Any good websites or places to buy a nice helmet for a cheap price? What kind of helmet do you recomend? Thanks, Guy

Hi Vetteguy,
I feel it's best to, at least, try helmets on at various bike shops, in order to get the exact measurement. The helmet should fit snug, not tight, not loose, but comfortably. If it is just a bit too tight, many riders will get headaches in short time. You can only arrive at the proper fit by actually trying them on. Once you know what you want in size model and appeaance, check some internet sites for the best price. You can very well be dissapointed, ordering on line, without proper informatiion.
Billy

http://www.helmetsgonewild.com/index.html Got two from here, good prices and no problems.

collinsb, thanks for the advice, sounds like a good idea. Nice website Broncodog. Thanks, Guy

Remember, If you only have a $50 dollar head a $50 dollar helmet will do.
JE

I strongly agree with collinsb and would like to add even though you find your helmut size ordering on line still doesn't guarantee a good fit. Most helmuts don't all fit your head the same even if they are the same size. A beanie can ride on one persons head better than another and if the straps aren't located in the right place it can blow back on your head when riding at highway speed. The only way to check for this is to strap the helmut on your head and try pushing up on the front of the helmut. If it rolls back on your head too easily you can bet it will do this going down the road too. You just gotta try on each helmut for personal fit before buying it. If you all ready have a model and size picked out and find it cheaper on the net than go ahead and order but otherwise no way!

What style helmet you want will also be totally up to you! Like others said, try them on. Some sit "big" on your head (i.e., looks like you're wearing a bowling ball!!).

Personally, I started out with a 3/4 with full face shield. I hated it in the summer (very hot), but thank heavens for it in the winter. I have a windshield now, so the face shield isn't needed for bugs (we have BIG june bugs that hurt).

I bought a 1/2 helmet and ended up not wearing it (makes my head look huge). I'll wear it (maybe) in the states that require a helmet (and only in summer). It has a zip out leather piece that keeps the lower part of your head warm on cool nights.

Right now (after I felt more confident on the bike), I wear a novelty helmet and love the heck out of it. It has a little padding around the inside rim, but doubt it would help that much in an accident.

It's going to be your choice!! I don't mind owning three helmets.....I use them at different times. But consider bugs, wind (if you wear glasses), no windshield, etc.

I definitely agree that it's best to go into a store for the purchase. Even on the novelty, a small fits different for every helmet. The employees know how it should fit and are a great help.

Helmets..........we don't need no stinkin' helmets!...............or was that badges? :rolleyes:

I bought my helmet at a local indie shop. I went in on a rainy afternoon lto try them on and the gal at the counter told me to come back when I had the bike with me and I could try them in the air to be sure they didn't lift off my head. I thought that was pretty nice of her to offer that.

Gary

Just goes to show ya that there are some class act shop around :clap

Thanks for all of the great advice. Guy

Boomer has some at www.onsitedeals.com

Nice site, thanks, Guy

Try Helmets Inc.

Check some of these out...some of them are more like a work of art than a helmet!

http://www.skullscreamers.com/

And yes, they have DOT approved if you're concerned about that.

I have a 1/2 helmet, a ZR1 that is very comfortable and modestly priced. Always wanted to try a full face helmet that covers even your chin, they must be great in the cooler weather but I am afraid it would be to constraining.
I do agree that it would be best to try them on first though I didn't and never have but the logic behind trying them first is better than mine.
The main thing as you get older is what someone else brought up about wearing glasses the tears can be overwhelming and I had a difficult time finding a 3 snap shield but eventually did, that helped a lot though I would like to get goggles made with my pescription but I need bifocals and not sure what's available.A windshield really helps and I bought the quick release one for my 04, it works very well but I am glad I can take it off on warm afternoons.

If your looking for the smallest, comfortable, half helmet that is still d.o.t. I got mine @ www.readyriders.com it was called the vega. I liked it cause it does not make your head look like the great kazoo from the flintstones!!

Some great suggestions and web sites. Keep them coming. Thanks, Guy

Vetteguy,

Are you looking for FF, 3/4 or a half helmet?

I wear an Arai Signet/e FF, I also own a Signet/GT. If you decide to go Arai, TRY THEM ON FIRST. The Signet and Quantum shells fit totally different. I recommend buying one locally, because trying one on in a store and then going online to save 10% is bad karma, IMHO.

If you want a 3/4 helmet, get one with an attached faceshield. They are a lot sturdier than the ones that snap on.

I think I would like a 3/4 w/ a face shield. I will be riding mostly in warm weather and I think a FF would be too hot. What do you mean by attached faceshield? Thanks, Guy

I think I would like a 3/4 w/ a face shield. I will be riding mostly in warm weather and I think a FF would be too hot. What do you mean by attached faceshield? Thanks, Guy
They are attached at the sides and you can lift them up.

Guy,

It's easier to show you a picture...do a search for HJC FG-23, Arai sz/ramII or Arai sz/m.

The HJC is the best value for the money, but the Arai is the all-out best. Whatever helmet you buy, make sure it is a fiberglass helmet and not plastic. If you want, do a search on "fiberglass vs. plastic helmets" and decide for yourself.

Thanks, Guy

Here's the deal. Visit a few dealers in your area including the metrics. Get some first hand info and try some on. Make a note of what make and model you really like and the size that fits. Now log on to ebay and have a ball. My almost new shoei which is a top rated helmet cost me $28 including shipping.

I have a HJC full face helmet. I like because it has plenty of vents to keep me cool in the summer, plus the face sheild can be opened half of a notch for even more cooling ability. I also find it funny that the solid colors are more expensive than the ones with the graphics. I am repainting mine right now to match my bike. Do I look cool in it, maybe not but those bugs don't end up in my teeth either. My dad has a Arai Classic M with a detachable face shield. Those shields are only $5 if you damage them verse $15-20 with most other shields.

Justified Defiance http://www.justifieddefiance.com/ has nice retro helmets.

Gazza

Buy the best helmet you can afford. You only have one head. Go to a mc store and try on several. Don't exclude the full face just because you think that it will be hot. Rather hot than damaged.