Motorcycle.com

TEvo · 08-08-2006, 05:55 AM

You might be confusing proper fit by the thickness of the cheekpads and the pressure on your cheeks.

Proper helmet fit begins with the top of the head. Does it fit snugly around the brow and crown of your head. If fit is messed up here- too loose or pressure points, then it doesn't matter if your cheeks are smashed and looking chipmunkish or not.

If the cheekpads are too thick, on many helmets, they can be replaced with a larger size (thinner pads).

A more expensive helmet can buy you build quality, lighter weight, plusher materials, better ventilation. If the helmet doesn't fit, none of this matters.

IMHO, go by fit and then features. If a helmet meets DOT and/or SNELL, you are virtually guaranteed a baseline level of protection regardless of price.

HJC is the "best selling" brand because they cover multiple price points- from their most basic model at $100 retail or less to their $499 AC-12 Carbon models, they cover a big range and come out as a price/value leader versus most the other brands. Plus they have a large distribution channel at dealers, online retailers, etc. Arai no longer permits online sales and has no "budget" priced products.

Can't fault the jacket and pants if it fits you and offers you the features and aesthetics you like.

Just my 2/100ths of a USD.

davidhaner · 08-08-2006, 07:21 AM

That is one kick-ass website. I loved the disclaimer underneath the picture of the lord and lady of style:

Disclaimer: Please do not wear "fringed" Arm Chaps accessories near moving objects where the fringe could get caught and cause injury. Unfringed Arm Chaps accessories are available!

rbitra · 08-08-2006, 08:54 AM

OK MoRons.. Thanks for all your input. I really appreciate it. I went back to the store again to try on the HJC helmets. The HJC CL-SP fit the best (even better than the latest AC-12). But then I tried the Shoei RF-1000 and the fit just felt right. It felt like I had better fit (snugness) around the lower jaw and cheeks etc. I could not decide between the M or L size as the M size was very tight putting on and there's a (percieved) pressure point at the back of the head and the cheeks were all pushed up. So, I shelled out $400 (incl. tax) for a Light Silver Shoei RF-1000 L size helmet. I know that is expensive than the price I can get on the Internet, but I figured that the time the sales guy spent to show me the helmets is definetely worth it (I hope).

Thanks,

Raj.

ksquid · 08-08-2006, 04:49 PM

I have the same model in XL.. I love it .. I can wear it all day with no problems.. Face Shields are easy to get on and off. Lots of accessories chin curtian, breath guarde etc available at shoei.com

12er · 08-09-2006, 02:56 PM

Having not ridden in 13 years I would agree with the above. If your not sure about how you will enjoy or how much riding you will do, go cheap to start. Then when you upgrade or sell the bike, the sting isnt as bad.

Personally I have an arai head and ride with a Quantum F. Whichever helmet you decide on wear it for at least 20 minutes in the store before purchasing to be sure of extended comfort. The cheek pads should be giving you a little chipmunk cheek but not causing you to pucker up, they will break in over time. Shake your head and make sure there is no slop. If all is well after 20, pick your color. Remember, black isnt the coolest color in warmer climates.

zenpixel · 08-09-2006, 08:48 PM

get armor and wear it EVERY TIME YOU RIDE.

try velocity gear (what I have)

I had an hjc and the windshield would flip up at high speeds. not good. then i got an arai and absolutly love it.

I went to buy a new shield for the aria at CCM in SLO and they talked me into a Scorpion helmet. it's on order. I'll let you know.

08-08-2006, 05:55 AM	#31
TEvo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 29	Re: Safety Equipment Help. You might be confusing proper fit by the thickness of the cheekpads and the pressure on your cheeks. Proper helmet fit begins with the top of the head. Does it fit snugly around the brow and crown of your head. If fit is messed up here- too loose or pressure points, then it doesn't matter if your cheeks are smashed and looking chipmunkish or not. If the cheekpads are too thick, on many helmets, they can be replaced with a larger size (thinner pads). A more expensive helmet can buy you build quality, lighter weight, plusher materials, better ventilation. If the helmet doesn't fit, none of this matters. IMHO, go by fit and then features. If a helmet meets DOT and/or SNELL, you are virtually guaranteed a baseline level of protection regardless of price. HJC is the "best selling" brand because they cover multiple price points- from their most basic model at $100 retail or less to their $499 AC-12 Carbon models, they cover a big range and come out as a price/value leader versus most the other brands. Plus they have a large distribution channel at dealers, online retailers, etc. Arai no longer permits online sales and has no "budget" priced products. Can't fault the jacket and pants if it fits you and offers you the features and aesthetics you like. Just my 2/100ths of a USD. __________________ -------- TEvo `07 S4Rs `00 SV65

08-08-2006, 07:21 AM	#32
davidhaner Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 194	Re: Safety Equipment Help. That is one kick-ass website. I loved the disclaimer underneath the picture of the lord and lady of style: Disclaimer: Please do not wear "fringed" Arm Chaps accessories near moving objects where the fringe could get caught and cause injury. Unfringed Arm Chaps accessories are available!

08-08-2006, 08:54 AM	#33
rbitra Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 52	Re: Safety Equipment Help. OK MoRons.. Thanks for all your input. I really appreciate it. I went back to the store again to try on the HJC helmets. The HJC CL-SP fit the best (even better than the latest AC-12). But then I tried the Shoei RF-1000 and the fit just felt right. It felt like I had better fit (snugness) around the lower jaw and cheeks etc. I could not decide between the M or L size as the M size was very tight putting on and there's a (percieved) pressure point at the back of the head and the cheeks were all pushed up. So, I shelled out $400 (incl. tax) for a Light Silver Shoei RF-1000 L size helmet. I know that is expensive than the price I can get on the Internet, but I figured that the time the sales guy spent to show me the helmets is definetely worth it (I hope). Thanks, Raj.

08-08-2006, 04:49 PM	#34
ksquid Banned Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: My new favorite site is CycleWorld.com Posts: 3,775	Re: Safety Equipment Help. I have the same model in XL.. I love it .. I can wear it all day with no problems.. Face Shields are easy to get on and off. Lots of accessories chin curtian, breath guarde etc available at shoei.com

08-09-2006, 02:56 PM	#35
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,702	Re: Safety Equipment Help. Having not ridden in 13 years I would agree with the above. If your not sure about how you will enjoy or how much riding you will do, go cheap to start. Then when you upgrade or sell the bike, the sting isnt as bad. Personally I have an arai head and ride with a Quantum F. Whichever helmet you decide on wear it for at least 20 minutes in the store before purchasing to be sure of extended comfort. The cheek pads should be giving you a little chipmunk cheek but not causing you to pucker up, they will break in over time. Shake your head and make sure there is no slop. If all is well after 20, pick your color. Remember, black isnt the coolest color in warmer climates.

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement

08-09-2006, 08:48 PM	#36
zenpixel Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 7	Re: Safety Equipment Help. get armor and wear it EVERY TIME YOU RIDE. try velocity gear (what I have) I had an hjc and the windshield would flip up at high speeds. not good. then i got an arai and absolutly love it. I went to buy a new shield for the aria at CCM in SLO and they talked me into a Scorpion helmet. it's on order. I'll let you know.