I posted this on the general forum also but wanted to post it here also since there has been so much discussion on helmet buffeting.

I bought a 2009 Road King last year and rode it all summer long without any buffeting. I switched helmets this year from a Fulmer C65 3/4 to a HJC IS-33 and started noticing helmet buffeting. I started searching through the touring forum for information on buffeting and found many different opinions and experiences. One thing that I didn't find was anyone contributing the helmet to being the problem. I switched back to the Fulmer and the buffeting disappeared. As I was riding at 60 mph. I held my hand along the top of the Fulmer helmet and noticed a dead space above the helmet. When I did this with the HJC helmet my hand was well into the wind turbulence that was coming over the windshield and onto the top of the helmet. When I came home I took measurements from both helmets and found that the HJC helmet is sitting 3/4" higher than the Fulmer. I think that the helmet design also contributes a bit to the difference. Anyway I'm not going to be using the HJC helmet and will definitely test ride a new helmet before buying it in the future. Lesson learned. Just wanted to pass this along incase it could help someone else out.

Riding is so much more enjoyable when you can see clearly.

 

Maybe I am wrong but could you try using a slightly taller windshield or one with the turned up lip if you prefer the look and fit of the HJC?

 

The only reason I bought the HJC helmet was because I wanted to try a helmet with a flip down sun visor so I wouldn't have to buy another pair of riding prescription glasses. The sun visor was great but the helmet design doesn't seem so good. I can just see over the windshield as is and would like to keep it at that height. A curved windshield might do the trick but I really don't want something on my head thats not aerodynamic and might cause other problems. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Don..you say you wear prescription eyeglasses...do you find the flip down visor on the IS-33 interfering or hitting your glasses. I have been wanting to try this helmet but no one carries it locally so I can try it on. I already own 4 CL-33 and love them. No problem with buffeting but I am only 5'4" on a reach seat so I sit lower than most.

Thanks

 

im using a nolan 3/4 with the flip up sunvisor and love it no problem with glasses or buffeting.

 

It doesn't interfere at all with my glasses. The sun shield works great with my glasses and the helmet fits very comfortable. Harley Davidson sales this same helmets under their name at the local dealer so I was able to try it on first. I didn't buy it from them because I wanted the black matt finish and they only sold the gloss black. The helmet I have is an XL which is actually a large in most other helmets. If your interested in buying one I could save you some money. I also have the dark smoke visor in my helmet.

 

I have one of these and I find that, with progressive lenses, the sun visor makes me think my glasses are not level. Very annoying, I found myself constantly adjusting the helmet so I no longer use the sun visor feature. On the other hand it is a good helmet in the rain.

This is one of the reasons I am getting a trailer; I plan to carry a couple of helmets for myself as well as something for any young girl I might come across who has a thing for short, fat, bald older guys.

 

I have several different helmets and some are ok and some are not. I have two different 3/4 Fulmer, 255 & 655, helmets. 255 is fine the 655 will make your eyes bounce. I've had the same thing happen with 1/2 helmets too. I bought a Scorpion exo-100 and it would beat you to death but it wasn't any taller than the Fulmer trooper I had been wearing. This is why I would never again buy a helmet I couldn't try first. I'm using a 10" fast-aire shield and I'm 6' tall.

 

eventually your neck muscles will strengthen and u will get used to the buffeting... when i first started riding harleys, i used to feel it a lot... and i dunno what happened but i dont notice it anymore!

 

find a short one with a flat head, that way you have a place to set down your beer