Helmet doesn't feel right | GTAMotorcycle.com

Helmet doesn't feel right

OmegaBravo7

OmegaBravo7

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When you ride your sportbike and get in a tucked-in position with head low looking up, do you find the upper portion of your helmet blocks your vision? Mine does (it's a large) and I also find it difficult to see behind me when I want to do a complete shoulder check. It's not snug either but when I wear the medium it feels a bit too snug, is it supposed to? Do they loosen up after awhile? I just went by what the dude working there at the time was recommending. Bought it new last year when new to riding.


And do different brands vary somewhat in fit even to the smallest degree, or are they all standard in sizes despite brand names?


I have a cheap helmet, the Street2
 
Different brands fit different, as there are different head shapes. Also a helmet should not move at all when you tug on it, otherwise it is too loose.

Hope this video helps -- It focuses on Arai but can work for other brands as well. I know I have a Shoei head myself:

[video=youtube;Ovd3KGu6BgU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovd3KGu6BgU[/video]
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
And do different brands vary somewhat in fit even to the smallest degree, or are they all standard in sizes despite brand names?


I have a cheap helmet, the Street2
Click to expand...

Different brands can fit quite differently... even different models from the same brand can be different. The foam will compact to some degree over time.
 
Very informative vid^, clarifies a lot of misconceptions I had.


So if that's the case then how do you guys order helmets online without worrying about how it would fit? I'm looking at some Arai and Shoei helmets on Revzilla (hope it's a good site) but concerned about fit. I don't think local stores around the GTA carry such a variety.
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
So if that's the case then how do you guys order helmets online without worrying about how it would fit?
Click to expand...

Well, you don't. Not without having tried on the same model/size you are ordering.

There are a variety of shops in the GTA and with different brands and models, you just need to make the trip to check out what they have. Also, if you do some research online, you can walk in with prices in mind and try and work out a deal with the local shop. Most are willing to match an online price (give or take), which means you can support some local business, and have a helmet in hand that doesn't have to be shipped (again).
 
I recently bought a Shoei RF1200 from Royal Distributing. The black model is actually very reasonably priced at $479 CAd. My head is about 58 - 59 cm and when I was trying them on the Medium was extremely tight and uncomfortable and the large was comfy but not tight enough. I went with the medium and for the first few days it was tight but now its very comfortable and fits like a glove. The guy at the shop told me they pack out by about 10%.
 
bboySushi said:
Don't forget also that different helmets have different fields of vision.
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I think that's the main thing. The viewport on my Arai Signet-Q seems significantly taller than the one on my AGV GP-Tech. May just be how it's positioned though.
 
Just got back from trying on a Shoei RF1200, sized Large, and if fit perfect. Sh*t, you never know how much of a ******* thing you have 'til you try something else. Felt great.

Are they amongst the better Shoei helmets?

If a Large Shoei fit just perfect does that mean it's safe to say most Shoei Large helmets will be safe to bet on in the case I wanted to order one that isn't available in local stores?
 
I was told that it should be snug, and slightly hard work to chew gum in a good fitting helmet. Works for me. Also, if you look carefully, some helmets are recommended for touring (good vision and aerodynamics in an upright position) whereas some are more racing orientated (good aerodynamics and vision tucked). There's also a Shark helmet made just for naked bikes too (aerodynamics without a screen). If you buy a helmet online and it doesn't fit you can be pretty sure someone will take it off your hands for the same price you paid for it (if you got a deal that is), so don't be too worried about buying online.
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
If a Large Shoei fit just perfect does that mean it's safe to say most Shoei Large helmets will be safe to bet on in the case I wanted to order one that isn't available in local stores?
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Definitely not, no. I used to own a Qwest a couple of years ago, and it was a very different head shape than my current GT-Air. Both Shoei helmets.

You might be able to find some information on their site discussing different head shapes, and they may indicate which helmets are which shape. In that case, you might be able to make due with picking up another model of theirs in the same shape.
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
Just got back from trying on a Shoei RF1200, sized Large, and if fit perfect. Sh*t, you never know how much of a ******* thing you have 'til you try something else. Felt great.

Are they amongst the better Shoei helmets?

If a Large Shoei fit just perfect does that mean it's safe to say most Shoei Large helmets will be safe to bet on in the case I wanted to order one that isn't available in local stores?
Click to expand...

What size is your head? in cm? The helmet will packout
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
Just got back from trying on a Shoei RF1200, sized Large, and if fit perfect. Sh*t, you never know how much of a ******* thing you have 'til you try something else. Felt great.

Are they amongst the better Shoei helmets?

If a Large Shoei fit just perfect does that mean it's safe to say most Shoei Large helmets will be safe to bet on in the case I wanted to order one that isn't available in local stores?
Click to expand...

Bermuda said:
Definitely not, no. I used to own a Qwest a couple of years ago, and it was a very different head shape than my current GT-Air. Both Shoei helmets.

You might be able to find some information on their site discussing different head shapes, and they may indicate which helmets are which shape. In that case, you might be able to make due with picking up another model of theirs in the same shape.
Click to expand...
this.
i have a RF1100 in Large, it fit snug when i got it but eventually the pads broke in a little so i bought the +2mm padding to make it a little more snug.
i tried on a RF1200 and i fit a medium, then i tried on a GT air and fit a large.
but out of everything i tried this year the Arar vector 2 fits the best in large so thats what im going to buy this year if i get a new lid.
 
Considering everything you guys said....


None of what I was looking for are in local stores and I didn't want chancing it without trying them on considering what you guys said. So I tried my luck on kijiji and found one I really liked by Shoei, the x-eleven dragon model. Looked fabulous, fit perfect, and was in mint* condition- picked it up for $150 with bag and extra tinted visor.


Now all I'd like to do is change the interior lining for obvious reasons lol


Cheers!
 
Re fitment, most people wear too big. If you'd think you're a large, you're probably a medium. Helmets should be very snug, and they break in slightly over time. Snug is actually more comfortable than loose when you start picking up speed
 
Go to a shop, try different brands and different sizes. The helmet should be snug but not painful. With a puny little head like yours, you should have lots of choices. I wear a Shoei RF1200 in black. Mostly, because it comes in XXXL. I have a big head. lol
 
You should wear the smallest helmet that will fit on your head. Also, the X-11 is a pretty old helmet now. It's recommended to replace a helmet every 5-6 years and the 11 is considerably older than that.
 
Love the new (used) helmet, Shoei x-eleven. Only problem I'm having again is it's sliding forward. It slides forward to a point where you can only see my eyes, it covers my eyebrows. This can't possibly be normal, is it? Is there a fix for this issue? Everything else is perfect, nice and snug, great field of vision and light.
 
OmegaBravo7 said:
Love the new (used) helmet, Shoei x-eleven. Only problem I'm having again is it's sliding forward. It slides forward to a point where you can only see my eyes, it covers my eyebrows. This can't possibly be normal, is it? Is there a fix for this issue? Everything else is perfect, nice and snug, great field of vision and light.
Click to expand...

if it slides forward that is the wrong lid for you. you can probably put 1 or 2 fingers between the liner and your forehead.
it shouldnt be moving around on you, if its moving just from shaking your head around imagine 100+km/hr wind pushing it around.

also, when the helmet has movement you are more prone to concussions.
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