First Bike Helemt

[dranac23]

Wondering what i should be spending on my 1st helemt. They go from £100 +. Guessing 2/300?

[Rogerborg]

It depends on what your requirements are.

The first needs to be fit. If it doesn't fit, then it'll either pinch like hell, or roll off your head, or pinch like hell then roll off your head. So until you're sure what size and head shape you are, you'll need to go and actually try some on.

If it's safety you're after, then you don't need to spend anything like that much. Have a look on https://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ which independently tests helmets. Some of the cheapest lids score as well as the most expensive: cheap, thick, relatively soft thermoplastic shells do the job just fine, or even better, than expensive, thin, hard composites. 5-star lids can be had for around £50. The good news is that even the worst modern helmets are still pretty good, and the difference (to your chance of survival) between the best and worse is fairly minimal.

If it's features you want, that starts adding cost. The one that I value most is "pinlock ready". This means that the visor has posts fitted that allow you to fit a "pinlock" visor insert. This acts as double glazing for the visor and helps to stop it fogging up.

Next, I look for "micrometric buckle". This is a system that allows for quick buckling, with adjustment, and quick release. This has the best parts of a "seatbelt" style buckle which is quick but a pain to adjust, and a "double-D" buckle which is great for adjusting, but a bit fiddly to secure and release. Double-D is the most secure though, if that bothers you.

Then there's a plethora of vents, internal sun visors, breath guards, closed face vs flip, noise considerations, and weight. If you want a lighter helmet, you'll have to pay for glass or carbon fibre shell.

tl;dr version - one that fits well and has the features that you want. Budget shouldn't be a primary consideration. And don't sweat it, you're unlikely to make a bad choice.
____________________
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

[BTTD]

Rogerborg beat me to it. What he said.

[bigdom86]

whatever one fits you best I would highly recommended a pinlock ready one, got my 1st one and don't know how I rode without it, well I do know how its annoying raising your visor at every stop to clear fog

[pablodrugsmul...]

As Roger said it needs to fit, the SHARP helmet link he provided is an interesting one, ive had a look before out of interest for my helmet. I'm still on my first helmet which is an AGV K3 SV, i've found it to be comfortable, it came with a pinlock which id never do without and an internal sun visor, the warranty can be extended another year if you register it and i haven't had any problems with wind noise. As a bonus it has the gold sticker that means it will allow you on a track day should you wish to do anything like that and it has the easy to fit and remove buckle so you aren't fumbling around. As its a fairly old model they can be had for as little as £110 and in terms of actual protection they are rated reasonably well, if you want a more appealing design though youll have to fork out for it like i did. Personally i went to a store in person for my first helmet so i could try various sizes so i was happy it was the correct fit and i could gauge how comfortable it would be.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/223883

https://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/agv-k3-sv

[M.C]

Don't rate pinlock personally, get a helmet with a decent visor, and it'll be as good as a flimsy/cheap visor with a pinlock insert. Also they're crap at night, and can cause your visor to slam down if you have it open.

Lots of helmet bargains, I got a Nitro Aikido new for £20 off eBay, also when Amazon were clearing out their stock of Bell helmets they were only £45. Even at full price an Aikido's only £60, you don't need to spend hundreds.

Try before you buy, helmet sizing's all over the place, an XS with one brand can be bigger than a Medium with another. Also helmets tend to become a bit looser overtime, so you want a snug fit, obviously not so tight that it hurts your head.

[Rogerborg]

[M.C]

[Nobby the Bastard]

Pinlocks rock, as do internal sun visors.

For me, the style is everything though. There again, I use an exup for commuting and refuse to have anything to do with muffs unless I'm in bed even in the coldest weather...
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[BTTD]

[M.C]