ByCity Roadster II Carbon Review - One main reason why it may be better than a Bell Bullitt

#bycityroadster2 #carbonmotorcyclehelmet
Quite a few people have asked of messaged me recently if I'd tested the ByCity Roadster helmet. Well, I have now and in this video review, I look at the helmets Construction, finish and safety as well as giving it a thorough road test.
Is it any good? Is it better than the helmet that inspired it? For one particular reason, it might just be for a lot of riders.....
ByCity is a new brand for the UK, but I found them here;
Roadster II 'Carbon' - tinyurl.com/ro...
Roadster II (Composite) - tinyurl.com/Ro...
If you like what I'm doing on the channel and you'd like to support me, you can always buy me a coffee? www.buymeacoff...

[@terrysage3994]

Great video and really helpful for someone thinking of buying a street twin and wanting a nice retro helmet to suit 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@Ormsmoto]

That's a great review, I'm so pleased you've not found anything too bad about it, as this helmet is definitely in my shopping cart.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, Its genuinely a good helmet, particularly for the price

[@mickstafford456]

I was already considering one of these to wear on my Continental GT, and your review sold it

[@mancavemoto]

👍

[@mikebutler506]

Great video. I find the bullitt forehead vents whistle at speed so without those this lid should be quieter although I would further worry about keeping the visor clear. What I like at the bullitt lid clip solution is I can fold it in and it keeps the visor open a crack which is enough to stop it fogging up.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep the lack of vents help keep it quiet. Ventilation seems pretty good, the visor stands away from the chin bar naturally until you click the magnetic poppers closed

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

At first glance, I thought the title said Bay City Rollers!

[@mancavemoto]

Ha, nope not a single ‘shangalang’ in sight

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Tossing up between one of these and a Premier Trophy BTR 8 BM. You've almost convinced me. I'm starting to like this lid more and more.

[@mancavemoto]

I've tried the Premier so can't offer a comparison unfortunately

[@eddyhoughton6542]

I finally made my decision and it was neither. In the end, the price - comfort - practicality equation worked out best for a AGV X3000. It's a superb lid, and combines modern quality with classic style and features. I'm well happy with it. And it goes with my Guzzi V7 perfectly.

[@fernandofreire3765]

I recently bought the Roadster Carbon Blue version, from ByCity. After detecting problems with the visor's magnetic locks on the helmet I received, I asked for its replacement. The second helmet that arrived had too many problems with the attachement of the interior lining to the helmet shell. The glue was, literally, breaking apart, and there was not enough glue to hold and secure that lining properly. Also, the quality of that glue was very sketchy... The staff of the shop were all amazed and in shock with the fact you could easily detach the lining from the shell, with no difficulty at all... The third replacement had also these glue issues and, once again, problems with the magnetic locks... After 3 helmets in a row proving to have so many issues, I decided not to buy the helmet and not to have a fourth replacement... I don't think there is a rigorous quality control check on their products, which is a shame because they look cool and stylish... Also, paying over 300 euros for a Roadster Carbon Blue with interior linings detaching and potentially becoming a life threatening issue is not something I am looking for... And just wanted to point out that this product was refered as "premium" in this video, which is a very bold statement...

[@xTiQ]

But this review is about the Roadster II not about the Roadster?

[@fernandofreire3765]

@@xTiQ If you refer to Roadster II as the newest and most recent version of the Roadster Helmet, then yes, the helmet reviewed on this video is that one, I guess. There was an "old" version of this helmet, from another collection that is now discontinued. So the helmet on this review is the 2nd and most recent generation of the Roadster Helmet: new colour schemes, logo on the side of the helmet and not on top of the visor, etc.

[@kariokibikers1005]

Great review cheers

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@dredeth]

There's another one similarly looking, it is called Torc Helmets T 1. BUT I wish you could review their K 3 model which I find really beautiful. There's just not enough trusted reviews on them out there.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, and another brand called Viper, which I’ve had a look at an the finish isn’t anywhere near as nice. I suspect they all use the same shell? Is that the motocross style helmet

[@dredeth]

@@mancavemoto Now that you mentioned yeah, I heard of that Viper, but this Torc company has many models, but the one called T-1 was reviewed by a guy who had the Bell Bullitt (and hated it) but was praising Torc T-1. I personally am not fan of that extreme minimalism in retro modern helmets so I saw their Torc T-3 Moto Classic Helmet which is the motocross style. The one with ridges/grooves on the chin area. Which now opened the Pandora box of Google search - there are a few companies, one is Italian Virgo, they have the same helmet, called Virgo and also Bullitt replacement called Vega, and that's not where look-alikes stop, I started finding more brands that has the same one.

[@WatanabeNoTsuna.]

I looked at this when I bought my Bullit, but the fact that I've never heard of the band (and consequential doubts about safety) steered me away from it...

[@drazenbabich]

By City, Torc, Origine and many others have had a go at creating a look alike or replica of Bell Bullitt, with more or less success. I tried (and owned) most, but kept my two Bullits in the end. From quality of finish, materials and comfort, they all failed me. They all look similar from the outside and can easily fool one believing these are the same or better than Bell original. But this is me and I speak from personal experience, others might beg to differ.

[@WatanabeNoTsuna.]

@@drazenbabich Thanks for your input.

[@ejdtm]

Would like to know how it looks with the shield off. Do the side mounts still able to attach without shield? Thanks. Looks like a great deal

[@mancavemoto]

Good question and something I completely forgot to mention in the video. Yes if you remove the shield you can screw the metal ‘button’ back on for a clean look

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

£160 - £229! That’s a BELL Killer! 👍🏻 Tony are there any detents for the visor? Excellent review... I’ve never even heard of them, but I’m fairly certain it’s gonna do well!

[@mancavemoto]

Yep. Sorry I didn’t understand your question about the visor?

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Views from the Man Cave Ha ha ok... when you lift the visor can it be held / stop in different positions? Or is it open or shut and that’s it?

[@mancavemoto]

Steve Febvre Ah right I get you now, no there are no steps, but there is enough tension in the visor that it will hold open at any angle.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Views from the Man Cave thank you 👍🏻

[@drazenbabich]

Make no mistake, these aren't the same as Bullitts. They're just not there yet.

[@ThiagoMundim]

I think my head shape is similar to yours. The Bell Bullit doesn’t fit me at all, however the Bell Eliminator fits perfectly. Would you say this has a similar fit to the Eliminator? I remember you also like the fit to the eliminator. Thanks for the Review!

[@mancavemoto]

This is more oval than the eliminator,

[@mark222b]

Great helmet! Just got me one, only the matt carbon fiber was available. The medium weighs only 2.2lbs (998 grams)! Fit is good even for a round head like me. Seems quieter than my old HJC. Any suggestions on a chin curtain to cut down on air getting in? I thought your video had a suggestion on this but I could not find it.

[@mancavemoto]

Excellent, I was genuinely impressed by it. The only suggestion I have for a chin curtain is to grow a beard! ;)

[@muzikaddict2010]

What was your sizing experience like? I’m in between a medium and large sitting at 58.4cm. Size up to a large or stay with a medium?

[@mark222b]

@@muzikaddict2010 The sizing chart had me at medium (57.5 cm). I would say... either try it on at a store if available locally, or size up.

[@joh8379]

Love it!

[@mancavemoto]

Me too!

[@thedandybiker684]

I saw these a few weeks ago on the Salt Flats Clothing web. I've had a Nexx XG100- nice helmet but what I find is at speed, a lot of wind turbulence comes up inside the helemt- even with the chin guard. Did you notice anything like this on the ByCity?

[@mancavemoto]

Hiya, no not anything to speak of but I’ve not had a chance to wear it on a naked bike. If you grow a beard it acts like a natural chin guard 😉😂

[@davidbraithwaite4985]

@@mancavemoto I've tried- but can't grow a beard as substantial as yours !

[@leotehlion4586]

I was thinking about getting the Torc T-1 at first but after watching this the Roadster sounds like a good deal too. Which one do you think is better?

[@mancavemoto]

Essentially its the same shell, the Torc has brow vents which this doesn't, but with this style of helmet i'm not sure it makes that much difference. This is really nicely finished and from what I can see the Carbon version is cheaper than the carbon Torc

[@zachpygall3063]

@@mancavemoto It looks like the standard models of Torc has a fibre glass shell and the By City is composite. With that and a solid looking shield, do you think the Torc would be a better choice?

[@markjames4939]

Hi Tony...Just bought the Roadster II, carbon..exact same size and model as yours...Really love the looks, comfort and visibility. Only odd thing is that the Visor doesn't snap shut with the magnets...Not a problem in this summer, as the breeze is great. I was wondering if you had the same issue and if you found a way around it??

[@mancavemoto]

I didn't have that problem Mark, but its probably worth getting in contact with the UK Distributor Dot4 Distribution. they may have a solution, or it could be a faulty piece of kit?

[@seco3401]

By City is from NZI helmets brand. Are good products, same shape as Held Root, but in carbon, much better anda exclusive

[@wildhogget69]

Nice video, lived in Spain for 15years and never heard of them before, obviously bad marketing as I think I would have looked at this as an another option to the AGV legend helmet.

[@mancavemoto]

Most likely

[@kirkbasto2662]

Estos son de Yecla, al lado de Murcia

[@gorkesat]

Is made by NZI.

[@lingoreb]

nice vid as usual the thing i remember in the 70s was if you cracked the visor open only a little and then looked behind the thing would fly up,if fact if you did,nt secure them when fully down they could do the same thing as well, the lack of a ratchet might bother me also i have a shoei head is that the same shape as yours? thanks for help you can offer buy you a coffee if i see you at finchingfield.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, but this isnt too bad actually, you can tighten ths side screws to make the visor a little stiffer. If you see me at Finchingfield gimme a shout!

[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

@3:54 Has one of those vents has failed (right hand) or can they be angled?

[@mancavemoto]

I’ve just had a look and that vent is very slightly more recessed than the other. I think the perspective of the lens and the blur accentuates it in the video

[@richardsmith1971]

Lovely helmet at an amazing price. Will look great with my z900RS Yellow ball. Just one question..I have a gt air 2 size large helmet. Is there any comparison on size before I order. Thanks 🙏

[@mancavemoto]

Yo should be spot on with a large in this. I wired the same size GT-Air 2 and both of these helmets offered me a good fit

[@zakeywak]

thanks for the review! picked one up myself! any idea how to remove the visor?

[@mancavemoto]

just unscrew the hinge covers

[@MarkGib]

I’m new to the channel and found you because of the vitpilen review ( just bought one ). I realise that this is an older review but I’m looking to buy a retro helmet mainly for greater visibility. How would you rate visibility compared to the bell ? Most reviews of the Bell say the chin bar is almost invisible giving it an almost open face feel, is the same true of this? TIA

[@mancavemoto]

Welcome aboard! Yes this is pretty much a copy of the Bullitt, so vision is just as good for the rider. It’s as close to an open face experience as you can get in a full face helmet.

[@MarkGib]

@@mancavemoto brilliant thanks for taking the time to reply

[@Jangarr]

How does this compare to the shoei glamster? This seems very well priced

[@mancavemoto]

Overall the Shoei is a better engineered helmet. But this is a great Bullitt alternative

[@Jangarr]

@@mancavemoto I appreciate the answer, I ordered a Shoei yesterday!

[@seauryakumar]

@@mancavemoto Biltwell? Nexx? Is this better?

[@mancavemoto]

Shaurya Kumar Gautam it depends on the helmet and what you want from it

[@thelongboarddude95]

The thing that bugs me about the by city roadster is that they don't sell cheek pads in different sizes.. Big bummer in terms of getting the fit right

[@mancavemoto]

No, one of the drawbacks of budget brands I guess

[@thelongboarddude95]

I since learned that the Torc T1 offers pads to customize the fit!

[@arinangel_]

Does the goggle strap get in the way of comms systems like the Card Packtalk Slim that has part of the unit sit at the centre rear of the bottom edge?

[@mancavemoto]

The goggle strap is at the base of the helmet, so I guess it depends on the comms unit? I can't see it being an issue with the Sena clamp

[@mobydickbar3718]

Would you recommend it for cruising or long distance traveling?

[@mancavemoto]

I don't see why not, if you take into account its potential limitations

[@steveparvin7529]

Having ridden without a helmet for 14 years and an open face for the last 14 looking for a retro lid with great vision and comfort. Have my eye's on the Shoei Glamster and the By City Carbon Roadster. Have an Arai X D 3 and I feel very claustrophobic wearing it. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Wear an open face Hedon, and DMD Vintage. Thanks

[@mancavemoto]

I think the ByCity is an excellent helmet for the money and its pretty clos to the experience of wearing an open face. I found the Glamster a bit noisier and the ventilation not so good, but its a very nicely made helmet.

[@steveparvin7529]

@@mancavemoto Thanks for taking time to share your experiences. Your videos are informative and fun, especially the rants. Lol. Ended up purchasing another Hedon on sale!!! Enjoy the comfort of these helmets, they do not irritate or have any pressure points on my old chrome dome.

[@garry1220able]

how about wearing sunglass in and where you having straining your side of your face through both ears wearing sunglass in it?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi, as you can see from the video it’s works well with sunglasses and I had no pressure on my face or ears

[@reinistraidas]

Shell sizes? Can't find this anywhere. I've seen an XS version of this for a lady and the shell size is almost as large as my Glamster in Large. Bit worried if the Large in this helmet is not too bulky?

[@mancavemoto]

Only two shell sizes from memory. The helmet I am wearing in the video is a large

[@markdougherty9016]

What is the safety rating?

[@mancavemoto]

ECE 22.05

[@numans.9741]

for a vintage/retro helmet that doest great with anti fog and rain which budget helmet would you recommend?

[@mancavemoto]

This is a good choice I think, the Bell Eliminator is good too for the money, but most retro styled helmets skimp on the niceties needed for that kind of use. The Arai Rapide is great, but its definitely not low budget.

[@TT-qj2lf]

How many shell sizes?

[@mancavemoto]

sorry for the delay in responding. Two shell sizes as far as I can work out

[@muzikaddict2010]

I’m about a 58.4cm - what size should I get since I sit in between a medium and large?!

[@mancavemoto]

Probably best to size up in the first instance

[@kentower]

this looks a bit like the Marko full moon, doesnt it?

[@mancavemoto]

I would imagine it’s the same helmet made in the same factory

[@bill_4359]

Nice helmet, I own a Bell Bullitt. Like the look of the Bell. I agree it is noisy, but I put up with the noise for the looks, Haha! Tony, did the rear graphite seals and their mounting brackets go on the Free Spirts X-Pipe with no problem or effort? I ask because I bought a Tec X-Pipe and it is not working out in reassembly at all! I am asking because I am considering buying a Free Spirts. Thanks , Bill

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Bill, yes no problem with the Freespirits x-pipe, it just slipped straight on (with a tiny little bit of reisitance of course) I can't fault their engineering, the tolerances are always spot on

[@bill_4359]

@@mancavemoto Thanks, Tony

[@ianblack7934]

Is it one shell size ?

[@mancavemoto]

I think so yes

[@theknowledgeoflondon1444]

Basically it’s a Viper F656. Except viper came up with a better model F659

[@mancavemoto]

The shell design is used by a couple of brands, ByCity are the only ones offering a Carbon Fibre version as far as I can see.

[@Mind1e55]

8:08 i'm sorry, if you wanna put what on it ? o_Ô

[@mancavemoto]

Comms

[@terrycox529]

Pinlock? Made for glasses?

[@mancavemoto]

As you can see from the video there is no option for pinlock. I'm wearing sunglasses with it and they were fine

[@aussietramp]

been told the interior gets fucked in 6 month use

[@zakeywak]

it’s a £20 replacement!

[@SatoriZei]

Everything is better than à bullit.. A knife is more comfy than à bullit...

[@mancavemoto]

it depends where you put it i guess ;)