Modern Vespa

I visited the Honda dealership in Arlington, MA. They tolerated me wandering around the shop for an hour wearing the helmet that I ended up buying. I decided that if anyone asked me what I was doing, I'd tell them that I was practicing to go out for the part of Darth Vader in a local play. No one said a word, probably because I was about to hand them $300.

I don't think that anyone would let you leave with one. Nor would they probably allow returns (after all, would you buy a helmet that someone took out of the shop and then returned?) The hour wearing session wasn't perfect, but it did give me an idea if there was anything seriously wrong with the helmet's fit.

I didn't worry about health issues, although I guess that it is possible to pick something up by donning a demo helmet.

Chris

i have a solid black HJC modular (flip-up). i really like it. very very comfy, not heavey, and was only $153 at heletcity.com (had hjc half helmet before so i knew the fit, plus they do exchanges/refunds)

I wouldn't think of bragging, but....the local shop wanted 560USD and a reliable shop with an internet store and a shop charged 120USD LESS....charity begins at home!

Go to the shop, find the helmet you think to be the right one, put it on and take a nap in the dressing room/ restroom. If you wake up with a headache and a big red spot on your forehead, try again the next day.

shops shouldn't let helmets out for liability reasons. you could drop it and then it's technically useless. what we recommend is for people to try them on and walk around the store for awhile while they shop. it looks dorky, but after 15 minutes you'll know how it fits.

helmets should fit snug, almost too snug, when you buy them. they always loosen up after about a month. the biggest error that people make is to buy a helmet that fits too comfortably.

Caberg Justissimo is a flip up with an inbuilt dark visor. Ideal for 'people' who ride towards the sun on their way to work and towards the sun on their way home from work (in the snow)

As for advice on helmets...I started riding bikes in the UK long before it was made compulsory to wear a crash hat. I remember the 'buzz' and the feel of freedom and independence. I have been riding two wheels, for well over 40 years. If someone in the pub asks me what I think about helmets I'll tell them, from my own personal experience. Face to face. Honest reportage is what I expect when I ask questions and I would hope to receive the same response if I ask for advice, which concerns my own personal safety.

We are all free to choose. What we must all do is ask and make our own choices based on honest responses. As an old lecturer said, "Believe nothing and challenge everything".

If I have overstepped the mark I apologise, but as part of my job, I have seen the results of motorcycle accidents. Some of them weren't pretty. Oh, and nearly all the motorcycle accidents were caused by car drivers. It is up to the rider to make as much use of safety features as is possible and if that means asking around for advice, then so be it.

Here's mine. Nice & visible. Comfortable. Girly but not pink.

Helmets are non returnable at any shop I've ever been to, unless of course there is a manufacturing defect. You try it and like it, you buy it. If it's too tight after a two hour ride, hope it loosens up a bit once the padding compresses.

jacqui