| Author | Message | ||
     4_pete_sake |
So I am finally ready to pull the trigger on a new helmet... I have been increasingly interested in the Arai XD4 or XD3 helmet. The Shoei Hornet DS as well but the Arai fits my brain bucket a little better.... Who has one and reviews please!!!! -buffeting at speeds above 70mph -wind noise -any other enlightening details.... Cheers - pete | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Thats about the only thing bad about the helmet. It's a bit noisy at speed. That is the good thing about it at slower speeds as the air movement is great. There is plenty of control with all the vents. I would recommend some earplugs if you plan any trips over 200 miles on superslab Everything else about the helmet is amazing. Watch that visor above 70 as it will catch the wind. The quality of the shield is amazing. No distortion with good peripheral vision. Don't ignore the Japanese version. The Arai TX Motard is the same helmet with a bit larger cheekpads. I bought the TX Motard for the awesome graphics. Good luck! | ||
| Biffdotorg |
My favorite photo after a nice ride around the lakes. Height of bug season!  | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
Thanks Mark.... good info I didn't know about the Japanese version... I am leaning towards the Explore version at this point but should do some more research it appears.... above 70mph is a visor problem.... I know it will all be related to windshield height, personal height and so on... worth the risk I figure but that probably explains the visor replacement advertised... $60-$80.... I normally, actually always, wear ear plugs so no new change there..... Again Mark thanks for the positive info and review.... Cheers - pete | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Ok, so I put on 170 miles or so today and was sure to push the 70-85mph barrier. For research reasons of course. The visor is not an issue, you just have to be careful turning your head at those speeds as the visor does catch the breeze. It's nothing anyone cannot handle as long as you are prepared for it. I ride with a motorcross helmet on my sled and encounter the same issue. You just have to be prepared for it. I don't get up over 80 on the sled very often other than railroad beds and lakes. The TX Motard was on Ebay a few years back as a lower cost alternative to the XD3. I saw it as a great alternative with cool graphics. Lower cost as in the $465 range or so plus shipping from Japan. Of course these lids were only SNELL approved and not DOT approved. I think that only effects those that ride onto air bases as everyone else recognizes SNELL ratings above DOT standards. The military does not. Good luck! | ||
| 12x9sl |
I went from Arai Signet GTR to an XD3. I really like the XD3-the fit is fantasic, comfortable, love the visor as the sun is going down. Only thing I don't like is the wind-catching of the visor. Most of the time it isn't a problem. In May, I rode from WI to CO and it was windy the whole entire trip. That was tiresome. I wore my Signet the other evening because it had the clear shield on it-quite a bit less buffeting. If you don't do any touring the visor will be NO problem and will be a great asset. YMMV I have both the clear and smoked shield, both are great-as was mentioned, no distortion and positive locking. (Message edited by 12x9sl on October 15, 2012) | ||
| Biffdotorg |
+1 on the Pinlock shield | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
Thank you both for the insight and what must have been a gruesome test Mark....  I was at a local shop over the weekend and Dad came along and apparently he has been listening when I talk about higher visibility gear and more gear is always better.... well he trying on all the helmets while I walked around with the XD4 on myself.... finally he tries on his size in XD4.... he bought the damn thing right then and there.... geez.... Anyway.... I ordered mine as the color I wanted wasn't in stock and free shipping etc..... better price then I can find online.... no complaints.... 2012 XD4 Explore in Orange.....!!!! I'll report back on my thoughts as well... should be here by friday they said..... probably not appropriate for the CR though..... oh heck who cares... might try it out to see the buffeting difference.... Fun times.... too bad snow season is here now..... My buddies favorite place opens on Wednesday.... A-Basin... i figure I have a weekend or two yet... Thanks again for the comments, truly appreciated.... Cheers - pete | ||
| Biffdotorg |
It's good you went in and had it fitted by an Arai dealer. Most people buy these lids too big. I bought mine one size small, as suggested by the dealer. Since after 5000 miles the pads broke in and molded to my melon. After 15000 miles, it is a second skin. My old HJC with 20,000+ miles on it was just plain sloppy, thus the replacement. The explorer is bad ass. I debated buying a tinted shield, but two things stopped me. One was price and two was the pain of swapping it out for night riding. I just wear my Panoptix Day/Night riding glasses. I test fitted those under the helmet as well. | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
 Let the fun begin.... hope to get out this weekend if weather & time allow!!! | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
Test run on CR.... oops hit 80+mph and some slight whistling and that I feel was due to the wind that I was also facing more than the helmet and bike combo.... overall after one ride.... I am impressed already. Comfort is spot on and expanded peripheral view is instantly apparent. Visor is nice for the sunshine and didn't notice any buffeting at all .... thrilled!!! Well done Arai!!! | ||
| Twobuells |
I've had one for 7 years, love it!  |
