Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear What helmet should I get as a beginner?

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Ive been told to only buy the full helmets since i am literally just starting to ride. But I really like the the half helmets too. I wouldn't ride on the highway for a while so Im not really as worried about high speed bug collisions.

But at the same time I want to be safe, what do you recommend?

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A full face helmet is a lot more than just a crash helmet. It is a "system" that provides the crash protection, as well as eye protection, but even more importantly - weather protection.

You get a much better sense/feeling of security wearing the
full face that is going to have a way positive effect on
your confidence in your own riding ability. None of us want to feel "too comfortable" out there, but the more comfortable you are - the more secure you are in knowing that you have one less thing to worry about - the better you are going to ride, and the fewer mistakes you are going to make on the road.

I can ride confidently in the rain, or even in a cloud of dust blown up unexpectedly from the wind or a car ahead....because my full face protects me.

Field of vision (peripheral) should not be limited with a well-fitting high quality helmet.

I would encourage you to hit the highway, too. Do not be afraid. Hit a good road for a nice ride in the country, and get comfortabke riding! You can't just say your not going to do it - things happen, and you may find yourself having to ride at highway speeds even though you did not intend to! Be ready!

That full face helmet that I bought with my bike was one of the most important decisions I ever made. That, and riding 90 miles and back to see my Dad on Father's Day the first weekend I had the bike. I got caught in the rain after back on the Houston I-610 Loop on the way home that very afternoon, and while traffic had slowed to a crawl, a cager tried to get in my lane with me, in the rain, and I had to ride the lane divider line to keep from getting hit or hitting the car next to me in the other lane. All with about 300 miles on the new bike!

I credited the helmet right then with allowing me to be able to concentrate on riding, and not having to worry about rain in my face, or rain in my eyes, avoiding tragedy.

You'll never learn how to swim without jumping into the pool.

Ride safe! And welcome to the Club!