Helmet time

Hope all is good.
Trying to find a replacement visor for my AGV is proving tricky as my
son remove all the labels from it and I don't have a clue what type it
is and now there are no AGV stockists in this part of the world to
have a go see... so thinking about a new one.... last one I think I've
had for +6 years.
I have a rather large head and finding a helmet that fits has been a
bit of a challenge. That couple to the fact that this is only the
second one I bought.
So when trying on a new helmet and thinking about fit what are the
points to keep in mind?
Thanks for your time.
Hj

 

Set a budget and keep trying helmets on. Don't assume you have an "Arai" or
"Shoei" head. Usually the model you bought last time has been replaced by
the time you need a new helmet and there is no guarantee the replacement
will be the exact same shape.

Make sure it fits properly. Take a friend along and get them to hold the
helmet firmly whilst you try to move your head inside. Any movement then
try a different size.

I bought a new Shoei last year. I couldn't get comfortable in any of the
stock sizes in the shop but then I realised that the cheek pads can be
changed for different thicknesses. So, I now have an XL shell with 31mm
cheek pads insted of the 35mm standard. That 8mm extra room makes it a lot
easier to get on/off and more comfortable in use.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ gives details of some tests (once the website
comes back online). I find that the tests don't always keep up with the
frequency that makers change their models. Useful, though just to compare
cheaper helmets with dearer ones. If you only ride short journeys then a
£70 Lazer will give you all the protection you need. If, like me, you ride
long trips to the Alps etc then the extra comfort provided by having an
Arai or Shoei with their plush fabrics, fancy vents etc is worth the extra
money, up to a point (between £200-300 for me).

 

and ... you could read Lozzo's guide to buying a helmet if cab pulled his
finger out
http://www.ukrm.info/faq/Clothing/Help_in_choosing_a_helmet.html

the link came from google's cache of the UKRM faq but that page is not
cached.

 

<snipped>

Thanks for the advice.

I'm really just a commuter, 14 miles round trip, though it can get
speedie, so wind noise is an issue.

Hj
Bandit6

 

Avoid a flip front then. They tend to be noisier than full face helmets.
Wear ear plugs.

 

After having had to buy a cheap lid rapid pronto last Friday, I am
more than pleased with my cheapo [1] Caberg one, with the internal sun
visor. Recommended to the house after riding up to Derby and back both
times in low sun ...

Hmm, Several makers do a large lid. Just keep trying them on until
something fits. The more expensive (e.g. Arai) do a fitting service,
so if it doesn't fit, they'll pad it to fit.

Other general points are ;

Hold the chin bar and try to turn your head, it shouldn't be easy.
Push the chin bar into your face and see how easily it touches your
chin. In an accident this will happen a lot harder and faster.
With the chin bar held in, is there a space between the back of your
head and the padding ?

Paul.

[1] None of his sale lids fitted me, so he price matched one he had on
the shelf with a sale one, which was jolly decent of him ..

 

Who him? Where him?

 

On Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:47:32 -0700 (PDT), zymurgy

Thanks to you and Wessie for your helpful comments. Got a top from
Cupar Motorcycles and the boy who sold it to me went through all these
points. They didn't have too many XL's in stock but the one (Shark) I
got fits better than my last one. Going to take some time getting used
to the new buckle fitting, no more two rings.
Cheers
Hj

 

Local Yamaha dealer actually. Probably a bit of a trek for you
unfortunately.

If you're going to France i'll show it to you then (oo err).

If you want a Caberg I can always pop in and get one for you.

Cheers,
Paul.

 

No worries. The D rings are more fiddly until you get used to them,
but the purists prefer them. I like the buckle fitting but my Arai
uses D's so ultimately I don't mind either way. Also, my Shark lasted
for years and years without falling apart so looks like you've got a
decent buy.

Cheers,
Paul.