Hi guys,

First of all, I might be a newbie for you, but I have been reading your forum for the last couple of months: it has made me select a GS500 over a Ninja 250 for my first bike.  No, I don't intend to start that debate all over again!  Let's just say that after 2 weeks or so, my 2004 GS500F has given me all I asked for: pleasure, manageable learning curve and reliability. As a rider with less than 500km behind him, that's good enough for me.

Now, down to my question.  I had to buy a helmet for my riding course (mandatory here in Quebec, Canada).  Following the advice of the salesman who mesured my head (57 cm) we figured I'd need a Medium helmet.  I did try a HJC CL-21 helmet that size, and I felt it fitted me perfectly.  But I wanted the Cl-33, so, again following the HJC chart,
I ordered a medium.

When they received it, I tried it for 2 minutes, and it felt right.  Advice for novice: don't do that, keep the helmet on your head for as long as you can stand the stance of everyone in the shop - at least 20 minutes, and try to make 35-45.  Only then you`ll know if it is right for you.  Anyway, after a couple of weeks, I realized the helmet was actually moving more and more on my head (lining is stuffing, normal thing, I learned).  I also double-checked by my head size and truth be told, I am a 56...  Small.

Now, if I were to follow the HJC instructions on how a helmet should fit, it would not pass the test: it doesn't move a lot side-by-side, but it moves enough back-and-forth that I can not close the visor down completely without having to hold the helmet.

Now, here's the question: how bad can it be, and can I do anything about it (no, the dealer doesn't want to exchange it, and HJC does not provide any replacing lining, I tried that).

I have seen that some people wear head gears (much like F1 drivers do) in their helmet: could it help? (and by the way, if anyone could help me NAME that thing -> my mother tongue is French, not English )

Well, thanks in advance for your help.  Nice to be finally part of this community.

you do not want one that is too tight.  if it moves a bit it is ok, if it gives you discomfort it is too small. if it slips down to your brows it is too big

Welcome!  Glad to hear you're enjoying the GS.

There really isn't much you can do, unfortunately.  Wearing something between your head and the helmet lining will not only get hot, but will still allow the helmet to move, which is not safe.  The helmet should not move without applying moderate pressure.  Not only will it be unsafe in a crash, but it will move around on your head when you look left or right at speed, which is annoying.

Something to be aware of is that different manufacturers use different head shapes to develop their helmets.  Some will fit your head better than others.  However, it sounds like you're just one size too big, which would explain why it is moving on your head.

Choosing one or more sizes too big is a common newbie mistake.  I made that mistake, but realized it within a few days and was able to return it.  When you first put on a new full face helmet of the correct size it should fell like you are going to rip your ears off.  Of course, this goes away as the lining wears in.

The only thing I can suggest is to go shopping again.  If you like your CL-33 and you're convinced it is the correct shape for your head, go one size smaller according to the fitment instructions.  Be sure to go though the tests in the instruction booklet before making a final decision.

I have two helmets.  a medium shoei RF-1000 for summer, and an HJC CL-14 in large for winter.  in the winter, I use a fleece balaclava, and the helmet fits well.  if I try to wear the HJC without the balaclava, it feels terribly loose.  so yes, you can improve the fit with a thin layer.  Just remember that over the first month or so, the helmet will wear in, and become more loose if anything at all.

Both helmets, as I wear them, are tight enough that i can push up on the chin and my forehead moves with the helmet.  They both are comfortable for hours of riding

find the band that fits you properly, then stick with it.

Quote from: frankieG on October 09, 2007, 07:26:47 PM
[...] if it slips down to your brows it is too big

It does not fall on my brows by itself.  But I can push it downward up to the point where it will touch my brows.

I am mostly concerned here about security.  I can not remove the helmet myself if it is strapped properly, but it would not take much brute force to be able to do it.  I kind of fear the helmet could go loose in case of an accident.

I think heads come in all different shapes as well as sizes.  Despite only being 5'6" 140lbs, I ended up with an XL helmet due to some irish ancestry.  I wear L/XL hats so I started with the L helmet.  It felt like someone was squeezing the back of my head and within 2 seconds of having it on I felt like I was getting a headache.  I stepped it up to an XL and that suits me better.  It has no side to side or front to rear play, I can open and close my visor without the helmet moving, but I do have slight movement if I push on the chin.   I'm pretty sure I could get away with adding some padding around the forehead area to correct for the movement, but as of now I have no plans to.

I find that different helmet brands have different shapes. I fit almost perfectly in a KBC medium, but for some reason, I only fit in a Shoei large. In addition to the size specification, I would recommend trying out different brands as well.

Have fun with your GS! Remember to do the maintenance on schedule and she may very well last longer than most cars do. Well, American cars anyway (ducks).

Wear a liner, you can get breathable balaclavas that wont make you hot, ive never had a problem and i wear one all the time. A liner will make the helmet fit snugger and most under helmet balaclavas are no slip and fit tight to the head so won't move around. You'd be suprised how much a difference it will make i think and its worth trying for a cheap cotton or lycra balaclava.

I have the same concern that a slightly loose helmet may not stay on in a crash, and it must be a valid one because my Shoei TZ-R came with very specific instructions on how it should fit. Although I'm a newb, I'm confidently sure that the only expert opinion would be that of an engineer. With that said, I definitely second GeeP's reply, which is to drop down a size in your favorite brand's (after trying on a few) helmet, and avoid wearing the one you think is too big. I went with a small after trying on a comfortable medium because it was quite snug and I knew the pads would wear in. Besides, you can hold on to that first one for the day you feel comfortable taking a passenger.

I just talked with another dealer near home.  We might have a solution, but wanted to hear your take on it first.

He said they sell paddings that you can fit underneath the lining of you helmet, thus improving its fit.  I checked on my helmet, and indeed, I could stuff some extra padding there (it is not sewed all the way).  I did not see the thing yet, but so far I figure "if it is sold by a Suzuki/Yamaha dealer, chances are the stuff is OK".  Heck, it's sold by the helmet dept, after all: it's not like I was trying to stuff a sponge or anything invented on the spot...

I would only put extra padding in the rear of the helmet, maybe a little bit on the front, but not on the sides.

Your take?

(Damn, I feel sooooo newbie...)