For Motorcyclists

[starcrafttom]

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?

[Aurelia]

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-max-ii-solid/#.VvrD-Gf2ZaQ

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

http://www.hjchelmets.com/fg-jet/fg-jet-solid/#.VvrENmf2ZaQ

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

http://www.hjchelmets.com/is-cruiser/is-cruiser-solid/#.VvrEemf2ZaQ

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-Open-Face-Motorcycle-Helmet

or

http://www.cyclegear.com/CUSTOM-BILT-Roadster-Retro-Open-Face-Motorcycle-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

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Tom,

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



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

[starcrafttom]

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.

[JamesTXSD]

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. You may be getting into the season when you have those 30 second "sun breaks."

[Aurelia]

We are getting full sun all day this week Jim. It might even hit 70!

Greg

[JamesTXSD]

[hardee]

120 mile ride to day in the sun

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.

Harvey
SleepyC

[starcrafttom]

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

[SENSEI]

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.

[starcrafttom]

Thanks for the tip but I am past the starter bike point. Susan has no desire to learn to ride at all. Will not even consider it. She just wants to ride on the back and watch the world go by.

here is the bike I really want to build. zxr1200 mad max goose replica

[hardee]

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, 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

[JamesTXSD]

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

[Aurelia]

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

[NancyandBud]

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.