In my case (3/4 Shoie RJ Platinum) it is a lot quieter with it than with the half or none. I think its because it fits me very well, so my ears are totally enclosed in a foam pocket. I, unfortunately, have stock pipes (darn EFI control crap), and the RK without fairing may make a difference as well.

 

I have different 1/2 helmets that are louder that others. I think the straps design and location catches the wind differently.

 

I wear the HD "Jet" 3/4 helmet with face shield that flips up. Lower the shield to full down position reduces noise levels considerably. It is not a "full face" with a chin bar. With the shield down over my face I can enjoy the speakers more and keep my eyes from tearing up.I will replace this one with the same setup.[8D]

 

the sound of the exhaust is being "caught" by the inside edge of the helmet and being redirected back down, your ears just pick it up better.
Same thing happens when I put on the hood of a hooded sweatshirt but don't tie it tight.

 

Interesting... I have a Shoei 3/4 and Mega half. I wear ear plugs with the half and none with the Shoei... and the 3/4 is quieter by far... guess my results are not the sale as most....

Hogback

 

Eight months of the year, the half-hat stays on. Some engine clatter, but not too bad, mostly exhaust rumble & wind noise.

The other four months are full face. Sounds like the engine needs 5 quarts of oil, new lifters, etc.

 

I use a full face GMAX (GM44 Derk Graphic Modular Helmet). This is the best helmet I've ever owned. So far I've used it in cold and hot weather, it's light weight, comes with two shields both clear and smoked. The inside is removable for washing and only costs $125 right now.
http://www.ridegear.com/rg/cat/Full-Face-Helmets.html

 

Was thinking about going to a 3/4 helmet to reduce wind noise, but tried modifying present helmet. I have a 1/2 helmet and added modified gel cushions from an extra aviation headset I'm not using. Cardboard inserts added inside the gel cushions with some duct tape along with a cloth covervelcroedonto thefabric portion of the strap triangle cut the wind noise 80%. I tried ear plugs, but they kept falling out. Curious how the harley 3/4 front shield helmet is at higher speeds? 1/2 helmet rides upward on headabove 60 mph. If I didn't live in south florida with the heat, I'd have a full face. Hate those large B-52 size bugs at 65 mph...........OUCH !!!!!!!!!

 

I wear a Shoei RF1000 year round and haveno noise problems. Yeah it was mid 90's today with high humidity but I feel comfortable with a full face on.I ride with the shield barely cracked open for some extra air and to hear the tunes better blasting down the highway at 70 or so. You know I tried on some 3/4's and1/2's and even just standing in the store really had a fear come over me ifI ever went down. I'm ugly enough, don't needno asphalt make over.