Reply With QuoteI plan on buying a dual sport lid, just because they look way more rad than a normal full face. Plus more ventilation, and a better range of view.
So I'm thinking of getting a new lid for this year and the "new to me" Buell and I'm considering an enduro/dual sport type. Reasons? Well, with the upright riding style of the XB I could use the shade of the visor and greater vision. And with more around town commuting I could use the extra ventilation for those slower speeds on heated afternoons. My current helmet is a Shoei RF1000 that works well on the VFR800 but I'd really like something fresh for the XB.
Do you have a dual sport helmet? If so, why did you choose it? What do you like about it versus a strictly street helmet?
Thanks!
I plan on buying a dual sport lid, just because they look way more rad than a normal full face. Plus more ventilation, and a better range of view.
Bump. I too am considering a dual sport. I've been looking at the afx fx 41 (internal drop down visor is nice). I currently have an agv arc. It still does the job. Hopefully someone chimes in. I too would love to hear the feedback from some owners of dual sport helmets in general.
I have an afx for my enduro and I like it a lot. its no where near as comfortable as my shoei. It also weighs more so I couldn't imagine taking it on a long trip (over 500miles a day). but they do look a lot cooler. I also notice that the visor does not fog up nearly as much as a normal full face. Like I said I have a shoei full face so the ventilation in that is still better than the afx. I do like the drop down visor, pretty cool, but makes the helmet slightly bulkier. I will say a huge pro is the range of view. You don't realize how much you can see until you take a normal helmet off and try a dual sport. overall I like it as a commuter helmet, but not for track or high mile use.
I am a big believer that task-specific gear is critical to safety & enjoyment. That's why my closet of motorcycle gear rivals my wife's wardrobe! It's also why dual-sporting requires a specific type of helmet: MX helmets are not aerodynamic enough for highway use, and street helmets are too confining off road.
I selected the HJC cl-xs based on its fit, price, & quality. I really liked the Shoei Hornet & Arai XD-4 lids, but I just can't justify that coin for a helmet that's only going to last a couple of years dual-sporting (blood, sweat, tears & dust destroy helmets fast!). I'll save the high-end gear for the street!
I got a 15% discount from the retailer just for asking which brought the all-in price to $150. Material quality & fit are good. The retractable shield does not optically distort, which can be a hazard when navigating obstacles with cheaper helemts.
Sizing is large: I have ALWAYS taken medium Shoeis, Arais & Sharks, but I needed a small HJC.
Just for fun, I tried the cl-xs out on my Buell to see what it's like at 200km/h (120 mph). This is where it's evident that the HJC is no Shoei or Arai. There was plenty of turbulence, noise & wind-grab from the visor. At legal urban speeds however, It's just fine.
As suggested above, dual sport helmets offer some advantages over street helmets: they are better ventilated & they provide better visibility.
I'd recommend the cl-xs as a decent value-for-dollar mid-range DS helmet. It's my understanding that HJC is discontinuing this model so if you're interested, now might be a good time to get a discount
I should also add that I was able to get better air-flow through the visor by strategically cutting pieces of it away until it became vastly better at higher speeds (say above 80kmh or 50 mph).
I dont have a dual sport helmet, but my oneil commander has a build in drop down visor and I love it. Takes a little getting used to but I like it better than wearing sunglasses with my helmet.
Good feedback so far... I checked out this review on Revzilla:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_yERlmo8yQ
The AFX looks like its worth a try
http://images1.revzilla.com/product_...lt2_detail.jpg
And the price is right. But, as stated it is a heavy helmet.
i will tell you right now that the afx-39 is a POS. i have a Fly trekker which is the same helmet and it blows. the chin bar is way too close to my face, the visor doesn't stay down if you look back even at low speeds, the sun visor is pointed so it does absolutely nothing if the sun isn't dead centered and my biggest pet peeve of them all is that the air when riding come from under and blows across your eyes. i can't even ride 20 miles without my eyes tearing up.
i'd avoid the afx, fly brand of dualsport helmets all together.
Check this one out I don't know too much about it but I think it's pretty cool I may get one myself!!
http://youtu.be/Z6k-AI5YQwk
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