3/4 Helmet knowledge
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 210
Likes: 39
From: SoCal
Why not just wear a full face helmet? They make ones with a thin chin bar and really big face shield so it's not intrusive and they are quieter too.
Plus if you get in an accident you won't get half your face ripped off but hey that's just a side benefit
Plus if you get in an accident you won't get half your face ripped off but hey that's just a side benefit
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,465
From: Charleston, SC
You obviously haven't seen MY face. It wouldn't matter how I looked in the casket...it would be indistinguishable.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,465
From: Charleston, SC
I wear that same HJC helmet. You can also ride with the windshield in the UP position without bother, that is unless you are riding about 80 mph. Then I would pull it down.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 440
From: SETx
if you’re not totally opposed to a FF, check out the Bell Bullit. Huge face opening, small chin bar, added protection if something were to happen, and the shield is flat like a 3/4 full shield. It’s the closest I’ve found to a 3/4 helmet in s FF offering. I run a Biltwell Gringo S, but the Bell is the go-to for some of my buddies. I’ve tried it and I really like it too.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
For years I used a 3/4 with full face shield I bought at a HD dealer. Started with a 1200 Sportster then a Fat Bob then a '13 RGC and now have a '16 RGU. With an after market windscreen I don't have any buffeting problems. And while I can't say the 3/4 was uncomfortable sometimes it was too hot--even with the face shield opened up at the bottom. So, I looked and tried on lots of half helmets but didn't buy one till I tried on the Bell Pit Boss 1/2 helmet. LOVE IT! Lighter than the 3/4, cooler, very comfortable, hear my music much better, and it has a little wheel thingy at the back of my neck to let me adjust the fit a little bit. The flip down dark tinted eye shield is pretty good and I usually don't wear my Rx eyeglasses but if I go out for my after dinner ride and it may be dark or close to dark before I get home I will wear my Rx glasses and not use the helmet flip down eye shade when it starts to get dark as it is tinted much darker than my transitional Rx glasses will get and not really great for riding after sunset. But...., the helmet allows me to wear my Rx glasses and also flip own the darker eye shield if needed till it starts getting dark.
And if I am riding in the rain the small amount of adjustment of the Bell Pit Boss allows me to use the hood of my HD rain suit and still get the helmet on over the hood. NO MORE getting wet from rain leaking in around my neck.
And if I am riding in the rain the small amount of adjustment of the Bell Pit Boss allows me to use the hood of my HD rain suit and still get the helmet on over the hood. NO MORE getting wet from rain leaking in around my neck.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 8
From: East Tennesse
Trying to find a helmet can be a time consuming and expensive adventure. There are so many variables, Your bike, how its set up, the area that you live in will make a difference. I live in the Smoky Mountains and love the Bell Pit Boss. I also have the head gear so I can listen to music or call the wife and tell her I'm going to be late coming home from work tonight. I have had no problems with the Pit Boss except I wish it had vents on the top. I've ridden in 32 deg to 97 deg temps and love this helmet. The fold down screen works great, I have the dark shade on mine. the only time I use it is when I'm heading into the Sun. Well that's my 2 cents.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,932
Likes: 19,403
From: New York
-1/2 helmet will protect your 1/2 of your head
-3/4 will protect 3/4 of your head
-full helmet will protect all of your head
- or none of the above!
-3/4 will protect 3/4 of your head
-full helmet will protect all of your head
- or none of the above!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
Since helmet and head shapes vary I would try on several quality helmets at a retail store for fit. Read Shoei, Arai, Bell, Nolan etc. Or buy from one of the online retailers that let's you try on and return. My .02 YMMV
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Im not judging, wearing any helmet improves the odds. But some years ago someone here posted the results of a study that showed 55% of impacts are in the front of the helmet face area. My fire chief buddy says when they are called on a motorcycle accident, generally no helmet is a fatality, 3/4 is severe facial injuries, and full face is neck injuries. He didnt say anything about 1/2 helmets, but the Okla Highway Patrol quit wearing 1/2 helmets based from a study that showed they generally come off the riders head above 45 mph.
A local motorcycle officer said facial skin cancer is becoming a problem, so that is another motivation toward full coverage helmets. I guess that could mean a 3/4 with full face shield.
i havent seen a study on wearing shorts and flip flops.
Beary
A local motorcycle officer said facial skin cancer is becoming a problem, so that is another motivation toward full coverage helmets. I guess that could mean a 3/4 with full face shield.
i havent seen a study on wearing shorts and flip flops.
Beary