Helmet is all about your head shape. Don’t buy X helmet because you like how it looks or you like the graphics on it, because someone else says get this or that, or whatever else. Is your head round, oval, intermediate oval? That’s where you start. Shoei is what I use as I have an oval shaped head. I’d rather use something else but Shoei fits my head the best. Their RF line, 1200, 1400, doesn’t matter, whatever you can find a deal on, new. I bought a new 1200 when they first came out and bought a new replacement probably 2-3 years ago, when the RF1400 came out and they were blowing out trick 1200’s for $250 new, and just put it in service a few months ago. The liner in the helmet is what goes, and it’s 5 years. I’ve literally had the liner start to fall apart so it’s not something you play with. As long as a new helmet is stored in its box, climate controlled, years of service start on the first day of use. 5 years, put it in your calendar and toss the thing at 60 months.

Arai is more for a round head. I quit using them years ago because of this. I ran CEII helmets for years and long rides I’d get a red spot on the forehead and it would be painful. On sport touring rides I’d have to pull over, pull the helmet off, and take a break. So it has been Shoei ever since. There are a number of excellent helmet mfr’s these days. Arai, Shoei, Shark, AGV (top of their line), even Alpinestars is in the game now and their new Supertech helmet looks awfully trick. If that fits my head I’m going to that for my next one. All goes back to head shape though. Buying motorcycle gear is like buying guns. You can do the old school LGS or buy off the internet. But you need to find a store somewhere accessible that has a number of helmet mfr’s and you need to spend an hour or two trying various things on to find the right fit. After you know which mfr, which specific helmet and size, you can jump on the internet and scour deals. Type of helmet will depend on the type of riding you are going to do. Same goes for suits, once you know what fits off the rack, boots, gloves, etc. motorcyclegear.com is a great resource. If you are going to be on pavement I definitely recommend a suit. And airbags are now affordable.

I'm big fan of Simpson cuz they're comfortable for my head shape. They're a bit pricey but worth the money IMHO. I also like white because they don't seem to get as hot when riding in the hot sun.

Simpson Site

I will add my vote for a modular helmet. I think they offer the best versatility for most riding.
And as others have posted, head shape can factor into proper fit. Be prepared to try on several makes and models to get a perfect fit.
And I add small strips of reflective tape to the back and sides of my helmets. And a "In Case Of Emergency" sticker of who to call in case I crash in a spectacular manner.

Since the don’t make million dollar helmets for your million dollar head, you’re going to have to settle for a $500-$800 helmet. That’s going to get you a comfortable, well fitting helmet, that’s a the top for protection. You’re going to have to go to a store or three and try them on.

Is there a scanner somewhere to say what shape your head is and best helmet for you? That would be cool.

Arai makes different shell shapes for different shaped heads now.

quote:

Is there a scanner somewhere to say what shape your head is and best helmet for you? That would be cool

I'm not aware of one but maybe somewhere, but if you go visit any decent motorcycle shop that sells top of the line helmets they will have someone who can instantly tell you what is the best shape for you. Its not a guarantee but its pretty close. And those that I have used (at least for arai) will be able to get you cheek pads and liners sized for you as those are adjustments you can make on quality helmets.

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Originally posted by tatortodd:

If memory serves me correct, fwbulldog rides an adventure bike which is on-road and off-road so he may be able to chime in.

I love my Arai XD4. It's my favorite helmet. However, as with all gear, there are trade-offs. It flows a ton of air, which is perfect for me since I'm a fat guy that sweats like a whore in church. But that means it's relatively noisy at high speed (60mph and above).

If I know I'm riding long stretches of tarmac I bust out the Neotec 2. It's a lot less noisy, but doesn't flow as well, so it's a little warmer. Both are very comfortable and have comm units.

There are a lot of good helmets out there at different price points. I am a big fan of Arais, I currently wear two a Signant when it is cooler out or touring and an XD-4 the rest of the time. Andover the years I have also wore many Shoei and been very happy with them. the wife has a Schuberth and loves it. Find what fits well and is in the price point you are willing to pay.

I had a Shoei fun face that stopped a tree stub from penetrating my head. I also enjoyed a Nolan with built in speakers. Both were under 500 bucks.

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...Arai is more for a round head. I quit using them years ago because of this. I ran CEII helmets for years and long rides I’d get a red spot on the forehead and it would be painful. On sport touring rides I’d have to pull over, pull the helmet off, and take a break....

Prefontaine you must have bought the wrong Arai, one of their round oval helmets then. Actually Arai is the only manufacture who make helmets in all three shapes, round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. I believe most are intermediate oval but I know Quantum-X is round oval and Signet-X is long oval. Additionally their helmets can be further fine tuned by switching the headlines of say a long oval helmet into medium oval helmet to have a "medium-long oval". Cheek pads are also offered in multiple thicknesses. The Arai Corsair fits me really well other than just a little too snug squeezing my cheeks so I switch to 1 size thinner cheek pads and it's perfect.

Another difference among helmet manufacturers is how many outer shell sizes they make for all their sizes. Some (usually the less expensive manufacturers) save money by molding only 2 size shells. So XS, S, and M all share the same medium shell while L, XL, and XXL share the XXL shell.

I like my Shoei Neotec, which is a modular helmet. It fits me well and being able to open it up to ask someone directions, put glasses on and off, etc. is useful. It also has the built in sun shade which raises up into the inside of the helmet when not needed. But the Arai Corsair is simply a better feeling helmet. It fits perfectly yet the overall size is smaller, it just moves through the air with less resistance and shields can be removed and refitted in seconds. Speaking of which I usually have the light tint shield on but also have clear and dark tint shields which I pack along on longer rides.

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Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:

'Full-Face' Helmet!

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Originally posted by nhracecraft:

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Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:

'Full-Face' Helmet!

Just how in the hell did he get his head in that way?

^^^Must have one of those 'long oval' heads...

I wore Bieffe when I first rode.
Then Shoei.

Now I wear AGV Pista GPRR.

quote:

Originally posted by Prefontaine:

Arai is more for a round head. I quit using them years ago because of this.

As mentioned, both Arai and Shoei now offer helmets in 3 head shapes with various sizes and design features for each. May be more than 3 but last I researched both had 3 general head shapes they catered to.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and advice.

There's a motorsports store in Pueblo that should have most of the usual helmets in stock to try on. If not, I'll have to make the trip to CO Springs, or maybe Denver.

Again, thanks for the help, I have a lot to consider.

As far as bluetooth goes, I have a Cardo Packtalk Bold headset. It's an older model, but they are all pretty similar in use. Don't know what else it fits, but I have it on an Arai Quantum X.

IF you have a HD dealer in the area they have quite a selection, sometimes aftermarket helmets and sometimes good prices/sales. At least you could try on a few examples, modular, full face, half, etc.

On super hot days I can't wear the modular/full face it's just too dang hot, so the half shell gets the use, and most of the BT companies have setups that let you run BT headsets with boom microphones on a half helmet as well...