I'm looking at full face helmets and I've sort of focused in on the HJC CL17. I like that it's got a Snell rating and if I ever wanted to track my car I would need one of those anyway. I'm mostly looking at a full face for a longer road trip to try to cut down on fatigue from the elements. I generally do not ride long distance so I'm not sure I would do the full face all the time - around town, etc. I know it's not nearly as nice as a Shoei or Arai, but there's no way I'm forking out over $500 on a helmet right now just for the occasional longer trip. Plus, I really don't want to be worried about leaving a really expensive helmet on my bike even if I can lock it down. The CL17 is so cheap I wouldn't be nearly as worried about it.

The one thing that bothers me a little is that this CL 17 appears to have been out for several years now. Maybe it has been updated under the same name IDK. I also see that some helmets are better suited for more upright riding vs a sport bike position. I'm curious what others may have chosen for a budget full face designed for the upright riding position. This CL 17 appears to have decent ventilation which might be nice for some summer riding. I can wear earplugs if it's noisy if I need to. I'm on a Street Bob and considering getting a Memphis Shades Road Warrior fairing too, but possibly a shorter windshield that will help give some airflow to the helmet.

Any suggestions? I've seen the Bell Qualifier and I might consider it. The fiberglass version of the HJC the FG17 might be more comfortable in terms of weight/fatigue, but it doesn't appear to have the same ventilation and I'm not sure which I should place an emphasis on for a helmet to be worn in the middle of summer. If it was for a spring or fall trip that would be less of a concern.

I also don't really know how to classify my head shape and I gather that is pretty important to how these will fit. I'm going to try to stop back by the local Cycle Gear and try a few on now that I'm a little more knowledgeable to see what feels best.

 

Fast, Check here, they have some Smokin Deals on Quality Gear!

https://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/

 

Cycle Gear is definitely your friend, the proper fit is really important for both safety and comfort.CL-17 is a good helmet, the tech has not changed that much outside of MIPS.

 

Look at Bell. You can find great deals on a very good helmet.

 

Helmets are one of those things that I'll pay a little extra to buy from a dealer where I can try on several to get the best size and fit. Along with boots and gloves . Also, I've owned several HJCs and have been very happy with them overall.

 

As stated you need to try them on. In my experience HJC and Bell serve 2 different head shapes. HJC fits me nice but Bell is a instant head ache.

 

I've worn a hjc cl-17 for the last 3 or 4 years and its been pretty good. It has decent ventilation and the padding is holding up well. I chose it over the others at the time because it was in my price range and it had alot of great reviews.

 

+1 on the HJC brand. They use quality material and components that are found on much more expensive helmets but at a more affordable pricing. I have a couple of their helmets and prefer them over the Nolan and others that I have that just did not make me comfortable. You can't go wrong with an HJC helmet.

What I usually do is go to a metric motorcycle shop and try them on. I then search online for the best pricing. Only once did a motorcycle shop price match a helmet for me.

 

Keep in mind higher end helmets will handle the wind much better than a cheap helmet. I have been down that road. In my sport bike days started with HJC but at high speed the buffeting was terrible unless i tucked behind the fairing. Bought a Shoei x11 and was amazed at the difference.
When I bought my Ultra I needed a helmet and bought one of the Harley models for 150 I think. Over 55 it felt like I was in a boxing match and loosing it made my eyes vibrate. The vents rattled and it had poor air flow. Guess what I wear now here’s a hint Shoei for the win.
Spend the money you won’t regret it.

 

Don't have the full face but I've got two 3/4 helmets with face shields from HJC and been very happy with them. I highly recommend going to a shop and trying some on first though. My 1st helmet was an HJC bare bones, no frills helmet. Upgraded to the Jet model last year and ordered it online, used the same sizing as the first one. New Helmet is a bit snug, not to the point of uncomfortable but definitely noticeable. Least if I had tried it on before purchase I could have been a bit prepared for it lol.

If you haven't checked them out yet I do a lot of my research over on Revzilla. Good number of customer reviews on things usually and they sometimes have a staff video review as well
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hjc-cl-17-helmet