I am writing this as follow up to an earlier posting on helmet options for my 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster. There have been more than a few strong feelings expressed on the topic of helmets so I’m providing some feedback and a poll so others can weigh in.
I’ve ridden the Sportster XL1200 Custom for about a thousand miles with a half helmet and no windscreen. Overall it has been a lot of fun and is a true immersion into the experience of riding. There is really nothing out there to separate rider from the full experience, sites, sounds, smells, temperature. That said, I’ve never really felt comfortable riding with my face fully exposed, probably a result of starting on sportbikes.
A Harley windscreen was fitted to the Sportster in October and that has made long distance riding much more enjoyable. Behind the screen I feel I can ride all day, without the screen long rides became tiresome. With the windscreen I experienced some significant buffeting about the head, very noticeable with the smaller helmet. With the full face Arai the buffeting is hardly noticeable, another benefit.
I do find that visibility is much better with the smaller helmet, the Arai blocks some peripheral vision and make lane changes solely reliant on the mirrors. I’m going to look into other full face helmets and see if I can find something with a wider portal.
What do you think about helmets? Take the poll.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Motorcycle Helmets
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3 comments:
Sorry Man, I have to take issue with your statement:
"the Arai blocks some peripheral vision and make lane changes solely reliant on the mirrors."
If your not turning your head to look before making a turn or lane change; you are endangering yourself as much as the cagers that don't look before turning.
Always turn your head and look for threats that are outside the view of your mirrors.
I use an HJC Symax Full Coverage Flip-Front Helmet and its view port is plenty wide enough to allow your peripheral vision to assest you.
-Dave Dragon
Ride it like you stole it
Just came across your blog in researching Sportster wind shields. Very much enjoy reading about your mods and thoughts. I also have two helmets (open faced Harley and closed Arai). Lately because my rides have been longer and because I do not have a windshield have been using the Arai, more and more. Which brings me to a question. What windshield did you purchase for your Sportster and can you share thoughts/advice. I am thinking of getting the slightly smoked standard quick release winshield. see http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448765129&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309282469&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309282469&bmUID=1225161123121&bmLocale=en_US Thoughts? Including installation experience. thx in advance,
Slim Nicky
2004 Sportster Custom
I can't offer you much help...I suppose I sold out as I bought a half helmet to "look the part"; however, I have a couple of others that I owned previously and love them both.
Both are Simpson...one is the street bandit and the other is the Cruiser.
I wear the open Cruiser around town and the Street Bandit out on the road to help out with wind, dust, etc.
I'm digging your blog and came across it by accident this morning. I too bought a 1200XL Custom...in vivid black around labor day 2008. It just turned over 500 miles.
I have Vance and Hines Short Shots and the Screaming Eagle Stage 1 kit installed with a map change.
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