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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
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Message started by Neil on 05/03/21 at 05:40:05

Title: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Neil on 05/03/21 at 05:40:05

With more experience, I'm comfortable the bike is stable at higher speeds (55-70 mph). But my head isn't. And I wear glasses, so wind sheer reduces clear vision. What's your favorite aerodynamic (and quieter) helmet, and would a different windscreen help?

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Dave on 05/03/21 at 09:23:22

When I first got into road riding all I had was old dirt bike helmets - a friend gave me a full face Simpson helmet that he used in his drag race car. It fit my horribly, fogged up, and it was noisy. At speed the helmet would push back on my face and it got really uncomfortable.

My next helmet was a budget Scorpion helmet, and it fit me better. The shell however was huge and it look like an astronaut helmet! The large size did create a bit of an issue at speeds - but it was far better than the drag race helmet, and I really liked the built in tinted sunscreen visor that comes down by sliding a lever, and the removable chin curtain was nice in cold weather.

Now I have a Shoei GT Air. It has a much smaller shell, fits my cheeks snug, and it is quiet - especially since I wear earplugs when I ride. I don't notice turbulence moving my head around.....but maybe I have just gotten used to that feeling - in most instances I ride in gusty wind or at speed the entire bike is trying to move around!

A good windshield is often a huge benefit if you are going to be riding fast for long periods of time (interstate riding). It not only helps deflect wind - it also deflects rain. Most high mileage Savage bikes are equipped with windshields.

See if you can borrow a full face helmet (or modular where the front can be hinged up when you want) - and go for a ride. Watch eBay or Craigslist for bargain helmets.....sometimes the owners are selling good helmets for cheap prices.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Neil on 05/03/21 at 10:55:51

Thanks. I have a stock windshield on my 2006, but it's minimal. Where would I look for alternative ideas? Any photos here?

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 05/03/21 at 11:24:25

Before you invest in a big windscreen, try this first; remove your existing windscreen. Windscreens tend to have very poor aerodynamics resulting in turbulent flow behind the windscreen. Here's an example:

My FZ6 came stock with a nice looking upper fairing that included a tall windscreen for high-speed cruising. It's a great looking bike. For a number of reasons I found the bike uncomfortable. I invested in a gel seat, Ohlins shock and RaceTech Gold Valves in the forks...and I just couldn't get comfortable on that bike.

One day I was out on one of my favorite back roads traveling about 60 mph. At the time I was actually contemplating selling the bike because some was just "off" with the comfort of the bike (I always felt fatigued after riding it) but I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I needed to stretch my legs and I decided to just stand up. In that instant I knew exactly what was wrong with that FZ - it was the fairing. As soon as I got away from the turbulent air flow and into the smooth air I realized that the fairing was creating an effect that felt like I was getting punched in the helmet from left to right. With smooth air now flowing over my helmet my head was stable and it was much quieter. Within days I removed the fairing (selling it for $300) and installed a round headlight and aftermarket directionals. I don't miss that fairing one bit. It may have looked nice, but it was beating the heck out of my head.

Try riding your bike naked before getting a new windscreen. You just might like it.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Eegore on 05/04/21 at 05:41:28

"Try riding your bike naked before getting a new windscreen. You just might like it."

Agreed. there are windscreens that will make the air turbulent against you depending on your size and speed of the bike. I'd try with no windscreen first just to see if it is a contributing factor to the wind sheer you feel.

As for helmets I use a Bell "BULLITT" and it has options for a curved shield or a flat one. These feel like they have a different effect but I have never wind-tunnel tested them. I prefer the flat one. This helmet is not the quietest I have worn however.

Also the facepiece sits close to the mouth, I did test a direct road impact on a ballistic head/neck and I imagine you would lose some teeth if you somehow landed straight forward, which is really uncommon. Of course no protection would guarantee facial damage.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by ohiomoto on 05/04/21 at 13:09:28

7973777D767F7B722C2A2E1E0 wrote:

...
Try riding your bike naked before getting a new windscreen. You just might like it.

---------

He means naked bike, not the operator!!

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Ruttly on 05/04/21 at 17:28:01

I would have let him ride naked

He might like it

;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 05/04/21 at 19:50:13

I was willing to let Neil interpret it any way he wanted.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Serowbot on 05/05/21 at 13:03:11

Because AZ is so hot, I wear a white helmet... if I wear a blue shirt, I look like a giant Q-tip.
NO BLUE SHIRTS!....

As far as helmet brands,... try them on.
Some folks have Shoei shaped heads, some have AGV heads, etc... (those are expensive heads)
I have a HJC head... :-?

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by ckahleer on 05/05/21 at 14:33:20

I have always bought sub $100 helmets. Never clean them and let them get real groady. I leave my helmet setting on the bike when parked. No one would think of touching it, let alone putting it on their head.
If I had an expensive Shoei helmet, I would be scared to leave it on the bike and would always be carrying it with me.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Dave on 05/06/21 at 03:38:41

5058525B5F565641330 wrote:

If I had an expensive Shoei helmet, I would be scared to leave it on the bike and would always be carrying it with me.

Yep.......my Shoei helmet is either locked on the bike or carried inside with me when I stop. When you add the Sena radio headset it becomes a significant investment. Last night I ate dinner with a group of riders and we had a table covered with Shoei, Arai and Nolan helmets.

The cheek pads and liner pop out pretty easily and I wash them several times a year to keep them from getting too funky. After a week of riding in 90 degree weather it definitely is time for a "refresh"!

I likely would not recommend buying a top of the line helmet until you have found out what helmet style you want (full face, modular, open face, shorty) - and find out you ride enough to warrant the investment. Expensive helmets are made from better materials and they are more durable than the less expensive helmets. Also watch Craigslist and see if you can find a good used helmet - there are a lot of low mileage helmets for sale as riders sell their bikes or get newer equipment.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by verslagen1 on 05/06/21 at 12:46:08

You either have get the helmet completely out of the windstream or totally in it.

I have a flyscreen and it's angled so the wind off the top hits me in the upper chest blowing fresh air into the helmet with very little buffeting.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Zepp on 05/06/21 at 14:32:40

7E55595C544542435F300 wrote:

In my youth I always used open helmets, in my later years I always use Integral helmets, both for extra safety and for some comfort.

And there is both pros and cons for both helmet types.

In anyway.. riding a bike, ones head always gonna be in the wind anyhow.. and moste of your body to.. one get used to that.

Loking to right and left always gonna make some force to counter.. do this anyway, juste learn that it gonna happen.. its for your own safety.

And to windscreens, there is both good and bad ones.

And to that there are race bike windshield, touring bike windshields.. I think on our bike its more apropriat to go for a nice little windshield inbetween.. if one need one?

Its this thing about helmet buffeting I think.. Im used to it and I dont ride on higways anyhow.

And here some Youtubes about it;
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wind+screens+for+motorcycle

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by rong on 06/02/21 at 13:44:45

What worked for me was the Slipstreamer Spitfire windscreen. It wasn't too expensive. And the beauty of it is that it's easily removable. You can easily put it on and remove it with two hand tightened screws. Depending on how you feel ... put it on one day, then take it off the next.

However, your situation may be different. ... But it worked for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9mrYpwRE4

https://slipstreamer.com/motorcycle/spitfire/

Ron G

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Neil on 06/02/21 at 15:54:04

Super timely reply Ron. Was going to order a new one in 45 minutes, as soon as BikeBandit matched Amazon price ($50 less) and told me what mounting kit I need. I currently have the Slipstreamer Spitfire Sport Shield S-06, and that's what's buffeting my head around (and doesn't keep hands shielded in cold weather), so need something taller to pass wind higher over me. The Slipstreamer S-00 Enterprise seems the only option that fits our s40 (S-02 Spirit has decals fercrissake and up-angled handlegrip covers may not cover s40).

But this buying adventure has been a PITA.

Anybody have a Slipstreamer S-00 Enterprise windshield?

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/02/21 at 16:42:41

I sew the foam pads to keep them off the temple piece of the glasses. Helmet shake moves glasses causing vision problems.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by rong on 06/02/21 at 17:17:05

I'm not familiar with that model. Hope it works for you!

Ron G

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Mavigogun on 06/07/21 at 01:03:56

1A313D38302126273B540 wrote:

Anybody have a Slipstreamer S-00 Enterprise windshield?

No, but had a similarly dimensioned shield; at speed, I ended up curling over the tank to be beneath the buffet. I much prefer a smaller shield that sheds bellow the helmet line, or no shield at all- with the latter, at high speeds, my helmet floats just over the head light, unweighted by the onrush of air, elbows and knees tucked tight. So positioned, the large single cylinder doesn’t let one forget they are a monkey clinging to the top of a heap of parts flying in concert.

Title: Re: Helmet/head stability in wind/high speed
Post by Neil on 06/07/21 at 11:36:17

Sweet poetics:)