Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Half Helmets?

We are creeping up on spring here in MN, and I'm going nuts to get this thing out on the road again. I haven't ridden since November.

I already have a full helmet that I use a lot, but there were days last year that I just went without. I love the wind in my face, but I get nervous about the vehicles with 4 or more wheels. I know half helmets are not the best protection, but they are better than nothing.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good half helmet and I was hoping to get some recommendations, as well as some advice on which ones to avoid.

One I am already leaning toward is the Nexl Sports Helmet since they are low profile, dot approved, and light weight. I'm a big fan of the Silver Flame model. I think it'd look great with my black America.

I've got a half helmet. It is OK. Great for riding around the neighborhood and to work (gotta love a 2 mile commute) but it really sucks for being on the freeway and long rides. I would recommend a windscreen if you go that route...especially during Junebug season.

ZR1 makes a nice Ghost Flame half shell for about $60. There is another one, Daytona something or other who makes a great, really light DOT approved half shell that's around $70. Personally I'm going for the old German DOT approved style.

Also check out http://stores.ebay.com/Jafrum-com_W0QQssPageNameZVIStoreHeaderLinksQQtZkm?

Should be able to find a DOT lid for $30

Careful with the old german DOT ones. They are Freakin' huge. You'll look like darth helmet from space balls when your wearing it. I have a half helmet and my only major complaint about it is when riding at highway sppeds it tend to want to creep back on my head which becomes uncomfortable. And yes it is the proper size for my head.

-Josh

HJC has a great new 2 piece helmet. The front pivots up so you can go full face or open full helmet. $170 I haven't bought one yet but I tried one on and liked it. I have a half helmet right now but for the wind and the cold in NH I'd like to buy the 2 piece. It's DOT but not Snell approved.

I bought a KBC I got from moto-x outlet for around $75. I always wear a 1/2 helmet unless it is really cold. I also wear ear plugs to keep out the noise.....I'm deaf enough already!

I have a KBC half-helmet, DOT and the wife has a HJC model. They are about $75 almost everywhere. Definitely get one with a zip-off neck curtain - they work really well in cool weather. I have a windshield and don't think the half-helmet would be comfortable without a shield.

I use a Skidlid.....DOT approved...$39.00, pretty kewl looking....wear earplugs....my bike is quiet but the wind is deafening....specially at 75 or 80...

I think Roof has the only modular helmet designed to be used as both full face and open face.

Go here and look for the Roof Boxer.

Gibson-

Could you post a picture of someone wearing your skid lid. I've only seen them on the net without them being on somones head. They look small and I'm interested in getting one but I can't tell how big they'll look when they're on. Thanks.

-Josh

The Nolan 100E modular is a nice lid and has fantastic ventilation. Also a very nifty strap system that's lots nicer to use than the double D rings. Better protection than anything short of a good solid full face. Price seems to run around $225 right now. DOT approved, but no modular is SNELL approved.

Thanks TR6 and FriarJohn, I didn't know that the HJC wasn't made for riding with the chin piece up. Now that I have a windshield I might just stick to my half helmet.

The Roof looks like a nice helmet. They look like space helmets.