No other helmet and intercom combination can compare to the Nolan N104 paired with the N-Com B4 communication system. The two are designed to be perfectly integrated with each other so there is a streamlined design and seamless integration. Other modular helmets or intercom systems can be good on their own, but few can match the combination that Nolan has put together. The Italian based Nolan helmets have always been a leader in the modular helmet world and they continue to lead the way with the N104 combined with the N-Com B4. One reason the combination is so good is because they are great products individually.
The N104 is by far the best modular from Nolan, so far. Taking the best from their previous models and making improvements where needed, the N104 is a fine crafted Italian helmet. When Nolan first released this helmet, they made the claim that they had reinvented the flip-up motorcycle helmet. In many ways, they have. One of the knocks of the older modular helmets is that they had a very narrow field of vision making it difficult to see things in your peripheral. The N104 addresses this problem by greatly widening the field of view for the rider. To further improve the vision of the rider, this helmet has a drop down sun shield that can be put in place with one quick swipe of a finger. The shield will also retract immediately when you do not need it anymore, like when you enter a tunnel. The main shield is fitted with Pinlock® so an anti-fog lens can be fitted to it. The sun shield is also treated to be anti-fog so you will have clear vision at all times.
The dual action opening system on the chin bar of the N104 makes flipping the chin bar up easy to do with just one hand. Because it is dual action, it also prevents the chin guard from opening up involuntarily. The locking of the chin bar in the upright position meets the appropriate safety requirements to ride with the chin bar up. The design of the N104 chin guard’s lift rotation allows for the guard to be in the lifted position while still riding. They have greatly reduced the “sail” effect that is prevalent on other modular helmets. The front section of the helmet was greatly reduced in size for this design and that has also led to the overall weight of the N104 to be less than previous models.
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Nolan knew that they had created the most innovative modular motorcycle helmet. Next, they would attempt to create the best communication system to fit that helmet to give the touring rider the ultimate riding experience. The N-Com B4 is the pinnacle for motorcycle communication systems. There are so many features to the N-Com that make it the premier system. It allows you the freedom to talk on your cell phone, listen to an MP3 player or bike audio system, get directions from a GPS, connect to a bike-to-bike radio or talk to a passenger via intercom.
When you are talking on your cell phone through the N-Com, voice commands work seamlessly and allow for completely hands-free use. When you receive a phone call, the system will automatically exclude the intercom function for private phone conversations. When you are done with the call, the intercom function will be automatically turned back on. If you do want the passenger involved in the phone call, the N-Com B4 also has a conference call function for a 3-way telephone call. If you are using the system for a bike-to-bike intercom via Bluetooth, you can have an open range of up to 800 meters.
Apart from one another, the N104 helmet and the N-Com B4 communication system are tremendous products, but together, they are at the forefront at producing the ultimate touring experience for riders. Although the B4 takes a little work to install on the helmet, once it is on, you will no longer notice it. You won’t have the clunky look of other systems hanging off the side of your helmet. It is fully integrated into the N104. The N-Com on the N104 is only noticeable by the small microphone. This set up won’t be for everyone, but it is perfect for those riders who take long trips and want the most integrated communication system on an innovative modular motorcycle helmet.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzSQn0imER8]
He continues to enjoy learning and sharing about powersports with others in his role as a Web Content Analyst and writer for Dennis Kirk, a role he's been in since 2015. You'll find articles written by Ryan that range from product overviews, how-tos, tech tips, lifestyle articles, and more.
When he's not writing about powersports, Ryan is often enjoying them himself. It doesn't matter if the machine has four wheels, two wheels, or a track, he finds enjoyment in it all.
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