Over the Memorial Day weekend the wife and I rode to Nashville, TN - round trip was approximately 1600 miles. The weather wasn't too bad, not too cool, not too hot, but at times we were both sweating fairly good. Well, I was sweating, the wife, she was "glistening"

Anyway, I was fairly miserable pretty much anytime I had my helmet on; my scalp was itchy like crazy. I did what any real motorcyclist would do - I hit the forums for insight. Found several threads touching on this topic and most lead to a few common reasons that would cause this condition. Most common issues were caused by incorrect helmet fitment, helmet liner not clean and dry scalp.

Initially I thought the issue was an unclean helmet liner. I had purchased these helmets (Fulmer Half-Helmet) about 3 seasons ago. I had spent some seriously hot days under this lid, however never noticed itching this bad. It didn't make sense that both the wife and I would encounter this at the same time; different skin, different people, etc. Not saying the liners were perfectly clean, but it seemed as if the issues was symptomatic of something else. This would also rule out dry scalp. Neither of us have itchy scalps any other time, even if we sweat.

Properly fitting helmet, maybe? The helmet was always a little (and I mean just a little) too large. But why hadn't this bothered me prior? Well, it wasn't an issue on my Fatboy with the tall windshield, however last summer I traded that in for my new Streetglide - BINGO.

The itching is being caused by compound issues, helmet a touch too large, but more so related to the 'buffeting' cause while riding the SG. I noticed if I wear a do-rag, backwards hat and then the helmet very little itchy sensation. The helmet does not vibrate or move much on my head. The moment I remove either (or both) the do-rag or hat, the helmet is moving ever so slightly and I IMMEDIATELY itch. I'm not talking like an occasional itch, I mean the itching is so bad it affects my concentration on driving the bike.

Short story long, just ordered to new helmets (Gmax GM55 Half Helmet); ordered 2 sizes as well. The Fulmers were great helmets, however I think the shape is slightly off (for my head shape) and the 'buffeting' caused while riding the SG is not as forgiving and causes a lot of helmet movement. Hoping the Gmax fitment is a little different.

I will keep you posted.

 

Let us know how this works out, especially size wise. i.e. are you normally a large for example and the large was the right size in the GMAX. I need a new helmet in the worst way. My HJC half helmet is more than 10 years old and I know it is far past it's useful life. I've been to the HD dealer, the Honda Dealer (Who had a large variety of helmets) and even rode 150 miles to the J & P store in Daytona but just don't seem to be able to find one that feels right. Maybe just because I'm so used to the one I have. In regards to cleanliness I recently cleaned the inside of my helmet with soapy water and was really surprised at how dirty it was.

 

I always wear a micro-fiber do-rag under any helmet and it helps. Also makes my helmet last longer and stay cleaner. And in the summer I wet the do-rag to keep me cooler.

 

Try Super Seer for helmets. The inside padding comes out and is in three different sizes. Helmet is light for a DOT helmet

 

I just bought a Z1R 1/2 helmet. Love the way it fits and feels, inexpensive also. Took the visor off and it made all the difference in the buffeting.

 

I remove my liner at least monthly and clean it. I have HJC 1/2 Helmet and its about 7 years old. I am going to get the rest of this season out of it, but need to start looking. I really like the HJC's but I have a 3/4 Scorpion EXO-200 that I use alot for long trips. Scorpion 1/2 helmets are really looking good to me.

I also wear a micro fiber dewrag under the half helmet. It really makes things feel cooler.

 

All you and your wife's issues aside with the situation, buying a helmet online is rarely a good idea unless you can try it on somewhere first. I have the collection to prove it. This past winter I met a guy on a PGR run with a helmet I really liked. He said try it on which was a good thing cause all my helmets are size large as was his but it was too big. I ended up ordering it in a medium and it worked out good for me. It is a Voss modular with a flip down internal sun shield. I only wear this in cold weather and any other time I wear a non DOT beanie.

All else aside, although I recently got rid of a couple helmets at a swap meet I still have about 8 I will never wear. No idea abut the itchy scalp thing but proper fitment is paramount.

 

This helmet?:
http://www.amazon.com/Helmet-Fully-D.../dp/B0054TKWFU

 

The new helmet (and mostly) fitment cured the issue. I just returned from over a 4000 miles week long trip with ZERO issues. The itchy was caused by the helmet moving ever so slightly, causing increased itching. Problem solved.

 

I love mine GMax

tried mine on at J&P during Daytona Bike week, they were offering a discount for bike week and free shipping, and I didn't need to take one that had been tried on by 200 folks

love it, haven't used the integrated shield much yet, really only a few times that the sun has been at that gawd awful angle before it sets and is still way to bright for your glasses alone

the tinted shield is a nice option at those times

hope you enjoy yours