I'm imagining it is, since it's also a Shoei product designed for compatibility with DOT compliant Shoei helmets, but I just wanted to double check since I know a lot of aftermarket lenses (from third-party manufacturers, however) typically nullify DOT compliance of the helmet.

Thanks for the input!

Wanting to read actual reviews here, I trust posting here vs paid online reviews

I don't want to buy an expensive one just yet. Just one that honestly gives me gps audio with Google maps tbh.

I don't want my phone out distracting me on a handlebar or stem mounted. And I would just wear earbuds but I have loop ear plugs for riding. Any help is appreciated 👍

Hey yall, just got my first bike after taking the MSF course! I've been taking it to a parking garage near my house to practice the basics and recreate some of the drills from the MSF.

One thing I've been working on is braking/stopping. I've been practicing emergency braking from around 20-30 mph and then just normal braking from 1st or 2nd gear. But my braking doesn't feel smooth and when my bike does come to a stop, it sometimes feel like it might fall and a little wobbly. I can't flat foot my bike all the way, I'm pretty much just tip toeing it and I can't really lean off to one side quick enough to try to flat foot it with my left foot. I don't really want to lower it cause I do feel like once I get the hang of smooth stopping, the amount of foot I have on the ground will be sufficient enough.

In the MSF, they taught us to always use both brakes and pull in the clutch when stopping. But after watching some videos, it seems like at low speeds only rear brake is needed and adding front brake or too much of it can cause the bike to tip over potentially. I am making sure I'm stopped with the handle bars straight and looking ahead but the bike still seems to lean to one side or the other and I just can't get that smooth stop down yet.

So I'm curious what is the best method of stopping? Both brakes all the time or only one or the other depending on speed and other variables. Also, are there any good techniques for applying the right amount of brake to create a smoother stop?

Thanks everyone and ride safe!

I have an Arai Regent-X in a medium that I love, but it's got just a tiny bit more shift to it when I pull it from side to side than I think is advisable. If replacing the cheek pads with thicker ones eliminates this bit of extra space, does it come at the cost of safety? Can I effectively customize the size of the helmet this way, or is it a better call to get another helmet that's simply a better fit from the start?

Thanks!

For context, I was extremely nervous for my riding test and with me being a brand new rider with just around 10 hours of practice - under the supervision of an instructor - I passed me test today.

Being on the road, with actual cars, is kind of very terrifying when you think about it - especially on a bike. However, I've learnt that you can use that to your advantage as well.

For anyone who's nervous about passing or starting their motorcycle journey, I hope this post motivates you as much as it can. It's okay to fail, but it's not okay to be fine with that - just keep trying. That's coming from someone who had to repeat a car license half a dozen times because of nerves and whatnot - which is why I'm happy and surprised I passed this test first time around haha.

Good luck to all fellow and future bikers 🎉

Edit: Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to just commit and try to not get in my head. There isn't any quiet roads near me (yay for living in the Phoenix metro area), but I'm gonna try and ride to places I'm most familiar with. I did buy the alternate seat option so maybe that will give me just a little more comfort, as well as hitting the gym at bit more. At least then if I do drop I can pick it up more confidently.

Edit 2: Just had maintenance done, turns out my rear brake was "inoperable" so that's fixed now. Didn't realize since this is my first bike so I didn't know how it was supposed to feel

I took my msf course a few months ago, passed with a great score and had a blast. I bought my first bike soon after, a CFMOTO 450SS. I love this bike, but I am fighting an uphill battle. I'm 4"11, and during the msf could only get the balls of my feet down. On my bike, it's 1 foot only, but I knew that was gonna be the case since I've always wanted a sport bike which are not exactly known for being short rider friendly.

While practicing low speed/emergency maneuvers in a parking lot I tipped the bike. Me and the bike were fine, and I wanted to keep pushing on. Next attempt I dropped again. I knew I should have taken a break after the first drop. I had twisted my wrist pretty good and it was 109°, so the heat inside my helmet and jacket was not helping.

That brings us to today. My wrist is all good and the weather is starting to cool down, but my confidence was definitely hurt and I get anxiety now whenever I get on it. It's been a few weeks since I last rode and getting back in the saddle has been hard even though I really really want to.

I guess I just need some encouragement or perhaps advice.

Disclaimer in case someone mentions it:

1. I'm not looking to trade my bike
2. There isn't any reputable lowering link options since the bike is new
3. Dealership said they wouldn't adjust the preload/suspension since it would affect the ridability

Reviews on Revzilla are saying it's actually really good, and that these shields can be used at night, but I have my doubts and wanted to see if anyone has any insight here.

This is the product:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-vas-v-max-vision-mirrored-face-shield?sku_id=10281746

I have a mirrored shield on my Bell Eliminator, which I love, but it makes night riding basically impossible. Does anyone have any experience with these mirrored Arai face shields at night? How are they?

Thanks!

Hey folks! So I just bought my first bike, a 250cc Lifan. I'm looking at helmets, and I see various articles saying only get a full face helmet, but they also seem to mostly be talking about sport bikes. This bike doesn't go above 80 mph, and I live out in the country where there's not much traffic anyhow. So my question is, is a 3/4 helmet just as good or better? I am a bit concerned about periphrial vision, I tried on a few full face helmets in a store, and it was hard to see, plus I wear glasses, so have to account for that also.

What's the consensus here, for slower cruise riding? Full face or 3/4? Or what about modular?

UPDATE: Thanks to all the folks with advice here, even the ones who were rude about it! I bought an HJC i10, however I'm not sure if I got the right size? I got a Large, however when I rode with it the first time today, my cheeks were getting pushed in to the point that I couldn't put my teeth together without biting the insides of my mouth. Is that normal? Otherwise the fit felt great, tight enough that it didn't wiggle, but didn't give me a headache or anything. I'm pretty thin and have never worn an XL in anything, so I'm hesitant to go up a size, maybe it just needs to break in a bit? It wasn't really uncomfortable or anything, just pressed on that spot a good bit.

I'm thinking about this one for my Arai:

https://dragonmotorsport.ca/products/visor-for-arai-rx7-vas-v?variant=48806052921625

But for $200 I'm just interested in the community's take on it first, if you have any input.

Thanks, y'all!

So I bought some riding pants online two XL with a 32 inch inseam. I am 6 feet tall when I stand up the knee protectors and armor is right under my knees and on my shins when I sit on my bike, the knee protectors are in the perfect place. Should I get a size smaller with a 30 inch inseam? The armor only fills out of place when I am off my bike walking around.

I live in southern Ohio and can’t take the msf course because of my work schedule. The thing is I can’t find any one on one lessons either after numerous phone calls and attempts to see if there were opportunities. I know after an hour or two I’d be able to do whatever I need to do on the road at least to just ride minimally and slowly progress more overtime. But for now I’m kind of stuck. I’ll get my permit this week no problem but after that I don’t know what to do and if theres even a way to progress from here. Has anyone else been in this situation and found a good solution?

I plan on buying a new Honda CRF300L from a Honda dealership soon and keeping it at my uncle's farm to practice for a couple months before getting my motorcycle license and insurance to ride on the road. Is this allowed? I've seen conflicting info online. It seems like you do NOT need a motorcycle license but I've seen some people say you do need insurance to buy one, even if you don't plan on riding it on the public road. And to get insurance I assume you would need a valid motorcycle license so I'm not too sure what to think...I live in North Carolina if that matters and have a valid driver's license.

Went out today and though the bike felt heavy the handles felt weird. Got on the road and couldn’t shake the feeling—immediately turned off to a side road and felt a wobble. Stopped and got off and my rear tire deflated before my eyes!

I should have been tipped off at the handles when I first got on but I’ve been off for 10 years and assumed it was a me-problem rather than a bike problem. If something feels off don’t doubt yourself, even if you’re new (or returning new!)!

Is there any good way to know what’s going to be the limit on how fast I can enter the turn? Preferably in a way that’s not just gonna result in “fuck around and find out” cuz I already got lucky once in a low side in different conditions (literally was fucking around and found out) and I don’t wanna count on getting lucky again.

Looking into getting my first bike in the following months (r7) most likely used since it’s cheaper. what are some things to be on the look for with used bikes and how many miles is too many miles for a used bike

I don't seem to find a definitive answer, some people believe it actually warm them up so more grips, other people are not sure but do it just to be safe and other say it just worns the tire for nothing.

Hey

I need some words of motivation, I think. Sorry for the wall of text.

I'm 45 years old, and after dreaming of a bike for a big part of my adult life, I've finally decided to get my license and buy a motorcycle. I bought full summer and winter gear, full-face helmet, summer and winter gloves, boots, the works. I've put a downpayment on a Triumph Trident 660, which is waiting for pickup. I booked 12 hours of one-on-one lessons (which is required where I live).

First lesson I had a great deal of fun. It was a three-hour lesson, with first half on a closed-off terrain and second half on the public roads. For the terrain, all the exercises I was asked to do, I did after few attempts. I wasn't afraid of leaning the bike in the corners or braking hard to simulate an emergency stop. I had a bad habit of pulling the front brake when doing figure-of-eights, but after nearly going down few times, I learned to use the rear brake. Shifting was easy, downshifting and engine-braking too (I drive a manual transmission car). I had some problems with riding very slowly (10m/32feet in min 12 seconds) and keeping the bike between two lines which are about 1m/3feet apart but I could do it 3,4 times out of ten attempts. We went on the public road after that, and I had to follow my instructor. Besides forgetting to turn-off my indicator a few times, I had a great time on B-roads and was able to keep up without any serious issues.

My second lesson was yesterday, 4 hours on the bike, 1 of which was practicing all the stuff on the closed-off course, which went pretty well. The other three hours were spent on riding to a city center over the highway. I also had to lead, while the instructor followed me.

Highway was not fun at all. I wasn't afraid of the traffic, but the wind and noise surprised me when merging. I merged behind a truck, and when I moved to the middle lane it felt like a wall hit my chest and just kept pushing. I would've preferred 100kmh (60mph), but the instructor kept spurring me on to 120-130kmh (75mph - 80mph). All-in-all, this was just unpleasant for me, as I would have preferred a lower speed, but I did not make any traffic violations or mistakes. Climbed to 6th gear and just stayed there for about 30 minutes, my head shaking from the wind.

Then came the city center. Weather was nice, a lot of bicyclists, lot of pedestrians, lot of slow-moving traffic, narrow European streets, trams on tramtracks, buses, and a city I've never been to/driven to, as it is known to be a traffic nightmare. Something must've been going on as there was a high police presence, and a few times I had to move out of the way for cops with lights and sirens speeding past. So had to dodge all those things, while the instructor was telling me where to go and what traffic signs to follow and what I was doing wrong. I did not enjoy one minute of these 3 hours.

After the lesson he told me I wasn't looking far enough "into traffic" and wasn't predicting what was going to happen. I also neglected to let pedestrians cross at a crosswalk, twice - something I truly, really did not see, which scared me. He also said that my looking-through-the-curve technique is good, I'm doing well with my chosen cornering lines and bike placement on the road is good as well. I'm also doing well on the closed-off course. However, to him it seemed like I was way more nervous the second lesson then the first one, which struck him as very odd.

Now I kind of lost my confidence, and I've been doubting if I want to ride. Yesterday after getting home I thought about cutting my losses and selling the gear. I'm impulsive like that. Anyone of you guys went through something similar when learning how to ride? Ever doubted yourself, as in, do I need this, will I enjoy this and so on? Any advice on riding on highway or in heavy traffic?

Quick question, on my bike when I get it, it does not have cruise control, sooooo, how do I cruise? Like how do I keep the throttle just in the right place to where I stay the same speed?????

I passed! I nearly failed but I passed. I was told if i put my foot down like I almost did, that would put me over and I would have failed.

Unlike last time, I nailed the 90 degree turns.

Now to explore all streets near my house before starting the highways.

so i was under the impression that the msf was for complete beginners .. people who’ve never been on a bike or with very little experience. one of my friends who rides recommended me to take msf so i could learn.

ive ridden bicycles but never a motorcycle. for every exercise, i was having a little bit of trouble picking things up compared to the other six students. they all seemed confident and weren’t really making errors. by that point, i knew i was the only beginner :( the instructors noticed that too so they’d spend a little extra time with me to help me get it down and that was great, very appreciated.

but that only lasted so long. every time i got the hang of the exercise, the instructors would say times up and i never actually got the chance to practice my confidence in that skill.

it felt like the course was being rushed and there wasnt enough time for an actual beginner to pick up the skills. anyway fast forward to the exercise where i got sent home..

we were to ride around the perimeter with smooth braking at every cone. i was good at braking, and they complimented my smooth clutch control. i never dropped the bike, and never crashed. i lost control twice but i stopped asap and then continued after straightening out.

before my third loop, the instructor pulled me aside and said my throttle control wasnt very smooth. so he gave me tips to improve it and i tried again. i lost control again and went into the center of the range, but i went back in after regaining control. when i finished the loop again, my instructor said he thinks it’d be better for me to go home and maybe schedule a one on one lesson instead.

tbh, i thought that was a little crazy. i wasnt doing awful, i know i was worse than all the other students but if they just gave me a few more minutes to get it down, i know i wouldve been fine. its like they expected everyone to perfect the skills within three attempts.

im not upset at all and my instructors were great but it just felt so embarrassing getting sent home even though i was really trying and eager to learn. i dont want to say im discouraged but it just felt like they didnt want to put in the time/effort. i am very much a hands on learner and they werent really giving me the chance to get that hands on practice.

on top of that, i paid $425 for the course and i was so excited to learn.

now im otw home, gonna watch a bunch of how to ride videos and have the urge to buy an old used bike off the marketplace to practice on my own time… i was originally against that idea bc i dont know much about motorcycles so i felt it’d be safer to practice with an instructor but now im just kinda sad i guess

Looking into getting a first bike and i’ve landed on the R7 i’m pretty sure that’s what i’ll buy in january(still need to go sit on it but for now that’s the choice) doesn’t really deserve all the hate it gets? like ik it isn’t a r6 but it’s not a r6 replacement anyway ig my question is, is that a solid bike to get, is the hate justified or is it just ppl hating? possible alternatives ?

So I’m about 1.5 months in and ride a 2017 Ninja 650.

I’m somewhat comfortable with going higher speeds but I’ve noticed that going 70mph (in a safe area that isn’t a highway) feels vastly different that going 70mph on the highway/interstate.

The bike feel very subtly wobbly and I look down and my handle bars aren’t even moving.

What gives? Is it wind? And how do I deal with this?

Okay I’m freaking scared 😳 I take the msf Halloween and nov 1st . My bike will be ready for pick up on the 2nd Saturday morning (ninja 500 se abs red n black 2024) and I have a 35 minute ride home on streets . Is there any advice I’ve been a trucker 15 years n and a great driver but this is terrifying any tips for riding from dealership first time the day after my msf ??? Btw the dealer is off a main road and there parking lot is small not a lot of practice room

I just completed my license course and my top picks are ninja 650, yam mt07 and hornet 750. What would you pick?