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Jay Leno on Helmet Fitting

And to think... all those helmets I've thrown away because they fell off my tank ;) Dave Muir 1980 LTD1000 - Rocket 1999 Concours - Rocket II 1997 Dyna - wife's CT-COG #3649 Merchandise Czar
 
Actually, that was more interesting and informative than I thought it was going to be. They should consider showing this on the Myth Busters! Brock T. Delp http://www.delp.net/Concours '99 Concours "Gypsy" COG #3903/A : IBA #15224
 
Steve I suggest we post this on one of the main web pages not just on the Forum. Thoughts? I saw the presentation by the Aria spokesman at the Seattle show he is very, very good! CP Colin Prior Cogmos Administrator Lake Forest Park WA COG#7767
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I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head. It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at. In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches. I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact. Bob "Flylooper" Burns COG #5887 E Clampus Vitus, YB#1 '04 FJR 1300
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I wish they would have spent more time telling you how to fit a helmet. And not just say you need a tape measure and all the pieces come in different sizes. Even though the Arai guy says there is becoming more focus on fitting in the industry, some how I dont see dealers keeping a huge box of interchangeable cheek pads in the back so they can custom fit every helmet sale. They'll be fitting the main shell of the helmet and then tell the customer its $79.99 x2 to get the right cheep pads so it fits comfortable. while that was informative, I think it would be cool to actually seen them fitting a helmet. 2003 Concours, 46K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://mysite.verizon.net/slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm
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I suggest we post this on one of the main web pages not just on the Forum. Thoughts?
It is something to consider... but where? I posted it because the information has merit. Proper fit is important. Also consider that any information conveyed in the segment is based on the Arai product and may not be the same corporate line of other helmet manufacturers. -- Steve Smith, COG #3184 (somewhere in south central CT)
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If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
 
This is great!!! I have passed the COG URL on to some friends. Makes me feel a little better. My new Schuberth helmet was fairly new when it fell off my bike. Too expensive to throw away . . . . My HJC Symax also gave me a pain in the forehead. The Schuberth is MUCH better. _____________________________________ raulb
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2003 Connie COG #6043 CDA #281 AMA #699463 "It may not be smart or correct, but it's one of the things that make us what we are." --Red Green, "The New Red
 
I had been relying on this for a fitting guide. <a href="http://www.failblog.org/2008/02/28/helmet-fail/"><img src="http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/helmetback.jpg" alt="helmetback.jpg" /></a>
see more <a href="http://failblog.org">pwn and owned pictures</a>
 
I guess I am lucky. I went to a store that is NOT my dealer when I bought my lid, an Arai Profile (long oval head shape). I went there because of recommendations from a couple of buds. I was measured, fitted AND he did try all cheek pads, 20-40 to find the best fit. Ended up with the 40 checks and a 2XL helmet. I had asked specifically for Zack and he definitely took his time and got it right. Fits like a glove. My lesson learned is don't be in a hurry to buy a helmet and ASK for help from someone who actually knows what they are doing. If no one can help, go some place else. Also, Brett0769. I am just now stopping laughing. That pic you posted at the bottom of page one is FRICKIN' HILARIOUS! I have got to send that one to a few friends today!
 
I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head. It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at. In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches. I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact.
I've had this same problem with every helmet, from every manufacturer, that I've owned. I finally came to the conclusion that the problem was with my head shape, not the helmets. My most recent helmet, the HJC Symax II, was so snug (in the same size as recommended by the manufacturer for my head measurement) that I called the company and spoke with one of their CS people. He told me the interior cushioning styrofoam does compact over time, shaping to the head and eventually becoming looser, but that at first it should be very snug. Still, I couldn't believe it should be causing me pain to wear. so I took matters into my own hands- I removed the liner and began lightly shaving out the foam (in just the areas where it was hurting) a little at a time. The result was a helmet that still fit very snugly, but did not give me a migraine, instead it became a joy to wear. And then, not a month later, I grabbed a handful of front brake in a tight curve like an idiot and got a refresher lesson in how not to negotiate a decreasing-radius turn. I skidded and hit a road sign and got tossed over the handlebars, going through my beloved Cee Baileys on the way. I landed on my head fairly softly about 15 ft down a grassy embankment and somersaulted to a stop. My head was fine, the helmet did it's job perfectly- I didn't even have a headache afterwards. So, while I agree that it is important for the helmet to be snug, I draw the line at it causing pain, and believe common sense should then help dictate some custom fitting. Perhaps eventually helmet retailers will have personalized fitting techs that could help you properly fit the helmet to your head, much as bowlers have pro-shops fit balls to their hands??? Steve K. '02 Concours 'Locomotive Breath' COG# 6550 AMA# 965469 'No matter where you go, there you are...' http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/68/68/1/7/22/2822107220014238429Coipiz_th.jpg http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/50/650/8/12/65/2901812650014238429UfVKJm_th.jpg
 
One thing I've heard for pressure points, rather than shaving, is to find the point and then GENTLY, with your thumb and the other hand behind it, push on the inside of the helmet until the liner gives JUST A LITTLE. You effectively reduce the compression ability in that one spot from 100% to let's say 95%, but your pressure point is gone and the overall integrity of the helmet is still good. Shaving might reduce that compression ability in a larger area than necessary. Again, that's just what I've heard from a couple of dealership and helmet reps so consider the source... John 2008 Concours14 "Conundrum",2006 Blue ZX-14 "Zexy" COG # 6819,AMA # 840034,ROK # 398016 PROUD owner of a Concours14 - 47k mi. and rising and I LOVE IT!!!
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The Arai man educated me and I try to pass on the importance of what he teaches. GREAT video. Take it seriously.
 
I went to the bike show a couple of years ago with a friend that was a new rider and needed a new helmet. He had been trying on everything he could find, and they all hurt. He has a more oblong shaped head. At the show, he started telling the Arai guys his dilemma, and they spent about an hour with him taking measurements, trying helmets on, and so on. They said they thought they could fit him, but not with anything at the show. They sent him a helmet after the show, and it fit him perfectly. These guys probably made a customer for life with this effort, and an ambassador for Arai.

That said, Shoei fits me the best after trying on everything for years and years. Guess what I wear......
 
krumgrinder said:
      I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head.  It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at.  In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches.  I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact. 
    I've had this same problem with every helmet, from every manufacturer, that I've owned.  I finally came to the conclusion that the problem was with my head shape, not the helmets.  My most recent helmet, the HJC Symax II, was so snug (in the same size as recommended by the manufacturer for my head measurement) that I called the company and spoke with one of their CS people.  He told me the interior cushioning styrofoam does compact over time, shaping to the head and eventually becoming looser, but that at first it should be very snug.  Still, I couldn't believe it should be causing me pain to wear.  so I took matters into my own hands- I removed the liner and began lightly shaving out the foam (in just the areas where it was hurting) a little at a time.  The result was a helmet that still fit very snugly, but did not give me a migraine, instead it became a joy to wear.  And then, not a month later, I grabbed a handful of front brake in a tight curve like an idiot and got a refresher lesson in how not to negotiate a decreasing-radius turn.  I skidded and hit a road sign and got tossed over the handlebars, going through my beloved Cee Baileys on the way. I landed on my head fairly softly about 15 ft down a grassy embankment and somersaulted to a stop.  My head was fine, the helmet did it's job perfectly- I didn't even have a headache afterwards.  So, while I agree that it is important for the helmet to be snug, I draw the line at it causing pain, and believe common sense should then help dictate some custom fitting.  Perhaps eventually helmet retailers will have personalized fitting techs that could help you properly fit the helmet to your head, much as bowlers have pro-shops fit balls to their hands???    Steve K.  '02 Concours 'Locomotive Breath'  COG# 6550  AMA# 965469  'No matter where you go, there you are...'  http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/68/68/1/7/22/2822107220014238429Coipiz_th.jpg  http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/50/650/8/12/65/2901812650014238429UfVKJm_th.jpg
That's what I did with mine. I had one pressure point on the forehead and I shaved down the styro over several days until it fit perfectly. Looking at it, I only took out about a eighth of an inch in the size of a dollar coin. Can't see that as ruining the protection.
 
I have also had success with pinpointing the exact location, then using my thumbs and gently but firmly compacting the foam enough to relieve the pressure.
 
Great Video. When I purchased my bike from the dealer they fitted me with a large, after doing some more research I found out I am actually a medium!!
 
jkenny said:
Great Video. When I purchased my bike from the dealer they fitted me with a large, after doing some more research I found out I am actually a medium!!
I don't get it. If you were an actual medium, you should have predicted it even before going to the store.  ::)
 
Very disappointing, I was hoping to see someone from engineering give a step by step procedure to get the right size helmet, instead, I watched the Director of Marketing spending 10 minutes telling me how great Arai is. There was no factual information on how to get the right size helmet that I could see.

Seems to be a problem these days that marketing fluff is passed off as "information". You see that a lot on these "car repair" shows that are really just product showcases for aftermarket parts. Not trying to diss Arai, I own a couple of their helmets because they fit my oval noggin better than the other brands. I just don't like being told that marketing BS is real information. (disclaimer: I work in the marketing dept at a large corporation, so I'm probably more sensitive than most about the difference between engineering (facts) and marketing (illusion).)
 
Your right about that, I noticed that also in print media, you can't open a magazine anymore without seeing some article telling you what to buy, while trying to pass itself off as tech. Even Boys Life is full of what I guess you'd call product placement articles. I picked one up and read it while waiting for my boys at the dentist the other day, and that's what struck me most.
 
My #1 frustration with helmet manufacturers is they don't freaking state what shape head they're made for. How the heck are you going to know? Thankfully there'e a resource, although not perfect, it's BIG help to know where to start looking. Here's the link:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm

Arai used to make an 'extreme' long-oval helmet, but not anymore. They quietly discontinued it, and supposedly replace it with the 'Profile', which fitted me like crap. Plus I never liked Arais. Ventilation is awful for the hot desert, and that retarded visor system is enough to remove it from consideration after owning 3 of them. And to finish, their system to attach cheekpads is crap as well; do it twice, and there goes the fastener.

There're almost an infinite number of shapes you can make out of an 'x' inches of circumference, so that's useless by itself IMO. And since you can't expect a manufacturer to make 20 different head shapes, it's almost impossible to have the exact right size helmet right out of the box. And that's when compressing the foam with a large socket (to be very even), or even your thumb if you're careful, is needed for proper fit. Nobody acknowledges that, but as it was mentioned, you're decreasing the compression ability of the liner maybe 5% tops. That's MUCH better than using a freaking helmet one size larger, which is what manufacturers are suggesting when saying you can't compress the liner at all. I was doing just that in my early riding days, but learned it was much worse than a little compression. Of course, you can't compress your way from a M to an XL, but just a little to match your head is fine in my book. Hope that link helps folks.
 
Great reference!  While it's nice that fitment in good helmets can be adjusted, that "noggin' shape" definitely is a factor.  I've found my head is happiest when wearing a Shoei or HJC so far.  I remember buying a Nolan N100 that I loved... until I had to wear it for my first extended ride.  Man.  After 2 hours there was a pressure point directly in front of my forehead that became pure agony.  That's probably the trickiest thing about getting the right fit when purchasing.  I suppose you could just walk around the shop with the helmet on for an hour though... ;-)
 
Ive tried pretty much everything available. Shoei, Arai, HJC, Scorpion, etc. Nothing was ever quite right. I wore a large hjc, that was too big, or a medium shoei that was too small.

  I finally decided to try a Bell custom fit.  To make  a long story short, the guy did his measurements and asked, "Have you ever tried our medium?"

He handed me the revolver evo, size medium,  and I would have believed this was my custom helmet.  We stopped right there as there was no way to make it much better, if any.

We replaced the cheek pads with  a different size, but I was out the door for under 250.

Worth a try if you are one of those kids where you mom left you, for extended periods of time, plat on your back so the back of your head is goofed. I later learned mom drank because I cried.  Still, the bell is worth a try.

 
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