Wind issue, need help

[RolexBeav]

Folks,

I have a general question. I have a 2009 ST with a fly screen and bar end mirrors (not sure the second part makes a difference, but the they look cool.)

My question is : at speeds 99-100MPH + my helmet shakes so badly I can not see the road clearly, I am usually in a prone position. I have a new Bell Star helmet in XL. Yesterday I was on a ride with a guy on a Hypermotard who lost me doing 120MPH. That thing has less wind protection than I do.

Is it the helmet? Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

[bigbaddumbdog]

I think it's the helmet. I don't have a fly screen, so I can't comment. Could it be the fly screen redirecting more wind to the helmet? Anyway, no helmet shake for me at 100+. I have a Shoei RF-1000.

[theinfamous]

Sounds like your helmet is too big. Try taking out the cheekpads when trying on new helmets. Too many people buy helmets to fit their face instead of their head. I don't know about bell, but I do know arai has different size cheekpads to customize the fit of the helmet.

[zam70]

yep - Helmet.
I have 3 different helmets and they are all different stability wise. (my Caberg is hands down the most stable on all my bikes)
The only way to know is to try one as bike+rider+helmet+speed will all vary the stability of a helmet

[RolexBeav]

Originally Posted by bigbaddumbdog

I think it's the helmet. I don't have a fly screen, so I can't comment. Could it be the fly screen redirecting more wind to the helmet? Anyway, no helmet shake for me at 100+. I have a Shoei RF-1000.

Thanks! I actually added the fly screen the other day when I first detected the issue and it made the wind a little more bearable.

What size is your RF1000?

[bigbaddumbdog]

Originally Posted by RolexBeav

Thanks! I actually added the fly screen the other day when I first detected the issue and it made the wind a little more bearable.

What size is your RF1000?

Mine is a large. But unless your head is identical to mine, that's not relevant. You need to try on all makes and sizes of helmets and buy the one that fits the best. It should be snug, and fit the shape of your head. The cheek padding probably inhibits shaking the most. It should push in on your checks just short of you biting the sides of your mouth.

[karana]

It should feel slightly too small when you buy it. Then it will be right once it breaks in.

[kobywan99]

Originally Posted by RolexBeav

Thanks! I actually added the fly screen the other day when I first detected the issue and it made the wind a little more bearable.

What size is your RF1000?

RolexBeav,

Just wanted to share my 2 cents in your process...

I have 2 helmets (HJC and RF-1000), and much rather use the RF-1000. After spending hours shopping for the right fit, I realized that helmets providing customizable chick pads and better crown padding are best. I also noticed the change in fit after getting a hair cut.
I chose the RF-1000 because it provided the best quality at a price I could afford (paid Cnd $492 for a Breakthrough). It creates less drag and is quieter then the mid level HJC. At $800-$1100 retail, I left the Shoei X-11 on the shelf. Also tried a few top of the line Arai helmets, but the fit was better in the RF-1000.

good luck,

K

[TallGuy]

Must be helmet fit. The flyscreen keeps the bugs off the back of the clocks, thats about it. I've owned more naked bikes than faired, but have always had a tight fitting helmet of many various makers, It should fit your head tight.

[201050]

Just echoing the "it's the helmet, not the bike" statements.

+1 to Karana's point about it needing to be a little too snug when you buy it. They definitely loosen up after a while.