Hit a deer with my Street Glide a month ago, totaled the deer and the bike, but I'm still kicking. My half helmet took the first shot on the ground, but then popped off, leading to a dent in my head. I'm thinking about changing to either a full helmet or a 3/4 with face shield. I know it's a matter of personal preference, but wanted to see if there is a popular helmet out there right now. I do own a Harley FXRG modular helmet, made by HJC. I bought it for winter riding, hate it. It is so noisy I can't hear myself think. What are you guys wearing with your touring bikes?
thanks,
Rat

 

I've always wore a modular helmet. A regular ful face to me seems like it smashing my cheeks into my teeth.

Batman

 

I just picked up a "Daytona" modular and am pretty happy with it. It came with a chin curtain as well as a pin-lock (HUGE difference that thing makes.. definatley recommend getting a helmet that is Pin-lock ready at the very least).

That being said, not knowing your head shape, I cant really recommend what would work best for you. I'd recommend stopping by a store that has tons of helmets and try them on to see what fits best. Once you find out what fits, then you can "shop" around for best price. However, if you do find one that fits you comfortably, I'd recommend going ahead and getting it. If your luck is like mine, when you go back, it'll be gone...

 

For a full face I have a Nolan modular. It fit my head well and I like it. It has an integrated sun shade. The best helmet for you will be the one that fits your head. I'd recommend trying to find a shop that has a good in stock selection that you can try on. That's what I did when first shopping for a full face, try one on in the store and wear it for a while to make sure you don't get pressure spots.

 

Full face helmets are noisier because the sound bounces around inside. But it's less so if you ride without a face shield. I now wear ear plugs as well. Carbon Fiber are the worst for being noisy.

I have acquired all sorts of helmets, but only wear a full face. My best friend is a Fireman and he says when they get a call of a motorcycle accident, typically the rider is deceased if they weren't wearing a helmet. Massive face injuries with a 3/4 helmet and possible neck injuries with a full face. He said half helmets typically come off the rider in accidents over 40 mph. A local law enforcement rider said they switch from half helmets to full helmets for that reason.

One other thing I noticed is Harley riders with full face helmets are less likely to get waves from passing Harley riders, and more likely to get waves from metric riders. Sounds stupid, I know, but even my Yamaha buddy who doesn't wear a helmet noticed that he gets more waves from the Harley riders than I do. LOL

Beary

 

I've worn every kind of helmet out there in my 60+ years of riding, high dollar 1/2, cheap 1/2, 3/4, modular and ended up buying a Zox modular helmet in Sturgis last year and really like it. Have a high $$$$$$ Sampson Bandit helmet I wore while I was driving fuel dragsters but don't feel comfortable wearing it on the bike. Just too much helmet if there is such a thing.

8~\o

 

Shoei RF1200 here. Love the helmet, super comfy. I am disappointed in the circulation though, a GT Air is supposed to be the shizznit as far as air flow. But more important are the acoustics in the RF 1200, burps have the best tone I have ever heard

 

The 3/4 is probably going to be just as noisy. A bit pricey, but my Schuberth C3 Pro is pretty quiet. Has lots of insulation around my neck and under the chin to block out all the noise from underneath.

You're gonna get lots of opinions on here, but Schuberth is one of the quietest around if you want quiet.

 

I like the full helmet on my dresser. Not the full face helmet. You head shape will determine which manufacturer will provide comfort and proper fit.

 

I am with Barry. I have a Harley FXGR and a GMax and both are modular but too noisy for me so I got a bottle with about 100 of the soft ear plugs and that works great. Now I even plug up with my half-helmet. Wind noise is all but gone and I can actually hear the radio much clearer now.