM
Quote from: MOz on March 27, 2014, 06:50:35 PM
Riding a bike without ear plugs is just fucking stupid Gilby.

You'll have hearing damage in a matter of years.

Honestly, I know you're right (although I'd say it was a bit silly over fucking stupid  :tongue:) and I have tried several times. I don't know what it is but having them in makes me so disorientated and seems to completely ruin my sense of speed. Makes me nervous on the bike.

Luckily there seems to be no problems as yet. My hearing is normally better than most.
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Millhouse on April 07, 2014, 03:17:16 PM
Pardon?
Title: Re: Lids
Post by: Gilby104 on April 07, 2014, 07:25:10 PM
Quote from: Millhouse on April 07, 2014, 03:17:16 PM
Pardon?

wasn't me, must have been the dog!