Helmets Anyone have experience with Nolan helmets?

Shawn K

Shawn K

Professional Cat Confuser
Joined
Oct 11, 2008
Messages
855
Location
Boiling Springs, SC
Bike
GL1800
It's time for a new helmet, and I'm looking at 3/4 open-face helmets. I've narrowed it down to the HJC IS-33 II, the Scorpion EXO-CT220, and the Nolan N40-5 (link => https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/nolan-n40-5-helmet )

I currently ride the previous generation HJC II-33, so I have some familiarity with the line. I'm intrigued by the Nolan, though, because of the visor that's still usable even with the face shield in place. What I don't know is what Nolan helmets are like overall (fit, build quality, materials, etc.)

Does anyone here have experience with Nolan helmets? Can you share anything with me about your experience with them?
 
The most important feature of a helmet is THE FIT. If it isn't comfortable, you will be tempted to not wear it. Different brands have different shapes. I have had two Nolan Modular helmets a N100 and a N104. I spent a lot of time in shops trying on helmets before settling on these. The quality is good. the newer models with the dark shield inside the clear shield is a big plus over the older style; outside the face shield. Nolan has removable/replacement liner parts for when you want to wash or replace the liner.

I did have a Scorpion EXO700 full face that was shaped so that it put pressure on my forhead and it became uncomfortable after a couple of hours. In years past I put up with inexpensive helmets, some of which fit better than others.

I am a fan of a helmet with more coverage. Fortunately so, last month I had a bit of a high side and the Scorpion saved my face. I would not be as hansom if I had been wearing a 3/4 helmet.
Just my two cents.
Jim
 
Last edited:
Shawn K said:
It's time for a new helmet, and I'm looking at 3/4 open-face helmets. I've narrowed it down to the HJC IS-33 II, the Scorpion EXO-CT220, and the Nolan N40-5 (link => https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/nolan-n40-5-helmet )

I currently ride the previous generation HJC II-33, so I have some familiarity with the line. I'm intrigued by the Nolan, though, because of the visor that's still usable even with the face shield in place. What I don't know is what Nolan helmets are like overall (fit, build quality, materials, etc.)

Does anyone here have experience with Nolan helmets? Can you share anything with me about your experience with them?
Click to expand...
I have a Nolan helmet and I quite like it.
Fit and finish is very good. Drop down sun visor is excellent.
Uses a micro ratchet instead of D ring.
Not too heavy. I have a Trilogy helmet which allows one to take off the chin bar and
use the helmet as a 3/4 helmet.
I can easily recommend the Nolan line.
 
240011I also have a trilogy helmet. The removable bars makes it easier to remove and put on. It also has built-in speakers with bluetooth.240011240012
 
I have a Nolan N91 modular that I bought on a clearance sale, which had the NCom Bluetooth kit installed. The build and paint quality is excellent as are the clear and inside sun shields.

I’m also a fan of the micro ratchet strap system, which is quick, easy to adjust and comfortable. However, d rings can be locked on the bike and I haven’t figured out how to do that with this one yet.

I’m not a fan of the NCom kit that was installed though. This was an early version, so it pairs with other NCom systems and my iPhone but not other Bluetooth systems, from what I can tell. On the plus side, it sounds good to both sides on a phone call and pretty good on music.

I’ve owned a variety of other helmets including Shoei, Bell etc., but I’d say that my first inclination would be to get another Nolan. I really like it.

I’m with Jim, in that if it doesn’t fit just so, it’s not worth buying. So fit first and everything else trailing well back.

Jim, I’m not sure that I can picture “a bit” of a high side... is that like being a “little bit” pregnant? Or a “little bit” dead?

I’m glad the Scorpion saved your looks, though I assume you’re getting medical help for your spelling challenges... :)
 
I so forgot to mention the ratchet latch system. It is far better than the "D" ring for convenience.

Jim, I’m not sure that I can picture “a bit” of a high side... is that like being a “little bit” pregnant? Or a “little bit” dead?
GGely said:
I’m glad the Scorpion saved your looks, though I assume you’re getting medical help for your spelling challenges... :)
Click to expand...

GGely,
Yeah. It was a bit more than a "little bit". About four remaining pieces of my collar bone are now screwed together.
No help for the spelling failure syndrome. Being a retired engineer is incurable.
jim
 
I have both a N40-5 - 3/4 and a N104 Full face helmet. They both are very comfortable but the N40 is my favorite by far. Visibility is exceptional and even though it is not full face it does cover quite a lot of your face. I like the N104 but the face shield detents won't let you keep the shield open just a small crack which annoys me. Quality is great with good fit and finish.
 
bdalameda said:
I have both a N40-5 - 3/4 and a N104 Full face helmet. They both are very comfortable but the N40 is my favorite by far. Visibility is exceptional and even though it is not full face it does cover quite a lot of your face. I like the N104 but the face shield detents won't let you keep the shield open just a small crack which annoys me. Quality is great with good fit and finish.
Click to expand...


I'm curious about a few of things. Is the peak visor adjustable? And does the visor move at all when you open the face shield? Also, is the interior liner one-piece or multiple pieces?
 
Shawn K said:
I'm curious about a few of things. Is the peak visor adjustable? And does the visor move at all when you open the face shield? Also, is the interior liner one-piece or multiple pieces?
Click to expand...

The sun visor peak has a range of adjustment up and down and will stay put unless you push the clear face shield to the fully up position where the peak will follow the face shield to the highest adjustment spot. The lining is one piece except for the ear covers that are separate. This makes it easy to install speakers and there are molded spaces under the ear covers to accommodate speakers.
 
tinboatcapt said:
The most important feature of a helmet is THE FIT. If it isn't comfortable, you will be tempted to not wear it. Different brands have different shapes. I have had two Nolan Modular helmets a N100 and a N104. I spent a lot of time in shops trying on helmets before settling on these.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more on the fit. I went from wearing a large Shoei to a 2XL Nolan modular before I found a fit that didn't give me a headache after an hour wearing them. Still have two nearly new Nolans in the closet as a testament and an expensive lesson. I do like them, all the same. Sorry neither are 3/4's.
 
I agree with fit. I am the opposite of JimS. Nolan tends to fit a round head better than an oval. I had a Nolan. It fit OK but I had to tune it more to fit my head. I went to Shoei and it fit like a glove out of the box. Fit is the most important and one brand tends to fit one head shape better than others.
 
tinboatcapt said:
The most important feature of a helmet is THE FIT. If it isn't comfortable, you will be tempted to not wear it. Different brands have different shapes. I have had two Nolan Modular helmets a N100 and a N104. I spent a lot of time in shops trying on helmets before settling on these. The quality is good. the newer models with the dark shield inside the clear shield is a big plus over the older style; outside the face shield. Nolan has removable/replacement liner parts for when you want to wash or replace the liner.

I did have a Scorpion EXO700 full face that was shaped so that it put pressure on my forhead and it became uncomfortable after a couple of hours. In years past I put up with inexpensive helmets, some of which fit better than others.

I am a fan of a helmet with more coverage. Fortunately so, last month I had a bit of a high side and the Scorpion saved my face. I would not be as hansom if I had been wearing a 3/4 helmet.
Just my two cents.
Jim
Click to expand...
Which Scorpion did you settle with ? My wife has a 3/4 Scorpion with a drop down sun visor.
 
I am a long time Nolan modular helmet user starting with the N-100 series, and now own a N-104. Best helmet for the money out there IMHO.
I also have a Schulbreth C3 Pro, but I like my N104 better.

What you need to know is that the product/customer support from this company is second to none in my experience. They have sent me replacement parts, free, even for a used helmet I purchased once.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom