I know this may sound like a dumb question, but I just wanted to know how exactly do I know if I've got a good helmet fit or not? I was told that the helmet should fit snugly, but what does that mean?
Also, it's rather chilly outside so when I've got my helmet on it fogs up sometimes. Although it clears up shortly when I get going, I'd rather it not happen at all, or at least very minimal occurrences. What tips/tricks are there to prevent this problem?
And one more question. Is it possible to fit ANY helmet with a tinted or sunscreened visor of sorts? I usually where sunglasses while driving however, I find it inconvenient wearing shades with my helmet on.
You should be able to feel your helmet on your cheeks and if you "wiggle" it your scalp should move without being too tight. Make sure you can adjust the strap to firm-but-comfortable. As far as I am aware there are universal fit visors available with tints but be carefull because in some places there is legislation that affects use of tinted visors. There was a thread about four-five days ago that covered steaming-up.
Stock advice is don't skimp on a helmet, always but new and try loads on until you are sure about the one you want. I see from anoth post you have just got a GS, good luck with it, have fun and DON'T FORGET HiVIZ.
(They always say "I never saw you")
you want it to fit with even pressure but not pinching your head
if you shake your head it shouldn't flop around
when trying on a helmet wear it for a little while and see if it is comfortable
as far as your fogging problem there are inserts that you can put inside your helmet that are made of plastic so it won't fog
as far as the tinting most helmets have that option i am not saying all cause i don't really know but i know arai shoe and icon have tinted visors available the arai visors are rather expensive because they are made by oakley (i think they are somewhere around 80 bucks)
ask around at your local dealer they should be able to give you some more info
I'd recommend having it seem snug all-over; but if talking to someone who had never worn a helmet before, I'd add that it will probably feel tighter than you think it should. For example, with good cheekbone pads in mine, I find the pads push my face into a bit of a "pucker", and if I try to smile, it only turns-up the corners of my mouth. I would say that the main indication of "too tight" is that you feel a pinching, or start to get a headache after a half-hour wearing the helmet. If the pressure feels even all-over, then that's perfect.
As for how tight the strap should be, again the right answer is probably a little tighter than you think. Start with it comfortable, but try to get it a little tighter every month. You'll figure-out when it gets to be too-tight, but I heard from a beginner who chewed-up his chin in a low-speed low-side, even though his helmet stayed on and secure.
Regarding fogging, others swear by the Fog City insert; since you ask about tinting, there's also a self-darkening Fog City version. Personally, I leave my face shield up at stoplights; then squint as I pass through the intersection (it's COLD!), and flip the shield down right after I shift up to second:
clutch
shift
declutch
roll-on throttle with right hand, lift left hand and slam face-shield shut
It's just part of the shifting pattern in winter :thumb:
There's another critical helmet feature that has nothing to do with cheap/expensive: You should be able to open the visor just a teeny-tiny bit. For example, on my helmet, if I tug up on the left side, then it cracks open maybe 1/16 inch; the right side stays all the way shut. This is perfect for preventing fogging in 20mph city traffic. If I'm stuck in traffic, then I can crack both sides to 1/16". Some helmets seem to want to be either completely shut, or half-open, with nothing in-between. I'd say that the ability to crack-open the visor a very small bit is a critical feature that nobody advertises.
You asked about sunglasses; I wear them OK, but had to search for quite a while to find some that would go on inside my helmet. The problem with a tinted visor is you need to remove your clear visor, and put on the tinted one, before you start the ride. I carry sunglasses in my breast pocket, and can pull over and put them on without taking gloves off, so if the sun starts getting low and in my eyes during the ride, I can react.
I also have 1.5" of green electrical tape across the top of my visor to act as a sun shade. I can tilt my head down to block the sun using the tape. Unless you're laying on the tank, riding head-down racer-style, you don't need to see out that top 1" of visor at all.
what rema said.
you can buy replacement visors for around $25-$40 (Arai's cost $40, I've bought two-one light tint and one dark tint).
If you know you're going out and coming back in daylight you can throw on the tinted visor but if you ride at night at all, like in winter esp, then you're better off wearing your sunglasses under a clear visor.
Fog city has a good reputation but I prefer to just crack the visor open a bit at stop.
Helmet should feel one size too small when new and give even pressure all around-no painful pressure points anywhere.
Okay, I have a better understanding of the sizing. When I went to the motorcycle shop the guy just seemed to be trying to sell me the most expensive helmets. From what you all told me the helmet fits perfectly. As for the visor tint. I think I'll look for some sunglasses that fit under the helmet. It sounds like too much trouble to get a tinted visor, plus I didn't even consider the night factor. As for the fogging, I think I'll go with the open the visor a little bit action. My helmet will adjust so that it's just open a crack. These tips are super, thanks again everyone! :)
Be aware that on a cold day, sunglasses (or regular glasses in my case) provide another place for fog to form :( Other than that, much better than swapping visors. Just think, you might be carrying sunglasses around anyways if it is bright outside :)
Other than general comfort issues I look at it this way... I buy the tightest helmet I can stand. Once they break in in a month or two they usually fit like a glove. If it feels all loose and comfy when new it will end up being too loose when it breaks in.