your choice for full face helmet

[chopsta]

What are your preferences for a full face DOT/Snell approved helmet?

[Johnny G]

I like the HJC CL-Max w/ the flip up front its the same helmet HD sells for 250.00 and you can buy it on E bay or a Internet wholesale warehouse for about 1/2 of that.

[Piggy]

I bought a nice GMax helmet from the motorcycle superstore for $59.99. I know the price makes it sound like it is probably crappy but damn it's pretty nice and the important thing is that it is Snell M2000 and D.O.T. Certified. It comes with 2 face shields, 1 clear and 1 iridium and it is available in 3 different styles. See it here http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=18653&department=101&division=1

Here's the one I got.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/OG/i38176.jpg

[blueglide88]

Last year I got serious about wearing helmets for the first time. Did some research, and bought myself an Arai Corsair. Damn expensive helmet. My criteria was weight, venting, and comfort. In the end, it came down to the Arai or a Shoi X-Eleven. So I went and tried them both on. I wore them both around a local dealers' showroom for about an hour each, on separate occasions. Then I returned a few times and wore them again. I had lots of helmet time before I bought. Both helmets were lightweight. From my research, I knew both had great venting, so the most comfy for my head won. I never knew before I did the research that helmets had different shapes for different heads, e.g. egg shaped, oval, round, earth shaped. I really do like the helmet, it's pretty comfy.

[xena]

Don't make a decision based on what others like....
The reason I say that is, I tried on approx. 4 different brand name FF helmets before I settled on the one I bought, which was a Shoei ZII. Don't buy until you try.

[lagerdrinker]

Don't make a decision based on what others like....
The reason I say that is, I tried on approx. 4 different brand name FF helmets before I settled on the one I bought, which was a Shoei ZII. Don't buy until you try.


add to that. even same models arent exactly alike. i bought hjc cl-14 and tried on about 5 different helmets till one fit snug all around. same with half helmet, tried like 3-4. maybe my head is shaped stupid, i dont know.

[GnFishn]

I recently bought a Symax by HJC and at first it was a little snug. Had I bought a larger size it would have loosened up and been too large just like my CL-14 is that I bought 2 years ago. I think that most helmets will loosen up a little after a few days so don't just buy the one that "feels just right" or you may buy one that is too big. Go to a dealer and get the helmet "fitted" to you so that you do buy the right size. I'm really happy that I did that this time and didn't make the mistake that I made last time. If you buy mail order you may be sorry.

[lagerdrinker]

If you buy mail order you may be sorry.

i had knowledgable people helping me telling me how it should bit pressing against my cheeks equally with the rest of my mellon and a bit tight. it did loosen up a little but not headshake loose.

[Shu]

I gopt my full faced gloss black helmet (matches the bike) at the local YAMAHA dealer! It's called FORCE by Yamaha. It has an HJC sheild, so chances are it is made by them. It is Snell and DOT approved. Others are right, visit all the dealers around and try a bunch on and fitted and pick the one that fits right and is comforatble. I think mine was only like $100 and I don't mind wearing it when it is cold out.

BTW, if you are used to riding without a FF, take some time and get used to it (vision, side to side, etc) because you are going to have to turn your head more to get a good view of what is to your left and right.

[radar]

I have a Z1R Stance Maxim. Ugly ass silver and black stars and lightning bolt graphics. That said:
It's very light
It has a great vent system
It's very comfortable
Visors change easily
DOT and Snell approved
I bought it at a snowmobile store on a slow day for $75

[mpemulis]

I have an Arai Profile that I bought at a local Harley store. The thing that sold it for me was the sales lady spent about an hour with me fitting it properly with the correct size cheek pads. Very nice helmet with a professional fitter = teh win.

I don't think this will help you given your location, but I found out last week that the Cycle Gear stores have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee on helmets. You don't like it, you can take it back for something else. It's not quite a money-back guarantee, but for helmets it's phenomenal. Unfortunately until you start going down the road at 45+ MPH you're not really going to know how that helmet feels in the real world.

(I'm not associated with Cycle Gear in any way BTW.)

[socal1200R]

The best helmet is the one that fits your head without squeezing it too much or causing headaches. Even though I like a lot of the Arai designs, my head just isn't sized right for an Arai. So I've usually wound up buying Shoei helmets. HJC is another brand that I've worn, along with AGV. Strongly advise trying on a helmet, before buying. Things like the thickness of the forehead and cheekpads, location of the chinstrap, ventilation, etc. all play a BIG part in the comfort of the helmet. And this is more of a personal style thing for me, but I don't like the helmets that show the ratcheting mechanism on the sideplates. It looks cheap, as opposed to those helmets that have sideplates that hide all that stuff...

[Spor-T-1]

FXRG® Full-Face Helmet
http://www.harley-davidson.com/dwp/mcm/dwp_mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244487 67401&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302285951&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302285951&dwp_dealerid=8410&bmUID=1140329441086&bmLocale=en_US
Completely re-engineered, the FXRG® collection features top-of-the-line functional gear for head-to-toe protection in all riding conditions. Constructed of lightweight, aerodynamic Carbon Kevlar® shell designed exclusively for Harley-Davidson®. D-ring chin strap, seven adjustable, advanced channel vents allow customized airflow control for maximum comfort. Innovative anti-fog coated shatterproof, scratch-resistant face shield features a two-stage system tha t allows the face shield to be cracked open slightly for maximum airflow. Removable, washable CoolMax® liner and cheek pads wick away moisture. Zippered ballistic nylon helmet bag included. FXRG® reflective graphics. Meets DOT Standards. Snell approved. HJC, 3 lbs.



MSRP US $450.00

[cantolina]

I'm still working out BREATHING in the sumbich....

I like the IDEA of a full face, but mine makes me tired when I wear it....

I have an HJC with the flip up front...and I DO like it, but not if I fall asleep... :laugh

[socal1200R]

I'm still working out BREATHING in the sumbich....

I like the IDEA of a full face, but mine makes me tired when I wear it....

I have an HJC with the flip up front...and I DO like it, but not if I fall asleep... :laugh


If you're not used to it, or it's poorly designed, a simple thing like breathing can be a challenge in a full-face helmet. The good ones have some kind of breath guard and ventilation that keeps the exhaled air from fogging the inside of the shield. You could also crack the shield a little, that'll keep air flowing inside. Get a good pair of glasses, and lift the shield up all the way. You'll get a face full of fresh air, which should keep you from falling asleep, lol!

Also, just a little mental exercise I do whenever I'm riding, whether I'm wearing my full-face or half-face helmet, is my eyes are constantly scanning for "bogies" or other threats. Conventional wisdom says if you spend more than a couple of seconds looking at the same thing, you're asking for trouble. Need to keep those eyes scanning, and anticipate something bad happening and what your reaction is going to be (car changing lanes without signaling, running a stop sign or light, turning in front of you, debris in the road, rim-bending pothole, road kill, etc).

Again, personal comfort should be the top priority when deciding on which full-face helmet to buy. It'll increase the chances of you wanting to wear it! They're all pretty much Snell and DOT approved anyway, so comfort, then style, should be the priority. As with anything else, you'll get used to wearing it over time...

[AZbiker]

The best helmet is the one that fits your head without squeezing it too much or causing headaches. Even though I like a lot of the Arai designs, my head just isn't sized right for an Arai. So I've usually wound up buying Shoei helmets. HJC is another brand that I've worn, along with AGV. Strongly advise trying on a helmet, before buying. Things like the thickness of the forehead and cheekpads, location of the chinstrap, ventilation, etc. all play a BIG part in the comfort of the helmet. And this is more of a personal style thing for me, but I don't like the helmets that show the ratcheting mechanism on the sideplates. It looks cheap, as opposed to those helmets that have sideplates that hide all that stuff...

You did try on both styles of shell I.E. Quantum and Signet/Profile, right? I am most definitely a Signet head. Quantums don't fit me at all. Arai for me all the way.

I hate ratcheting shields, period. I either have mine all the way up, locked down, or barely cracked open to get some air flowing. I don't need to have the ratcheting mechanism.

One big disadvantage of Arai helmets are the prices for the shields. $45 for a CLEAR?!? And if ya want irridium, expect to pay $75. I used to run a gold irridium shield for the bling factor, but after I wore through the coating in a couple of years, I decided to go with dark smoke. That shield was **only** $60, IIRC...



Chuck, throw in some earplugs and you shouldn't get as tired. Also, just let the wind bounce your head around a little. If you constantly try and fight it, you will tire out quicker.

SoCal is dead on the money about the premium helmets vs the cheaper ones. Before I bought my first Arai, I had 2 different FF helmets, a Bieffe that was a TOTAL POS--the shield like to randomly flip all the way up over 70mph :eek: . The next one was a Shoei RF700. Better than the Bieffe, but the ventilation and fit was not even close to the Arai.

I'm not saying that Arai is better than Shoei, because the Signet is a premium level helmet, and the RF series isn't, so that would be an apples-to-oranges comparison.

[chopsta]

Thanks for all the replies! I dont intend on mail ordering a helmet for the same reason some of you stated. I want get something that fits properly. But I was looking for brands and models with positive feedback from people who use them. I will note which ones you all recommended and try them on at the local shops. My current f.f. helmet is so old that it isnt even vented. I have new Skid Lid, but the only time I wear that is when it is unbearably hot and I am just putting around town. Otherwise I prefer f.f.
Thanks again.

[sspeer]

I've had good luck with Mail order, but if you do make sure you know what size fits you for that particular brand...even better..the particular helmet

I have a KBC Wolf (discontinued now) that I really liked..and in black chrome! but was pretty delicate..ended up painting over it

I also recently got a Zeus flip-up..hear good things..will see after a few rides

[semjpm]

I tried on the Stealth Flame Modular Helmet from HD # 98216-05V and it seemed like a good compromise and comfortable. Anyone have any experience with it? The OEM is KBC.

Thanks in advance,

SEMJPM

[t.c. Johnson]

I have an HJC full face.
It was on sale at the local Honda dealers. Paid $99 for a regularly $149 helmet.
It is DOT and Snell approved. New model came out and this model went on sale. As you can see price is a major consideration in my helmet purchases.

Full face takes some getting used to but I can't ignore the safety stats.

Replaced my 1977 Buco Blue Line GT. Now that was something.

[SteveK]

I tried on several helmets at a local IronPony. They had a large selection. I finally ended up buying a Shoei RF-1000 and am pretty happy with it. But everyone's head is different ;)

[oscillon]

I have an arai astral-x and I really like it.

not cheap, but your head is probably worth it.

[hybriDatsun350]

Arai Quantum II. Definitely not cheap, but a helmet is one place to never go cheap...:headb

[rider1951]

I have a Shoei head so I have a TZ1 and an RF1000 full face. The TZ1 is more comfortable and a little quieter but the RF is lighter and more stable behind the HD windshield. I've mailed ordered 2 helmets without any problems but I've made sure about the size at a local shop before ordering. Try as many different brands as you can and see which ones fit you the best. I've been told that if your head is oval Shoeis will fit you better. Arai makes helmets for both round and oval heads. Go with the helmet that is most comfortable for you. I've also had good luck with HJCs but they are not the quietest helmets. Flip-up helmets will be noisier.

[Predator]

Nolan 101. Simply awesome
Cuts out all the buffeting at highway speeds. Has a flip-up front, extra tinted visor that flip up when it's dark and an anti fog insert on the full visor.

Love it

[grizz420]

I tried on the Stealth Flame Modular Helmet from HD # 98216-05V and it seemed like a good compromise and comfortable. Anyone have any experience with it? The OEM is KBC.

Thanks in advance,

SEMJPM
thats what I have its very nice comffy too but a tad heavy

[chopsta]

Have you guys noticed that it is pretty hard to find a plain helmet in a shop these days? Its not as much of a problem in the Harley dealerships I have been to, but the jap bike shops dont seem to carry anything except helmets that are OVER-loaded with graphics of some sort. I just want a simple (probably black) helmet, no graphics. I might be asking too much, I dont know. I think I will check at the local Yamaha dealer this weekend, I expect they should be starting to put out bike stuff by now.
I notice the Arai brand helmets keep popping up in several of the posts. I would like to check some out, but I dont recall ever seeing them in any of the shops I have visited.

[Sportster Girl]

Have you guys noticed that it is pretty hard to find a plain helmet in a shop these days?


I notice the Arai brand helmets keep popping up in several of the posts. I would like to check some out, but I dont recall ever seeing them in any of the shops I have visited.

It is hard, but they're available. My husband bought a solid black Arai Quantum/f for 200 bucks (fantastic deal). They also had solid white, yellow and red.

[harleyxlc]

Arai RX-7RR3. It was about $450 when I got it...back in 1999. You do pay for the high end Arai or Shoei helmets. Is it worth that much more? I'd rather not find out, if oyu know what I mean.

Unfortunately with all of our good intentions, the real info I want is which helmets helped someone live. I can try on a bunch and figure out what color I like :)