Caberg Levo (Levante) Modular Helmet ECE 22.05 Non-DOT

[the Ferret]

Cool helmet Stichill. I have heard of Cabergs. Never known anyone that had one.

I am amazed when I go up to iron Pony and try on helmets the differences between a large in one brand and a large in another brand. Shape, fit, mechanism and latch differences. It's crazy. Don't know how anyone buys one without slipping it on noggin first. I wuill try on dozens of models up at the Pony. FOR ME...the worst is Schuberth, they absolutely hate my head, followed by Bell. For comfort every time I stick on a HJC my head breathes a sigh of relief. So I have a bunch of HJC's. Open face, 3/4, modular and full face. (99% of the time I grab the modular when going for a ride, although I love my 3/4 too). I also am not fond of the internal drop down shields. They are usually too light tint wise for me, and I have had some that rattled.

It seems to me the high front air vent may be an air noise issue. The smoother the shell the less the air flow in interrupted.Will be interesting to see how that one does. On my HJC it has small ones, but it for have the shield cracked open even an inch, which I usually do, the the shield blocks the air intakes, so no flow thru air. Drop the shield and you immediately feel the air flowing thru.

[Stichill_imp]

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

Thanks, it seems to be top-notch engineering and construction as far as I can tell. This is my first modular so I'm not used to the mechanical sounds of the detented face shield, the internal sun visor, or the chin bar mechanism. It's not overly loud but anything other than silent is new to me.

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

True that is a concern. I was pretty sure the helmet would fit me. I can't find the reference right now but I believe but it's an intermediate oval head shape, and the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=342&pid=227155#pid227155]sizing is basically identical to Arai. I figured it was worth the risk of $80 for here-and-back shipping if I was not happy with the fit. Thankfully, so far so good.

My Arai was extremely snug when I got it, almost too snug. It seemed like it was slightly compressing my skull in all directions. I stuck it out and it broke in; today once it's on I'm no longer conscious of it. This new Caberg is also snug, some skull compression but seemingly not as much as I remember with the Arai.
Interesting observations, ferret. I'm looking forward to reporting how this helmet behaves while riding.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

Thanks, it seems to be top-notch engineering and construction as far as I can tell. This is my first modular so I'm not used to the mechanical sounds of the detented face shield, the internal sun visor, or the chin bar mechanism. It's not overly loud but anything other than silent is new to me.

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

True that is a concern. I was pretty sure the helmet would fit me. I can't find the reference right now but I believe but it's an intermediate oval head shape, and the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=342&pid=227155#pid227155]sizing is basically identical to Arai. I figured it was worth the risk of $80 for here-and-back shipping if I was not happy with the fit. Thankfully, so far so good.

My Arai was extremely snug when I got it, almost too snug. It seemed like it was slightly compressing my skull in all directions. I stuck it out and it broke in; today once it's on I'm no longer conscious of it. This new Caberg is also snug, some skull compression but seemingly not as much as I remember with the Arai.
Interesting observations, ferret. I'm looking forward to reporting how this helmet behaves while riding.

I suppose as long as nothing is excreting out of the ears, eyes and nose, it is a good start.

[Stichill_imp]

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

Thanks, it seems to be top-notch engineering and construction as far as I can tell. This is my first modular so I'm not used to the mechanical sounds of the detented face shield, the internal sun visor, or the chin bar mechanism. It's not overly loud but anything other than silent is new to me.

Very nice looking helmet. I have a Shoei Neotech II, and there are a lot of similarities in the styling between the Caberg and Neotech, judging from the pictures. I think you will love the micro ratchet chin strap, as the Neotech also has it, and I like it a LOT. I think a modular is a very good compromise between a 3/4 and a full face, and being able to open the chin bar you will find very handy in multiple situations.

The only thing I personally could not do, is order a helmet from overseas, unless I had tried on the exact same model here locally first. I have tried on so many different helmet brands over the years, that it is scary what a little bit of fit difference can make in terms of initial, short, and long term comfort. I remember, for instance, trying on a Shark ( if I remember brand correctly ) modular. Fit on my head was comfortable, but the inside of the chin bar was only a fraction of an inch from my chin. I was interested in a Schuberth, but when I tried it on, the interior shape did not fit the shape of my head and was uncomfortable immediately. HJC was my first modular, and I found that their size large was about 1/8 inch bigger than most others. It was one of the most comfortable helmets ever, but I went to Shoei after I discovered the HJC had ( back then, different now ) plastic chin bar locking components.

I can see in the pictures your Caberg has steel chin bar locking posts like the Shoei, so I bet it has steel latch components as well. Congrats on what looks like a very well designed helmet!

True that is a concern. I was pretty sure the helmet would fit me. I can't find the reference right now but I believe but it's an intermediate oval head shape, and the [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=342&pid=227155#pid227155]sizing is basically identical to Arai. I figured it was worth the risk of $80 for here-and-back shipping if I was not happy with the fit. Thankfully, so far so good.

My Arai was extremely snug when I got it, almost too snug. It seemed like it was slightly compressing my skull in all directions. I stuck it out and it broke in; today once it's on I'm no longer conscious of it. This new Caberg is also snug, some skull compression but seemingly not as much as I remember with the Arai.
Interesting observations, ferret. I'm looking forward to reporting how this helmet behaves while riding.

I suppose as long as nothing is excreting out of the ears, eyes and nose, it is a good start.

I suppose as long as nothing is excreting out of the ears, eyes and nose, it is a good start.
I'll say!

[Stichill_imp]

First Ride Report

Hopped on the CBR250R this evening and went on my local "Short Loop" which is a 22-mile ride along winding 2-lane country roads at speeds between 35 - 60 mph.

There was some discussion about how noisy or quiet this helmet would turn out to be. The answer is...

Whisper quiet. I'm completely amazed.

As I mentioned earlier, my one and only helmet has been an Arai Vector-2 that I bought in 2012. I've been reading various reports for years that Arai helmets are extraordinarily noisy, so I may not be the best person to judge a helmet's noise level objectively. But the Caberg Levo (Levante) is so much quieter than the Arai it's astonishing.

I've been living like an animal for seven years.

The helmet, of course, is not silent. I listened carefully to the most prominent wind noise perceived and it seemed to be coming from the left and right rear side/quarters. Eventually I realized that this wind noise was not generated by the helmet but by my shoulders. If I put a hand up to deflect air off my shoulders, the wind noise on that side almost entirely went away.

I didn't hear any wind noise coming from the face shield, the chin vent, or the top vent. Nor did I hear any noise coming from under the chin bar. Clearly the elastic chin curtain does its job very well.

The first detent position of the face shield lets in copious amounts of fresh air but adds zero additional wind noise. Opening it to the second detent brings on a perceptible increase in turbulence / noise but it's not at all intolerable.

When I turned west after heading south, looking right into the sun, the flip-down internal visor was great! Such a convenience, can't believe I've been doing without.

My only minor complaint, which is indeed minor, is that the cheek pads are a bit tight for my wide face. With the Arai I was able to remove a layer of foam to make them thinner. Since they still weren't thin enough after that step, I was able to purchase (for an exorbitant sum) accessory cheek pads that were exactly the right thickness to fit securely without being too snug.

So far the verdict is that this is a great helmet for my needs.

[the Ferret]

That's a pretty encouraging first report. Maybe the cheekpads will " break in" a bit. CAn you chew gum without biting the inside of your cheeks? Lol

[Stichill_imp]

Yeah ferret, I hope the cheek pads break in! There's a fair amount of foam on top of the EPS so hopefully it will compress in due time. Good question on the gum! Right now it kinda feels like it's squishing my lower jaw forward in a slight underbite.

[GoldOxide_imp]

First Ride Report

Hopped on the CBR250R this evening and went on my local "Short Loop" which is a 22-mile ride along winding 2-lane country roads at speeds between 35 - 60 mph.

There was some discussion about how noisy or quiet this helmet would turn out to be. The answer is...

Whisper quiet. I'm completely amazed.

As I mentioned earlier, my one and only helmet has been an Arai Vector-2 that I bought in 2012. I've been reading various reports for years that Arai helmets are extraordinarily noisy, so I may not be the best person to judge a helmet's noise level objectively. But the Caberg Levo (Levante) is so much quieter than the Arai it's astonishing.

I've been living like an animal for seven years.

The helmet, of course, is not silent. I listened carefully to the most prominent wind noise perceived and it seemed to be coming from the left and right rear side/quarters. Eventually I realized that this wind noise was not generated by the helmet but by my shoulders. If I put a hand up to deflect air off my shoulders, the wind noise on that side almost entirely went away.

I didn't hear any wind noise coming from the face shield, the chin vent, or the top vent. Nor did I hear any noise coming from under the chin bar. Clearly the elastic chin curtain does its job very well.

The first detent position of the face shield lets in copious amounts of fresh air but adds zero additional wind noise. Opening it to the second detent brings on a perceptible increase in turbulence / noise but it's not at all intolerable.

When I turned west after heading south, looking right into the sun, the flip-down internal visor was great! Such a convenience, can't believe I've been doing without.

My only minor complaint, which is indeed minor, is that the cheek pads are a bit tight for my wide face. With the Arai I was able to remove a layer of foam to make them thinner. Since they still weren't thin enough after that step, I was able to purchase (for an exorbitant sum) accessory cheek pads that were exactly the right thickness to fit securely without being too snug.

So far the verdict is that this is a great helmet for my needs.

First Ride Report

Hopped on the CBR250R this evening and went on my local "Short Loop" which is a 22-mile ride along winding 2-lane country roads at speeds between 35 - 60 mph.

There was some discussion about how noisy or quiet this helmet would turn out to be. The answer is...

Whisper quiet. I'm completely amazed.

As I mentioned earlier, my one and only helmet has been an Arai Vector-2 that I bought in 2012. I've been reading various reports for years that Arai helmets are extraordinarily noisy, so I may not be the best person to judge a helmet's noise level objectively. But the Caberg Levo (Levante) is so much quieter than the Arai it's astonishing.

I've been living like an animal for seven years.

The helmet, of course, is not silent. I listened carefully to the most prominent wind noise perceived and it seemed to be coming from the left and right rear side/quarters. Eventually I realized that this wind noise was not generated by the helmet but by my shoulders. If I put a hand up to deflect air off my shoulders, the wind noise on that side almost entirely went away.

I didn't hear any wind noise coming from the face shield, the chin vent, or the top vent. Nor did I hear any noise coming from under the chin bar. Clearly the elastic chin curtain does its job very well.

The first detent position of the face shield lets in copious amounts of fresh air but adds zero additional wind noise. Opening it to the second detent brings on a perceptible increase in turbulence / noise but it's not at all intolerable.

When I turned west after heading south, looking right into the sun, the flip-down internal visor was great! Such a convenience, can't believe I've been doing without.

My only minor complaint, which is indeed minor, is that the cheek pads are a bit tight for my wide face. With the Arai I was able to remove a layer of foam to make them thinner. Since they still weren't thin enough after that step, I was able to purchase (for an exorbitant sum) accessory cheek pads that were exactly the right thickness to fit securely without being too snug.

So far the verdict is that this is a great helmet for my needs.

A great first impressions. Modular tend to be more noisy than standard full-face, but it sounds like this helmet is competitive.

With any luck, maybe the coming hot, sticky, humid summer will cause some facial protein-infused oil excretions to saturate the cheek pads forcing you to wash them and maybe gain some cheek space after they dry?

[Stichill_imp]

I hope you're right about the cheek pads flattening out after some sweating and washing, GO!

[Lord Popgun]

Great Report! Wish we had those here.

I’ve been thinking about getting a Shoei RF-1200 to replace my 8 year old Shoei Quest. Anyone have an RF-1200? Any comments?