Helmet Vibrations.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 210
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From: Augusta, GA
Helmet Vibrations.
It's getting a little cooler hear in east-central Georgia, so i pulled out my modular helmet, that I haven't really used that much. I haven't used it, it's been way too hot this summer, and I would get so much wind noise with the helmet on it was deafening. So I pulled out my custom fitted shooting earplugs to see if the earplug trick would help out with the noise. Well it sure did, no more wind noise, I could barely hear my exhaust. That's when it hit me. This helmet's resonate frequency must be exactly tuned to my exhaust note. I don't know what RPM the the engine is running, but in 3rd gear @ 35 MPH, or any other speed with the exact RPM, this low frequency buzz was passing straight through my skull. The vibration was distorting my vision and it actually hurt. To best describe it, imagine strapping two or three vibratory sanders to your head and turning them on. I had noticed this without earplugs, but attributed it to the wind noise / buffeting, and even riding 10 miles one way made my head hurt. I now know why. It's a really nice helmet, fits good, but man I just can't wear it. So back to my Fulmer 1/2 helmet.
Anyone else ever experience something similar with your helmet? Mine is a Fulmer MB.
Anyone else ever experience something similar with your helmet? Mine is a Fulmer MB.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
interesting- resonant frequenices are affected by volume, mass and material--- so I bet it's not just the helmet but your head, that tune that exact frequency.
It could also by a mechanical shaking transferred through your jaw/ temples--- try adjusting the padding in those areas and see if it changes.
mike
It could also by a mechanical shaking transferred through your jaw/ temples--- try adjusting the padding in those areas and see if it changes.
mike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
It's getting a little cooler hear in east-central Georgia, so i pulled out my modular helmet, that I haven't really used that much. I haven't used it, it's been way too hot this summer, and I would get so much wind noise with the helmet on it was deafening. So I pulled out my custom fitted shooting earplugs to see if the earplug trick would help out with the noise. Well it sure did, no more wind noise, I could barely hear my exhaust. That's when it hit me. This helmet's resonate frequency must be exactly tuned to my exhaust note. I don't know what RPM the the engine is running, but in 3rd gear @ 35 MPH, or any other speed with the exact RPM, this low frequency buzz was passing straight through my skull. The vibration was distorting my vision and it actually hurt. To best describe it, imagine strapping two or three vibratory sanders to your head and turning them on. I had noticed this without earplugs, but attributed it to the wind noise / buffeting, and even riding 10 miles one way made my head hurt. I now know why. It's a really nice helmet, fits good, but man I just can't wear it. So back to my Fulmer 1/2 helmet.
Anyone else ever experience something similar with your helmet? Mine is a Fulmer MB.
Anyone else ever experience something similar with your helmet? Mine is a Fulmer MB.
I'm not sure if the helmet model you have falls into this category but most first generation modular helmets and some of the cheaper current models still have issues with excessive wind noise and secure fit over the cheeks with the face lowered. See the helmet section of www.webbikeworld.com
Last edited by fat_tony; Oct 24, 2011 at 12:17 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: MN
I have a Shoei RF 1100 and have the same problem, maybe not quite that bad, but enough it slightly blurrs the vision. Sucks, as I'd like to wear a helmet sometimes but is more comfortable not to wear one.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
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From: Sandpoint, Idaho
I bought a HJC modular and it is the noisiest most miserable ride I've ever had. If I had to were it to ride I would quit riding.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,109
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From: Chattanooga, TN
I don't have to wear ear plugs or worry about resonant frequencies volume, mass and oil blowing out my air cleaner whatever on my Goldwing !! My 08 SE3 CVO now stays in the garage waiting for the next recall !!
