 Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18 |
I have a Bell Shorty helmet. It's very comfortable, but it seems quite heavy and large (I don't mean fit, but the outside diameter). Are helmets standard sizes and weights, or are there smaller, lighter options? Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
My first question is "are you a minimalist, wearing the helmet just to satisfy the DOT?" or my second question "do you want real cranium protection?" Because: the styling issue depends entirely upon which question applies. stylish with moderate protection serious brain buckets only you can know which choice is right for you.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
I have a Fulmer Hombre helmet, got it at the local Harley shop, they said it was the smallest DOT approved half helmet on the market. Its pretty small, until you look at those novelty helmets with a fake DOT sticker on it
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 18 |
Oldroadie, I was hoping for both -- safety with a bit more style.
Roadworthy, thanks. I'll check the local Harley shop. That's exactly what I want -- a smaller DOT-approved half or three-quarter version.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
safety with a bit more style.
Then you should check out http://www.carbonfiberhelmets.com it's a good compromise between both worlds.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
Mine is a half helmet, and cost me less than 60 bucks, which can also be a factor in what you're looking for. Those carbon fiber ones are expensive (for half helmets)
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Those carbon fiber ones are expensive (for half helmets)
Yes, they're spendy but oh so cool... 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 117
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 117 |
I always thought that Carbon Fibre's big deal was weight reduction, not strength. I've seen a lot of CF stuff get totally shredded in a wreck in Formula One crashes.
Maybe I'm wrong though, maybe it's a one impact type of material, which is all you would want in a helmet anyway.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
The shell should well be stronger than the others, the foam is the issue for absorbing impact, to prevent the force to go full to the head. The carbonfiberhelemts are supposed to be superior in both.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
i have the carbonfiberhelmets.com DOT heemt and it fits great and feels great, i can get some pics for you if need be. worth the money imho. carbon fiber is not only light but VERY strong
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I had a half-helmet and rode with it for several years before discovering a 3/4 helmet is FAR more comfortable and balanced. I kept the half-helmet, but the few times it was on it felt like a bowling ball was perched on the top of my head. I bought a Scorpion EXO-200 which has the option of a full, flip-up shield for cooler months or just a visor/sunglasses for the warm weather. I finally gave away my half-helmet. Last fall, I rode from MD to NY. The first day it was cold and windy on the interestate. I popped on the full shield which was a big help. The trip home was sunny and warm so on went the visor/sunglasses. It was very nice to have that convenience. I guess the new helmet cost me a few bucks as I discovered it was nice to ride without my windshield with the 3/4 helmet (awful with the half-helmet). So I sold my Roadster screen and bought a removable Memphis Shades screen. 
Last edited by ssjones; 04/07/2008 8:07 AM.
Al
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688 |
Love my Bell Mag-8  Love the look, it's light, comfy, and quiet.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Anybody ever try the Cromwell line of helmets. They make the Spitfire, Hurricane and Mosquito. http://www.designerhelmets.com/prodlist.php?cat=Cromwell&prod=SpitfireExpensive.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
The HCI-50 is advertised as being DOT approved. Most comfortable, low profile helmet I ever owned. Just passing info, don't want to start a full, 3/4, half-shell debate. Regards, Tom
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
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I have two of them. Great for what they are.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688 |
Cromwell lids look cool but last time I checked they were not DOT approved.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14 |
i have an HCI-50 which is a nice, small and light half shell, but i just recently purchased an AGV Miglia modular that i really like for those colder days, it is light very comfortable but could use a little better ventilation so i wont be wearing it in the heat of the summer. Two very different helmets, but i like them both
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Have two HCI50s love them. Very light weight and comfortable. Jafrum is the cheapest.
Also have an Arai Reed replica, for winter very comfy, but expensive.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Looks like the HCI helmet has been recalled by the manufacturer: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2008/10/07/hci-50-helmet-recall/Quote:
The HCI-50 is advertised as being DOT approved. Most comfortable, low profile helmet I ever owned. Just passing info, don't want to start a full, 3/4, half-shell debate.
Regards,
Tom
Al
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46 |
I would be curious to see what the percentage is of people on this site that wear skids, 3/4 helmets and full helmets is. Since I am coming from the sportbike world (Daytona) and only have full face helmets right now I have been looking at a possible change. I like the style of the half helmets for cruising, but love the protection of the full coverage. Maybe a poll would be good. Just a thought.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
If you can decide to live with a full-face helmet, You will ride more and be more confident doing so. Better protection for the head, chin, and brain, but also better protection from the elements, i.e., rain, fog, also bugs, rocks, whatever. It will change your perspective. Unless you just want to cruise...... 
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
After a season with my 3/4 helmet, you couldn't pay me to wear a half helmet again. In fact, I gave mine away. Quote:
I would be curious to see what the percentage is of people on this site that wear skids, 3/4 helmets and full helmets is. Since I am coming from the sportbike world (Daytona) and only have full face helmets right now I have been looking at a possible change. I like the style of the half helmets for cruising, but love the protection of the full coverage. Maybe a poll would be good. Just a thought.
Al
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
I use a 3/4 in the summer, and a full face helment in the winter. I tried the 1/2, but they were far too noisy and did not seem like they would help much in a real accident. I guess since I came down on my forehead at 50mph as a kid 40 years ago (wearing a 3/4 helment), I am a believer in a helment that actually offers some protection. After grinding through the face shield, snaps, and fiberglass, I was glad for every ounce of protection. A 1/2 helment might have just rotated forward off of my head, and I might not be here today.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
I've been wearing a half helmet since I bought my bike 2 years ago and I love the feel of it BUT, I'm getting a little bit older and just maybe wiser and now it's time for a full face. I really like the idea of the flip face type full face helmets and have been tole the shoei is probably the best. this one Has anyone else had experience with this one or other flip up type full faces? Just interested is all
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 116
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 116 |
Try Scorpion Helmets. They are priced right, look good, have fog free visors, and good air flow.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 429 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 429 Likes: 2 |
Just picked this up yesterday HJC FS-10 Carbon. Very light, very comfortable and reasonably quite. 
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482 |
I have this Fulmer flip up. It's very comfortable and light weight. The air flow is minimal at best, but I wear a a 1/2 helmet on warm days. On cold days, the visor fogs up when your not rolling. The clear visor is polarized and so are my sunglasses. The use of 2 polarized lenses produces weird color halos that are distracting, so I need to get a tinted visor. 
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283 |
Quote:
I would be curious to see what the percentage is of people on this site that wear skids, 3/4 helmets and full helmets is. Since I am coming from the sportbike world (Daytona) and only have full face helmets right now I have been looking at a possible change. I like the style of the half helmets for cruising, but love the protection of the full coverage. Maybe a poll would be good. Just a thought.
Always a full helmet for me (Arai). Very quiet, comfortable and light with lots of open/shut vents for when it's hot (not that often here!)
Like the look of the 3/4 (open face) but haven't worn one since i rode a moped ;-)
Seems rather a large pic just to show helmet but can't be arsed to crop, upload etc LOL
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Nice Vista Cruiser Wagon!
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 214
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
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i have a glossy black xxl caberg jusstissimo to sell if you want it. it's modular, and has an incorporated sun shield that flips down on the inside for bright sunny days. here's an image (i'm not posting it in here because it's huge, so just the link) http://www.j2honda.co.uk/acatalog/JGTBK54_7.jpg
there are 10 kinds of people in the world. those that understand binary, and those that don't.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
I ended up buying the shoei multitec and have to say I can't fault it in any way. Very simply the most comfortable helmet I have ever had, and to be able to flip it up and wear it as a 3/4 like when at traffic lights for instance or just because I feel like riding like that, is a real luxury. Then when on the highway, down she comes and not only am I in super safe mode but can listen to my music and books like I've never known. Just superb 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Any advice on a new helmet?
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Not sure if this is a viable option but is worth a look 
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