Thanks for all the great advice on another thread on my upcoming purchase of a new GS (which will be my first new bike in 20 years). I'm thinking of getting the naked, and may not even bother with a bikini fairing at first

This raises a helmet question for me.

As Townsville, Australia where I live is quite tropical (think Great Barrier Reef), a normal full face helmet feels way too hot. So I'm thinking about getting a motocross helmet for the better ventilation & the cooling chin space. I'd like to keep the peak on it as well if possible for tropical sun protection.

How would a motocross helmet (both with & without peak) be wind/turbulence wise on the naked at speed (say cruising at 100-120kph )? Would it feel better or worse with a bikini fairing?

Any thoughts or experiences you guys (& gals) have on this would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never worn a motocross helmet, it looks aerodynamically quite different to a normal full-face & I don't want to get my head ripped off by the wind on my first ride. 

I would think it would be hell.  Even with my full face I feel like someone is trying to pry it off of me (it may be a tad big I think so Im getting a smaller one,hehe).

I dont think youd like a motorcross helmet over 90 kmph.

Motocross helmets actually arent that bad to wear going fast. With a pair of good goggles on you will get great protection and keep that light feeling that you want. Ive been riding dirtbikes for 14 years, I've never been uncomfortable with my motocross helmets whether its on the track or flying down a canal bank wide open (100 + Kph). When i bought my GS it was my first street bike also. I used my motocross helmet for a couple weeks with no problems or complaints. The only reason why i switched to full face was because it looks "cooler"  on a street bike, annnnnd I live in Canada. Wind chill is a factor here and it got friggen cold on the cheeks, obviously something your not worried about.

If you want something light with good air flow for your face and head, buy a good motocross helmet. Ohhhh yeh if you plan on having a slow trip through town or traffic, i would recommend wearing sunglasses instead of goggles. The goggles will fog up and cause you to sweat, defeating the purpose of your light, cool feeling motocross helmet. And obviously dont buy a cheap helmet. HJC, FOX, TROY LEE DESIGNS, SHOEI are all excellent choices. Get the size that fits, or else it will flop around on you at any speed, any wrong sized helmet will no matter the make or style.

Have a good one.

~Barry~

Yeah, MX helmets really catch the wind and pull your head around at speed.

Try finding a full face helmet that vents well. I know my Shoei RF-1000 is very good at that. I live in Texas, where temperatures regularly stay above 38 C for a month straight during the summer.

Cripes, 38 C for a moth!  Thats hot, course in New Brunswick that would be a hottest day of the summer temperature.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. There seems to be a split opinion here. I'm wondering if it's due to the removable peak on a motocross helmet.

Anyone have any wind problems using a motocross helmet with the peak OFF??

I would still think at high speeds it would catch the wind.  Even my full face pulls my head a pit at high speeds and I would think goggles would fog up like a mutha.

I don't have a GS, but I have both types of helmets and wear the MX helmet consistantly on the street during the summer months... esp when commuting.  I find when the speed is over 55-60mph, the mx gets pushed around, but if i'm staying off the highway I'll choose the mx and sunglasses during the summer almost every time.

I dont think it matters with or without the visor. I wore a visor all the time and never had a problem. Like i said make sure you buy a helmet that FITS properly. Also buy a good make. If the helmet fits properly and is of oood quality you should get minimal flop and discomfort.

Ive never had my motocross helmets get caught in the wind and pull on my head.... even when im 40 feet in the air.

Others may experience something different .... just letting you know what i have experienced.

Take Care...

~Barry~