Improving Helmet Storage

Hello, I have a question concerning helmet storage on our RT-S. My wife and I have full-face Arai helmets with Sena SMH5 communicators. Hers is S, mine is XL. Neither one fits into the side or rear cases, but we can fit both helmets into the frunk -- just BARELY -- but only if we turn hers upside down and squash it into the bottom, then take the communicator off mine and turn it sideways with the top toward the front of the Spyder (her communicator doesn't even touch the sides because the helmet curves inward). Even so, usually there needs more squashing to get them in far enough that the frunk lid can close easily so there won't be any issue with jamming. The problem is that her helmet binds on the sides of the frunk, preventing it from going all the way to the bottom. There's at least an inch or two of empty space that I can feel at the bottom below her helmet. If I could eliminate the binding on the sides, her helmet would go all the way down to the bottom, my helmet would fit easily above it and I probably wouldn't even have to remove the communicator to do it.

Once it's all in there, it's extremely convenient. We can cope with the PITA factor but wish we could skip the 5 minutes of adjusting and squashing every time we stop somewhere. I've wondered whether taking out the carpet on the sides at the bottom would give just enough additional width to let her helmet go the rest of the way to the bottom. Or, could the shape of the frunk be modified to make it even 1/4" wider? Does anyone have a similar issue, and if so, how have you dealt with it. Or, is there some other secret to helmet storage that I'm missing? I know there are devices for external helmet storage but I just really don't want to go there if I don't have to, not when this comes sooooo close to being ideal.

Holds a helmet. Easy. Frunk holds a helmet. Left saddlebag has a molded in area to clear where the battery was. That can be cut out, fiberglassed over, and then hold a helmet. Try the right side saddlebag again. Even with Sena20’s, it fits. Joe

My husband and I also have the same problem we have an XXL hjc helmet with sena and an XL helmet with a sena. Since we put the senas on the helmets we can't make either helmet fit the right rear compartment with the sena. I tried moving the mount on the sena further forward and rearward on the helmet still no go. :dontknow:

We use "Lidlox". This allows you to lock your helmets to the handle bars. We have been using them for three years now with no issues. Just make sure that you are holding on to your helmet when you unlock it. They are a sponsor here on this site.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Breezin

My husband and I also have the same problem we have an XXL hjc helmet with sena and an XL helmet with a sena. Since we put the senas on the helmets we can't make either helmet fit the right rear compartment with the sena. I tried moving the mount on the sena further forward and rearward on the helmet still no go. :dontknow:

---

Again Lidlox will solve this problem. We take the Sena unit off (not the mounting bracket) and put them in our pockets and re-install when we unlock the helmets.

Sounds like 'Father BRP' needs/should listen the the Spyder Children. YES, I think that BRP NEEDS to FIX This SMALL Problem. :lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie :

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johnsimion

Hello, I have a question concerning helmet storage on our RT-S. My wife and I have full-face Arai helmets with Sena SMH5 communicators. Hers is S, mine is XL. Neither one fits into the side or rear cases, but we can fit both helmets into the frunk -- just BARELY -- but only if we turn hers upside down and squash it into the bottom, then take the communicator off mine and turn it sideways with the top toward the front of the Spyder (her communicator doesn't even touch the sides because the helmet curves inward). Even so, usually there needs more squashing to get them in far enough that the frunk lid can close easily so there won't be any issue with jamming. The problem is that her helmet binds on the sides of the frunk, preventing it from going all the way to the bottom. There's at least an inch or two of empty space that I can feel at the bottom below her helmet. If I could eliminate the binding on the sides, her helmet would go all the way down to the bottom, my helmet would fit easily above it and I probably wouldn't even have to remove the communicator to do it.

Once it's all in there, it's extremely convenient. We can cope with the PITA factor but wish we could skip the 5 minutes of adjusting and squashing every time we stop somewhere. I've wondered whether taking out the carpet on the sides at the bottom would give just enough additional width to let her helmet go the rest of the way to the bottom. Or, could the shape of the frunk be modified to make it even 1/4" wider? Does anyone have a similar issue, and if so, how have you dealt with it. Or, is there some other secret to helmet storage that I'm missing? I know there are devices for external helmet storage but I just really don't want to go there if I don't have to, not when this comes sooooo close to being ideal.

---

In the same boat, but with different results. I have an Arai XL with Sena 20S and it fits in the frunk. My wife puts her helmet, a Schuberth M with Sena 20S, in the side case on the right side. Both helmets fit perfectly well in that configuration.

When traveling I just remove my Sena and lock the helmet down onto the outside of the bike, because we carry our gear in the frunk.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Little Blue

Sounds like 'Father BRP' needs/should listen the the Spyder Children. YES, I think that BRP NEEDS to FIX This SMALL Problem. :lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie :

---

Buy a 2017 or 2018 F3L and both full face helmets will fit in the trunk.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KX5062

In the same boat, but with different results. I have an Arai XL with Sena 20S and it fits in the frunk. My wife puts her helmet, a Schuberth M with Sena 20S, in the side case on the left side. Both helmets fit perfectly well in that configuration.

When traveling I just remove my Sena and lock the helmet down onto the outside of the bike, because we carry our gear in the frunk.

---

Nope I don't work for them but Lidlox are your solution. Leaves all storage available for your gear even if you are traveling all the way to Valcourt!:yes:

Joe, thank you for the information! I wondered about the purpose of the "hump" in the left bag as it did not seem to me that anything was there. I may cut mine out as it would be great to have an equal amount of storage on the left as the right. Any tips on how much of the hump can be cutout?

Rob

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cptjam

Left saddlebag has a molded in area to clear where the battery was. That can be cut out, fiberglassed over, and then hold a helmet.

---

As Joe said, the right side usually holds a helmet quite easily. We can put mine or my wife's helmet in the right side. Her's is a Schuberth C3 Pro modular and mine is a Shoei Neotec modular both with Sena 10s. Taking the Sena off should make it even easier.
In addition we have the Lidlox helmet holders for when we are traveling and the storage areas are full.
If you remove the Sena from your wife's, will it fit more easily into the frunk?

Gary

Wifey Deb could place her helmet (old Shoei RF1000) with the Sena attached, in the right side case (right side sitting on bike) with no problem.
Just bought her a clearance sale Shoei Quest --- NO WAY will that helmet go where the other one went.

But for years now, we've been cable locking our helmets on the seats. This also stops the unwanted passer by from straddling the bike for a photo op.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by robhowen

Joe, thank you for the information! I wondered about the purpose of the "hump" in the left bag as it did not seem to me that anything was there. I may cut mine out as it would be great to have an equal amount of storage on the left as the right. Any tips on how much of the hump can be cutout?

Rob

---

I also thank you. I'll try to see what it takes this winter so I can have a bit more storage next riding season.
I'll be honest, I can't figure ou why BRP didn't do it automatically when they redesigned the battery location.

I'm so glad Sena made integrated units for Shoei, HJC, Arai and Schuberth! Those things look hideous sticking out on the side of a helmet!!

I use this helmet locking system behind the license plate. Used it on my ST1100 and now on my 2015 RT S. If it is raining I have a waterproof bag for helmets I can stick it in.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/helmet-guardian-black

Thanks for that tidbit Joe, I did not know the left box could be cut out. I think Chris has a new job today, LOL.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cptjam

Holds a helmet. Easy. Frunk holds a helmet. Left saddlebag has a molded in area to clear where the battery was. That can be cut out, fiberglassed over, and then hold a helmet. Try the right side saddlebag again. Even with Sena20’s, it fits. Joe

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by crna59

I'm so glad Sena made integrated units for Shoei, HJC, Arai and Schuberth! Those things look hideous sticking out on the side of a helmet!!

---

Funny, I can't see my Sena with my helmet on and don't give a :cus: about what others think of my or my Spyder's looks.

TIME FOR A TRAILER!!!!:ohyea:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Little Blue

Sounds like 'Father BRP' needs/should listen the the Spyder Children. YES, I think that BRP NEEDS to FIX This SMALL Problem. :lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie :

---

Why would you think BRP needs to fix this? What would you do with your helmet if you were on a 2 wheeler? I agree it is a small problem, it would be nice if they did but it's not up to BRP to fix IMHO.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 2Paw

Why would you think BRP needs to fix this? What would you do with your helmet if you were on a 2 wheeler? I agree it is a small problem, it would be nice if they did but it's not up to BRP to fix IMHO.

---

I've owned several Guzzis, Hondas and Yamahas over the years that I could put helmets inside the bags,,,out of the weather and sticky fingers. I will pull my trailer often just to keep the jackets and helmets out of the hot sun. Hate a hot lid.

I find this a very basic need that shouldn't take much remolding to change. The RT basically hasn't changed since it was introduced. I believe they've gotten their good out of the molds. Even just a small change on the interior mold may be able to accommodate most helmets. Shouldn't be that big a deal with todays technology.

Coke

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by davehirst

I use this helmet locking system behind the license plate. Used it on my ST1100 and now on my 2015 RT S. If it is raining I have a waterproof bag for helmets I can stick it in.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/helmet-guardian-black

---

I used to have one of these until the license plate bolts came loose and it fell off. Found the plate but not the guardian. I thought they were no longer made ( had mine for 15 years various bikes) so thanks for posting this.

The OP did not want to deal with outside solutions. I am able to put my XL Scorpion with Sena HMR 10 in the fronk and my wife's M HJC modular with sena HMR10 in one of the side bags. If we are traveling any where tho that is not possible and so I use a bike chain thru the helmet holders under the seat and thru the D rings.

There are actually clips under the seat for the helmet but I've never seen a helmet that had a chin strap long enough to use and then lock the seat
down, so I made these extensions out of scrap stainless:



You can see the plastic clip under the seat in the first picture. I have a print if anyone wants one.

@JFD - those are pretty awesome and easily recreated. Thanks for the pics! It reminds me of how I used to hang my helmet on my old 1974 Honda 250.

Unless I'm headed inside for an extended period of time I usually just hang my helmet on my handlebars. I've been riding two-wheeled MCs for decades and have never had a helmet stolen.

For the very few times my wife is with me and we've loaded all the compartments I've made some loops out of plastic covered small diameter wire cable to do the same thing as JFD's neat holders. They are very nicely done!

Use a dremel, and cut out that corner where it sticks in. Continue the back and sides as if it were not there to begin with. We tried Kydex for another project, and it would work great for this. BRP never changed the bag when they moved the battery, so that space is vacant behind the bag.
John, put the smaller helmet in the right bag, larger in the Frunk. Or, buy a couple of small dog choke chain collars. Hang on seat hooks. Joe

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by imfleck

Unless I'm headed inside for an extended period of time I usually just hang my helmet on my handlebars. I've been riding two-wheeled MCs for decades and have never had a helmet stolen.

---

I'm with you. Sometimes old technology has its advantages. I use wired helmet headsets. Who wants to steal old fashioned wired headsets?? :ohyea: I leave my helmet on the seat and cover it with my jacket. Haven't lost one yet in 13 years, knock on wood! Over night I'll take it inside, most of the time.

I just set the helmet on the seat. Never had any problem for 35+ years. I suspect helmet thieves are rare around here because bad guys don't wear them. They just wear tattoos and tiny little sun glasses.....

Just FYI. Thanks for all the tips. After checking out my frunk and unzipping the carpet, I discovered that the cause of my problem fitting my wife's helmet all the way to the bottom of the frunk was/is the battery cover. It has about a 1/2" bump or raised part that sticks out into the frunk and that's what binds on the side of her helmet. You can feel it through the carpet but you can't see it. If I take off the battery cover, both helmets fit easily, but I don't want to run without a battery cover. I thought perhaps I could cut off the raised area of the cover and replace it with a flat piece of plastic or metal to eliminate the bump, but it's made that way to clear the battery tie-down. The tie-down is just rubber and it, too, could be modified to give more space but it's just not worth doing all this. It's easier to just take off the communicators and squash everything as much as possible. Like I said in my initial post, it works ... barely. After a few months now we are becoming more adept at doing it anyway. We are just happy to be ryding the Spyder at all.

our helmets are cabled to the seats and then put half cover on i never leave my bike without some kind of cover thus out of sight and if your at a rally everyone has a helmut they dont need mine oh and i do take the sena 20s off and lock it up just in case no sense loosing it all

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JFD

There are actually clips under the seat for the helmet but I've never seen a helmet that had a chin strap long enough to use and then lock the seat
down, so I made these extensions out of scrap stainless:



You can see the plastic clip under the seat in the first picture. I have a print if anyone wants one.

---

Sent a pm for print/pattern to make my own

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ighlight=liner

But, after re-reading John's O.P. I realize he's wanting to expand the size of the frunk instead.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by davehirst

I use this helmet locking system behind the license plate. Used it on my ST1100 and now on my 2015 RT S. If it is raining I have a waterproof bag for helmets I can stick it in.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/helmet-guardian-black

---

Wow!! Here is something that looks ridiculous!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SilverFox1

Wow!! Here is something that looks ridiculous!

---

Goldwings have had a very similar setup stock for years.At least my 2003 did.It sat under the trunk but you had to look for it bc it blended in nicely.I never used it bc anyone with a knife can cut the helmet strap easily.

This subject was discussed yesterday,2 posts below this(removing rear compartment) I think.I had already used a heat gun to soften the rt side inner case and push it in 1" so I could stick a large helmet in and I wondered if the same could be done on the left.There is a bulge where a battery used to be behind it but when I took off the cover above I saw that there are hoses and a bracket now in that spot(2017 RTL)which took up half the room.I tried to heat it up anyway and push it in like 1" but for whatever reason it just wouldnt budge.Maybe the idea of cutting it out might work but moving the parts behind it and glassing it in seems like not worth the trouble.1 helmet in the frunk and 1 in the rt case works fine.