Helmet advice for novice
Discussion
My nephew will shortly be starting lessons and seems hell bent on two wheels not four. He’s turning 18 soon so I considered getting him a helmet. Knowing nothing about bikes and helmets can someone point me to some decent brands? I’ll see if I can find any local stockists (near Durham). No budget - something safe that will avoid the “buy cheap buy twice”.
Thanks!
Thanks!
The one that fits your head - as the poster above also states.
I like ones with Pinlock included.
I prefer Modular/Flip lid as it’s easier for talking and drinking and many other activities - especially when learning.
My head fits Bell and HJC well. And both have been good for being prepared with space for headsets adding.
Trying helmets in local store and speaking to advisors is a good start.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Sort by ratings and check out some reviews. £140-200 on offer tends to be my price range, but I know most spend more.
I buy from here most the time and order things either to try at home or instore - the returns policy is amazing. Or was when I previously used them.
I like ones with Pinlock included.
I prefer Modular/Flip lid as it’s easier for talking and drinking and many other activities - especially when learning.
My head fits Bell and HJC well. And both have been good for being prepared with space for headsets adding.
Trying helmets in local store and speaking to advisors is a good start.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Sort by ratings and check out some reviews. £140-200 on offer tends to be my price range, but I know most spend more.
I buy from here most the time and order things either to try at home or instore - the returns policy is amazing. Or was when I previously used them.
This is certainly worth checking out, will narrow down the search abit. Unfortunately don’t test every helmet as new ones are released often but gives you an idea.
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/
I always go 4* and over.
As above, SportsBikeShop is a good call, I’ve had a Shark and a HJC from them with no issues at all and both had PinLock in the box (If going to be riding all weathers, PinLock is a must).
Found both Shark and HJC are on the mark with their sizing. I have a 61” (XL) head and both fit perfectly but if they hadn’t, knew could have sent back to SBS easily with no hassle.
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/
I always go 4* and over.
As above, SportsBikeShop is a good call, I’ve had a Shark and a HJC from them with no issues at all and both had PinLock in the box (If going to be riding all weathers, PinLock is a must).
Found both Shark and HJC are on the mark with their sizing. I have a 61” (XL) head and both fit perfectly but if they hadn’t, knew could have sent back to SBS easily with no hassle.
Remember different helmets are suited to different bike/riding styles If he wants a racey style lid then the design expectation for vision and vents is head down-ish. Which probably isn’t the riding position for a novice rider. ‘Touring’ helmets have the expectation of vision and airflow straight on. Probably not a deal breaker if it fits and everything else works, but maybe worth considering what sort of riding the helmet is designed for.
Another useful site:
https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/
But as said, trying them on is key! Tell him to wear ones he likes for more than a few min, wander around the shop wearing it and pay attention to any pressure points. Typically these get a lot worse once a bike is at speed because the wind pushes the lid down and back.
Pinlock as mentioned is more or less essential in the UK unless he's only going to ride on warm dry days.
https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/
But as said, trying them on is key! Tell him to wear ones he likes for more than a few min, wander around the shop wearing it and pay attention to any pressure points. Typically these get a lot worse once a bike is at speed because the wind pushes the lid down and back.
Pinlock as mentioned is more or less essential in the UK unless he's only going to ride on warm dry days.
Don't do it online, the helmet needs to fit properly to be safe, and to add to the confusion size and fit varies slightly from make to make.
Go to a bike shop and take their advice.
In Durham there is Tom Conway, but you'll get more choice up Westgate Road in Newcastle (M&S or Proto). I don't know who else is still up Westgate Road, there used to be a lot of shops but much has closed down.
Go to a bike shop and take their advice.
In Durham there is Tom Conway, but you'll get more choice up Westgate Road in Newcastle (M&S or Proto). I don't know who else is still up Westgate Road, there used to be a lot of shops but much has closed down.
Edited by Steve_H80 on Monday 20th January 07:57
I think above covers the topic of getting the right fitting lid for him.
You can buy the lid for him, you can’t choose the correct one for him.
As far as stores go in or near Durham.
ACE Motorcycles on Dragonville.
Custom Lids at Team Valley.
J&S at the Metrocenter (opposite the Marriot)
Triumph (close to the Arena)
You can buy the lid for him, you can’t choose the correct one for him.
As far as stores go in or near Durham.
ACE Motorcycles on Dragonville.
Custom Lids at Team Valley.
J&S at the Metrocenter (opposite the Marriot)
Triumph (close to the Arena)
As above, try a load on, and do so in a store where there is someone experienced to help you/him. Having someone guide you through this as a first time buyer is essential as they can see/ help you with the correct fit/ tightness.
Many brands do replacement internal padding of differing thicknesses so if you find one which fits ok but would benefit from a bit more or less material here or there it is possible to make fine adjustments. This is where a decent shop can order a range of replacement padding for you and swap them out until you get the correct fit. I’m down south and used Infinity for my last helmet and they did all the adjustments for zero extra cost.
Many brands do replacement internal padding of differing thicknesses so if you find one which fits ok but would benefit from a bit more or less material here or there it is possible to make fine adjustments. This is where a decent shop can order a range of replacement padding for you and swap them out until you get the correct fit. I’m down south and used Infinity for my last helmet and they did all the adjustments for zero extra cost.
They're going to have to get a helmet anyway, you could them something they might not have thought about or bothered with. Extra/proper training is a lifelong investment, and when it comes to motorcycles it's much better than learning from avoidable mistakes. On a more passive front some better boots/gloves, or even a variety of ear plugs?
TheInternet said:
They're going to have to get a helmet anyway, you could them something they might not have thought about or bothered with. Extra/proper training is a lifelong investment, and when it comes to motorcycles it's much better than learning from avoidable mistakes. On a more passive front some better boots/gloves, or even a variety of ear plugs?
Great idea on the training. I remember how I used to ride when I was 18, thinking I was extremely skilled and proficient when in reality I was a terrible rider!As others have said, if you must buy a helmet, take them with you and try a bunch on. The best / most expensive helmet is useless if it fits poorly. Do you know if they'll want a sports bike helmet or adventure helmet?
Ear plugs a great idea too. It is VERY noisy in a helmet at 70mph, enough to cause permanent hearing loss after a long ride. I always ride with earplugs now and it really does help with fatigue too.
I always found myself buying jackets and trousers / bike jeans when younger but neglected good quality boots and gloves, if he ends up buying his own helmet a good set of boots or gloves will last years and years and are a great investment.
It seems a big issue in accidents is the helmet coming off of the head so correct fitment is a must.
A better helmet, SHARP rating and pinlock compatible, I bought as my second helmet could be pulled off over the back of my head.
My head seems to be between a medium size and large size.
It seems the new 22.06 standard has more randomised tests so it's not as easy to design and construct a helmet to pass the test.
A better helmet, SHARP rating and pinlock compatible, I bought as my second helmet could be pulled off over the back of my head.
My head seems to be between a medium size and large size.
It seems the new 22.06 standard has more randomised tests so it's not as easy to design and construct a helmet to pass the test.
I bought a "budget" AGV lid a few years ago and was very impressed, it lasted over 4 years of near daily use. I'd still be using it but the visor was knackered and the replacement was quite a lot.... so I spent eight times more on an Arai.
I did use Caberg in the past but, in comparison to the AGV at a similar price, it felt tired after a year or so commuting.
I did use Caberg in the past but, in comparison to the AGV at a similar price, it felt tired after a year or so commuting.
Go to a bike shop and let him try them on. Let him find one he likes and that fits. Don't pick some £40 jobby, either. Get something decent. It'll last longer, be more comfortable and will help better if he takes a tumble.
Careful with flip up helmets, too. Not all of them are allowed to ride along while flipped up. If he does this with an ineligible helmet then he could be done for not wearing a helmet.
There are loads of good brands. AGV, Shoei, HJC and Scorpion to name a few.
Careful with flip up helmets, too. Not all of them are allowed to ride along while flipped up. If he does this with an ineligible helmet then he could be done for not wearing a helmet.
There are loads of good brands. AGV, Shoei, HJC and Scorpion to name a few.
While price is no guarantee of either quality or safety, the one thing that I've found comes with more expensive helmets is fit after 6 months plus. I've found that the padding in cheap helmets gives with use to the point that what was a snug fitting helmet becomes quite loose and poor fitting.
Lots of good advice, Custom Lids are just down the from me so I use them all the time, good selection and a bonus that there’s normally a mint 80-90’s motocross bike on the showroom floor.
As mentioned above, don’t scrimp on a helmet, there’s nothing worse or more dangerous than one that fits badly so take the advice of the guys in the shop and go forward from there.
I go thru phases, sometimes a flip front Schubert and right now it’s an open faced Shoei JO that’s getting used the most. Bike type (the way the air flows over and around the bike) and riding style make a massive difference so there’s not really a one style fits all.
As mentioned above, don’t scrimp on a helmet, there’s nothing worse or more dangerous than one that fits badly so take the advice of the guys in the shop and go forward from there.
I go thru phases, sometimes a flip front Schubert and right now it’s an open faced Shoei JO that’s getting used the most. Bike type (the way the air flows over and around the bike) and riding style make a massive difference so there’s not really a one style fits all.
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