I bought a bike.....

[jgcable]

Thanks. I looked into it too and I read the same thing. Thats enough to sell me on a full face helmet. I will just have to get used to the limited visibility.

[Thrust]

Did you check the helmet out?? Its not a skullcap. The only difference between the CL-33 and a full face helmet is the chin protector.

I value your advise but I am not trying to conform. What I am trying to do is make myself safe and comfortable on the bike.
Give me some reasons why the HJC CL-33 helmet is not safe. I'm listening.

Yes, I looked at the helmet. I wasn't implying that "you" were trying to conform, but rather sharing my experience. Sorry if I phrased it poorly.

Basically, I believe anything less than a full-face is a no-no. However, something is better than nothing.

BTW, you'll get used to the full face and after a short time you'll actually grow to appreciate the "confining" feeling. Further (and I don't know if this has been mentioned) a full-face does a much better job at protecting you from road debris (e.g., rocks, bugs, bolts from vehicles, BIRDS) that you encounter on a daily basis.

[SEEGERMANY]

John, try as many full coverage helmuts as possible. You will find some that are lighter, offer more viewing range, and even helmuts that are vented to increase air flow to your noggin.

[mattsmusiccenter]

Yeah, it's a great feeling riding without a helmet but my guess is that would go away quickly when you're flying through the air after an accident. I've been riding for 20+ years and always wear my full face.

[RacerX]

I It also sucked not being able to hear much. I was riding with my brother in law and I couldn't hear him at all.
He let me try out his 3/4 helmet and it was so much better. I could see everything, hear everything, I could talk and I wasn't sweating nearly as bad. Is this an ok helmet for me? I am just a beginner and I haven't even gotten past 40mph yet and I have only ridden in traffic a few times. This helmet seems very safe to me and it gets great reviews.

The only uncool thing about it is the look. It is pearl white and looks a little goofy compared to the kick ass full face helmets with graphics. The visor is nice and big and clear and it covers my entire face. I can wear sunglasses with it on too. It looks more like a cruiser style helmet but I think that is because of the color. Black, red or blue would be a better color I guess. My brother in law told me not to spend alot on a helmet because eventually I won't be wearing it. I told him that I won't even ride my bicycle without a helmet on. He said.. trust me.. you won't wear it. Hardly anybody in CT wears helmets.

Stop listening to this idiot

Start listening to the smart guys in this thread



Full face only

[Chasbo]

Hey John, you know how on your road bike you will sometimes have turn your head to see what is in your 6? same on the moto. Mirrors are nice, but they have blind spots. As far as heat, crack the visor when not moving to let it out I often ride with it open in town and close it out of town, also open ALL the vents bro. Once you get used to looking around you for stuff, you won't even notice yourself doing it. BTW, every time you stop, practice automatically shifting into 1st and watching your 6 so you don't get rear ended by a soccer mom on a cell phone. Being in 1st allows you to take off in case someone is going to rear end you.

chuck

[jgcable]

Thanks alot guys. I am shopping for a full face now. I went out and did 20 miles tonight in the backroads. I took it pretty wimpy slow because I didn't want to get into any trouble in the turns. I screwed up a few times but both times it was at very slow speed. Once I was turning from a standing stop and a car was in front of me. I didn't give myself enough room between myself and the car and I lurched forward. Another time I was simply pulling out of my driveway and I almost hit the opposite curb. Besides that.. I had the bike up to 50. Man.. the wind hits hard.
I felt pretty comfortable but shit scared at the same time. My hands got numb a few times but I kept reminding myself to loosen my grip.

[khabibissell]

Thanks alot guys. I am shopping for a full face now. I went out and did 20 miles tonight in the backroads. I took it pretty wimpy slow because I didn't want to get into any trouble in the turns. I screwed up a few times but both times it was at very slow speed. Once I was turning from a standing stop and a car was in front of me. I didn't give myself enough room between myself and the car and I lurched forward. Another time I was simply pulling out of my driveway and I almost hit the opposite curb. Besides that.. I had the bike up to 50. Man.. the wind hits hard.
I felt pretty comfortable but shit scared at the same time. My hands got numb a few times but I kept reminding myself to loosen my grip.

Now you see why we all were pushing for you to start small...

It can be intimidating, but you'll have it down in no time. Enjoy the bike.

[RacerX]

It can be intimidating, but you'll have it down in no time.

Hopefully not the bike! :ROTF:

[Drsracing]

I prefer the Shoie RF Series of of helmets. Never really cared for boots on a smaller bike, but I need my alpinestars on the track on a bigger bike

[jgcable]

I bought a Shoei RF-800. It is such a kick ass full face helmet.

[Drsracing]

Just go put put some miles weekend and make fun of all these uys

[clifffclaven]

jg, have you taken the msf yet? and do you know how to countersteer?

[jgcable]

jg, have you taken the msf yet? and do you know how to countersteer?

I haven't taken the MSF course yet. My first class is July 12th.
I know how to countersteer but I am too chicken to try it on the road.
Basically... I put another 15 miles on the bike tonight before it started raining. I rode in traffic this time. I even got on the thruway and got off of an easy exit.
I again.. made some stupid mistakes. Grabbing the clutch instead of the brake and visa versa, and making low speed turns at traffic lights. I seem to studder around the turns. One more thing.. I was stopped in traffic at a light going uphill. This is when I realized that I need to be holding the back brake!!!
Another thing I would like to know from all you riders... were you scared shitless in the beginning? I am.
I can't wait until riding is enjoyable because so far.. its pretty stressful.

[RacerX]

I think you need to get to that course, before a stupid mistake bites you in the ass! Maybe park the bike for a couple weeks.

You're probably already countersteering without realizing it.