For Motorcyclists

Let's talk helmets. I am riding again on the 1994 gold wing I bought in the fall. Been a struggle fixing some of the stuff wrong with it but I have been riding. I have a full face flip up helmet. what they are calling a modular design. I like it better then a full face because I can open the front to talk to people or even just for better vision and air flow. In fact I end up riding with it open a lot. So I am thinking about a open face helmet, seems they are coming back in style. I see that you can get open face with full face shields/glass and drop down sun screens. Are any of you using these and how do you like them. What brands are good and which not so much?
 
Tom,

The protection of a full face helmet whether fixed or modular is really a good thing, but we all make choices for ourselves. Riding with your modular helmet open is also a risk as the protection/strength of the entire helmet often relies on the unit being closed. If you like that open feel, then I would consider the full face shield type as well. I think about it sometimes and may go that route for low speed use or use behind a windscreen.

The protection of a half helmet is really limited so that is not an option for me ever.

I like HJC helmets quite a bit but the shapes are different by brand and your head shape and the related fit is really most important. If it fits wrong, it can be quite uncomfortable and distraction is dangerous.

I like this type 1st, like you wear now for the same reasons as you listed.

http://www.hjchelmets.com/is-max-ii/is- ... vrD-Gf2ZaQ

I would also consider what you are considering which would be like this.

http://www.hjchelmets.com/fg-jet/fg-jet ... vrENmf2ZaQ

This is the type I would not consider personally (I like my face/life)

http://www.hjchelmets.com/is-cruiser/is ... vrEemf2ZaQ

When you want to try out a new type of helmet, I would also consider just buying a basic unit from Cycle Gear and plan to return it if it does not work out. This would be a good start.

http://www.cyclegear.com/BILT-Pilot-Ope ... cle-Helmet

or

http://www.cyclegear.com/CUSTOM-BILT-Ro ... cle-Helmet

The sunshields are quite nice to have and for shorter rides negate the need to wear sunglasses. They do still allow a lot of wind on your eyes so a dedicated pair of glasses may still be in order depending on your eyes or for longer rides. I use the shield with/out amber, tinted, or clear glasses to cover all of my riding needs.

Greg
 
Hi Tom,

Joan and I both have the HJC helmets Greg mentions above (the second one)...

HJC-FG-JET-Solid-Silver-Side.jpg

It does have the flip down sunscreen (eyes coverage), and ventilation. The shape fits both our heads, and is comfortable... and quiet (with the face shield flipped down).

Each person has to decide the amount of helmet coverage they deem comfortable, so it will get used. Many years ago, I rode without a helmet. Over the past twenty years, I have used all types from full to 1/2 helmet (with a neck curtain). I find the 3/4 helmet to be most comfortable.

I wear an XL in other brands, but the HJC best fit for me is a L. A good fit should feel a little tight when new, understanding that there will be some "give" in the liner.

I don't know if WA has The Helmet Center stores - we found a good variety and competitive prices in these stores.

Jim
 
Thanks Jim. That is one of the helmets I am considering buying. Great to see that you dont get a lot of wind noise under the face shield. even thought you are riding a scooter and I am on a wing we both have large wind screens in front of use. I think that the amount of wind will be that same or close. I was also looking at the IS cruiser that was posted. More of a long half shell.
 
For the record, Tom, the windscreen on my Honda scoot isn't as tall as that on a Wing (we've had 4 Goldwings) - it directs the wind pretty much at helmet height for me. We also have half helmets, and even with a face shield, they are no where near as quiet as the HJC 3/4 helmet.

We have also had Arai helmets and others; this HJC is a better fit for my head shape. I don't use the flipdown sunshield a lot, but it is nice when you are riding into the sun. Oh, for you PNW folks, the sun is that big shiny thing in the sky that warms most of the Earth. 8) You may be getting into the season when you have those 30 second "sun breaks."

:twisted:
 
:D :D :D 120 mile ride to day in the sun :hot :hot :hot

I got the clock moved, and the volt meter installed and working. 14.2 to 14.3 from the charger. AND I had a great ride in the sun. :thup :thup

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_961.highlight.jpg
 
Well Susan and I have been riding around on short trips the last week and she really likes it. Yesterday we went to three bike shops and looked at helmets. Susan thought she wanted a full face helmet until she rode with my modular helmet on. Now wants a open face helmet. I think we are going to get theBell Mag 9 open face. Right combo of features- open face, drop down shield and sunscreen, sun visor and built in ports for the bluetooth system and in my price range. Susan was looking at a few of the Shoei's until she saw the $800 price tag. The one thing I did not like about the HJC was where the release for the sun visor was located on top of the helmet.

Susan was also looking at and even sat on one of thesevictorycross country
 
hey Tom
I was up in Burlington a couple days ago and went into Power Sports bike shop. they had a sweet Suzuki 650 single cylinder electric start and efi fuel, cruiser. nice starter bike. the price was about $3900.00 brand new.
 
Just recently I had my helmet stolen off my bike. It was parked in a cycle parking lot area at a hospital for an hour. Buggers got my favorite HJC Modular,:twisted: but missed my Langlitz Gloves.

Now I'm looking at replacing a helmet. The HJC was pretty quiet, and with the modular, I could pop it open at the streetlights or riding slow in town, (I do have a windshield so it keep the bugs out of my eyes and off my smile.)

I have never had a helmet with a retractable visor before, but it is an option I am considering. Wonder if those of you who are riding are using them and what you think? I have heard that they make the helmet more noisy.

Thoughts?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Friends_Cal_09_10_Oct.thumb.jpg
 
Hi Harvey,

We have helmets that have retractable dark inner shields (like popping down sunglasses) - easy to deploy or retract (one handed). I have not noticed any difference in wind noise with the dark shield up or down.

I thought I would like that inner shield more than the actuality. It isn't bad, I just don't use it much. I do wear sunglasses all the time when riding, except for at night. With that inner shield popped down, you are looking through sunglasses, the inner shield, the exterior shield, and depending on the height, the windshield on the scoots.

All that said, when I get the next helmet, I will probably be looking for an inner shield again. Comfort and quiet are important, as well. I see there is a post I made earlier on this page that shows the helmet.

Hope that helps.

Jim
 
The inner sun sheild is handy for Cindie and I Harvey. We use it instead of sunglasses most of the time (we both wear clear or yellow safty sheilds on our eyes). We also use HJC modular is-maxbt models and their is no relation between that feature and addional noise.

Greg
 
I currently wear a HJC IS Max with internal visor.

Love it.

Modular helmets are nosier than one piece, but I always wear ear plugs so it isn't that bad.

Nice helmet at a nice price.is-max-2.jpg
 
Spent a good share of time trying helmets yesterday. HJC modular was my favorite until I put on a SHOEI XL Neotec Modular. It fit better than half a dozen other brands, and though it will be more $$$, it also has some plus features; darkened pull down visor, quiet vents, easy flip up release for doing with gloves, and a flatter back to put some SOLAS silver reflective tape.

Ohm and the reason for this post: The guy at the Cycle Gear store told me how to lock my helmet onto the bike. You all probably knew this one. A cable lock running through the visor opening (with the visor raised), and you can also run it through the sleeves on your jacket and then through someplace solid on the bike. Now I need to get the cable lock.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Fit is really important so it very well could be worth the extra cash. I am lucky enough that the HJC lids fit my medium head well so I keep on buying them. I am on my fourth modular unit.

Good luck and cycle gear is a pretty good store as moto stores go.

I am riding a different bike now and loving it. It is larger and heavier in specs but it feels smaller and more balanced than the previous Suzuki.

2016 Honda VFR1200x DCT No more shifting!

20161030_112044.jpg

Greg
 
Aurelia":3bfasiwb said:
Fit is really important so it very well could be worth the extra cash. I am lucky enough that the HJC lids fit my medium head well so I keep on buying them. I am on my fourth modular unit.

Good luck and cycle gear is a pretty good store as moto stores go.

I am riding a different bike now and loving it. It is larger and heavier in specs but it feels smaller and more balanced than the previous Suzuki.

2016 Honda VFR1200x DCT No more shifting!

20161030_112044.jpg

Greg
Click to expand...

Nice looking ride! :D
 
Very capable bike, Greg! I used to think shifting was an important part of the riding experience... our twist and go Hondas convinced me otherwise.

As far as helmets go, I am considering a modular for my next one. HJC fits my head, too, and I am a fan of the Helmet Center and Cycle Gear. I haven't tried a Bilt (Cycle Gear's home brand), but they get decent ratings, and at a very reasonable price.

For those who don't ride, the fit of a helmet is a big deal - there are round heads, oval heads, and skinny heads... and not every helmet manufacturer is a good for for each head shape.

My current HJC doesn't feel like it is gouging/rubbing me anywhere, but I get a definite line on my upper forehead... I just tell people it is my lobotomy scar. :wink:
 
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