wrong helmet / right helmet
Discussion
I have a Bell Eliminator. I bought this when I started learning as I thought I'd end up with a Husky 401 so wouldn't be going that quick, would be doing a mix of on/off road and it seemed chunkier than most. I also liked the fact it was shaped much like a car helmet so I could use it on track days instead of my more expensive race lid.I knew a Bell XL would fit me fine [it does in the car] so seemed an easy buy.
I ended up with an 1100 Monster which will be for commuting, weekend blats and the odd track day. Half my commute is on an 8 lane highway with an 85mph speed limit. Yes its a limit, but if you're not doing 75-85 then you'll get swamped. There are roads here with an 100mph speed limit.
The Bell has a large opening, isn't at all aerodynamic, and is heavy. It fits well, better with a balaclava, but that's about it. The chin bar doesn't let me view the dash unless I physically tilt my head down, it buffets in the wind and I'm kissing the chin bar at 100mph. If I turn my head for a safety check at speed the helmet presses against the windward side of my head. Basically, I bought the wrong helmet.
Looking for recommendations for the right helmet[s] so I can go try them on. I'm not too fussed about noise as I have custom ear plugs which cut out all wind noise with the Bell which is a very noisy lid. Venting welcome I guess but won't be riding in our summers and I find mid teens to be 'cold'
I'm only interested in full face options. I'd like something light, close fitting, that I can see my dash by looking down not tilting my head, and doesn't buffet my head about. I realise its a naked so will never be as good as on a faired bike, but current situation is taking all the fun out of why I wanted a bike in the first place.
Tips/ideas and weblinks most welcome. Cheers.
I ended up with an 1100 Monster which will be for commuting, weekend blats and the odd track day. Half my commute is on an 8 lane highway with an 85mph speed limit. Yes its a limit, but if you're not doing 75-85 then you'll get swamped. There are roads here with an 100mph speed limit.
The Bell has a large opening, isn't at all aerodynamic, and is heavy. It fits well, better with a balaclava, but that's about it. The chin bar doesn't let me view the dash unless I physically tilt my head down, it buffets in the wind and I'm kissing the chin bar at 100mph. If I turn my head for a safety check at speed the helmet presses against the windward side of my head. Basically, I bought the wrong helmet.
Looking for recommendations for the right helmet[s] so I can go try them on. I'm not too fussed about noise as I have custom ear plugs which cut out all wind noise with the Bell which is a very noisy lid. Venting welcome I guess but won't be riding in our summers and I find mid teens to be 'cold'
I'm only interested in full face options. I'd like something light, close fitting, that I can see my dash by looking down not tilting my head, and doesn't buffet my head about. I realise its a naked so will never be as good as on a faired bike, but current situation is taking all the fun out of why I wanted a bike in the first place.
Tips/ideas and weblinks most welcome. Cheers.
shirt said:
Tips/ideas and weblinks most welcome. Cheers.
Go to your nearest J&S (other bike gear shops are also available) and try some on, asking for opinions about helmets is the same as trying to herd cats, everyone's head is different, find one that fits you and has the features you want and buy it. 
I didn’t ask what brand, I asked about which helmet types/models/styles etc would better suit a naked bike ridden by a tall chap. I.e do I really need an ‘aero’ helmet or would a more bike specific one suffice. Seems ‘naked’ oriented helmets are aimed at wind noise reduction which isn’t an issue for me.
I’d like to narrow things down before I can see what’s available to me and where. Nearest J&S is 3500 miles away, local stockists are poor - mainly offroad or Harley styles.
I’d like to narrow things down before I can see what’s available to me and where. Nearest J&S is 3500 miles away, local stockists are poor - mainly offroad or Harley styles.
shirt said:
...
It fits well, better with a balaclava, but that's about it.
I'm sorry but any helmet that fits better with a balaclava does not "fit well". It fits well, better with a balaclava, but that's about it.
I can wear my helmet for 12+ hours a day, for multiple days in a row, with no discomfort. Wearing a balaclava, even one of the very thin ones, makes my helmet uncomfortable. My helmet fits well.
You might like to look at the Shoei NXR. When it came out, it was advertised as designed for a naked bike with the relevant streamlining to suit. It also had more sizes of shell for the range of internal sizing at the time, so you weren't likely to end up like a bobble head.
I've had one for a few years now, and I find it really good. Shoei do well on the pad adjustment side of things too.
I've had one for a few years now, and I find it really good. Shoei do well on the pad adjustment side of things too.
I currently use a Shark Spartan Carbon and I love it. It has a small shell size so is quite aerodynamic, an internal sun visor and is relatively quiet. plus its super light.
In the past I tried the Schuberth SR2 which is their race helmet and was also pretty cool. Very small shell size, flows good air, and stable when you turn your head sideways at speed.
Of course, this assumes that the shape of these lids fit you..
In the past I tried the Schuberth SR2 which is their race helmet and was also pretty cool. Very small shell size, flows good air, and stable when you turn your head sideways at speed.
Of course, this assumes that the shape of these lids fit you..
It sounds a lot more like you have the wrong size than the wrong helmet.
If the helmet is moving around at speed or when you turn your head it's way too big. That just shouldn't happen.
To answer your question about helmet type, I use an Arai Axces 2. It isn't particularly sophisticated or aero, but it works fine for me up to licence-losing speeds (140kmh here) on a naked bike. Plenty of visibility, okay ventilation and not too heavy. It does have quite a large shell for its size though.
If it fits your head shape you could try the Shoei GT-Air also, which is lighter, smaller and has a built-in sun visor too. I would have one but I can't fit my specs in it.
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morebeanz said:
You might like to look at the Shoei NXR. When it came out, it was advertised as designed for a naked bike with the relevant streamlining to suit. It also had more sizes of shell for the range of internal sizing at the time, so you weren't likely to end up like a bobble head.
I've had one for a few years now, and I find it really good. Shoei do well on the pad adjustment side of things too.
I'll second this. I've had one for a few years now, and I find it really good. Shoei do well on the pad adjustment side of things too.
You really need to find which brand suits your shape (head!) and get a size that fits properly. Then it won't move around in the wind.
I think I know what the OP means as I have the same problem
I bought an LS2 dual sport helmet for my 690
It's fine when I'm green laning and rarely go above 50 but it's frightening on the road, admittedly it was blustery on Sat but the wind wrenched my neck around and 70 was dangerous.
I read all the tests and they said the visor was well designed... it fits well but it's crap at 60+ on a naked bike
There is a reason Sports bike helmets look nothing like dual sport helmets
I bought an LS2 dual sport helmet for my 690
It's fine when I'm green laning and rarely go above 50 but it's frightening on the road, admittedly it was blustery on Sat but the wind wrenched my neck around and 70 was dangerous.
I read all the tests and they said the visor was well designed... it fits well but it's crap at 60+ on a naked bike
There is a reason Sports bike helmets look nothing like dual sport helmets
May be useful:
https://advrider.com/f/threads/biggest-opening-on-...
Not seen FortNine firing pellets at a shell and visor before.
https://advrider.com/f/threads/biggest-opening-on-...
Not seen FortNine firing pellets at a shell and visor before.
GTiWILL said:
I bought an HJC RPHA-11 when I had my Street Triple. It’s ace...lightweight, aerodynamic and comfortable.
Love my HJC RPHA-11 for the same reasons as above. Only thing to add that the quality is really high for the price. I think you'd need to spend a lot more with other brands for the same level of qaulity.
EDIT* mine came with two visors to, clear and tinted. They dont advertise that, but makes it even more of a bargain.
Edited by Mortgage_tom on Tuesday 4th February 12:03
Mortgage_tom said:
GTiWILL said:
I bought an HJC RPHA-11 when I had my Street Triple. It’s ace...lightweight, aerodynamic and comfortable.
Love my HJC RPHA-11 for the same reasons as above. Only thing to add that the quality is really high for the price. I think you'd need to spend a lot more with other brands for the same level of qaulity.
EDIT* mine came with two visors to, clear and tinted. They dont advertise that, but makes it even more of a bargain.
Edited by Mortgage_tom on Tuesday 4th February 12:03
You will get 50 answers from 50 different people on helmets, as already suggested, you have to go try some on. A Shoei medium shell is too small and the large is too big, so Shoei as a brand is no good for me.
I like AGV's, the pull the aperture for your eyes back farther at the sides, so that they don't impede your peripheral vision, it is a little noisy compared to other brands, but it fits me well and I like their designs. I have the AGV Pista GP RR Rossi 20 year anniversary helmet currently.
I like AGV's, the pull the aperture for your eyes back farther at the sides, so that they don't impede your peripheral vision, it is a little noisy compared to other brands, but it fits me well and I like their designs. I have the AGV Pista GP RR Rossi 20 year anniversary helmet currently.
the bell distributor has just started selling the eliminator. i went along at the weekend and they fitted me up as being an xl, which is what i have. it doesn't move when i shake my head, a large creates pressure points. i've written it off as a useable helmet. in any case the dealer is selling them for almost double what i paid so i will cover it's cost s/h.
i've tried a ton of helmets this weekend. shoei, x-lite, nolan and hjc fit all in size L. there are differences in fit within the same brands range though.
for example a shoei gt air-2 is what i want in terms of features. designed for naked bikes, has a built in visor [its sunny 99% of the time here] and can be integrated with the sena comms unit. however the nxr fits better, and the x-spirit the best. seems race fit is nice and snug but alos the helmet is a noticable amount lighter so there is practically zero inertia when i shake my head side to side.
same with x-lite.
hjc are well featured for the money, but don't feel as plush as the others.
just looking at what i can get from the UK this week as a mate flies here thursday. then i need to go back with my balaclava for a final fit before ordering. say what you like about fit but i have large flappy ears and they fold when putting any snug helmet on which means i have to twist the lid around to get them settled. my lugs hurt after a couple of hours in the shops!
any thoughts on/between:
- shoei nxr [snug, really plush]
- shoei gt air 2 [little less snug but good features]
- x-lite x803 [same fit as shoei nxr, little bit lighter overall]
- hjc rpha 11 [not quite as good a fit in terms of shape, but cheap]
- hjc rpha 70 [same, but with the visor]
i've tried a ton of helmets this weekend. shoei, x-lite, nolan and hjc fit all in size L. there are differences in fit within the same brands range though.
for example a shoei gt air-2 is what i want in terms of features. designed for naked bikes, has a built in visor [its sunny 99% of the time here] and can be integrated with the sena comms unit. however the nxr fits better, and the x-spirit the best. seems race fit is nice and snug but alos the helmet is a noticable amount lighter so there is practically zero inertia when i shake my head side to side.
same with x-lite.
hjc are well featured for the money, but don't feel as plush as the others.
just looking at what i can get from the UK this week as a mate flies here thursday. then i need to go back with my balaclava for a final fit before ordering. say what you like about fit but i have large flappy ears and they fold when putting any snug helmet on which means i have to twist the lid around to get them settled. my lugs hurt after a couple of hours in the shops!
any thoughts on/between:
- shoei nxr [snug, really plush]
- shoei gt air 2 [little less snug but good features]
- x-lite x803 [same fit as shoei nxr, little bit lighter overall]
- hjc rpha 11 [not quite as good a fit in terms of shape, but cheap]
- hjc rpha 70 [same, but with the visor]
Out of that choice Id go Shoei GTair that meets all my requirements for general purpose helmet, if it fits well
It should fit proper snug when new, they do wear in a little. I wouldn't be wearing a balaclava for the fitting now, if you can fit another layer in now with a new lining, when the helmet wears in and you dont have a balaclava on it will feel loose.
It should fit proper snug when new, they do wear in a little. I wouldn't be wearing a balaclava for the fitting now, if you can fit another layer in now with a new lining, when the helmet wears in and you dont have a balaclava on it will feel loose.
bogie said:
Out of that choice Id go Shoei GTair that meets all my requirements for general purpose helmet, if it fits well
It should fit proper snug when new, they do wear in a little. I wouldn't be wearing a balaclava for the fitting now, if you can fit another layer in now with a new lining, when the helmet wears in and you dont have a balaclava on it will feel loose.
A decent quality helmet won't really "wear in". My Schuberths have all been snug when new and still snug 3 years/56,000 miles later. Even at that age there isn't space to fit a thin balaclava in without causing discomfort. If it feels loose without a balaclava then it doesn't fit well.It should fit proper snug when new, they do wear in a little. I wouldn't be wearing a balaclava for the fitting now, if you can fit another layer in now with a new lining, when the helmet wears in and you dont have a balaclava on it will feel loose.
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