Harley Davidson: Helmet Reviews
Full helmets save lives, plain and simple. Here we will look at some of the top examples, budget friendly models, stylish offerings, and compare function as well as value.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster, Dyna Glide, Softail, and Touring models.
Real Harley Davidson riders wear full face helmets. While you may have never heard this statement before, let's face it, you make your own choices in this world. One choice that can assist you in staying in this world longer is a full face helmet. The stereotypes that surround Harley Davidson, and motorcycles in general, are becoming things of the past, as new riders and a new generation of enthusiasts rise up and grab the handlebars. Freedom and nonconformity means making your own decision, not buckling under peer pressure or concerns with image. Here we will compare full helmets and use this info for educated decisions regarding motorcycle safety, and maybe even look good in the end.
Full Face Helmet Reviews
HJC RPHA-10 |
HJC RPHA-Max |
Icon Alliance |
Biltwell Gringo LE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$359.99 | $499.99 | $150.00 | $189.95 |
Size |
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL |
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Performance |
|
|
|
|
Lifespan |
3 to 5 years without impact | 3 to 5 years without impact |
3 to 5 years without impact |
3 to 5 years without impact |
Warranty |
5 years against defects | 5 years against defects | 1 years against defects | 2 years against defects |
Best Value: Icon Alliance
HJC RPHA-10
Price – $359.99
Looks – Contemporary Sport
Weight – 3lbs 7oz
Performance – The HJC RPHA helmet offers sleek aerodynamic design that cuts easily through the wind while riding. Superior ventilation through chin and crown vents will keep you cool on hot afternoon rides, and removable/washable moisture-wicking interior will prevent any long term "funk" from accumulating within. New Rapidfire II makes shield removal a cinch, as well as the simplified side lever for raising and lowering the sun screen. Finally, noise reduction technology keeps damaging wind volume at a minimum (or damaging pipe volume if that's your cup of meat)!
Warranty – 5 year warranty against any manufacturer defects
The HJC RPHA-10 is a highly praised helmet with a reasonable price point. It is not a budget helmet by any means, but certainly presents great bang for the buck. Aesthetically it is simplified and no frills. Recommended for those who look for a more modern look, are riding in hotter climates where ventilation counts, and are looking for noise reduction. Especially useful if you have no windscreen, and/or louder pipes!
HJC RPHA-Max
Price – $499.99
Looks – Modular Contemporary Sport
Weight – 1,565g
Performance– This is HJC's premium modular offering not only their best of function, but most aesthetic as well. P.I.M. technology is a premium integrated matrix shell for maximum strength while maintaining an ultra light weight. The one touch, three position smoke-tinted sunscreen allows easy adjustment, and tool-free shield removal makes this an extremely user friendly helmet. Superior ventilation as well as odor free, anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking interior provides the comfort and longevity from this helmet. And lastly, the noise reduction you can expect from the RPHA line of HJC helmets.
Warranty – 5 years against any manufacturer defects
The HJC RPHA-Max is definitely a premium helmet. While you could certainly spend more on a helmet, you will be hard pressed to find one with more useful features. Recommended for riders who want the best elements of both safety and style. Reading through helmet related posts on the HD Forums will reveal the truth about Harley riders; do what you want and feel. All opinions will be represented and most will agree that it makes no difference what anyone else thinks or says, it only matters what you think. While full-face helmets aren't always the first thing you associate with Harley, the truth is that many Harley riders use them. If you are concerned with safety, the HJC RPHA line is a sure bet, and very popular full face helmet choice.
Icon Alliance
Price – $150
Looks – Simplified Blacked Out Contemporary
Weight – 3.5 lbs
Performance – The Icon Alliance may be the very best value on this list. Certainly the least expensive, this helmet offers premium features at an amazing price. Features like rear exhaust ports to prevent heat buildup, chin vents and removable breath deflector to prevent shield fogging, removable/washable interior for comfort and longevity, molded twin channel cooling ventilation and wind tunnel testing make this comparable to helmets costing over twice as much. The blacked out style also works perfectly with Harley Davidson's Dark Custom bikes that are so popular at present.
Warranty – 1 year against manufacturer defects
This is a superb value full face helmet. The list of features in combination with the "murdered out" flat black aesthetic make this a very popular choice among the modern Sportster rider. Simplicity of style means it will look good with any bike, but seems to pair especially well with the Dark Customs. Safety and comfort aren't sacrificed for a low price point either! Recommended for Dark Custom riders, or anyone who wants safety as well as value.
Biltwell Gringo LE
Price – $189.95
Looks – Retro/Vintage
Weight – 4.2 Lbs
Performance – Let's face it, the Biltwell Gringo is a bad-ass looking helmet, and that really is its intended strength. This helmet offers no bells, whistles, extra vents, dB reduction or adjustable gizmos. It is, however, DOT approved, extremely comfortable, and available in a plethora of retro-tastic, beautifully executed paint jobs. For the price, this is a great helmet, and with the Harley focus on heritage, iconic culture, and aesthetic quality, it is no surprise this is a name you see pop up regularly on the HD Forums.
Warranty – 2 years against any manufacturer defects
The Biltwell Gringo LE takes comfort and style seriously. What it lacks in frills it makes up for in style and appearance. The shell is hand painted and the interior is hand sewn. The interior is entirely removable and washable, and the bottom of the helmet is open with a criss-cross stitching to allow air flow through the helmet. The eye port can be left open, or Biltwell sells flat or bubble shields that snap into place for about $20. Recommended for riders who want safety, but not at the expense of the retro aesthetic that has become synonymous with Harley Davidson.
The full face helmet is becoming a more standard choice in the Harley Davidson culture, as more safety conscious riders take up the love of riding, and as the true opinions of Harley riders young and old are being expressed on the HD Forums. The stereotypes that surround Harley Davidson are just that: stereotypes. The attitudes such as "real Harley riders don't wear helmets" have been quickly exposed by the information age as those of the minority. A culture based on freedom is ultimately only a culture of individuals who make their own informed choices, not one that follows the rules of other. Ride free!
Related Discussions
- Real Harley Owners Don't Wear Full Face Helmets? - HDForums.com
- If You HAD to Wear a Full Face Helmet-What Style Would You Choose? - HDForums.com
- Do You Wear a Full Face Helmet? - HDForums.com
