Helmet recommendations?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Florida panhandle
Helmet recommendations?
Ok, I'm sure this has been hashed out in here a gazillion times, but technology is always changing, so I'm starting a new thread.
I can ride sans helmet here in Florida, and I find myself doing just that more than I thought I ever would. The windshield on my Fatboy works great for no helmet, but with my helmet on I get a good bit of buffeting at speed, especially with the visor up. With the visor down, I get a lot of noise...much more than I get with the windshield removed.
I have a Shoei helmet (paid $250 for it new about 10 years ago) and I have not had issues with it until recently (never rode with windshield before...helmet padding is a bit worn, etc).
I will be going on a long ride in a couple of months and I will have to have a helmet in some of the states we'll be riding through. I'm debating whether or not to go with the windshield, but either way it's time for a new helmet.
Comfort is obviously a major concern. Beyond that, the noise level with visor down and wind resistance with visor up are issues. Any input will be appreciated.
I can ride sans helmet here in Florida, and I find myself doing just that more than I thought I ever would. The windshield on my Fatboy works great for no helmet, but with my helmet on I get a good bit of buffeting at speed, especially with the visor up. With the visor down, I get a lot of noise...much more than I get with the windshield removed.
I have a Shoei helmet (paid $250 for it new about 10 years ago) and I have not had issues with it until recently (never rode with windshield before...helmet padding is a bit worn, etc).
I will be going on a long ride in a couple of months and I will have to have a helmet in some of the states we'll be riding through. I'm debating whether or not to go with the windshield, but either way it's time for a new helmet.
Comfort is obviously a major concern. Beyond that, the noise level with visor down and wind resistance with visor up are issues. Any input will be appreciated.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
The Shark Evoline is a great helmet that converts from full-face to a 3/4 helmet & can actually be ridden at freeway speeds with the front 'open' as it flips all the way to the back out of the way without 'sitting on top of your head' like some modular helmets.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...=45&zmap=19454
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...=45&zmap=19454
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
I just got back from your part of the world a few days ago and I wouldn't ride there without a full face helmet, full armored gear, and a machine gun mounted to my handlebars. Evidentally, driving is still considered a contact sport. Did you see the wreck in Destin over the 4th of July that left that car on it's hood and the other one smashed nearly in half? Yikes. Most of the crazies are most likely tourists anyway.
As far as the helmet and windshield goes, I find that when riding my RKC without the windshield, anything over 50mph results in some awful buffeting. I would not consider a long ride without it. I wear a full face helmet. The visor on that helmet is a quick removal type. It snaps in place easily without any tools. I only wear it when it is raining heavily or during the winter when it's really cold. I never ride with it up at highway speeds. I believe it would try and take my head off. I store it on the bike if I think I might need it. The brand of helmet is HJC. Mine is the CL-SP. I would buy another in a minute.
I did a good bit of research before I bought mine and read lots of reviews. Some helmets do have noise problems, buffetting, fitment, etc. Here is a good place to look at helmet reviews: http://www.webbikeworld.com/. Obviously, this forum is another excellent resource.
As far as the helmet and windshield goes, I find that when riding my RKC without the windshield, anything over 50mph results in some awful buffeting. I would not consider a long ride without it. I wear a full face helmet. The visor on that helmet is a quick removal type. It snaps in place easily without any tools. I only wear it when it is raining heavily or during the winter when it's really cold. I never ride with it up at highway speeds. I believe it would try and take my head off. I store it on the bike if I think I might need it. The brand of helmet is HJC. Mine is the CL-SP. I would buy another in a minute.
I did a good bit of research before I bought mine and read lots of reviews. Some helmets do have noise problems, buffetting, fitment, etc. Here is a good place to look at helmet reviews: http://www.webbikeworld.com/. Obviously, this forum is another excellent resource.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
I always wear a FF helmet on the freeway. I have the HJC CL-15, which I'm very happy with. I don' think that buffeting has as much to do with the helmet as it does with the air flow around your head and body. The presence (or absence) of a windshield, the height of the shield, your own height and the design of the bike are the predimonant factors.
If you're getting buffeted with the shield on, you may have to make some adjustments to the bike, like adjusting the height of the shield or installing lowers. In my case (Sportster and Heritage) the buffeting came from wind coming up from below when the shields were on. You can determine if that's the case for you if you put your arm across your chest and see if the buffeting lessens or goes away. If it does, then lowers will probably help, and they did for me. It didn't completely eliminate the buffeting, but it reduced it enought that I don't notice it anymore unless I'm looking for it.
One more thing: stay away from modular helmets if you're sensitive to noise. In my experience they're cosiderably noisier than one-piece helmets.
If you're getting buffeted with the shield on, you may have to make some adjustments to the bike, like adjusting the height of the shield or installing lowers. In my case (Sportster and Heritage) the buffeting came from wind coming up from below when the shields were on. You can determine if that's the case for you if you put your arm across your chest and see if the buffeting lessens or goes away. If it does, then lowers will probably help, and they did for me. It didn't completely eliminate the buffeting, but it reduced it enought that I don't notice it anymore unless I'm looking for it.
One more thing: stay away from modular helmets if you're sensitive to noise. In my experience they're cosiderably noisier than one-piece helmets.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
I have been up and down this trail with the helmet thing. I also live in a "no helmet law state". I now own 3 helmets, ACC novelty half shell, Daytona 3/4 and a Bell Star FF. I just got the Daytona yesterday (what an awful fitting helmet). I must have a goofy shaped head. I think the Daytona will be a passenger helmet if needed. The ACC half shell is very comfy, light and does not cause me issues in the wind. I know it may not be the safest thing, but better than nothing (ACC did make a good shell). The Bell Star is a slice of heaven. One thing, if you buy a FF, do not go cheap, as you won't wear it. A FF helmet must be light, stable and ventilate well.
www.webbikeworld.com has a ton of in-depth helmet reviews, very good info.
P.S. The Gazoo look is basically unavoidable with a DOT helmet, much easier process once one gets past that.
www.webbikeworld.com has a ton of in-depth helmet reviews, very good info.
P.S. The Gazoo look is basically unavoidable with a DOT helmet, much easier process once one gets past that.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
real Harley owners wouldn't be caught in anything goverment certified. It has to be non dot, have no padding, and cost 20 bucks. It's all about looks, not safety 
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Elkhart, IN
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...clehelmets-20/
http://www.amazon.com/Advance-Black-...=pd_sbs_auto_6
http://www.full-face-motorcycle-helmet.com/
Or many others to peruse there. I need a new one for g/f so I am looking too.
http://www.amazon.com/Advance-Black-...=pd_sbs_auto_6
http://www.full-face-motorcycle-helmet.com/
Or many others to peruse there. I need a new one for g/f so I am looking too.
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
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
Any FF helmet that runs $80-$110 is gonna most likely be a big disapponiment. Cheap FF helmets sit in closets. Bell has a new one (Vortex), the little brother to the high $ Star Helmet. It runs $169 and has lots of good reviews on weight, airflow and stability.
Bell has made a huge comeback in helmets.
Bell has made a huge comeback in helmets.
