Buffeting: how does it relate to helmet choice?

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Jun 30, 2012 | 09:13 AM

#11

vtwinbob

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 552

Likes: 2

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by dondee

I was kinda afraid this is what I might find. The problem with that theory is that my melon is huge, requiring at least a 3X and I actually tried on a 4X at a Harley store on the way down here last week that wouldn't fit. The 3X HJC DOT I have back home is huge, I mean really big. I'll try losing the visor when I get back and see if that helps.

I've been rocking a skid lid for more years than I'd care to think about but after some bad family events I promised my wife I'd try to do better and go DOT. But I may wind up just having to go with the highest quality lid I can find and call it done. Weird-*** name but I think some of those Skull Crush lids are supposed to be better than the average novelty helmet, at least that's the impression they try to give.

I just can't go the full face route. I did it back in the '80s when my kids were younger but I hated it. I grew up on 3/4s so could probably handle that but I've gotten more used to 1/2s and lids. I just like to hear the exhaust with what hearing I have left. I'm 63 so I guess I've gotten the good out of my ears already.

i hear ya buddy! my old man called me Big Headed Bubba!!! the kid that ruined his sex life (LOL) back on topic, try the up draft test next time your out on the H/W take your left arm and lay it across your chest and move it back and forth, that will give ya an idea on how much up-draft your getting. and go from there. i don't seem to have up-draft on my ultra so i'm good to go with the half lid and visor.

Last edited by vtwinbob; Jun 30, 2012 at 09:16 AM.

Jun 30, 2012 | 09:21 AM

#12

checkers

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 5,016

Likes: 277

From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon

Buffeting issues are caused by air flow from below fairing/windshield. If you manage the buffeting from below and create an air pocket, the helmet style or design is not an issue.

Jun 30, 2012 | 09:26 AM

#13

dansflhti

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,837

Likes: 50

From: usa

I went from a 3/4 helmet to a HD 1/2 hybrid and I'd say the buffeting has been cut in half.

Jun 30, 2012 | 09:27 AM

#14

checkers

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 5,016

Likes: 277

From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon

Helmet such as FF design is critical when riding without a windshield/fairing. When riding with wshield/fairing, not so much, if air pocket is created properly.

Jun 30, 2012 | 10:13 AM

#15

zoozoo

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 20,880

Likes: 33,839

Quote:

Originally Posted by checkers

Buffeting issues are caused by air flow from below fairing/windshield. If you manage the buffeting from below and create an air pocket, the helmet style or design is not an issue.

Yes, the wind coming from under the fairing is trying to lift your helmet off of your head but your chin strap is keeping it tied to your head. This will make your helmet start slapping your head from side to side in a fast motion giving you a blurred vision.

Jun 30, 2012 | 10:23 AM

#16

CWO USN

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 507

Likes: 5

From: Florida

Not all FF helmets are designed and created equal. I have had a number of them. From the old Bell Moto-3's to my now current Shoei Q-West. The aero on the Shoei Q-West was designed specific to cruiser-style riding, eg. riding position, etc. I also have and still wear from time-to-time a Shoei 1100 but that model is more adept with sports bike riding.

Jun 30, 2012 | 11:00 AM

#17

Texas Fat Boy

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 10,045

Likes: 36

From: ST. Louis

Check out this thread about the smallest DOT helmet.
I bought one and they do cut the buffering down from my other 1/2 helmet that I thought was small.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...w-helmets.html

If you do go this route make sure you are getting the one that the part number starts with #AX.
http://www.leatherup.com/c/Outlaw-Helmets/2/131.html
I checked and sorry they only go to 2X

Last edited by Texas Fat Boy; Jun 30, 2012 at 11:06 AM.

Jul 5, 2012 | 01:19 PM

#18

Deuuuce

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 3,766

Likes: 16

From: Roseville, CA

I have a 10" shield and Shoei X-11 along with 13" apes (arm position is probably related) and find no buffeting except during extreme crosswinds. This is on my SG.

Now riding 2-up may also make a difference since aerodynamics are tricky on bikes.