Long Haul Helmet ?

[Mad Cow]

This is hardly a long haul for most but for me it is. I'm planning a trip this summer and need to ride about 450 or 500 miles a day for a few days.

I rode just one hundred twenty interstate miles yesterday around 70-75mph and by the time I got home my neck was sore as hell. I don't have a windshield but suppose I'm going to have to beak down and put one on even though I hate the look. I suppose it would save some fatigue too.

I believe the 1/2 helmet parasail problem is the culprit on the sore neck. I've thought of a full helment but can stand the feel. Is a 3/4 the better away to go or does it "parasail" too ? Any fix for the 1/2 ?

[BANDIT01]

In my opinion (which most opinions are not worth much), is that your answer lies in your question. You said you dont have a windshield. Since I put mine on, the wind buffeting which causes you to strain forward against it, does not exist. If you go this route, just make sure you get one of those quick detachable ones. Less of a hassle to mess with. Then you can ride with your half helmet and not worry about the wind.

Back in the late 60's I did a trip up the CA coast on my Triumph Bonneville. At the end of the day, my neck would be toast, and I was a young pup back then. Now I can ride 200+ miles a day on the VTX and have no problem with the neck. I have the MF 21 inch W/S and wouldn't be without it. It's got quick removable attachment, so comes off IF you ever want to get it out of the way. I don't believe I would ever remove it.

As far as the helmet goes, I've got the Nolan Outlaw flip face. I ride with it up a lot for the fresh air, but Sunday there were a lot of bees in the air and had it down after I got a bug in my right ear. It's light and very comfortable and has room for my speakers for the XM. 8)

http://www.powersports4less.com/images/inventory/N100-outlaw-matte.jpg

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/images/memphis_21fats.gif

[netdoug]

I normally ride with an HJC full-face helmet and a OEM windshield on my 1800R. When I bought the helmet I didn't want to spend the big bucks for an Aria or Shoei.

I've since learned two things: the windshield helps most but a heavy or less aerodynamic helmet adds to the grief and neck pain.

I'm considering lowers on my bike to reduce the wind buffeting from the holes in the shield. And I'm looking at a lighter, more aerodynamic helmet. I've had a chance to ride with both the Aria and Shoei and like everything about them but the price (and maybe the graphics :) ). I'll also add the Nolen to the list (tnx Gunner1945).

Like many here, I'm actively planning for my BB1000 and want to make it as pleasant as possible. I like the quietness of a full-face helmet, the protection it gives, and the ability to listen to music but hate the lack of good ventillation (which is fantastic without the windshield) and the price/weight.

RD

[hawkwd]

I learned all about this when I was commuting 180 miles each way last summer.

It has very little to do with what type of helmet you wear actually. Certainly a huge helmet is going to cause more wind resistance than some smaller ones, but in general you've for an object between the size of a volleyball & a basketball out in the wind at 75 mph.

Just try ohlding either of them out the window of your car at that speed & you'll quickly understand they both pull like hell.

YOU NEED A WINDSHIELD !!!, or if you already have one, then a taller one.

When you apply 75 mph wind to your helmeted head, your neck muscles must pull your head forward to keep it upright. But, the muscles in yuor neck pull DOWN on the front of your neck to accomplish this, which puts a huge amount of compression force into your vertabrae. It's about like carrying a 50 lb bag of concrete mix on your hear the whole time.

No suprise you got a sore neck.

No type of helmet will cure it for you... Sorry...

[hawkwd]

Oh, one other thing... I hate windshields too.. I thik they ruin the look of my "C" model. I picked up a windvest 16 x 16 windshield for mine. It is a very small compared to most cruiser type windshields, but it really does a great job at eliminating my neck pain. It flows very nicely with the look of the bike, and many people do not even notice it is there compared to what they are used to looking at. It has a little flip curve the last couple inches from the top, which helps direct the wind up & over (but sorry if you have a passenger, casue it don't help them much) It still lets a lot of wind in from underneath, but that's OK with me, as long as it keeps my neck from hurting & does not look like a roman war shield in clear lexan... hehehe

Good luck

[x rated]

Have you looked at the corbin. Its pricey but works better than most fullsize windsheilds or so they say and has a great look.

[hilf]

The windshield or a sore neck? I'd take the windshield. Or, start exercising those neck muscles. If your speed under 25-30 mph the problem will be solved. :lol:

Many years ago, after dealing with a honeybee hitting my throat and stinging me before its life was extinguished, I vowed that I wouldn't let that happen again. I loathe full face helmets and equally hate peering through multiple layers of plastic. But I've grown accustomed to my teeth and facial features (such as they are).

Short story: Last summer a large bird exploded on my windshield while on a long trip. My riding buddy said he saw the bird explode into a ball of feathers and had to duck to avoid being hit by the remnants. I didn't see the thing coming. I'm sure the windshield saved my life.

I'll take a windshield over a full face helmet but in horrible weather I do resort to using both. Safety first.