Modern Vespa

I'm very new to the Motorized two-wheel world.
I am trying to pick a helmet that will save my life and one that looks good and sort of matches my bike.

I am looking at this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390091690126&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

can you tell me if this is a good choice...if not, what is everyone else using

I know nothing about brands and have no idea what ECE means on a helmet.

thanks for your help

Best bet is to go to a motorcycle shop and try on a helmet find one you like then if you can find the best price. DOT or Snell is good. FF,1/2 or 3/4 helmet is your choice. fit is the most important part of finding a good helmet. go to youtube and search helmet fitting or fit. good luck.

DOT is good
Snell Is good

Brands I use
HJC SymaxII
Harley Davidson 3/4 Helmt made by Fulmer
1/2 Helmet made by Fulmer
I had a few others but I sold them since I got the wrong size to start with.
HJC Symax
Nolan filpface Ncom

Stay away from novlety helmets

looks ok to me for a daily fair weather helmet ... as soon as it gets kewl out i start wearing a full face ......

i wear a similar helmet made my Emporio Armani. I brought it back from Italy but it is not DOT 5 approved..... looks great but i don't think you would ever want to fall ...

safety or vanity... i choose vanity

I second what 175mws offers. Go to your local shop and try on a variety of helmets to find one that fits and will be comfortable for a reasonable period of wear. You cannot do that with these internet helmets.

There are a variety of GOOD helmets on the market in shops for about $100, which is what this unknown helmet will cost you delivered. This article is a long and technical read, but it reinforces the point that you don't have to pay a high price to get good protection.

Also note that while the web ad you mention says "DOT Approved", there is no DOT sticker in the photos. Also, and it is covered in several threads here, DOT "Approves" nothing. Manufacturers simply state their helmets meet the DOT required standards. Red flag to me.

Al

Definitely go to a shop and try them on. Heads are all sorts of shapes and sizes, and so are helmets. What fits your head shape probably won't fit mine. Make sure you keep one on for a good 10 mins, once you've whittled it down to a shortlist of two or three (it sometimes takes time for you to feel the pressure points that can result in a helmet giving you a painful headache). Not giving it a good try-on can be an expensive mistake.

I know you're in the US, but this (UK Govt results for testing a lot of different helmets) might help you come to a decision (most of these helmets are on sale in the US): http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Personally, I'd also be wary of buying a helmet mail order. Given that a sharp drop can render a helmet practically useless, I wouldn't want my postman anywhere near it. (Having said which, plenty of folks buy mail order, and have no problems with that, so I guess we all think differently on that one)

The only time I would consider buying a helmet online is if I was purchasing the same brand, model and size, and the dealer was reputable (like newenough .

It is very important to wear the helmet for a while before deciding! For my first purchase, I brought a book, and sat down (with helmet on) and read for 15 to 20 minutes. The first helmet (a Shark) fit fine for 10 or so minutes, and then began to become noticably uncomfortable. The second (Shoei) felt as good after 20 minutes as the moment I put it on!

If the dealer won't let you wear the helmet for a while, you know something is up, and ought to consider the quality of service you are receiving. I haven't run up against this, so I suspect it is rare.

If they let you (and not all dealers will), ask if you can try the helmet on while you take a short ride. That will give you a better idea about wind noise and other comfort when you are at speed.

Fit makes a difference! If you hate putting it on, it isn't going to do its job!

Good luck.

Agreed. First, do some research online about safety features, user reviews etc and decide what kind of helmet you want - full face, modular, open, half. Then, if you have a good store near you, go try some on. Every head is different, and you need to make sure you get a good fit. Consider that if you plan to take long rides or trips, you definitely want to wear your choice helmet in the store for 10 minutes or so at least to make sure it's really comfortable. You'd be surprised how annoying just a little soft bump in a helmet's padding can get after pushing on the same spot on your head a while.

If there is no good store near you, you can order online but make sure to pick a retailer with a good return/exchange policy and a good reputation. Definitely, don't buy from ebay, and choose an established brand. You don't want to mess with your own skull.

As for matching your scoot, I hope that's below safety and comfort on your priority list, but it shouldn't be too hard to find a red helmet really.

1. Full Face.

2. Try on is a MUST!!!

my 2 cents. when trying on the helmet wear it in the store for at least 30 minutes. this will ensure you have no pressure points and will be comfortable for the long haul. try on different brands and even take notes on each then come back in a day or so and then buy.

but do buy locally as it keeps those guys in business and with out them youo could never try on the helemt in the first place.

It may be tough finding appropriate helmets in the shops in Pueblo

Around here, the Honda & Yamaha shops are the best,
because GoldWing & Burgman riders tend to wear appropriate headgear

It really is important to get your 1st helmet from a helpful, experienced salesperson

If those are hard to find, you might want to get something like this,
until you can find a good salesperson to fit you into a full-face helmet
http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/helmets/hjc/fs_3_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html

Have a look here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/vssafety/motorcyclehelmetsvisorsandgo4563?page=2

The one pictured is made in China and imported to the States, although the one on Ebay may be a direct buy. That paticular one is a knock-off of the Davida Jet, and as helmets go it is of low quality, and as we all know, you usually get what you pay for. Having said that, I also believe the days of the $450.00 Arais are numbered. There's too many good ones around the $100 dollar mark. So go to a motorcycle/scooter shop and try a few on. Things to consider are weight, fit, and road noise. But remember, don't put all your faith in the helmet. You're just as apt to fall on your ass as you are your head. Be more concerned with your skills as a rider.

Tomorrow-

I would add to jim's reply that ECE legally means nothing in the US. If you are in a state that requires helmet wear, then it most likely requires that the manufacturer claims DOT compliance. Anything else, no matter how safe, does not meet the legal requirements you are under (as in liability for a traffic citation), and may also be a loophole for your insurance to deny a claim should you suffer a mishap.

Al

I don't know that much about helmets, but I will suggest either a 3/4 or full face helmet if you don't plan on using a windscreen while riding during the winter months. -If- you plan on riding during the winter months.

And even with a 3/4ths helmet, you'll need something like a gaiter for you face to cover your chin.

Absolutely! As a matter of fact the last 3 HJC system helmets we bought from newenough and they were dropped shipped from a major HJC distributor, and at the best price out there.

OP, as others have uttered, in the end it's mostly about fit. Although after cruising around "sharp the helmet safety scheme", I'm a bit concerned about my modular aka system helmet.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/results/?sort=manufacturer&dir=asc&manufacturer=0&model=0&type=3&rating=0&size=0&price=0&x=25&y=8

Not enough to give them up..... I also wear a FF and OF. Also from newenough.

louis

And I am so glad to have a Caberg Trip (5 stars) modular. Not only is it well rated, it's the most comfortable helmet I have owned! With a retractable tinted visor to boot.

Al

Sounds like a nice helmet. I was shocked to read that it still failed to stay closed in 10% of the impacts. I think the BMW V had 100% impact lock. HJC listed 40 and 47% lock on impact!

To add to the suggestions to buy local AFTER trying on the helmet and making sure you have a good fit.

1. Avoid dealing with a salesperson who seems to be selling you the most expensive helmet on the wall since its the most expensive and therefore is the best (for his/her commission check)

2. If you were glasses full-0-time, consider a modular full face helmet. You can put the helmet on and take it off while wearing glasses. I know I can take them off and put them back on after but this can be rather inconvenient at times. Also, some helmets are very difficult to slide in the glasses arm's past the pads.

3. Try enough helmets to know what a good one and what a bad one feels like. If the helmet is trying to squeeze your round head into an oval shape, this will be worse over time and make you not want to wear it.

I use a HJC Symax II and would recommend it to anyone who it fits well. I bought my helmet at a BMW dealer.

I recently bought a helmet from a chain store called Cycle Gear. There are very few in stores in Austin that sell helmets. I had a great experience. They special ordered a helmet for me without making me pay first. They had the size and model I wanted but not the color. They were very friendly and excellent at helping me size the helmet. They also have a 7 day return policy on helmets, so that you can ride with it and feel it for a bit. I can't tell if there is one near you right now, because the store locater on their website is broken.

Amazing response! All of you , Thank you!

There is a Honda dealer here in town and I will be paying him a visit. I think I might lean more towards a 3/4 or possbile a full. I want to keep riding in the winter (w/o snow).

I like the idea of taking a ride with the helmet, makes sense to see what sort of blind spots or just general discomfort it might give me.

thanks again!

Almost everything you wanted to know about helmets, and then some, can be found here .

Check their other sections too that cover noise, fit, ear plugs, etc.

In a nutshell: try on helmets to check fit around your head's crown. Disregard cheek fit for now. Never buy a helmet for looks (or price) only. Never buy a helmet model without having tested it for fit before.

Here is a list of shops to check out in the Pueblo area. You should call ahead and see what selection of helmets they carry. I would suggest trying the scooter shops first as long as they don't sell just Chinese scooters.

Anthony's Scooter City 1207 Highland Ave Pueblo, CO 81004 (719) 561-3832
Chazwiks Motor Cycle Works 4200 Thatcher Ave Pueblo, CO 81005 (719) 566-0031
Chop Shop 709 E. 4th St. Pueblo, CO 81001 (719) 545-5920
Hymark Motorsports Inc 175 E. Spaulding Ave Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 547-3478
M & B Motor Scooters 7 Bear Claw Cour Pueblo, CO 81001 (719) 544-3333
Motor Sports Plus More 359 E. Enterprise Dr Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 647-8871
Outpost Harley-Davidson 5001 N Elizabeth St Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 542-6032
Paradise Motorsports 2801 W. US Highway 50 Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 543-0808
Roadgear Inc 206 W. Elgin Dr Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 547-4572
Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza 4929 N. Elizabeth St. Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-5490
Steel City Bikeworks 2721 E. 4th Str Pueblo, CO 81001 (719) 543-6824
Timme Motor Sales Inc 315 E. Enterprise Dr Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 547-4917

i second the webBikeWorld recommendation. While they have not reviewed everything out there they seem to test a large number of things and even buy some things before a vendor send them any. I like thier reviews but like everything, the authors do have their preferences and it can be seen in some of their articles. This is usually noted and about a minor items. If they don't like something, I tend not to get it for myself.

WHOA!
I had no idea there were so many shops here.
I only knew of two that are on this list.
thank you, I got some shopping to do

I bought a vespa helmet (wife laughed) followed by another on line to suit my colour scheme and then a nexx x60 on ebay and it fits and looks a treat. My next will be a new Nexx helmet. I find full face gives limited visibility when driving mostly in town. Hope that helps.

Thank you guys for all your help! I went to a couple stores today and found some helmets that I will definately get but I might wait til this winter to get a full face.

I found that a full faced, flip can be used in hot or cold, I Have a Nolan 100N. In fact the full face will fog up if I don't open the visor a notch in colder weather.
That being said I bought a Scorpion 1/2 3/4 wih colder weather. It has a retractible visor that slides up in the helmet. Not the protection of a full face but it fits in the prima bag on the rear rack very nicely. And I will wear it

I whole heartedly agree the best system is to go to a shop and try them on. Good luck and welcome to scooting

i will buy a openface when i learn how to come off my scoot and slide down the road on the top of my head

Well said, full face every time.
You've only got one head & you would look pretty stupid with half of it missing.

I know someone who owned a JP helmet. From a cursory examination, it looked a touch better than some of the cheap, generic Chinese-made lids available online (I have a special dislike for HCI helmets). The claim of DOT compliance is pretty useless, though. I don't think DOT has actually tested these.

If you're looking for a similar style, you can find much better quality at fairly low cost. The Nolan N30 is a really nice, affordable ($150-$180 most places) 3/4. Seems to be the first helmet of choice among riders in this area.

Though there's not a simple direct correlation between price and quality, you're not going to get much more than a plastic bucket with cheap padding and materials and maybe a decent looking (online) paint job for under $100. Practice makes perfect!

Read this article. It's a long read, but the interesting item is:

The DOT helmets we had were all plastic-shelled, and none cost more than $100. How did they do? They kicked butt. In what must be considered a head-impact Cinderella story, the DOT-only helmets from Z1R delivered less average G force to the headform through all the impacts than any others in the test.

Z1R full face http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/helmets-full-face/77203.php

Al

I have the same scooter as you do and I use a open-face DOT and ECE05.22 certified helmet from Sparx. (the white/orange one
http://www.helmetexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/0/pid/19627)

Personally I don't trust DOT certified alone unless it's a real high-end brand like Arai or Shoei. I feel the combination of DOT and European certification give me more comfort on the function of the helmet. This helmet is both great looking (matches the scooter well) and functioning well. I think it runs slighly larger as I wear Large on all other brands I've tried on (KBC/Shoei/Scorpion, etc.) but wear Medium on this one. You can get it on eBay from a reputable vendor for <$100. It'll be a good idea to visit some stores to try as many brands as possible to know your general size and preference before getting it online.

Please... have some consideration for your local business people

If you get their help and take up a lot of their time trying on helmets,
please buy from them (or they won't be around next time)

Aviator47, that is a great article. I have had it in my favorires list for several years.
Buying a helmet is so personal, but fit and comfort come first for me. Since about 60-65% of head injuries occur in the facial and temple areas, my preference is a modular(really a compromise IMO). Not wearing a good fitting helmet or one that does not give adaquate protection could be a NO BRAINER!!

I'm pretty familiar with that article and have read it many times. I was oversimplifying... Yes you can get a lid that offers decent protection for $100. I wear the $150 Vega Summit modular, which compares quite well to models that cost 3 times as much.

A "good" helmet, IMHO, has to do more than offer adequate impact protection. A cheap helmet that can take a pounding is often still a cheap helmet. From the Webbikeworld review of the Z1R tested in the article:
We'll admit that it falls below our standards for a helmet that we could live with, day in and day out. Its internal shape is too uncomfortable for many riders. We have some questions about the internal helmet shape and how it might affect the transmission of energy for those whose head shapes don't match. The liner is thin, stiff and the material feels scratchy. The visor borders on unacceptable and the venting is nearly non-existent.

A helmet that can protect my head but is uncomfortable, itchy, poorly vented and has a crappy visor is still not something I'm interested in buying. There are some better helmets in the $100 range (Fulmer comes to mind) But several other companies have very good ones in the $150.

So I'll partially retract what I said but also clarify: The point is, stay away from that cheap stuff that's sold almost exclusively online but looks good in photos. Chances are, it won't be. DOT is not a matter of certification, it's a matter of standards compliance. Manufacturers claim they comply with DOT (FMVSS 218) and slap a sticker on. The NHTSA then tests some helmets for compliance, but not all.

As I've complained about here before, you will find many helmets which have failed DOT testing for sale online as "DOT compliant." If they fail, there's a recall, but it's voluntary and depends on the manufacturer and retailers to notify buyers. (Helmets can fail for a number of reasons and this may not always trigger a recall.)

Unscrupulous retailers sometimes continue selling the damn things as DOT, though. Most folks are unlikely to check the web sites of the more responsible sellers and the NHTSA every year to see if their helmet failed.

It's a pretty toothless system that has little relevance when non-compliant helmets will stay on the market unless tested, consumers will usually not know if a model has failed and some retailers keep selling them as DOT anyways.

The object is not to come off your scoot, bicycle, or anyother means of forward propulsion. What difference does it make if you ride like your immune to doom by lane splitting,weaving, or trying to beat feet with cagers off the line at signals. Crushed is crushed. If you want an open casket the full face will help in that regards. Otherwise make it a lawn ornament or indoor sculpture/furniture. And never leave the house or get out of bed.

I respect your opinion but none of my local stores carry the model/style I wanted. At the same time, lots of eBay vendors also maintain physical stores. I found it okay to help someone else's local biz and UPS by committing multiple shipments. I'm comfortable with my overall efforts in helping local business in general, not just for buying helmets. However, it does show more consideration to visit stores that allow trying of products without requiring assistance when the purchase is unlikely, and to buy from them when possible if not for the instance one receives help for.

I definately agree. I don't ask for help unless I'm serious.

Yes
I didn't mean to be critical
(I wrote that for future newbies who may read this thread)

Particularly since I've been doing the same thing
ever since my recent move

I can no longer find shops nearby that seek female customers like me
It gets very frustrating and I haven't (yet) been willing to pay more to support the local businesses here

Fortunately, I am no longer a newbie who needs their advice