Full Face Helmet - First Time
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,535
Likes: 11,048
From: ohio
I've never been a full face helmet guy, I always thought it looked "weird" on a touring bike. I'm taking a trip from Michigan to Georgia and decided to give it a go for both comfort and additional protection on the longer ride. Man, have I been wrong about full faced helmets, this thing was awesome! I picked up the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS that included a photochromatic shield (transitions lens). I really like the auto tinting shield, no need to worry about changing shields or glasses when going from dark to light or vice versa. If I had one dig on it, and it's minor, I wish it would get a bit darker. When riding directly into the sun I would have liked the tint to be a bit more dark. Other then that I have no complaints. The helmet is only about 3.5 pounds, really no different then my 1/2 helmet as far as strain on my neck. I also rigged up my headset which allowed me to clearly listen to the radio and make phone calls with no problems.
I'll still use the 1/2 helmet for around town and shorter rides, but longer rides will definitely throw on the full faced.
This was the helmet I bought.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...lx-mips-helmet
I'll still use the 1/2 helmet for around town and shorter rides, but longer rides will definitely throw on the full faced.
This was the helmet I bought.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...lx-mips-helmet
OTOH, who cares what it looks like anyway, it's your face and head.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,578
Likes: 8,406
From: Inland NW
When I got my first Harley, I got my first half helmet. I have 4 different ones, the mushroom head was too much, and I finally found a DOT stamped carbon fiber skull cap that I like. Anybody want to buy a good half helmet, or 3? LOL
When it is cold, rainy, and windy, I love my Neotec 2!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
Current helmet of choice for the last 8 years is the Shoei GT Air
I have 2 of them, I wear the newer one most of the time, the older one is set up for the comms on the bagger
I rode up to Arcadia Bike Fest today, had my reflective armored mesh jacket on and my FF GT Air .. took the 03 bagger so no need for the comm helmet.
When it started raining it didn't phase me a bit... the guy I was riding with had no helmet or jacket.... his ride home was not as nice as mine.
SW Florida is a kill zone for bikers, and it doesn't matter what you ride, we are all equally at risk of some Q tip taking us out.
I'd like to have a fighting chance if I get taken out.
YMMV, you are free do do as you please.
I have 2 of them, I wear the newer one most of the time, the older one is set up for the comms on the bagger
I rode up to Arcadia Bike Fest today, had my reflective armored mesh jacket on and my FF GT Air .. took the 03 bagger so no need for the comm helmet.
When it started raining it didn't phase me a bit... the guy I was riding with had no helmet or jacket.... his ride home was not as nice as mine.
SW Florida is a kill zone for bikers, and it doesn't matter what you ride, we are all equally at risk of some Q tip taking us out.
I'd like to have a fighting chance if I get taken out.
YMMV, you are free do do as you please.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 82
From: Columbus, GA
I can't say enough how convenient the transitions shield is...riding from day to night and not have to worry about changing shields or glasses.
Last edited by rob0225; Nov 7, 2020 at 06:57 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 417
From: Outer Banks, NC
I've always been a FF rider. I love my MC riding but I want to protect my noggin.
Also I have the speakers and mic in the helmet. Ditto on the Bell transitions visor. It is nice but wish it would get a little darker in the summer sun. My older Bell Vortex smoke shield is very dark and I got used to it on a bright day.
Also I have the speakers and mic in the helmet. Ditto on the Bell transitions visor. It is nice but wish it would get a little darker in the summer sun. My older Bell Vortex smoke shield is very dark and I got used to it on a bright day.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Last time I wore FF was back in my dirt bike days.... Bell Moto III. I loved that thing.... for racing and dirt biking. When I got back into street bikes, I went the half helmet route. All my buds wore half helmets, so I had to be cool, right? I also bought 3/4 at the same time. Wear that cool/cold weather. I do tend to sweat quite a bit in summer, and my doo rag is always wet when I remove the half. Never wear the 3/4 during summer/warm months. However...... past couple years I have kinda given a look at FF and some thoughts. We now have comm system between me and riding buddy, so FF may be a wise choice. But I can't quite get the speakers to work well with the 3/4!!
The transition shade is of great interest to me.... I have riding glasses with transitions and love them. Oh well....who knows...maybe come spring time I may have a new helmet!!! Just need to find one with fit and finish I like. (no fancy graphics!)
The transition shade is of great interest to me.... I have riding glasses with transitions and love them. Oh well....who knows...maybe come spring time I may have a new helmet!!! Just need to find one with fit and finish I like. (no fancy graphics!)
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,043
From: Texas, USA
You've been a member here for a long time. There have been countless threads about full face helmets. What do you expect to learn from this thread that you haven't from all the previous ones?