Tech-Integrated Motorcycle Helmets

[ScottishTapWater]

So, I'm looking to get a nice tech-integrated helmet when I get my full license next month.

 

The CrossHelmet X1 looks sick, integrated rear-view and HUD for directions as well as integrated bluetooth speakers.

 

However, the reviews suggest that, first and foremost, it's a shit helmet.

 

So, are there any good options where you get all the tech and all the helmet?
 

If not, what are the best options for helmets and accessories that will get me the connectivity I want (music and calls primarily but a HUD for directions would be sweet)?

[Avocado Diaboli]

Honestly, as someone who's been riding motorcycles for a decade now with a barebones helmet without even so much as music, that helmet looks like the dumbest thing under the sun. The rear view camera is pretty useless given that you already have mirrors on the handlebars for the few times you actually need them. You should look ahead, not back.

 

As for music, most helmets come with cavities where you can put some kind of aftermarket sound system into. Or you can just wear Bluetooth earbuds and listen to music and directions that way, instead of going for a helmet with a measly 4-6 hours operating time. That barely covers half a day of riding for me if I'm on a longer trip.

 

Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but just get in the habit of actually looking up your route beforehand and navigate using road signage. Ditch the music and instead enjoy the ride itself along with all the sounds on the road.

[Henrik.Ler]

Another option for navigation that's more common is either a phoneholder for your phone, or a GPS unit. Those will most likely be better and safer than a helmet with a HUD.

[atxcyclist]

I’ve been riding motorcycles for a decade, there’s enough going-on when you ride that the last thing I would want is music or a phone call, that takes my attention away from my surroundings. The only tech on my helmet is a GoPro, for safety reasons.

 

There are handlebar-mounted GPS systems that can link to your phone for a route but only display directional and distance information. I always just memorize my route before I leave, or pull over and get my phone out of my top case if my destination changes and I’m not familiar with the route.

[ScottishTapWater]

23 hours ago, Avocado Diaboli said:

Honestly, as someone who's been riding motorcycles for a decade now with a barebones helmet without even so much as music, that helmet looks like the dumbest thing under the sun. The rear view camera is pretty useless given that you already have mirrors on the handlebars for the few times you actually need them. You should look ahead, not back.

 

As for music, most helmets come with cavities where you can put some kind of aftermarket sound system into. Or you can just wear Bluetooth earbuds and listen to music and directions that way, instead of going for a helmet with a measly 4-6 hours operating time. That barely covers half a day of riding for me if I'm on a longer trip.

 

Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but just get in the habit of actually looking up your route beforehand and navigate using road signage. Ditch the music and instead enjoy the ride itself along with all the sounds on the road.

Can you comfortably have earbuds in under your helmet? I'd have thought they'd get mashed in pretty uncomfortably. Have you got any recommendations for sound systems?

 

Navigating using signage is all well and good when you're on motorways, but good luck finding your way around a UK city without one or stopping every few minutes to check a map... Our cities weren't even built for horses and carts, they're mazes.

[vf1000ride]

I have seen that helmet before and some similar concept designs (Jarvish, Mech, Argon) and until a major brand makes one that is properly up to safety specs I can't say I would be that interested in one.  Sorry to say my viewpoint is that they are taking the least expensive marginally safe helmet and packing a bunch of tech in it and overcharging the heck out of you for it.  I would rather have a high end helmet that is functionally much safer and then put a minimal amount of tech in the thing for half the price.

 

For my helmet setup I have a Shoei GT Air II helmet (designed to use an intercom system).  I have a Cardo Packtalk Bold speaker/intercom system in the helmet that's connected to my phone and also a GPS through bluetooth.  I use a standalone Garmin Zumo 550 that's mounted on the bike for my routing roughly 90% of the time.  I can use waze/google maps on the phone for normal commuting stuff if I don't already know where I am going and just want the fastest route or I can pre-program a route into the Garmin unit if I want to take a specific set of roads (IE curvy back roads) when I am on a trip and want to avoid highways.  I fixed the looking down to see the GPS thing by having it mounted above the gauges behind the windscreen.  It's easier to see than if it was mounted to the bars.  Leaves me able to put the phone, seat/grip heater controls and sometimes even my gopro down on the bars.