Talk to me about...... Helmets

aserota · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Sep 2011 Karma :

Hi all,

After passing my MOD 2 I am the proud owner of a Kawasaki ZX-6R. I am now spending a fair bit of time on the motorway (200 mile trips regularly) and am looking for a new helmet.

Every rider I talk to has a completely different view on helmets; i.e. a £50 helmet will do or you'd be mad to spend less then £300 on a helmet.

Is there a definitive review website of helmets that can offer any sound advice? I currently ride a cheap LID helmet which should do the job in a crash, but is rather noisy.

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Here's a helmet test site https://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Definitive? Probably not.

Get a well fitting helmet whether it be £5 or £500 - fit is more important than price as long as it meets the EC standard.

at106 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 16 Jul 2011 Karma :

The most important thing is to get one that fits well. As for a website there are the SHARP tests. Or i would find one that fits well and then do some research on that helmet.

I think the more money you spend the more extras you get, like lower noise, pinlock, vents etc.

totalllama82 · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Karma :

Two things a helmet has to be.

Comfortable and Safe, THEN stylish.

This government site shows a crash safety rating of all the major helmets you will come across. https://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

As you can see, a £50 lid can give the same or better protection as a £500 one.

The only way to buy a helmet is by trying them. Find a large biker outlet (George Whites or J&S for example) and try them on until you find one that works.

Remember a new helmet may be a little tight until the padding gives a little. Thats no excuse for accepting one that gives you instant migranes though!!

Hope this helps Smile

____________________
Gone: Haotian HT125-8 / Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat / Kawasaki ZX9R C2
Current: Kawasaki ZZR 1400 A7F

Dan_Davies · Scooby Slapper Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

New lid after reading that.

My duchinni 619 only 23% of impacts it stayed shut.
____________________
current ride: 07 suzuki sv650s
ex rides : lifan mirage 125

totalllama82 · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Karma :

Dan_Davies · Scooby Slapper Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

funny enough i was pulling the front down this morning to clip it down and it felt so thing and flimsy and i was thinking i'd father a full face not a flip.
____________________
current ride: 07 suzuki sv650s
ex rides : lifan mirage 125

totalllama82 · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Karma :

Dan_Davies · Scooby Slapper Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

felt fine when i had it 2 months ago but now it creaks and feels so flimsy. 100% getting a new lid when i get payed
____________________
current ride: 07 suzuki sv650s
ex rides : lifan mirage 125

DaveB · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

BIKEVIDDER · Scooby Slapper Joined: 06 Nov 2011 Karma :

I'm going to follow this post, I'll learn something before my next splash the cash session.
For years I just used cheap helmets, my workplace is dirty & a good helmet would quickly be ruined.
I started to go to France a lot doing a 550 mile round trip so bought a new AGV just for those trips.
All the box's were ticked & a really good fit, first france trip though I found the helmet lifted at around 65 to 70mph & the pressure of the strap on the underside of my chin was uncomfortable.
I still use it for local chugs but now use a Shoei for high speed runs.
I'm looking to replace the AGV & always fancied a Shark.
I'm going to check out that test website first though.
____________________
GROWING OLD DISGRACFULLY