Helmet Help
Helmet Help
Just ordered me a 2010 Fat Bob last night thru the Navy Auto Source rep out here on my ship (I'm on a Middle East deployment right now), and now I need to start looking at safety gear.
I'm a REAL Newbie to bikes. In fact I have a Basic Rider Class in late November I'm going to so I can get my Motorcycle Endorsement and learn to ride on of these beasts.
Will have to provide Helmet, Gloves, Riding Glasses for the class
Question, do I NEED a Modular or Full Face helmet? Or can a 3/4 one do for this class? I'm looking to use the one for the class for my back seat rider once I get the bike in June '10 (that's when I said I wanted it delivered due to my getting ready to retire in January).
Any suggestions on what I should get to be safe?
Not made outtta money, and didn't get any Stimulus Money, so price IS an issue here. However I DO want to be safe. Thanks
I'm a REAL Newbie to bikes. In fact I have a Basic Rider Class in late November I'm going to so I can get my Motorcycle Endorsement and learn to ride on of these beasts.
Will have to provide Helmet, Gloves, Riding Glasses for the class
Question, do I NEED a Modular or Full Face helmet? Or can a 3/4 one do for this class? I'm looking to use the one for the class for my back seat rider once I get the bike in June '10 (that's when I said I wanted it delivered due to my getting ready to retire in January).
Any suggestions on what I should get to be safe?
Not made outtta money, and didn't get any Stimulus Money, so price IS an issue here. However I DO want to be safe. Thanks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
A full face helmet is a nice option to wear even if you dont want to wear it all the time.
I wear mine when its cold or a good chance of rain and if going on a long trip.
Mines a fulmer I bought for like $90.
I wear mine when its cold or a good chance of rain and if going on a long trip.
Mines a fulmer I bought for like $90.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Get the best full face you can afford, they really are the safest helmets. A good one will let through plenty of air when it's hot and keep it out when it's cold. I currently own 4 helmets 1 full face HJC (super cheap <$100) I got what I paid for and almost never wear it, not only is it uncomfortable, it is too hot, and doesn't allow me to breathe, 1 shorty german style (almost never wear, only around town), one 3/4 HJC which is pretty good and has a tinted face sheild (wear about 30% of the time when it's super hot), and a modular, which isn't as good as a full face, but does what I need (wear about 70% of the time, and cost >$200)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
My wife wants a modular helmet instead of the full face she has now. She tried on a ****-load of them, but the Shoei fit her lead like a glove. But, cha-ching... You need to try a bunch on to see what fits your head and what you like.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
You don't NEED a full face or modular for the class, all they require is DOT approved, wear a inexpensive 1/2 to class, it will be easier to hear instructions. I have three helmets, 1/2, 3/4, and full, and I use all three depending on weather,etc. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 4
Yeah, just get something DOT approved for the class, these can be had for less than $40 or so, nothing fancy. For utmost safety and function, the Shoei RF1000 is great. I use a 1/2 helmet around town. I got a THH T-70 Ultra Lite Half Helmet for $32 from BikeBandit, it had good reviews and is adequate... for lower speed and if you don't intend to skid your face along the pavement. I mean a lot of police officers use these, so it can't be that unsafe. 1/2 helmets fit about any face and not that size critical. If you go 3/4 or full, you should try one on to make sure it fits OK.
Last edited by ColdCase; Sep 22, 2009 at 11:27 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 4
From: Warwick, RI
If you WANT a FF for a good price, check out Scorpion. Helmet Harbor is pretty good and the owner answers all email questions promptly and honestly.
As others said, only requirement for class is DOT approved helmet. Other things are required as well - full finger gloves, over the ankle boots and IIRC a long sleeved jacket.
As others said, only requirement for class is DOT approved helmet. Other things are required as well - full finger gloves, over the ankle boots and IIRC a long sleeved jacket.
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Full Face, you can get a nice HJC for less than $75. I just bought a modular HJC and becasue I wear glasses, and stop to drink water often, love it. Think I paid $149 for it Something most folks don't understand is the DOT standard, just is not much. If I were going to do a lot of highway riding, would have a Snell rated helmet. Not cheap but the test standard is much higher than DOT.
Only my opinion, but if you like your face and chin the half shell, coconut helmets, good to take your picture in and that is all.
Never understood folks who spend thousands on accesories, and buy the cheapest cool looking helmet they can find.
A good pair of gloves with knuckle guards, and a jacket with armor on the elbows, shoulders, might save you some skin. I wear knee pads and get teased, but just don't give a damn about looking cool, I want to look cool in my coffin at 91, not injured when I did not have to be. Safety gear cannot protect you from everything, but better than bare skin against the road.
Only my opinion, but if you like your face and chin the half shell, coconut helmets, good to take your picture in and that is all.
Never understood folks who spend thousands on accesories, and buy the cheapest cool looking helmet they can find.
A good pair of gloves with knuckle guards, and a jacket with armor on the elbows, shoulders, might save you some skin. I wear knee pads and get teased, but just don't give a damn about looking cool, I want to look cool in my coffin at 91, not injured when I did not have to be. Safety gear cannot protect you from everything, but better than bare skin against the road.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 54
I use a full face 95% of the time I ride. I am currently using a black Shoei RF-1000 which is an expensive, but excellent helmet. IMO you can't put a price on safety. Shoei just came out with the RF-1100, which is meant to replace the RF-1000. Make sure the helmet you pick is the proper size. You will have to measure your head with a tape measure and then refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart.