Modern Vespa

Well, got a bit proactive and bought a new FF helmet. Had a bit of a shock looking at the date on my current one.....

Anyway, I stuck with the same brand that has fit well (Shoei) but a different model, and ordered my usual size...well, actually I messed up and ordered the size larger first, so I'm sitting on two of them, one to return.... Anyway, popped on the normal size one which feels quite snug. IIRC, so did my last one, but as many of you know, they loosen over time. I think I had my doubts for a little while, but I've been confident of the sizing since.

Any suggestions, tips to be sure I have the right size? I know you don't want the helmet to move freely on your head, but that's about it. Should I just trust Shoei's sizing to be accurate between models and pick the size I always wore?

Talk with the dealer to see if there’s custom cheek pads. I bought the Bell flip front helmet and the fit was improved immensely by fitting an alternate cheek pad size.

Yeah it’s annoying the old “you’re either a Bert or Ernie” shoei or arai fit went out the window. With differing shapes online ordering is a bit of a lottery now.

I just upgraded to a Shoei GT Air II and expect the cheek pads to break in a bit. Shoei sizing lined up with my head size fairly well and my helmet fits snug. When my head is stationary, I can’t move the helmet from left to right (no slop)

FWIW - the Sena SRL-2 is great and integrates perfectly into the GT Air II

Thanks for all the input. I've tried the helmet a couple more times and I think it's a go. I do have the larger one that I'd ordered by mistake an nothing is stopping me from opening it up (call me lazy). I think my first thought was to send it back unopened, but it's no loss to open it, so....

I've heard it said that if you could reasonably chew gum with your helmet on, it's too big.

Shoei have models for different head shapes. For whatever reason only known to the Japanese they have bizarre names for their models that change between US and UK markets. There are good fitting videos on YouTube where you might find someone reviewing your model. Which model did you get?

The cheeks "must" tighten otherwise in the event of a collision the helmet will rotate around the head, cutting the trachea with the strap.

Aw YUCK... stuff like that is enough to make you want a car...

Despite everything they must be said. :?

Absolutely! I’m firmly believe in scaring the hell out of people with regards to the hazards of motorcycling. I’ve seen too many friends and new riders injured after not taking the sport seriously enough.

Ride a bike, yes, definitely. Wear all the right gear properly and ride within safe limits... oh yes, another helping please!

BUT... on a far more important level... we need a picture of the MV listed under your avatar. Lovely things those smaller MVs.

This is a good summary on helmet sizing.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-buy-and-size-a-motorcycle-helmet

Point 5., wear the new helmet ~30 min in your head, at home, is a good one.
not only for internet buyers - my local Arai dealer made me to walk around the shop half an hour to make sure I got the size right... feels stupid, but pays off!

In general, if you'll feel pain, or hard presssure at your forehead or temples, that's a no-no. In many models, cheek area is easier to adjust.

Different models of Shoei of the same "size" are different.

We just got a new NeoTec2 for my wife, size L. Well, hopefully we pick it up today....
In the GT-Air, she would have taken an XL.

Also, Shoei sells cheek pads to get a better fit.
If I recall correctly the helmet comes with the medium thickness, and you can buy pads ~4mm thicker, or thinner.

Sorry, never answered your question... RF1200. Think I'm going to like it.

Finally opened the box on the larger one. Still snug, but more comfortably so. I think we have a winner. High time to break out the gum and try an extended wearing....

Head shape is more important than helmet size. Go to Revzilla, and watch some of their videos. Better yet, look at their helmet selection. Most of them tell you what shape head it is for. Trying to fit a long oval head in a helmet that is designed for a round noggin will get you nowhere.

Head shape is a decent match. Its just the amount of "squeeze." My current helmet is far looser than it was nee, so I went with the smaller(if XL can be considered small). May take a few weeks, but I'm thinking we'll like each other better then.

My noggin is snug in an XXL Shoei Neotec. So yeah, you have a small(ish) head.

This is useful when it has your model on it. Looks like your helmet should be okay for both shaped heads being towards the middle.

Somethins gpinv to give....either my head or the helmet liner.😛

If I wear a helmet that has tight cheek pieces, I cannot get it onto my head,
My cranium is large (62-63cm) and most helmets do not pass over it without serious effort and pressing my ears in one at a time.
I cannot understand why inflatable cheek pieces cannot be fitted to inflate after you have put on the helmet.

The FIM-certified R1 Air has inflatable pads. I'm seriously considering getting one: