Are half helmets safe?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From:
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 1
From: MA
RE: Are half helmets safe?
ORIGINAL: boogiewithtuck
I would think buying a helmet w/o out trying it on would be like playing pick up sticks with your butt cheeks...
I would think buying a helmet w/o out trying it on would be like playing pick up sticks with your butt cheeks...
Also - the most important task of the helmet is to protect the head from a 4-6 ft drop. Doesn't matter if you are going 0mph or 100mph. Think of putting your helmet on while standing in your driveway and then falling backwards - not reaching to break the fall .... how well will it protect your head?????? In the tragic event of an accident - gravity can be your worst enemy, not necessarily how fast you are travelling .....
ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Massachusetts
RE: Are half helmets safe?
The helmet question often brings out emotional responses. I swear, if a law was passed requiring you to have gas in your bike, you'd see some people pushing theirs along the side of the highway. 
If half-helmets weren't safe, they wouldn't have DOT approval. Are they as safe as you'll need if you fall off? Who can tell? I've only hit the pavement once. Scarred up my chaps, broke three ribs -- not a scratch on my helmet (full face, by the way.)
If half-helmets weren't safe, they wouldn't have DOT approval. Are they as safe as you'll need if you fall off? Who can tell? I've only hit the pavement once. Scarred up my chaps, broke three ribs -- not a scratch on my helmet (full face, by the way.)
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Are half helmets safe?
I was hit head on by a cager in the late 70's with a 3/4 helmet, jeans, boots, leather bomber jacket on. Landed on my forehead and slid 100+ feet . Not a scratch on my face. Tons of rash on my knees, elbows ( yes wore through the elbows on the jacket) 2 broken verts in my neck, 3 broken & dislocated fingers on my left hand,concussion. Sat up....got up...walked to the ambulancewalked into the ER. Without my helmet I would have died at age 23. Now I'm 53. So whatever you buy.......buy a good one but one you like and feel comfortable enough to wear all the time.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
RE: Are half helmets safe?
I JUST WANT TO ADD MY TWO CENTS. I CRASH IN THE 70'S WITH OUT A HELMET. I SLID WAY OVER 100+ FEET MAYBE 200. I WAS TOLD BY THE STATE POLICE IF THE HELMET WOULD OF BEEN ON MY HEAD. I WOULD BE DEAD TODAY. I WAS TOLD MY NECK WOULD OF BROKE.
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND A FREIND HAD MOPED. HE FELL OFF THE STEP WITH THE MOPED AND DIE THAT NIGHT FROM HEAD INJURY. LET THE RIDER DECIDE.
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND A FREIND HAD MOPED. HE FELL OFF THE STEP WITH THE MOPED AND DIE THAT NIGHT FROM HEAD INJURY. LET THE RIDER DECIDE.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: New Bern, NC
RE: Are half helmets safe?
I have a 1/2 helmet with a 1/2 face shield. Helmet is comfortable and the face shield keeps the wind out of my eyes (I wear glasses), yet is short enough I can carry on a conversation. I wear it in cold weather with a boggin and face mask and it works pretty well. Mine is a HD helmet with a visor that is over the face shield.
I am getting a FF as well.
I am getting a FF as well.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 401
From: Port Coquitlam B.C.
RE: Are half helmets safe?
I wear a full face helmet and in the summer I just take the visor off to let the air through. When I do that I wear sunglasses. With the glasses on I can't see my helmet, the rim of the glasses block it. So I would say visibility is not a problem with my helmet.
On a side note, when I first got my bike a number of guysI know refused to ride with me unless I got a different helmet. They thought me being there would make them look less cool. F'k um! I ride wearing what I want to wear.
On a side note, when I first got my bike a number of guysI know refused to ride with me unless I got a different helmet. They thought me being there would make them look less cool. F'k um! I ride wearing what I want to wear.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Are half helmets safe?