Motorcycle Helmets

[karrot-x]

How much should they cost? I'm looking at some ebay ones that are under 100 and (to me) they look pretty good. What should I look for safety wise?

Thanks

 

[SuperDuck]

A motorcycle helment is one of those items in life where I would NOT skimp and buy a cheapie version off of eBay. I guess the real question is: How much is it worth to you to keep your brains inside your head?

Having said that, make sure that whatever you get is DOT approved and not merely a cosmetic piece.

 

[Mike N]

Most helmets (even the junk ones) are DOT approved, so that isn't the standard I'd go by in selecting a helmet.

Try to find one with a Snell rating of 95 or higher. It's going to cost you (probably $200 and up), but it's worth it.

 

[karrot-x]

A motorcycle helment is one of those items in life where I would NOT skimp and buy a cheapie version off of eBay. I guess the real question is: How much is it worth to you to keep your brains inside your head?

Having said that, make sure that whatever you get is DOT approved and not merely a cosmetic piece.

I completely agree. I actually want a plain black helmet, however I don't know what to look for.

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

Like Mike says, look for a Snell approved helmet.

What type of helmet are you looking for? I have an HJC CL-14 in black. It's a full face helmet, wasn't terrible expensive (around $150 US). I use that helmet for other people or as a backup. I have an Icon Halo Mainframe that I use. It was a little more expensive but I don't really think that it is any better in terms to protection.

 

[karrot-x]

Invalid Link Removed

Your thoughts on that helmet?

 

[FL Knifemaker]

It depends on how much you feel your head is worth. In most cases the more expensive ones cost more for a reason. Stick with brand names. Also, you pay for light weight. The lighter the helmet, the easier it is to wear for a longer amount of time. In other words, buy and expensive, lightweight helmet that carries a good name brand

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

Invalid Link Removed

Your thoughts on that helmet?

I personally wouldn't buy that helmet for 2 reasons. One is that it isn't Snell approved and the other is that it doesn't have much for ventilation. When it is hot out you want good ventilation.

The lowest I would go would be something along the lines of:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HJC-...ategoryZ6749QQihZ005QQitemZ150013230209QQrdZ1

Like FL said, you pay for a lightweight, well ventilated and comfortable helmet.

 

[tplyons]

If it's not DOT and SNELL improved, I wouldn't wear it.

 

[McHaven]

DOT and Snell, plenty of ventilation and FULL FACE! If you ever wind up going over the handlebars, chances are you'll wind up on your face. You like your nose don't you? Go full-face

 

[mkrtu9]

Go to www.motoxoutlet.com type in hjc for the user name and hjc for the password and you will get their special prices. I just bought an hjc CL-SP in solid silver for $114.99 when I couldn't find it anywhere else cheaper than $150.00. This one was a full face and both DOT and Snell.

 

[Tsal]

Quality helmets start from about $300. Anything below that means there are cuts made somewhere, usually when it comes to fit, liner material, ventilation, finish, and so on. Even cheaper helmets will usually protect your head quite well, though.

 

[Diggler]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Trevorus]

Just as important as quality, you MUST get one that fits your head properly.

 

[Theonestarchild]

I ride Shoei. That's all I ride. I have a facebar version, and one without. I wreck enough that I need it. My girlfriend laid down on some oil a few months ago. Even with the leathers, she was waking up screaming in the middle of the night. She landed on glass. :'(

 

[karrot-x]

Thanks for all the responses. It appears that I definitely want Snell and DOT approved. I also need to go to a dealership and see which helmets fit me.

Thanks

I ride Shoei. That's all I ride. I have a facebar version, and one without. I wreck enough that I need it. My girlfriend laid down on some oil a few months ago. Even with the leathers, she was waking up screaming in the middle of the night. She landed on glass. :'(

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm doing everything I can to learn how to ride safely. I'm reading a book called Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Readers Guide by David L. Hough. It seems pretty good.

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm doing everything I can to learn how to ride safely. I'm reading a book called Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Readers Guide by David L. Hough. It seems pretty good.

I have that book and his other book, More Proficient Motorcycling. They're good books with good tips.

Have you ridden before? Either way, if you haven't taken it, I would suggest taking a riding course such as the ones offered by MSF.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

 

[karrot-x]

I have that book and his other book, More Proficient Motorcycling. They're good books with good tips.

Have you ridden before? Either way, if you haven't taken it, I would suggest taking a riding course such as the ones offered by MSF.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

I have both books too. I've ridden a total of 12 hours. I'm definitely going to take MSF. The MSF class signup for spring starts August, it'll be awhile before I can get in.

I just got insurance on my bike last night. Progessive gave me a quote of $212.00, Geico said 945.00. I went with Progressive .

 

[Philbiker]

From what I've read, the DOT approval process is orders of magnitude more stringent than the SNELL approval. All motorcycle helmets need DOT approval to be sold in the USA. The SNELL approval process is by a private company (SNELL) so costs money for the manufacturers. The DOT process is done by the government.

Any helmet with the DOT sticker will protect your head well. The difference between cheap and expensive helmets is in comfort, fit and finish, materials, and styling. It's always a good idea to actually try the hemlet on before buying, but I've had good luck with mail order. I've bought my last couple helmets on clearance direct from [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

From what I've read, the DOT approval process is orders of magnitude more stringent than the SNELL approval. All motorcycle helmets need DOT approval to be sold in the USA. The SNELL approval process is by a private company (SNELL) so costs money for the manufacturers. The DOT process is done by the government.

Any helmet with the DOT sticker will protect your head well. The difference between cheap and expensive helmets is in comfort, fit and finish, materials, and styling. It's always a good idea to actually try the hemlet on before buying, but I've had good luck with mail order. I've bought my last couple helmets on clearance direct from [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

I wouldn't call DOT orders of magnitude more stringent than Snell. Snell tests higher impacts than DOT (10 ft an 7.5 ft drop for Snell vs 6 ft and 4.5 ft for DOT). Snell also uses uses an edged anvil to test the helmet in addition to the hemispherical anvil used by DOT. DOT is also less regulated. Manufacturers can perform their own DOT testing whereas all Snell tests are carried out by the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF). Manufacturers send 5 helmets to SMF for testing, and SMF uses 4 and keeps one. The manufacturers enter contracts with SMF whereby SMF can at any time purchase and test helmets from the manufacturer to test them on a continual basis in order to ensure quality. From everything I've read Snell is the far more stringent testing standard, otherwise, why would you see helmets that are only DOT approved being the cheapest helmets whereas more expensive helmets will carry both approvals. It wouldn't make any sense.