Full Face Helmets: Is It Just My Imagination?
#52
07-27-2009, 11:53 AM
Elite HDF Member
I have no idea if FF helmets are gaining ground but I do know something. I won't wear one. I went from a 1/2 helmet to lidless (3 years) to back to 1/2 helmet and I think that's all I'll ever wear.
My opinion is that FF helmets take away some of the pleasure. Again, just my opinion; you guys wear whatever you want.
My opinion is that FF helmets take away some of the pleasure. Again, just my opinion; you guys wear whatever you want.
#53
07-27-2009, 12:12 PM
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I think most just wear them on long trips for reasons you mentioned, sun, rain, etc.
I personally don't like them, they take away from the joy of the ride for me. I usually plan around states that require helmets, and have a bucket tied to my bag in case I enter a state that requires it.
My only observation form the South West was that I only saw Harleys within 15 minutes or a major town. Once you were on the "real" highways and backroads, it was all BMWs and Hondas.
I personally don't like them, they take away from the joy of the ride for me. I usually plan around states that require helmets, and have a bucket tied to my bag in case I enter a state that requires it.
My only observation form the South West was that I only saw Harleys within 15 minutes or a major town. Once you were on the "real" highways and backroads, it was all BMWs and Hondas.
In regards to the original question, not many Harley riders wear FF helmets in this area. However, I am an exception as I do wear one. One reason is that a FF provides me with protection from the heat.
#54
07-27-2009, 12:14 PM
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Alot comes down to comfort and personal preferance. Coming from the racetrack, anything but a full face helmet feels out of place to me. It's just what I'm used to. Tried a half helmet and didn't like it. Didn't like getting whacked in the face with bugs and road debris. I also just got a cammo leather vest from Icon which has a back protector sewn in. I am the anti Pirate 
#55
07-27-2009, 12:17 PM
I think more people are becoming more educated on equipment vs. wearing something just because it looks "cool". My reasons for wearing a full face helmet are attached. A picture as they say is worth 1000 words.
#57
07-27-2009, 01:57 PM
here in south carolina most cruiser riders (no mater what brand) wear no helmet at all. sport bike riders almost all wear full face helmets plus protective gear. the difference is striking and obvious.
at the myrtle beach spring rally, I was the only full face helmet wearer I spotted the whole week. some half helmets and some beanies, but almost exclusively no helmets.
I have not seen any trend toward harley riders wearing full face helmets.
at the myrtle beach spring rally, I was the only full face helmet wearer I spotted the whole week. some half helmets and some beanies, but almost exclusively no helmets.
I have not seen any trend toward harley riders wearing full face helmets.
#58
07-27-2009, 03:29 PM
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I have a theory:
I started riding street bikes when I was 14 (legal in South Dakota), and there it was required to wear one until I was 18. So for 4 years I was in a full face helmet, then when I could go without I couldn't stand not having the clear vision with the visor. As younger and younger riders start getting Harley's, they will have become accustomed to the helmet having not had the choice.
You old farts probably weren't even required to have handlebars on your bike back in the day! j/k
As for Denver Metro area, I've seen maybe 3 other people with FF helmet.
I started riding street bikes when I was 14 (legal in South Dakota), and there it was required to wear one until I was 18. So for 4 years I was in a full face helmet, then when I could go without I couldn't stand not having the clear vision with the visor. As younger and younger riders start getting Harley's, they will have become accustomed to the helmet having not had the choice.
You old farts probably weren't even required to have handlebars on your bike back in the day! j/k
As for Denver Metro area, I've seen maybe 3 other people with FF helmet.
#59
07-27-2009, 04:01 PM
Ohio is a helmet free state. I've notice majority of metric riders wear FF helmets, but Goldwingers go 3/4. I very seldom see a HD rider with a helmet in my area? They are far and few in between. I wear a 3/4 in cooler temps and 1/2 (beanie) June-September. 23 years ago I owned a FF Bell. I looked like a NASA astronaut lost on a Beamer.....
#60
07-27-2009, 05:13 PM
based on this thread, I wore my FF into work this morning for a little test. I have not worn this helmet since I sold my sportster. All I can say is, I cannot wait to get home and get it off. For some reason it is catching so much wind the noise is unbearable, I cannot even hear the radio at any volume. I am sure it is just the helmet shape, design, or something as I never had the noise when used with the sportster.