helmets

Just got my bike going for the first time since I got it. Now I need a helmet. Does anyone have anything to say about used helmets? I was looking around on craigslist, and found a couple, but you never know how they'll fit untill you try. SHould I just go in and buy one new? THey are a rather important safety feature, after all.

So many of the new helments are all flashy these days, and I think it'll look a little wierd if I have this old 550 with a brand new "extra wicked awsome" helmet on.

Anyway, just throwing out some conversation.

 

I'm not sure about Canada, but in the US there are so many choices in reasonable under $100 helmets that I would not consider used unless you know the seller.

Pepboys sells a pretty decent helmet for $69, and so does Walmat in some areas.

Jim 8)

 

Spray for lice first.

 

Never buy a used helmet from anyone short of your spouse. You can NEVER tell where it's been, how it's been used/abused, or if it's still good or not.

You can get a good helmet brand new for $200-$250 and it's worth it.
Visit your favorite local dealer and try on a few lids and see what fits you best - some of the helmets have different shapes to them so they fit differently shaped heads -- the classic Arai head vs Shoei head argument.

 

drop the money on the helment, im about to pay more for a helment than i did my bike. Its one of thoughs that are full face but the whole face can come up.

 

As long as they are DOT / SNELL approved, whatever fits you the best.

But, I don't buy into the "the more money you spend, the safer you are." The basic ones are all made of fiberglass and foam. Maybe if they were made out of carbon fiber or something, I'd justify more money. For your basic helmet, $40 is the same as the $150 to me, as long as it's DOT / SNELL approved.

Try www.Jafrum.com

 

Remember they have 99% of there stuff on Ebay also. So check the mod area for the saddle bags topic and get there user name.

it is the same stuff you can get on there web site..

And they do have real carbon fiber helmets. And some fake fiberglass ones with decals on them to look like carbon fiber, that looks better then the real things

Rob

And no, i have nothing to do with jafrum

 

Don't buy a used helmet.
Find a new one that fits your head correctly and comfortably. Wear it in the store for a while, walk around in it, you may or may not feel pressure points that could end up giving your a headache. Ask if you can take it home to try the fit over a longer period of time. I did and glad I did cause ended up with headaches with HJC lids. Ended up with a Shoei, only thing that fit comfortably.

 

Yeap, never second hand always new and full face. What's your head worth?

Get one that feels a bit tight, the padding takes a week or so to mould to your head shape. You don't want pressure points, just (almost uncomfortable) uniform tight.

If you get one that is not a tight fit a week later it will be a loose fit, move around while riding, useless in a accident and time to buy another helmet!

I have told people this and they have not listened and ended up having to buy another helmet (a week or so later).

While you are at it gloves boots and leathers too!
WARNING Very graphic images
Live to ride ride to die
WARNING Very graphic images

 

As mentioned above DON'T buy a used helmet! A structurally weakened helmet that was involved in an accident or dropped on a concrete floor, may only show a tiny chip or nick on it's surface. It's especially foolish when you consider the range of NEW helmets available for only a few $.
I picked up brand new (in box) THH and KBC half-helmets on eBay for $20 and $30 (& shipping) respectively. I also bought a NIB full face SHOEI for $50(& shipping).
You can measure your head and use a size chart (the Dennis Kirk catalog has size charts for most of the mfr's) to determine what size helmet you need. But some helmets fit the various head shapes differently, so trying a helmet on first is always the best idea.

 

Kiwi,
Went to the Web site you linked, Holy crap !!! 8O
I'll tell you, actually seeing what can happen is different from just hearing about it.
What an eye opener. 8O
I wear Full face helmet, gloves, boots and heavy leather jacket right now. I think I'll add leather chaps.
:wink:

 

I tell ya - it's images and stories like that that remind me what we risk for our hobby/passion/passtime/vehicle choice. That's the kind of stuff that makes me think of my wife & kids before getting on the bike, and having second thoughts.....

I'll admit to taking the car sometimes instead of the bike because of it....

 

It is a eye opener all right! Words just do not have the same impact (pun intended). I see to many bad examples on TV (American Chopper, Biker Buildoff, etc.) and real life, sneakers, T shirts, no lid or a "pudding bowl", chicks wearing bikinis!

Biker's Moto:
All the gear, all the time.

Ride safe.

 

We all take risks every day but the right gear can improve our chances big time. When you see guys coming off at high speed in MotoGP and SuperBikes they normally just walk away. Shows you how effective good safety gear is if you hit the road.

Ride safe.

 

Just got a new hjc. Thanks for the advice.
sal

 

I'm a big fan of the CL-Max helmet from HJC. It's a full face helmet you can flip the front up on those hot days in traffic or at a long red light. Cost about $150-$170 depending on size. Never by a used helmet because different brands are a different fit for your head. You may be a 1XL in one brand and a 3XL in another. It's kind of like buying a good riding jacket, you have got to try it on. Hope this helps.