Full Face Helmet
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
From: Rhode Island
I recently bought the Harley M05 helmet and besides being rather affordable, it came with a removable "chin curtain". It also has the cutouts for headset stuff. I like it although I also plan on getting a half helmet for the summer once I have logged some miles and improved my skills.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 10,767
From: SE Michigan
I recently bought the Harley M05 helmet and besides being rather affordable, it came with a removable "chin curtain". It also has the cutouts for headset stuff. I like it although I also plan on getting a half helmet for the summer once I have logged some miles and improved my skills.
At first I figured a half helmet would be plenty of protection. As I'm learning though, I'm heading to a full face for both my wife and I next year. A huge number of motorcycle accidents include impacts to the face and chin.
Not a fan of how hot they can get on warm days, which is why I'm considering the modular version. If I'm stuck in stop and go traffic, I like the idea of being able to expose my entire face to keep a bit more cool and comfortable.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
I used to work with a lady who rode a sportster. She had a windshield on her bike and wore a half helmet. Had what would have been a fairly minor accident where she hit the curb and went over the handlebars. Windshield caught her in the mouth as she went over the bars and she has scars about like the Joker now. She needed several dental surgeries to reconstruct her mouth.
I'm just too damn pretty to risk messing my face up, so I wear a full face helmet.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 716
Likes: 464
From: Queens, NY
From what I have read it's about 40% of motorcycle accidents result in an impact to the face or chin.
I used to work with a lady who rode a sportster. She had a windshield on her bike and wore a half helmet. Had what would have been a fairly minor accident where she hit the curb and went over the handlebars. Windshield caught her in the mouth as she went over the bars and she has scars about like the Joker now. She needed several dental surgeries to reconstruct her mouth.
I'm just too damn pretty to risk messing my face up, so I wear a full face helmet.
I used to work with a lady who rode a sportster. She had a windshield on her bike and wore a half helmet. Had what would have been a fairly minor accident where she hit the curb and went over the handlebars. Windshield caught her in the mouth as she went over the bars and she has scars about like the Joker now. She needed several dental surgeries to reconstruct her mouth.
I'm just too damn pretty to risk messing my face up, so I wear a full face helmet.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 248
Likes: 41
From: Rocky Mtns
I've been researching a new FF helmet to replace my 8 year old Shoei RF-1100. I really liked that helmet and it fit me well. It seems like Arai and Shoei are two of the top premium brand and that is what I want for my head. I'm deciding between the GT Air II and the RF-1200. Those are what I like and what I recommend. I don't even have to double check with a Shoei helmet; I know it will come with the highest safety ratings. (The GT Air isn't Snell rated because of the visor, but I'm sure it would pass otherwise). These two models are designed to be worn in a more upright cruiser riding style even behind a wind shield and optimize air flow for that.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4,245
From: U.S.A. Upstate N. Y.
Full Face Helmet
Arai, handmade.. See article in Decembers Rider magazine.. passes all safety standards including Snell foundation.. Been riding in one for years.. A full face helmet save my brothers life In a 110 mile an hour get off. The impact cracked the shell of the helmet, he suffered no head injuries.. Doctors said if it wasn't for the helmet he would have been killed..Arai...
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,829
Likes: 8,734
From: Edmonton, Alberta
It's wrong to assume that all models of a certain manufacturer's product line all fit the same head shape. Many times I've seen people post that they "have an Arai head" or "have a Shoei head"; that may have been true years ago but now most makers of high-quality helmets offer models to suit all head shapes from round to long oval.
This makes it more important than ever to try on a helmet before buying, or if you can't do that at least research it thoroughly on a site like Revzilla to find out what head shape it suits.
This makes it more important than ever to try on a helmet before buying, or if you can't do that at least research it thoroughly on a site like Revzilla to find out what head shape it suits.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
Correct on the SNELL rating, but Shoei does not make or sell junk so I skipped that part of the equation.
SNELL will not certify anything with a drop down internal visor.... its also ECE 22.05 certified
I had RF series helmets since 2003... I sprung for the extra $$ to get the GT Air because of the sunglasses.... well worth it IMHO.
As I mentioned above, I will ride with the clear shield up and the tinted part down in daylight hours, it gives me a breeze on my face, protection from bugs, and pretty good protection for my teeth and chin should I have an unexpected exit from the vehicle.
SNELL will not certify anything with a drop down internal visor.... its also ECE 22.05 certified
I had RF series helmets since 2003... I sprung for the extra $$ to get the GT Air because of the sunglasses.... well worth it IMHO.
As I mentioned above, I will ride with the clear shield up and the tinted part down in daylight hours, it gives me a breeze on my face, protection from bugs, and pretty good protection for my teeth and chin should I have an unexpected exit from the vehicle.
Last edited by Neggy ZRXOA 5248; Nov 27, 2019 at 05:20 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 119
Likes: 76
From: Toledo Ohio
I thought the chin ratchet (Shoei GT Air II) disqualifies for Snell?
Anyway, I've found that 15 or 20 mins is not enough to really know. My GT Air II seemed fine for 1, 2, 3, even 4 hr rides. But spend a few back-to-back 6-9 hr days and I get a finger sized pain right in the center of my forehead. Too bad. I love the helmet otherwise.
I'm back to Arai Signet X. Only dang helmet that works for me.
Anyway, I've found that 15 or 20 mins is not enough to really know. My GT Air II seemed fine for 1, 2, 3, even 4 hr rides. But spend a few back-to-back 6-9 hr days and I get a finger sized pain right in the center of my forehead. Too bad. I love the helmet otherwise.
I'm back to Arai Signet X. Only dang helmet that works for me.