Modular Helmet?

Since my helmet got torn up in the accident and was almost 10 years old, I'm browsing around for a new one. I can't afford top'o'line stuff but have seen these "modular" helmets. They look just like a normal helmet but the whole front end flips up with a push of a button. Shield still flips up normally also. Sounds great to me but will it "look" dorky or will "I" look dorky when I flip it up? Any thoughts on these?

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2007/10/02 20:20

I have one and I really like it. I have a Fulmer Modulus.

The reason I like it is that I can flip it up when I put it on without taking off my glasses. Also, I can flip it up to talk to my wife when we stop at a stop sign.

you can't really ride with the to flipped up because it really pulls back on your head.

You get the benefit of easy on and off of a 3/4 helmet and the protection of a full face.

Blu -

I bought that exact model shown in your picture less than two years ago. I would not buy it again. The chin release plastic mechanism broke within three months of use, and the ratcheting mechanism for the face section stopped working soon after that. I ghetto rigged the former, and let the latter remain broken. Also, the liner is only partially removable (despite the ad description), so cleaning still requires Woolite and water inside the helmet, then an overnight period for drying over the house heater, or outside on the picnic table. The helmet vent system is only partially functional, since the upper helmet has no holes under the top ventilation control mechanism stuck on top of the helmet. (Think about having a vent register into a blank wall, with no way for air to flow through.) Recently, the vinyl seal under the clear visor disintigrated, so I will have evn more wind noise, and more cold air leakage during winter riding. Finally, the chin bar seems very weak, structurally, so I have no confidence it will protect me in a face plant type crash.

Other than that, it's great.

Post edited by: apeman, at: 2007/10/02 20:51

i had a HJC CL-MAX which also got wrecked in my accident (problem is, it wasn't on my head) and honestly i just rode with it up most of the summer and just put it down when it got cold. i didn't like the weight of the thing. it was nice but i replaced it with a Nolan N41 which is a 3/4 with a real nice visor, and i really like this helmet. light, good in the rain, good protection, just a good honest helmet. if you are bent on a modular, just get one that has a single release for the flip up, the ones with two buttons are near impossible while going down the road.
this is what i have now

Apeman, well I'll make sure I don't buy that $99 one from JCW. Thanks for the info, Dennis Kirk has a nice AGV for $150. I do wonder about hoe long the release mechanisims will last tho... Anybody else have any experiance with these?

they look dorkey, thats all i can say :whistle:

When I started my project (after being bikeless for 16 years) I knew I needed a new helmet, and I wanted a matching one for my wife. I also wanted modular ones 'cause my wife gets claustrophobic. So I went to Dennis Kirk and went through their close-outs. Got Nolan modulars in last year's color scheme for $130 each. Them being Nolans I knew I would be able to get replacement shields, amoung other things. Just my 2c worth.

This is the next one I got to have. It's a BMW MX helmet.
www.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/07142005093908MWEAYZ.htm Can't seem to find it here in the states

When I got my 1100 several weeks ago I decided to get a new helmet too. Like others, I chose modular because I wear glasses. It does look a bit dorky when open, but you won't ride that way. Mine is HJC CL-Max, got it at Cycle Gear for $175. I don't see it on their web site, maybe it is a discontinued model. I like it a lot and have had absolutely no trouble with it. If you wear glasses I'd highly recommend a modular.

I hear they are not the safest things in crashes. I would do a google search on saftey ratings on them before you buy one. That being said .. they remind me of helmets old guys on BMWs wear.

i wear a full face only. my first wreck on a bike i was going about 15mph turned, tires up bars down face smackin' the street. being 15 i thought a full face was cooler so i bought one. i still have the helmet today with 1/8 deep gouges in the chin! if i had been wearing a modular helmet or a half shell i probably wouldnt have a chin now;) . but when your stuck in traffic and that marlboro is calling your name it would be nice to have one thou:) . just my .02

I have a HJC SY-Max and a HJC CL-Max for the bikes. Good helmets so far, NO PROBLEMS. And I've had them for at least two years. Parts can be picked up at almost any bike shop. I switched over to a light smoke shield on mine for something like $20.00.
On the Ski-Doo's I wear Ski-Doo ( made by Lazer, DOT approved ) Modular style 1. A person could buy a street shield for it ( DOT approved ). LOVE THEM !!!
If you want cooool modular$ check out the Ski-Doo ones.
And as I said they are DOT approved and you can buy a DOT shield for them.

As far as looking dorky...I think you look stupider pulling the helmet up or down trying to talk to someone;)
Pat