So this one is on me...

Bought a new HD helmet. I don't have the model number handy but is a new model this year that is a half helmet with a retractable visor and vents. I did try the thing on in the store and here is where it is "on me". I didn't try to buckle the chin strap.

Got it home and when I went to rig the chin strap found out it was so short I could barely get the thing run though the buckles once it was being worn. Literally no spare strap to speak of. Of course the dealerships have the "No returning helmets for any reason".

So...if anyone from HD actually reads this forum...you should cowboy the hell up and check your helmets....you have some models (I did check several other dealers, and the helmets they had, had the same problem) that were obviously manufactured and quality control never bothered to make this catch. The ones I am talking about are the ones with venting and a pull down visor. These things are worthless...and the price you are charging for them? I expected better.

I did go back to the dealer and pointed out the defect...and they proceeded to pull the remaining ones they had out and found out that the same problem was on every one. I suggested that someone needed to call the mothership and pass along that they had a couple of helmet models out there that were, for all intensive purposes...a total waste of money.

I don't know who is making these particular ones for HD...but it is pretty obvious that whoever designed them thought that we have beaks and not chins. PO'ed at myself because I should have checked the strap when I bought the thing...and PO'ed at HD for not catching what is obviously a very badly designed piece of equipment before it got out the their dealers.

Live and learn I guess.

 

That's unusual for the straps to be too short. I've had to shorten the straps on all the HD helmets I've ever bought.

 

You should try to get resolution by escalating this up the chain at H-D.

Give them the chance to fix it- although you'd think that in the case of an obvious design or manufacturing problem the dealer would just take care of it and take it up with H-D.

mike

 

I know they don't usually do returns,but if you showed them your problem,one would think they could make an exception. Then again,this IS a Harley shop

 

My guess is either the helmet was way to small to begin with or your strap is twisted up inside the helmet. Been riding bikes since 68 and have never seen or heard this one. Of course there's a first time for everything.

 

Something doesn't sound right here... Not saying you're noggin is shaped like rocky from the movie mask but lucifer be damned - If you havent invested in a chin strap extender before... I would march my 3rd eye right back to the dealer!

They are built with a snap in the strap for a reason.

 

The Harley half helmets that I checked are made by HJC and KBC. I have a few HJC helmets and have not had a problem with the straps.

 

Nope. I wear an XL and that was the first thing I checked. That plus when they pulled their stock and they were all with the same issue. Wish it would have been that simple.

Sure I can do the strap extender. But that isnt the point. Why weren't the things built or designed right to begin with. If you are having a tough time then hit a dealer and find one these and try it yourself.

 

Well the only way to tell if a helmet fits properly is to cinch down on the chinstrap.
So beings that you didn't do this plus the fact that according to you that this isn't an issue with just this one particular helmet when fitting on your head. And if there is an issue with this model of helmet then you should identify the model so others may be aware of this possible issue.
I think you blew it and it's on you as you may have unique fit issues and should have know this or at the very least checked the fit of the helmet with the chinstrap cinched.

Also in light of the lack of specific information in this post I think a photo of your noggin frontal and profile should be in order.

 

I had a similar incident on the dealer the other day when I bought my half helmet. I grabbed the display small. tied it up, wore it around for 10 mins perfect. I asked the lady if she had another model other then the display. She said let me check.
She comes back with a small, same model color everything. She goes just to be sure put it on your head and wear it a little more. I said ok. Go to throw it on my noggin and something didn't feel right.. I couldn't strap it on.. Confusion set it and went WAIT.... The buckle is on the right side and the strap is on the left... This isn't correct.
I said let me look at the display again, sure enough the display had the buckle on the LEFT and strap on the right. Complete opposite. We checked all the other displays and they were all the same. But this one helmet had the strap and buckle flipped.

All the helmets I've owned were buckle left and strap right, so when I put that one on it was like..... uhhh duhhh umm errr... I could't figure it out.