Helmet size questions

FerociousNINJA · April 7th, 2010, 09:04 AM

Hello All,

I just purchased a new helmet. HJC full face "L" size and it feels too tight. Before buying this I tried a friends open face HJC helmet in "L" & "XL". The "XL" was too lose and the "L" fit like a glove, comfortable.

-My question is did I buy the wrong size helmet or is it like wearing a new shoe?

Thanks
D

ninja250 · April 7th, 2010, 09:08 AM

It's supposed to be too tight when you buy it. It will break in.
Much better to have a small helmet than a big one that doesn't work and falls off.

My Shoei was kinda scary claustrophobic to put on when I bought it but already used to it now.

Once you strap in your helmet you should not be able to wiggle around in it or weasel your way out.
It should have basically no play on your head.

If it's still too tight, most helmet companies have different size cheek pads you can order I think.

zartan · April 7th, 2010, 10:35 AM

They always feel too tight for me if the fit is correct.

I just spent a week at dealers trying on all different ones. I ended up with a Shoei RF1100
It is really nice but tight. I know that you need to have a correct fit and it will break in but after trying an Arai Vector for the past year and I really was unhappy with I am so leary with any helmet fit.

I want my old 9 year old Arai back. It is like an old friend

but it HAD to be retired. I had it too long.

You can buy different cheek pads with some helmets and custom fit some padding . check the web site.

Yes it should be tight but not give you a headache. There is also a way to slightly compress an area that might be touching. I would suggest calling tech support. Arai explained this to me but it might be different for a HJC so I am leary about giving you advice on that for safety.

Ninja250- I agree. this is my first Shoei after 25 years of Arai and it is clausto-ing me out a little. I hear that that underwrap makes it much quieter. we will see.

Ken08Ninja · April 7th, 2010, 10:53 AM

Different models of helmets from even the same manufacturer fit differently. You want it to be tight when brand new it will wear in to your head. That is why I will never buy a used helmet.
Here's a video Jay Leno did with Bruce Porter from Aria. http://2wheeltuesday.com/2008/10/jay...-bruce-porter/

Link to original page on YouTube.

kkim · April 7th, 2010, 11:45 AM

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...helmet-faq.htm

Banzai · April 7th, 2010, 11:52 AM

That's why you always try on NEW helmets. I'm betting your buddy's helmets were "Broken In", which means they're a little looser. When you get your NEW helmet, it's always tighter, assuming the correct size, than it will feel once broken in.

OldGuy · April 8th, 2010, 08:44 PM

Another consideration is that some of us have round heads and some have oval heads and guess what? Some brands of helmets fit round / oval heads better. First you have to find what brand(s) fit you best then go for the style/look.

Alex · April 8th, 2010, 08:52 PM

/moved to motorcycle gear

untdavid · April 8th, 2010, 09:44 PM

I recently purchased a new helmet and its the same way. With time it should break in. I triple checked my size with a tape measure and then tried on helmets based on manufacture recommendations. But yea, it'll break in with time.

David

Blue Monkey · April 8th, 2010, 10:55 PM

I measured my head a few times and bought the size hemet that fit in those measurements. When i first put it on I thought, oh no this is too tight. I kept it and wore it a few times and with time now it fits perfect. Measure your head if you haven't already and then I went to Denniskirk.com click on the brand helmet you have and look for the sizing charts and it will tell you what size you need. You probably bought the right size, just need to wear it some but it doesn't hurt to check the chart. I know some places won't exchange it if you wear it on a ride.

Greg_E · April 9th, 2010, 09:09 AM

Sure would be nice if every helmet manufacturer would produce an in depth video regarding fitment and accessories, care and feeding, and any other useful info. I had no idea that Arai helmets could be customized that much, I have never been in a store where they had several sizes of cheek pieces, several sizes of liners, etc.

sgates0 · April 11th, 2010, 12:05 PM

Posted via Mobile Device

sgates0 · April 11th, 2010, 12:14 PM

I recently purchased an hjc cl-15 size small... And I'm afraid it's too small. If I stick my chin out it lightly brushes the front of the helmet, I called the store (helmet country) and the rep said no to worry about it as long as I'm comfortable with the cheeks & the rest of my head is comfortable. Does that sound right? The helmet I have been using is a Shoei size small but on that my chin doesn't touch.. I just want to be sure before I pay a shipping/restocking fee that my helmet is gonna fit.
Posted via Mobile Device

Greg_E · April 11th, 2010, 02:55 PM

I would ask HJC or Helmet House who I think is the importer.

April 7th, 2010, 09:04 AM	#1
FerociousNINJA ninjette.org member Name: Dave Location: DFW, US Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja TwoFiddy Posts: 160	Helmet size questions Hello All, I just purchased a new helmet. HJC full face "L" size and it feels too tight. Before buying this I tried a friends open face HJC helmet in "L" & "XL". The "XL" was too lose and the "L" fit like a glove, comfortable. -My question is did I buy the wrong size helmet or is it like wearing a new shoe? Thanks D

April 7th, 2010, 09:08 AM	#2
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	It's supposed to be too tight when you buy it. It will break in. Much better to have a small helmet than a big one that doesn't work and falls off. My Shoei was kinda scary claustrophobic to put on when I bought it but already used to it now. Once you strap in your helmet you should not be able to wiggle around in it or weasel your way out. It should have basically no play on your head. If it's still too tight, most helmet companies have different size cheek pads you can order I think. __________________________________________________ <Yeah, it's a 250. LMFAO! Weaksauce

April 7th, 2010, 10:35 AM	#3
zartan ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: zartan Location: spam la Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 R Posts: A lot.	They always feel too tight for me if the fit is correct. I just spent a week at dealers trying on all different ones. I ended up with a Shoei RF1100 It is really nice but tight. I know that you need to have a correct fit and it will break in but after trying an Arai Vector for the past year and I really was unhappy with I am so leary with any helmet fit. I want my old 9 year old Arai back. It is like an old friend but it HAD to be retired. I had it too long. You can buy different cheek pads with some helmets and custom fit some padding . check the web site. Yes it should be tight but not give you a headache. There is also a way to slightly compress an area that might be touching. I would suggest calling tech support. Arai explained this to me but it might be different for a HJC so I am leary about giving you advice on that for safety. Ninja250- I agree. this is my first Shoei after 25 years of Arai and it is clausto-ing me out a little. I hear that that underwrap makes it much quieter. we will see. __________________________________________________ "Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision" Colin Powell

April 7th, 2010, 11:52 AM	#6
Banzai Psychic war veteran Name: Thomas Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663	That's why you always try on NEW helmets. I'm betting your buddy's helmets were "Broken In", which means they're a little looser. When you get your NEW helmet, it's always tighter, assuming the correct size, than it will feel once broken in. __________________________________________________ * If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

April 8th, 2010, 08:44 PM	#7
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Another consideration is that some of us have round heads and some have oval heads and guess what? Some brands of helmets fit round / oval heads better. First you have to find what brand(s) fit you best then go for the style/look. __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

April 7th, 2010, 10:53 AM	#4
Ken08Ninja ninjette.org member Name: Ken Location: NY Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Candy Plasma Blue Posts: 129	Different models of helmets from even the same manufacturer fit differently. You want it to be tight when brand new it will wear in to your head. That is why I will never buy a used helmet. Here's a video Jay Leno did with Bruce Porter from Aria. http://2wheeltuesday.com/2008/10/jay...-bruce-porter/ Link to original page on YouTube.

April 7th, 2010, 11:45 AM	#5
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...helmet-faq.htm

April 8th, 2010, 08:52 PM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/moved to motorcycle gear __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 8th, 2010, 09:44 PM	#9
untdavid ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Dallas, TX Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Candy Plasma Blue 250r Posts: 79	I recently purchased a new helmet and its the same way. With time it should break in. I triple checked my size with a tape measure and then tried on helmets based on manufacture recommendations. But yea, it'll break in with time. David

April 8th, 2010, 10:55 PM	#10
Blue Monkey ninjette.org member Name: Joel Location: Utah Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 ninja 250 Posts: 95	Tight I measured my head a few times and bought the size hemet that fit in those measurements. When i first put it on I thought, oh no this is too tight. I kept it and wore it a few times and with time now it fits perfect. Measure your head if you haven't already and then I went to Denniskirk.com click on the brand helmet you have and look for the sizing charts and it will tell you what size you need. You probably bought the right size, just need to wear it some but it doesn't hurt to check the chart. I know some places won't exchange it if you wear it on a ride. __________________________________________________ Corbin seat, Area P carbon fiber quiet core full exhaust, rear fender modified, rear seat cowl, tank protector, Zero Gravity DB windscreen, kleen air system removed

April 9th, 2010, 09:09 AM	#11
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Sure would be nice if every helmet manufacturer would produce an in depth video regarding fitment and accessories, care and feeding, and any other useful info. I had no idea that Arai helmets could be customized that much, I have never been in a store where they had several sizes of cheek pieces, several sizes of liners, etc.

April 11th, 2010, 12:05 PM	#12
sgates0 ninjette.org member Name: Shawn Location: Boston Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawisaki Green Ninja 250r Posts: 12	Posted via Mobile Device

April 11th, 2010, 12:14 PM	#13
sgates0 ninjette.org member Name: Shawn Location: Boston Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawisaki Green Ninja 250r Posts: 12	I recently purchased an hjc cl-15 size small... And I'm afraid it's too small. If I stick my chin out it lightly brushes the front of the helmet, I called the store (helmet country) and the rep said no to worry about it as long as I'm comfortable with the cheeks & the rest of my head is comfortable. Does that sound right? The helmet I have been using is a Shoei size small but on that my chin doesn't touch.. I just want to be sure before I pay a shipping/restocking fee that my helmet is gonna fit. Posted via Mobile Device

April 11th, 2010, 02:55 PM	#14
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	I would ask HJC or Helmet House who I think is the importer.

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