In September of '99, there was a three day discussion on the PC List Server regarding helmets. Of course, the way I am, I just HAD to chime in and add my own two cents. After posting my thoughts, I started receiving positive comments from my post. Some even said that it was the best info that they had read on how to select a helmet that fits properly. Since I am "growing" this website, I figured that this would be a great place to post it, and then as "newbies" bring up the topic, I'd simply refer them to here.
Here it is. Enjoy!
When I bought my PC, I bought a new helmet (it HAD to be color matched don't you know!). I tried on helmets from HJC, Shoei, Arai, and Nolan. I went into this purchase NOT knowing what brand I wanted, nor having a preference. COMFORT was my goal, not a particular manufacturer. The color was not an issue, if they didn't have it in Candy Glory, they could order one in with 2 days delivery, if it was offered.
I found the Nolan to be the most uncomfortable fitting helmet that I tried on. The HJC and Arai were better, and were probably "acceptable", and the Shoei fit nicely, right off the shelf. By NOT having a manufacturer preference ahead of time, I ended up with the best helmet for the job.
You most likely wouldn't buy a recliner (or "easy chair" as my Dad calls them) that wasn't comfortable just because it was a particular brand, so why do so with a helmet?
The dealer that I bought my helmet from had a policy. When you come to buy a helmet, have a few HOURS to spare. Why? Because they want you to keep "the" helmet on for at least 20-30 minutes to see how it is going to fit. (So, there I was, sitting in the store reading a magazine with a full face helmet on...) People tend to stare, let me tell you. :^)
After 20-30 minutes, they would have you take the helmet off, and check you for pressure points, a headache, etc.
As far as "fit", here is how they checked for fit...
1. Does the helmet freely move about on the head? Yes, too big. No? When the helmet is shifted "forwards and backwards" on the head, it should be just snug enough to "take" the scalp with it.
2. Can a finger be inserted between the helmet and the forehead? This should be possible, but barely.
3. Any pressure points evident after wearing the helmet for 20-30 mins?
4. A Headache after wearing the helmet for 20-30 mins?
The helmet will "break in" SOME, but not much. The store's attitude is that the helmet should be as comfortable as possible when you buy it, and then it will only get even better.
I ended up with a Shoei RF800, a *fantastic* helmet in my opinion. Lots of good features and very quiet. No earplugs needed whatsoever. I can not imagine anything fitting my head better.
As far as figuring out what I needed in a size, for me it was fairly easy. Most XL's moved freely about on my head, most M's I could not get my head into. My Shoei fits fits my jaw bone nicely, but doesn't touch in the "back".
My advice - TRY DIFFERENT BRANDS. Different brands fit differently. Don't settle on a brand before you try it on. You are looking for COMFORT here, right?
The name of the independent shop that I mentioned above is IRE Motorcycles in Champaign, IL. Also, the Shoei Candy Apple Red color comes so close to matching my 1990 PC, it is unbelieveable.
Then, there were responses to the above...
This advice is some of the best advice I have seen on helmets. I have found
the Nolan Helmets to be the MOST comfortable for me and the Shoei to be the
MOST UNCORMFORTABLE for me. But that is the point, it is the comfort for ME
that is most important. The brand is important because just like anything else
made to fit a body part, we all have different basic shapes and even though
Shoei may be considered the best helmet (or Arai or BMW or Nolan or Bieffe or
Bell or HJC or any other brand), it doesn't matter a bit if it doesn't fit my
head. I don't recommend finding the cheapest, but find a better known name
brand that fits you.
I now have a N-100 Nolan and I must say, it is the best fitting helmet I have
ever had. I have owned at least 10 other helmets starting with Bell. I have
never owned an Arai or a Shoei, but I have tried them on. Both the Arai and
the Shoei do not fit my head shape and I therefore would not really consider
one ... but I still try them on when a new model comes out. You never know
when they might fit.
Jim Alexander Concord California'98 ST1100 STar Chaser
HSTA 2307SU AMA 415932 STOC #009
This is very sound advice. Helmets, despite the foam liners, are
relatively inflexible by design, while people's heads come in both
different sizes and shapes. I tried on the new Shoei flipup helmet
this summer, and couldn't wait to get it off my head, it was so
uncomfortable; whereas the Nolan N100 felt perfect the first time
I slipped one on. Same helmets, different heads, different results.
My wife spent months looking for a suitable helmet, and nothing from
Shoei, Arai, Nolan, or Bell felt right. We looked at helmets ranging
in price from under $100 to over $400. Then we were at a motorcycle
show and she tried on an HJC full face helmet that not only fit perfectly,
but was a closeout for less than half the original price.
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Selden Deemer
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And finally, a "follow up" from me...
I have noticed three things since posting my original message regarding helmets yesterday.
1. Those who find Shoei helmets to be the best fitting helmets find Nolan helmets to be horrible fitting, and also vice versa. Shoei and Nolan must be built for opposites in head "shapes".
2. Helmets do not (and should never) have a brand loyalty BEFORE purchase, only AFTERWARDS, when you have one that fits well.
3. It seems that most folks DO try on many different brands of helmets before settling on the right one. This is such a good policy.
The shop that gave me the helmet fitting advice that I passed along in my email is the "independent" shop that I speak of in many of my posts. They are not a fancy shop, nor are they in a great location (their building backs up to RR tracks, and the whole building shakes when trains go through), but they hire guys who know what works and are motorcycle enthusiasts themselves. They are simply an independent that have been in business for over 25 years in the same location. They will be working on the PC when the time comes. It was also mighty strange that their helmet prices across the board were 15-20% less than my local (a dollar per minute for labor) Honda shop.
I have bought all of my (except Honda brand) parts and accessories from them, and will continue to do so. The Shoei RF800 was the first thing I had ever bought from them,and boy did they impress me right away. They even had a price on it that was competitive with the mail order places.
Page last updated on May 22, 2000