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Old 07-09-2009, 12:58 PM   #1 (permalink)
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anyone use an open face helmet for sportbike riding?

Hi folks,

I dislike the claustrophobic feeling I get with my full faced helmet when riding my Daytona. I also don't like the inability to see my dash without looking down because the chinbar blocks my visibility. Also I live in Florida and riding with a full face helmet in the summer is hot!

For these reasons I'm thinking about getting an open face helmet with a shield. I don't ride my bike fast, but I do commute with it daily.

Has anyone used one while sport riding? What are your thoughts or suggestions?

thanks in advance!
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Old 07-10-2009, 10:55 PM   #2 (permalink)
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I have the German style helmet and I only use when going to the local store. I've used it a couple of times on the highway, but its acts like a sail! It pulls on my chin and is very uncomfortable. Not to mention they aren't as safe as a full face. I've been down twice on my track bike and both times I've scraped the front of my helmet. If I would have been on the street wearing an open face half of my face would still be embedded in the pavement.

Well that's my 2 cents... Hope it helps.
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Old 07-10-2009, 11:58 PM   #3 (permalink)
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thanks for the advice

I think I'd like to get an open face for short jaunts around the neighborhood, but stick to the full face when commuting. I'm getting used to the full face now, and I think if I get one with better venting it will be much more bearable on my commute. Ive been wearing a pretty dated shoei rf700. Tried my buddies Gmax today, man what a difference in weight and ventilation. Definitely time to upgrade.
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Old 07-11-2009, 09:08 AM   #4 (permalink)
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I've worn both a 3/4 and a beanie while riding my Tiger. 3/4 was alright but the beanie was really noisy and pulled like hell!
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Old 07-13-2009, 01:29 PM   #5 (permalink)
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I have a Shoei RF-1000, and an AFX jet-type helmet. I think I will sell the AFX- it pulls, its noisy, and I get a lot of grit in the teeth and chin- I don't know where in FL you live, but here in MB sand is everywhere, of course. I got the 3/4 helmet for the same reasons you state, and am not satisfied with the results.
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Old 07-13-2009, 04:21 PM   #6 (permalink)
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there's a schuberth helmet with a removable chin-bar. not sure if it's available in the states or not and i'm sure--like all their helmets--that's it's pretty pricey, but it might be a good compromise.

schuberth j1

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Old 07-15-2009, 09:21 AM   #7 (permalink)
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thanks for your feedback!

Thanks everyone for your replies.

That schuberth is cool - but way too expensive for me I'm sure. I'm actually getting used to the full face now - and leaving for work earlier so it's not so dang hot

I think I'll start shopping for a new full face helmet with better ventilation though!
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Old 07-21-2009, 08:17 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I don't know what your price range is but take a look at the Shark Evo-Line. It is a modular full face - 3/4 helmet.
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Old 07-21-2009, 10:05 PM   #9 (permalink)
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On my recent ride to the Grand Canyon with temps well above 110 F I found my full face helmet to be a refuge from the heat, much better riding with the visor closed because of the blast furnace that was the outside world. It surprised me 'til I figured out I was in the shade behind a iridium shield which blocked a good deal of the sun's rays. I can't imagine what the HD crowd felt in their beanie buckets. On the other hand, I've ridden my Speed Triple once or twice wearing my half helmet (matches my wife's scooter) and can appreciate the sense of freedom a shorty helmet affords, until the noise from the wind becomes deafening. IMO the full helmet is the best protection out there.
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Old 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CCSO3932 View Post
I don't know what your price range is but take a look at the Shark Evo-Line. It is a modular full face - 3/4 helmet.
I was just at cyclegear the other day and tried on a really cool looking full face helmet with an integrated flip down sun visor - then the sales guy comes up and shows me an open face helmet and says try this one on if that doesn't fit. I told him I didn't want an open face and then he says it's the same helmet. I didn't even realize looking at the shark in it's flipped open mode that it was a modular. It's cool how the chinbar flips all the way back behind the helmet. Very sharp looking compared to most modulars and how they only partially flip up - leaving you looking like mr kazoo.
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