[Fixion]

Intro:
I know my heads circumfrence is a tiny bit under 62cm (XLarge helmet).
Today I went to a local bike shop to try on some helmets to see which ones I liked. I tried on a KBC XLarge helmet, it was very tight and too wide. It pused on my forehead and the back of my head, there is no way that helmet will fit me. I tried an XXLarge, thinking that will do, wrong. Same problem. So I go to a different brand (Gmax) and try on an XLarge, it firts perfectly. To make sure its not just that helmet by chance that fits me, I tried an other brand (Cyber). Their XLarge helmet also fit me perfectly, although I wouldn't buy one because its too short, just wearing it for a few seconds fogged it up. At least it fit right.

My question. Why do some brands of helmets fit me (in the same size) and others don't? What are some brands of helmet that are shaped on the inside like the Cyber and Gmax XLarge helmets? Are some models of the same brand shaped differently on the inside?

On a side note, "Hi everybody" this is my first post :grin:. I found this forum a few days ago, I like it.

 

[windrider18]

Hi and welcome to the forum There is a very good writeup on helmets and how to select one in this thread http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2175. Trying on the helmets is always best, though. What you're probably encountering is manufacturer size variations. My husband found those too when trying on helmets. An XL in one manufacturer is not always an XL in another. A few manufacturers have taken to making different shapes of helmet as well, since not everyone's head is the stereotypical "round" shape. Another thing that might help is to see if the particular manufacturer of the helmet you like has replaceable padding for the helmet. I know with mine, I can order new interior padding in different thicknesses.

I can't help with the Gmax type helmets (I have a streetbike, so I'm not to up on dirt bike helmets.) I have an Arai helmet, so you may want to look at their VX and MXC series helmets to see if they are to your liking.

Hope this helps!

Happy and safe riding!

Angela

 

[Fixion]

Thanks for the link.

I would buy an Arai or Shoei helmet but the price is holding me back. I think some of the helmets had removable liners but I don't know if the padding was removable. I don't really want to buy one helmet and order extra padding for it.

I really liked how the Gmax fealt on my head (it was a full face street helmet). If it wasn't for the design on the shell, I would have bought it. The problem is, my head isn't what you would call "round", its a bit longer than it is wide (yes, my head looks perfectly normal ). The KBC helmets seem to be more round than long, although the other helmets that fit looked just as round on the inside.

Any suggestions besides Arai and Shoei (that aren't as expensive)?

EDIT: There isn't much of a selection at the local motorcycle stores that I know of (in or around Springfield, MO), so I would prefer to buy online.

 

[hot_shoe_cv]

The problem you are having is because many helmets are made in only one shape which is round. You probably wear a long oval. Some manufacturers make both shapes but usually in the more expensive brands. I wear only Shoei and Arai for that reason among a few other reasons..but you don't want to hear about those two brands ...right? :wink: Nevertheless those are the only brands I know that fit me perfectly, not to mention the superior protection they provide against head & facial injuries, the better air flow, periphal vision, etc.
You may want to consider the following thought....You undoubtably paid many thousands for your bike, which after all could be replaced if wrecked so why not invest a few hundred dollars to protect your non-replaceable head and brain? :???:

 

[Fixion]

You may want to consider the following thought....You undoubtably paid many thousands for your bike, which after all could be replaced if wrecked so why not invest a few hundred dollars to protect your non-replaceable head and brain? :???:

You have a very good point there.

So are the helmets usually marked "round" or "oval"? How do I know which is which? I realise that Arai and Shoei are the top of the line, but can't a $150 dollar helmet do the job of a $400 helmet? I'm in college, I'd rather not get the top-of-the-line-super-helmet when my budget is a bit tight (as it is now). I was just asking for a good alternative to those helmets that can save my head in case I need saving and is of decent quality.

A top of the line Arai would cost almost as much, if not the same as I paid for my current bike ;-). My current bike being a 1989 EX500 which was laid down. I'll post before and after pics when it's completly finished.

Oh, in case someone was wondering. I consider myself a newbie rider. I've ridden before (125-350cc), just never on my own bike.

 

[hot_shoe_cv]

I don't think any of my Shoeis or the Arai MX helmets have a designation as to shape in the helmets themselves. If such was in the paper work accompaning them, I have forgotten. Much of the differences in these two brands are in the shell construction like carbon fiber which is stronger, and lighter which is basically a comfort thing. The other differences are in the interior..amount of padding and where it is located... such as around the facial/cheek area, whether or not it is all removable for washing or replacement, amount of ventilation, etc. Also both of these brands not only are Snell & DOT approved, but both exceed Snell & DOT minumum standards. I can appreciate the limitations on budget you have so I guess you will just have to buy the very best that you can afford. HJC seems to have a decent reputation as far as quality is concerned and possibly you can find one of them that will not break your budget :-|

 

[vaporgas2000]

Fixion, first of all welcome to the forum
have you tryed any used helmets?(well previously owned, hopefully not used :lol I've seen several helmets at local shops that were perfectly fine but people sell them due to whatever reason. usually you can buy a used helmet for half price or less.

 

[Fixion]

Unfortunatly, the selection of helmets in the local stores is lacking. I didn't see any used helmets, and they didn't have many new helmets to choose from (no Shoei or Arai). I'll try ebay for a used (or new) helmet. If I find a used Shoei or Arai, that I really like, I'll buy it. Otherwise I think I'll get an HJC. Thanks for all the help

Oh and my budget, its set by me ;-), so nothing happens if I spend more than I want to.

 

[ispeed77]

Fixion
welcome to the forum. i will second the HJC nomination. i swear by them for almost all of my helmet needs. good price and good quality.

 

[hot_shoe_cv]

Unfortunately you didn't fill out your profile with any location info but if you're in the U.S. you really should take a MSF rider training course right away before any bad habits are learned.
Regarding used helmets, unless I knew the previous owner and the history of the helmet, I'd never buy a used helmet. Regardless of the appearance or the quality, any helmet is designed to absorb just one severe impact. After that it is basically useless insofar as protection is concerned. The foam liner is crushed and the damage is invisible to the eye.

 

[ispeed77]

i will have to agree with hot shoe cv on used helmets. i would never recommend buying or using a used helmet. now borrowing a friend's doesn't fall into that, but other than that, you never know the condition of it. even a cheaper brand new helmet is a better guarantee than anything used.

 

[Fixion]

Ok, new helmet it is. Probably HJC.

hot_shoe_cv - I live in Springfield, MO. I already looked into taking the MSF course and I want to take it within the next week or two.

I have to say, this forum is very helpful.

 

[ispeed77]

I have to say, this forum is very helpful.

we try :grin:

good choice of helmet, i am sure you will be pleased

 

[Fixion]

Oh, one more question to those of you who have HJC helmets. I know that Arai labels (forgot the actual labels) their helmets according to what shape of head it will fit (long oval/something in-between/round). I heard that HJC helmets fit more of a long oval head than a round head. Is that true?

I'm pretty sure I'll get an HJC CL14 off ebay (new, not used )

 

[ispeed77]

sorry, can't help you with that one. try their website, maybe it'll have some insight.

 

[1Adam12]

You are in an unfortunate situation since you are not able to try on several helmets. The bottom line is regardless of price that the helmet fits properly. It truly amazes me that people will go through all the trouble of learning how to ride, but will skimp on the very things that will protect them in the event of an unfortunate crash.

What you do get from the top two helmet makers Arai and Shoei is a solid fit and finished helmet. One of the major reasons that the helmets fit better is because they make different shells for different heads - makes sense so far right. On the off chance that a particular brand fits you well then go for it. You do want the helmet a little bit snug as the foam will form to your head. A majority of riders I have seen have helmets to big for their head. If you move the helmet up and down while strapped on it moves easily and shifts or left to right and does the same. A good fitting helmet will initally be a little tight and should be tight enough that when you lift up and down holds onto your head and doesn't just lift/shift. You don't want the vulcan mind skull tight, but snug is good.

You can find Arai's and Shoeis for less than the 400 - 600 premiums on ebay brand new.