Went to the local Suzuki dealer today to get oil and a new filter for my S40...

While we were there, we looked at some new helmets. I ran a full face helmet this past year, but I've been thinking of going with a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet for local riding to and from work. They had a 3/4 helmet that had a zip off ear and neck guard that I really liked... Anyone use something like this?

And once I go with a helmet that has no face shield I'll need some sort of riding eyewear. Suggestion on brands or places to go for them? I have a decent set of Oakley's, but are they enough or will I need specific riding glasses?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

First 2 times I totalled a bike, I had no helmet on, walked away from both of them.

The last time I smashed on, I had on a full face. I stuck my face into the drivers side cab corner, right behind the drivers head. The force drove the strap into my throat hard enough I was still "feeling it" when I swallopwed, 3 weeks later. Even split my lip on the chin protector.I figure that had I survived with only a regular helmet, I would be way ugly(er) & the cost of the surgeries would have been asstronomical.

That said, IF I had been wearing a helmet on the first one, I would have been killed, because it would have been a fulcrum between head & shoulder, breaking my neck, since I landed on the side of my head & my shoulder, scootuing along just below 60 MPH. So, knowing what I know, having seen & experienced crashes, I choose a flip faced helmet.
Your life, your call,,

helmets are really a personal choice, as for glasses i always ride with safety glasses. the sun glass style for daytime and the clear for nights. never had any issues with them.

rigidchop wrote on 01/19/09 at 20:17:22:


Im a huge proponent of safety glasses.  At $5 or $6 a pair they cant be beat.  They have no frame to obstruct your view and they're rated to take impacts.  And if you ever lose them or need to get new glasses, you can get the same exact kind at any Home Depot or major hardware store.

I like my face so I use full face. I bought a gold tinted visor for those sunny days. When I wish to have wind in my face and lift up the visor. As for sun glasses, when I used to do a beaner and sun glasses I found my sun glasses kept getting dinged by rocks flying up. Bugs in the face also are no fun.

When I first got the bike I just grabbed a regular helmet with a flip up visor. I wanted that "wind in the face" sensation, so I popped the visor off & got some goggles. It was fun for a while, but eventually the dirt & stuff the oncoming traffic kicked up, the bugs & stuff just got old. I started using the visor. Then, when I went to get the Guzzi down in Houston, the guy I bought it from pointed out that I might live longer with a FF helmet. I had no idea what the crash stats showed, but there is a graph somewhere that shows impact zones & how often they get hit. Seems the face takes a licking more often than the back of the head. I wish I knew where that graphic is, Its online somewhere.

I see tuff biker dudes, with plain old wire-rimmed glasses.... but I always tear up from the wind... I need at least wrap-arounds, if not goggles...
Try your Oakleys and see how they work for you.... no tears,.. you're good to go....

but I'm 99% FF now...

My girlfriend surprised me with a helmet for my birthday (on Thursday)... It's an HJC half helmet with zip off ear protection.

Looks like this, except mine is all black.


I'm not really sure about this over an actual 3/4 helmet, but I like the way it fits and I am guessing that the leather sides would protect a "little" (or, at least more than no helmet).

I can't wait to get out and ride with it.