Best powersports helmet accessories according to redditors

Invest in a visorcat

I went riding the other day and hit a bumblebee. Little guy covered almost my entire visor. The visorcat is worth the price

I’ve used these for three years. Similar to what Ryan shows but cheaper and more figment options. His analysis is sound. I can hold conversations with my helmet on but don’t get fatigued with 600 mile days in the saddle.


Etymotic High-Def Motorsport Earplugs, Designed to Fit Under Helmets, Universal Fit Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_HNieBb8J46F8Z

+1


I've been shaving my head for 30 years and I use something like this.


https://www.amazon.com/WickIt-TM-Motorcycle-Helmet-Liner/dp/B00WV15RCM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=WickIt%21+%E2%84%A2+Motorcycle+Helmet+Liner+-+Skull+Cap+-+Doo+Rag&qid=1570493983&s=automotive&sr=1-1


It also helps with slick, bald man sweaty head when wearing a helmet.

You're welcome

The visor is behaving differently probably because it's a bit more scratched and worn now, and any waxy stuff it ever had will have worn off. Quick squirt of that stuff and you should be good again.

I have these for music

I have these for track days

In reality the etymotic motorcycle plugs are good, but the ones that cost $1 from the hardware store are just as good. The headphones are the best I've found for riding though. I abuse them too...I use them snowboarding, snowmobiling, and on airplanes.

Edit* They are not the most comfortable for all, but work for me. Etymotic used to make the ER6i which were incredible because they were much smaller, but they stopped making them and my old pair finally fell apart from hard use.

i've been rocking these for a couple years now.
For $30, it's pretty stellar bang for your buck. I go to lots of club shows, raves and music festivals so these have been an absolute god send.

> the wife won't let me run an extension cord out the window for overnight charging.

Time for a new wife.

> How do I keep my head warm but avoid helmet fogging?

I once had a nice pair of ski goggles that were dual-paned, separated by a thin layer of EPDM (or something similar), with vents at the top, and bottom. Worked wonderfully when I was winter-biking. Something like this

> Are there good self-powered battery tenders I could hook the bike up to overnight to keep the battery topped off?

Battery performance diminishes with lower temps. Possible to add a booster terminal for a LiPo booster-pack?

> Am I putting too much stress on the starter?

I'm pretty sure the duty cycle for starters are based upon dissipation of heat (although there is probably wear&tear from friction). IIRC you want to avoid keeping it running for extended periods.

> Should I run a different oil to improve cold-weather lubrication?

Yes I think you'd want a lighter oil (the latter number in the oil mix should be -20, as -30 might still be at the edge of your usage range)

Something like motorcyclists use?

They are a necessity. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

You'll be able to hear more with earplugs as your hearing won't be as distorted due to how ungodly fucking loud shows are.

I just got these.
They don't muffle the treble and mids, but saves your hearing as long as you're not right in front of the monitors.

I like having the foam tips due to comfort and seal, but they sell a package without them that's a bit cheaper.

I ride every day, rain or shine, from South Pasadena to Koreatown. 110 to 101 to Rampart.

I second the Frog Toggs. I wear the bright yellow ones over my regular riding gear. Rain X (for plastic) on the shield. Pin Lock shield to stop the fogging. I bought my first GoreTex product this season, a pair of REV'IT Fusion GTX gloves. They're expensive but so worth it. Both warm and dry. Just remember to put the cuff of your jacket over the gauntlet so water doesn't leak down your arm and into your glove. The one down side to those gloves is the wiper is for crap so I wear one of these over it.

I live in Seattle and ride every day there isn't snow on the ground, which is most days, so that means a lot of riding in the rain.

I run Dunlop Q3's. Fantastic tires, really sticky, even in the rain. Mine have 5000+ miles on them and still look pretty good, but all I do is commute and don't ride very aggressively.

You'll also want to think about your helmet fogging up. Some brands of helmet don't fog much in the rain and cold. I have a Shoei that just looks at a puddle and fogs up, so I got a Pinlock insert for it, which works pretty great. I find that just turning my head to clear my visor is absolutely useless at speeds less than 60 mph, so I highly recommend gloves with a built-in visor wiper, or something like this you can add to your existing gloves. I DON'T recommend Rain-X or something on visor because depending on what it's made of, it could ruin it.
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Finger-Visor/dp/B0022ZJTKS

Riding in the rain is not so different from driving in the rain. Just go a little more slowly, leave plenty of braking distance, and start braking earlier than normal. You don't have to avoid puddles, especially if they're only half an inch deep. The narrower profile of motorcycle tires actually makes hydroplaning less likely compared to a car, but you should still slow down a little.

The most important thing is warm, waterproof gear. If you're shivering and unable to concentrate or properly control the clutch and brake levers, that's far worse than bad tires or a foggy helmet.

The stock GPS location is terrible, most people I know of have relocated it.

Full list of stuff I've done to mine:


Item | Source
---|---
Low Seat | BMW Dealer
Barkbusters | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/Barkbusters-Storm-S7-Handguard-Kit.html
Soft Bag 3 | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/BMW-Large-Soft-Bag.html
Crash Bars | http://www.nippynormans.com/engine-bars-and-sump-guards/wunderlich-engine-bars-red-r1200r-lc-r1200rs-lc
Nav Sun Shade | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-sun-shade-navigator-5
Paralever Crash Pad | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-paralever-slider-double-shock-r1200gsadvlc-and-more
Nav Mount | https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/BMW-R-1200-RS-LC/Navigation-and-Communication/GPS-Mount-44015.html
Bar Risers | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322059901344
QL Evo Ring Keyless | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/353-sw-motech-quicklock-evo-tank-ring-bmw-r1200r-keyless.html
QL Evo Engage Electric | http://www.ebay.com/itm/252710540953
Radiator Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/radiator-guards/3312-evotech-radiator-guard-bmw-r1200rs.html
Touring Windscreen | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/1440-puig-light-smoke-tall-touring-windscreen-bmw-r1200rs.html
Front Axle Sliders | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/fork-swingarm-sliders/540-sw-motech-fork-sliders-bmw-s1000xr.html
Switch Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-gs/2813-wunderlich-sidestand-switch-guard-bmw-r1200gs-lc.html
SAE USB Plug | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPBWTKQ
EZ CAN Accessory Manager | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC2PVO1
Light Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171345535571
Baja Driving Lights | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191659737032
Baja Rock Guards | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZHUMDQW/
Headlight Covers | https://www.slipscreens.co.uk/bmw-r1200rs-2016-headlight-protector/
Frame Caps | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272909538960
Panniers | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-motorcycle-pannier-set-touring-r1200rs-k54-codeable.html
Inner Bag Left | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-left.html
Inner Bag Right | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-right.html
Crashbar Centre Support | https://www.procycles.com.au/product/wunderlich-center-strut-crash-bar/
Air Horn | https://www.adventuremoto.com.au/tt-sb-10100-b-denali-soundbomb-split-dual-tone-air-horn
Air Horn Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173029875672
Shad 58X Topcase | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/263536289358
Shad W0RS15ST Top Mount Kit | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/3590/
Shad 58X White Lid | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/4120/
Phone Mount | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/161997388486
RAM Parts eBay thirdgearau | RAM-B-238U, RAM-B-201U-A, RAP-S-KNOB3U
RAM Parts eBay JA-GPS | RAP-S-KNOB3U x2, RAP-B-200-12U, RAP-B-230-1U

yep! I used these right here for both

Although my pal and I want to get the correct visor for the ODST helmet here soon, once we build a vacuum former.

I wear very similar plugs. Never leave home without them.

Etymotic High-Def Motorsport Earplugs, Designed to Fit Under Helmets, Universal Fit Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TQMqDbNXSG023

Well just my 2 cents, I bought the Torx speakers off Amazon, $70. 3M adhesive to stick it inside the helmet, they're super thin and have great bass for such tiny speakers. Then I just taped a cheap waterproof mp3 player to the outside of my helmet. I just switched from earbuds cause they'd always shift and fall out. But hey, whatever floats your goat. I could throw up a picture if you want to see what I'm talking about.

Edit: Here's the speakers, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421344123&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

> Details? That's a great idea.

I put these: http://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA?ie=UTF8&keywords=helmet%20speakers&psc=1&qid=1465496317&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2-spons

They get rid of the tinny highs, and give better bass (not crazy, but good enough). And pretty clear up to about 60 mph in my Arai.

I just spliced the existing speakers, and soldered in these. You may also be able to use the 1/8" adapter to hook them up, but I haven't had any problems after soldering mine!

I've got a safety orange Biltwell Gringo with mirrored bubble shield that always catches drivers' eyes in the daytime and reflective eye decals on the back for nighttime riding. I've had people comment on them at stoplights. Also wrapped my leg guards in reflective paracord and stuck reflective black stickers all over my luggage racks. I light up like a Christmas tree when headlights hit me.

Tork X-Pro Motorcycle Helmet Speakers (with Volume Control)

http://amzn.com/B004I6HOQA

I'm using an offbrand that uses adhesive, seems to work pretty well. This is the one:

Fog City Pro Shield Insert - Standard/Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VSTKHU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_9XRuAwili9IFA

There are a few brands that are basically the same.

Etymotic as others have suggested. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, just get regular foam plugs from CVS or something. They're like $5 and come with 20 pairs.. or buy them in bulk 3M foam plugs

You can buy them as an attachment. But I'm not sure the reason it's not standard.

Did you get these?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1409406127&robot_redir=1

In case you've not found them:
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Accessories-Finger-Visor/dp/B0022ZJTKS

These are the ones I have. I like the foam eat tips the best, and they are pretty discrete. If you want them to be more discrete you can take off the plastic pull tab. And it has an additional cord to attach if you want to keep them together.

Here: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard-Polybag/dp/B00RM6Q9XW/


Also this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

My first set of gear was the First Gear Kathmandu jacket,pants and boots. The pants and boots lasted about one season. I got leaks in the toe and crotch...not worth the money.

I decided to upgrade before last winter and went with the Rev'it Neptune 2 jacket and pants, TCX gtx boots, and Rev'it Kodiak gloves. For as much as it rains in the winter and spring here I find the Gore-Tex worth the extra money. The thermal layer in the Neptune suit is ample and I never found my body or legs cold while riding at 0530 in temps at about 32-34F. However, I did find that my fingertips would get chilled. I do use heated grips and have Bark Busters to cut the wind but the low 30's is cold no matter what. I must note that the TCX boots are also solid and quite warm my toes were only chilled once last winter.

Besides the typical riding gear I'd recommend a pin-lock visor. The damp and foggy mornings can be a bit rough and if it wasn't for my pin-lock I'd have been blind. I also recommend buying a thumb squeegee. These do nicely! I'll further recommend wearing Under Armor cold gear or something like it. A good base layer is, imho, essential to winter comfort.

​

Edit:: My NUMBER ONE piece of gear is my merino wool buff. I never ride without it. Keeps the neck and face warm in the winter and wicks away sweat in the summer. Worth every penny!

The dangesr of wind noise are known. Personally I wear earplugs.

I had XSound J Helmet Speakers (IAXSJ)
The plug did not hold up very well and they have failed.

Just ordered these to give a try.

with earplugs in it is enough to kill the wind noise and actually let me hear the speakers. Also it would be hard to get the tunes so loud as to be a distraction.

Well I accept the fact that I'm going to have to take my helmet off for certain things. My solution was find a way to remove the helmet without removing the gloves. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MQCY7C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 fit the bill nicely. Thankfully I haven't had an accident test, but it's held up well to a year of use so far. The actual engagement is metal on metal inside of a plastic sheath. Overall I'm confident that in the event that helmet meets pavement, this won't be my failure point.

Close, same idea, but it is a Cardo Scala.
https://www.amazon.com/Cardo-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-Essential-Communicator/dp/B01NBI9E9G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1526564309&sr=8-6&keywords=cardo+scala

Money well spent. Perfectly legal as they're in-helmet "speakers", not headphones. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004I6HOQA?pc_redir=1406505215&robot_redir=1

You can try one of these - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WV15RCM/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_263_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6HGQXK505Y6C2P914CG3&dpPl=1&dpID=71oS9MSd4-L

i carry these in my pockets for all occasions. dinner, school, lunch, snack, playtime, nap time anytime really, when I find it all unbearable.

I picked up a pair of Etymotic Earplugs for an EDM festival here in Toronto. It's the first time I've worn them, and you can't even tell they're in.

I'm so glad I picked them up, and I take them to any concert I go to.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY

I used to praise Sena products, but lately I have become aware of significant design/engineering flaws. I will probably never buy another Sena product. My current Sena is on its last legs, battery only holds about 2 hours of charge, if I don't use the comms function, only music (Bluetooth).

It seems the most popular non-Sena product these days is the Cardo scala

This is nice as it uses "walkie-talkie" technology, and the range is amazing. Specs say range is about 5 miles, but I was on a trip last summer, and someone was using it from 14 miles away, although there was direct line of sight. My Sena is good for about 900 feet, but only with direct line of sight.

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B010C8HZSY

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

I have one of these on my RPHA 10 and it works great

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MQCY7C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2BZMQRMGJSXA&coliid=I1Y05OBVMV9JPK

I've been happy with the basic and cheap music (also intercom) system I'm posting below. I don't need intercom but wanted music. Cant beat $50 that works well.
I also decided to go the budget route for a cam system. I wanted something that would automatically record when I ride as I didn't want to have to think about it or run out of space on something that doesn't erase it. And I figure for insurance I should have front and back. I can't vouch for it as I get the system today. But the reviews are good. Just my two cents on a couple of things to think about on the camera front. Link below too for what I got.
Sound : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYSN5VC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Dash Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H3RPSDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AibyDbW5SP8QZ

Until such time as some sort of standard for mounting a Bluetooth module in/on a helmet exists, you're far better off getting a helmet that fits and has the features to meet your needs, then attaching an external Bluetooth comm device.

Buying a helmet with an integrated Bluetooth means you're locked into the same brand of helmet in order to re-use the radio on your next helmet, or you're going to have to buy another Bluetooth unit with your next helmet.

Wife and I are on our 2nd set of Senas, the model 10S, I previously had a set of 1st gen SMH-10s with round power plugs, now we have the mini-USB version w/ upgradeable firmware. I plan on moving the current units to our next helmets, as I expect them to outlast our helmets, and they're not cheap.

Here you go

https://www.amazon.com/Tork-Motorcycle-Helmet-Speakers-Control/dp/B004I6HOQA

I've got a set of those in my helmet and they're amazing. Pricey, but so worth it. The sound quality from those thin speakers is crazy! I run the wire down through my shirt/jacket and into my pocket plugged into a phone or mp3 player.

When I want to ride without using them I tuck the plug into the foam of the helmet and you wouldn't even know they're in there.

Nikwax Visor Proof <- Amazon link

You should consider Frequency reduction values table. I made a little research on this theme, asking vendor for the frequency tables. Here is the table for ~$20-30 earplugs for musicians:

Vendor \ Average reduction Value | 125 HZ | 250 HZ | 500 HZ | 1000HZ | 2000HZ | 4000HZ | 8000HZ
---------|----------|----------|---------|--------|--------|---------|---------
Crioxen Earplugs | 15.1 | 15.4 | 17.1 | 19.9 | 26.9 | 17.7 | 29.9
ER20XS Earplugs | 14.5 | 14.2 | 17.1 | 21.1 | 25.3 | 20.5 | 23.3
Eargasm Earplugs | 14.7 | 14.8 | 16.8 | 20.3 | 24.3 | 21.4 | 25.7
Reverbs Earplugs | 14.1 | 13.9 | 15.2 | 18.7 | 22.2 | 18.3 | 22.1
LiveMus!c Earplugs | 13.5 | 13.5| 14.5 | 17.9 | 23.1 | 18.2 | 20.1
Surefire Defenders | 12.7 | 12.9 | 13.2 | 16.8 | 19.9 | 19.2 | 19.1

It can help to prevent .
You can find some other comparison for earplugs for gigs.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikwax-Visor-Proof-Spray-On-Waterproofing/dp/B001GUMQI2

Ever try this stuff? Thinking about ordering it but I'm not sure

This one, and the clear version as well, for night riding.

I pried the buttons off them and attach them using 3M Dual Lock. That way I can just peel one off and plunk on the other.

I also recently added the hinge from one of these puppies but ditched the visor that actually comes with it (for reasons of pure vanity). Attached it the same way, with dual lock across the brow, so now I can just move the visor up to wipe my face and drink water instead of having to attach and reattach.

FYI your link is messed up - fixed

Can you describe how these are different from the standard Ety ER20 plus that are half the price?

Ive been thinking about getting one of these.

Looks like a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive blue-tooth systems. I am kind of curious if anyone else has any experience with this or something similar.

Polycarbonate, plexi, or lexan is a good way to go if you have experience in forming them and cutting them. Or you could go w/ a combination of a helmet visor and EVA foam for the head piece.

I use this stuff: (https://www.amazon.com/Nikwax-872-Visor-Proof-Waterproofing/dp/B001GUMQI2)

I read rain x can be damaging to plastic visors. The above spray seems to work ok.

Disposable earplugs are ok, but I got these and they were well worth it over the disposable ones. You'll be able to hear distinct noises better than foam ones (like car horns), but wind noise is reduced to a comfortable level and not overwhelming.

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Def-Motorcycle-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484201583&sr=8-4&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

These have been reported to be quite good. as long as you dont have a monsterously large phone, and you dont mind the fact that you cant charge it in the case, it's quite good.

Just to piggyback off of that, I use [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-High-Def-Motorsport-Earplugs-Universal/dp/B010C8HZSY/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521306631&sr=8-6&keywords=etymotic) for practice when playing music. These are $5 more than the standard fit ones, but worth it as you can try out three interchangeable ear pieces for the right fit. I had the same brand for a while, but upgraded to these because whatever, $25 is worth it. Also you don't get a bunch of bass muffle like the standard foam cheap ones. Strongly recommend from experience. Funny thing is that I had planned on going to IMAX for the movie and decided on bringing those now just in case based off of your comment. Thanks!