Helmets

[hawkster196]

I had a trial ride today. I had never been on a bike before and wanted to consider it as a cheaper alternative to buying a new car. My session only lasted about half an hour but i managed to ride slowly around the training ground although i never got out of first gear. The one thing i really hated was the helmet. This was far too restrictive and uncomfortable. I couldn't see what i was doing and i think this would be very dangerous as it limits my vision. It was also so hot i was covered in sweat. This is the main thing putting me off. Is it something you get used to or are there less restrictive ones?

[hedgehugger]

You do get used to it.
They can seem very claustrophobic to start with. It may help to crack the visor open a little until you get used to it.
You can get open face helmets too.

[unluckyluke]

I had a similar experience when I did my cbt, having never worn a helmet before I found it really claustrophobic and felt like I couldn't breathe while wearing it. But after about an hour of wearing it I just got used to it. If you're serious about starting riding it might be worth getting yourself to a shop and trying on a few helmets to find one that is comfortable for you and most importantly fits you right.

[arry]

Not your lid presumably? Better quality lids that fit you will be more comfortable.

Also when you're riding properly you'll be going faster so less sweaty.

You get used to life behind a visor

[Rogerborg]

Yes, they are claustrophobic. I switched between closed and open face for a couple of years, but I went flip-front last year and have never looked back.

https://www.moonraker-motorcycles.co.uk/uploadedimages/file/F341_THUMB(1).jpg

Flip it up at slow speeds, slam it down when things pick up, ace.

Incidentally, anyone who tells you that you it's illegal to ride with (most of) them flipped up is quoting marketeers, not UK law.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[hawkster196]

Thanks everyone, yes the helmet was provided by the training school. They had others but they all looked pretty much the same.

[rk8479]

[UncleFester]

Did my GETON with a full face helmet and hated it. Felt claustrophobic, gave me weird balance issues and way too hot. Then did my CBT in a flip front helmet, was adamant that was the only style helmet i could stand to wear.

Went back to the shop to buy gear after buying my bike and tried on a full face and realised I no longer 'needed' the flip front.

The sweat ( mostly down to nerves you may not realise you have) lessens off as you get less nervous. Also once you get above car park speeds, with the vents open, there's enough air flow to keep you cool.

If you've got a naturally sweaty head, try and buy a helmet with a removable lining that can be washed - nothing worse than a smelly helmet

[-Matt-]

Easiest thing i find is just put one of these or similar on when you're going for long/hot day rides/haven't washed your hair etc.

https://www.ghostbikes.com/products/helmets-helmet-accessories/1708-oxford-ultra-thin-balaclava.html
https://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/181/94/medscaleOxford-Ultra-Thin-Motorcycle-Thermal-Balaclava-1.jpg

Then just whack that in the wash every so often - i've never needed to wash the lining of any of my helmets whilst using these. Also if you get a longer one that runs to your neck it blocks the wind blast

[UncleFester]

Good shout - for that price i'll give one a go. I'm clearly still a bit nervous, either that or i'm just a sweaty git

[Hefty]

[-Matt-]

Also useful for those days you spontaneously feel like a bank heist

[Rogerborg]