Schuberth C5 To Replace an Arai Signet X, Fits A Long Oval Head

[mzflorida]

I purchased the Schuberth C5. I'm not trying to open the discussion on how long one should continue wearing a helmet, but the Arai was six years old, the detents stopped holding the visor, and the protective wings that cover the visor mechanism blew off and broke free of their lanyards. Plus, the interior padding needed replacement and that was 2/3 of the price of the Schuberth.

The quality seems excellent, it is relatively light for its category; and though helmets' aesthetics are not very important to me, it is nice looking. I did order the black with HiViz first, but I was uncomfortable with the perceived visibility. I replaced it with the white with orange HiViz and I'm satisfied with the conspicuity. I have a very long oval head and the C5 fits perfectly without any hotspots. The detents are solid, the drop-down visor is smooth and will not it my glasses, and ventilation is generous. The interior padding has a very premium feel to it and the straps are the quick release type. It also comes with a pinlock anti-fog insert installed. If comms are important, it comes prewired to accept a Sena product designed specifically for the helmet, which isn't cheap but is pretty slick. I did order that, and it seems pretty good and is Siri and Google compliant. Nice to have when you want to change navigation waypoints.

A buddy mentioned he could not tolerate one iteration of this helmet for more than a few minutes (I think it was that short) which gave me a little concern. For me, it is more comfortable than the Arai. A quick spirited ride this morning proves to me that it is the quietest Helmet I've had. Schuberth publishes 85DB internal noise at speed on a naked bike and I'd guess it is close (though I wear earplugs now...tested without). The helmet is designed to be able to fit any head shape with additional internal padding options, but I did not need any of them.

I test fit it locally then ordered it from Europe. It was $554.00 and $25.00 shipping from FC Moto vs. $869.00 from Revilla.

 

[wspollack]

Thanks for the excellent report.

I have a Nolan N100-5 that I believe is seven, or maybe eight, years old, so I've been thinking about replacing it for the last year or so, and so your review is timely and useful.

As it turns out, just two days ago I got a replacement shield for it delivered. Mine had some scratches in it from the occasional mishandling; the Nolan fits me so much to my liking (and I had an N90 before that one) that I decided to get the new shield. So that's that, but I plan to revisit the new-helmet issue next spring.

I will add looking at the C5 to my list. Yesterday, I was reading a very favorable review in Rider of the AGV Tourmodular helmet:

In 30-plus years of testing motorcycle gear, I haven’t enjoyed a helmet more than this one. The Tourmodular is positioned as a more economical version of AGV’s all-carbon Sportmodular. There are nine colorways and 30 fit combos between six interior sizes and five thicknesses of interchangeable cheek pads. Pricing starts at $659.95.
— JAMIE ELVIDGE

Unfortunately, she didn't mention head shape. Fortunately, this helmet is listed at Cycle Gear ($660 - $770) and there's a CG store about 10 minutes away from me. That's expensive, but once every eight years is manageable.

Unfortunately -- unlike you -- my riding season is officially over now, so all this will have to wait for the spring. No point buying a helmet and letting it sit around for five months without trying it out, well past any return period.

 

[mzflorida]

Thanks for the excellent report.

I have a Nolan N100-5 that I believe is seven, or maybe eight, years old, so I've been thinking about replacing it for the last year or so, and so your review is timely and useful.

As it turns out, just two days ago I got a replacement shield for it delivered. Mine had some scratches in it from the occasional mishandling; the Nolan fits me so much to my liking (and I had an N90 before that one) that I decided to get the new shield. So that's that, but I plan to revisit the new-helmet issue next spring.

I will add looking at the C5 to my list. Yesterday, I was reading a very favorable review in Rider of the AGV Tourmodular helmet:

In 30-plus years of testing motorcycle gear, I haven’t enjoyed a helmet more than this one. The Tourmodular is positioned as a more economical version of AGV’s all-carbon Sportmodular. There are nine colorways and 30 fit combos between six interior sizes and five thicknesses of interchangeable cheek pads. Pricing starts at $659.95.
— JAMIE ELVIDGE

Unfortunately, she didn't mention head shape. Fortunately, this helmet is listed at Cycle Gear ($660 - $770) and there's a CG store about 10 minutes away from me. That's expensive, but once every eight years is manageable.
athTis will have to wait for the spring. No point buying a helmet and letting it sit around for five months without trying it out, well past any return period.

That Looks like a very nice and feature rich helmet. It seems to go rounder than longer which just would not work for me.

 

[RollaCosta]

Another long-headed rider here.
My choice was HJC RPHA 90, should be on par with the Schuberth which are not sold here in Oz.

 

[mzflorida]

Another long-headed rider here.
My choice was HJC RPHA 90, should be on par with the Schuberth which are not sold here in Oz.

Yup. It is a very nice helmet and has been on my radar. I think it would just about work (I used LidPicker.com to identify good matches for my head shape). I did not try it as some reviews say it is challenging to install comms, which are important to me.

 

[RollaCosta]

I did not feel the challenge doing the Cardo Spirit install, my first ever comms install.
I only had to move the boom mic to the spot above the left cheek clip, it was on my mouth too often when was below the cushion clip, and also in the way of the wind. Upgraded to thicker JBL speakers with no worries, helmet size XL.

Most comfortable helmet I have had. I had to sell the terrible Shoei GT Air II, felt like it had four foam corners, esp. painful two in the back. You only feel them after about 60-90 minutes… Signet X here was called Arai RX-7V and also did not suit, luckily right in the store. That RPHA 90 and Bell Bullitt are the only two for me, so far. Seems like the Japanese mostly have rounder heads than us Europeans

 

[mzflorida]

I went on a longer ride to test out the helmet. The viewport is absolutely huge, which is a positive for me. I have not taken the time to contemplate how Schuberth made this helmet so quiet but holey mole, this is far and away, without any exaggeration, the quietest helmet I've ever worn.

 

[mzflorida]

I did not feel the challenge doing the Cardo Spirit install, my first ever comms install.
I only had to move the boom mic to the spot above the left cheek clip, it was on my mouth too often when was below the cushion clip, and also in the way of the wind. Upgraded to thicker JBL speakers with no worries, helmet size XL.

Most comfortable helmet I have had. I had to sell the terrible Shoei GT Air II, felt like it had four foam corners, esp. painful two in the back. You only feel them after about 60-90 minutes… Signet X here was called Arai RX-7V and also did not suit, luckily right in the store. That RPHA 90 and Bell Bullitt are the only two for me, so far. Seems like the Japanese mostly have rounder heads than us Europeans

Oh, that is good to hear that you had no problems with the comms installation! I laughed at the "four corners" comment! I tried the Shoei and your description is spot on for us egg heads! Initial impression on the C5 is the same as yours on the RPHA in that at least first impressions are that it is the most comfy helmet I've owned.

 

[RollaCosta]

Great that you found it. I was looking to buy a C4 but N/A here, so was a no-go, esp. after losing half the cost of Shoei only after a 4 day ride
RPHA makes some noise, especially left side where external Cardo unit is attached.
Model 90 does not have built-in battery space for Sena like the later model 90S.
But I do agree with designers - it makes sense to not have anything scooping wind out there, unless you’re on a Victory Vision i guess… I am not even on a GT but a Sport C650.

 

[mzflorida]

Great that you found it. I was looking to buy a C4 but N/A here, so was a no-go, esp. after losing half the cost of Shoei only after a 4 day ride
RPHA makes some noise, especially left side where external Cardo unit is attached.
Model 90 does not have built-in battery space for Sena like the later model 90S.
But I do agree with designers - it makes sense to not have anything scooping wind out there, unless you’re on a Victory Vision i guess… I am not even on a GT but a Sport C650.

Taking it a bit different direction, I am seriously considering getting rid of my ADV bike and buying a 2020 C650GT. I am not touring anymore, I like the scooter form factor, my days are no longer than 300 to 400 miles usually much less than that, and I've done just about everything else (other than a Harley...like them I am just physically uncomfortable on them). Keeping it in the spirit of the thread, I'm sure the C5 will work well riding a 650!

 

[RollaCosta]

This year I have sold my new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro once I have gotten the taste of C650 Sport. I am quite happier and richer for that decision!
Perhaps I should also buy a C650 GT but few things stop me - the sellers are being tighta$$e$, non-nego; the stupidly smaller storage compartment and no FlexCase(tm) there, and no way I could have fun with my feet on passenger footpegs and feeling like a Sporty-bike, the higher weight (not ideal for fast cornering at same grip).
So those are the three upsides of the Sport (plus the style, not so porky like the BurgerMan 650).
Oh, and the need to move my upgrades there before (if ever) I decide to sell the Sport.
I did like the less wind and less jumping on bad roads aspects of GT though... that's two vs five, so sitting on the fence for now...

 

[mzflorida]

This year I have sold my new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro once I have gotten the taste of C650 Sport. I am quite happier and richer for that decision!
Perhaps I should also buy a C650 GT but few things stop me - the sellers are being tighta$$e$, non-nego; the stupidly smaller storage compartment and no FlexCase(tm) there, and no way I could have fun with my feet on passenger footpegs and feeling like a Sporty-bike, the higher weight (not ideal for fast cornering at same grip).
So those are the three upsides of the Sport (plus the style, not so porky like the BurgerMan 650).
Oh, and the need to move my upgrades there before (if ever) I decide to sell the Sport.
I did like the less wind and less jumping on bad roads aspects of GT though... that's two vs five, so sitting on the fence for now...

Seems we have a lot in common! I was "that" close to buying a Tiger. The heat coming out of the passive exhaust parts were the dealbreaker as I live in a subtropical climate. It was just too hot. Absolutely wonderful bike though. Love it. I just could not live with it for the type of riding I am doing now.

 

[wspollack]

Oh, heck, although we're getting into "thread drift," we're all among friends, this forum isn't exceptionally busy, etc. So please permit me this digression.

In order, here are the bikes I've owned (with period of ownership), which I think most will agree is an eclectic assortment (but, yeah, no ADV type of bikes):

1997 R 850 R (1997-2000)
2000 Valkyrie Interstate (2000-2007)
2007 Burgman 650 Exec (2007-2012)
2012 Victory Cross Country Tour (2012-2017)
2008 Burgman 650 Exec (2016-2022)
2022 C 400 GT (2022-2023)
2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2023-present)
2023 C 400 GT (2023-present)

Of all of those, the C 400 GT (either one) is the best handling bike I've ridden. Unlike all the other bikes (well, I'm still gaining confidence in the Meteor, so that doesn't count yet), I haven't been able to touch anything down on it (and I've tried), except that on a rental C 400 X this past July, in nine days of riding in the Alps, I did manage to ding the centerstand once (on a downhill, tighty-righty, hairpin).

I am disappointed in a few aspects of the bike (especially the engine problem I had with the '22), such as the lack of cruise control, the Schrader valve placement, and I'd like a little more underseat storage and a little more stretch-out room. But if you love twisties, I think this is the bike to get. I also think it has plenty of power, and delivers it pretty smoothly.

And, as I've demonstrated, having a bike with a warranty sometimes comes in mighty handy. But -- see twisties, above -- I'm still recommending the C 400 GT, it's still my first choice as a back-road maven.

 

[RollaCosta]

My T-Max Ironmax 530 was even a better leaner, but had less power to zip between corners (than the C650 Sport).

 

[mzflorida]

Oh, heck, although we're getting into "thread drift," we're all among friends, this forum isn't exceptionally busy, etc. So please permit me this digression.

In order, here are the bikes I've owned (with period of ownership), which I think most will agree is an eclectic assortment (but, yeah, no ADV type of bikes):

1997 R 850 R (1997-2000)
2000 Valkyrie Interstate (2000-2007)
2007 Burgman 650 Exec (2007-2012)
2012 Victory Cross Country Tour (2012-2017)
2008 Burgman 650 Exec (2016-2022)
2022 C 400 GT (2022-2023)
2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2023-present)
2023 C 400 GT (2023-present)

Of all of those, the C 400 GT (either one) is the best handling bike I've ridden. Unlike all the other bikes (well, I'm still gaining confidence in the Meteor, so that doesn't count yet), I haven't been able to touch anything down on it (and I've tried), except that on a rental C 400 X this past July, in nine days of riding in the Alps, I did manage to ding the centerstand once (on a downhill, tighty-righty, hairpin).

I am disappointed in a few aspects of the bike (especially the engine problem I had with the '22), such as the lack of cruise control, the Schrader valve placement, and I'd like a little more underseat storage and a little more stretch-out room. But if you love twisties, I think this is the bike to get. I also think it has plenty of power, and delivers it pretty smoothly.

And, as I've demonstrated, having a bike with a warranty sometimes comes in mighty handy. But -- see twisties, above -- I'm still recommending the C 400 GT, it's still my first choice as a back-road maven.

Funny you mention thread drift...I see it as natural communication. I know contributors get their stuff all in a wad over it, but I reside on the other side of the spectrum and enjoy it. If we were at dinner, we would not talk about the same helmet all night.

Anyhow, I agree the C400Gt is an excellent machine and handles well. I'm not sure if I mentioned to you, Bill, that I rode it on I75 (alligator alley) from here on the SW coast over to Lauderdale. It managed just fine. It does everything my other bikes do, practically; the technical execution being the only difference. I would normally already be planning my next bike to replace the C400GT. I replace a bike every year, year and a half. I am keeping this bike for the foreseeable future. I really enjoy it.

Speaking of stretching out, after I get the suspension sorted out, I am sending the seat off to Seth Laam to have him work his magic and give me 3 or 4 inches more to stretch out. It will be even more enjoyable with the C5 (thread drift pun).

 

[wspollack]

I like the dinner analogy.