Author Topic: Jay Leno on Helmet Fitting (Read 29485 times)

S Smith · « **on:** February 01, 2009, 10:22:00 am »

Did you know that 8 out of 10 riders are wearing the wrong size helmet? Jay Leno visits wit Arai to discuss proper fit.

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/arai-helmets/283819/

Ted_Granger_VA · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:11:00 am »

That video should be shown at dealerships when someone is buying a helmet.

Camper Dave · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2009, 12:58:00 pm »

And to think... all those helmets I've thrown away because they fell off my tank

Dave Muir 1980 LTD1000 - Rocket 1999 Concours - Rocket II 1997 Dyna - wife's CT-COG #3649 Merchandise Czar

Yavapaiman · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:25:00 pm »

Actually, that was more interesting and informative than I thought it was going to be. They should consider showing this on the Myth Busters! Brock T. Delp http://www.delp.net/Concours '99 Concours "Gypsy" COG #3903/A : IBA #15224

Colin · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2009, 02:23:00 pm »

Steve I suggest we post this on one of the main web pages not just on the Forum. Thoughts? I saw the presentation by the Aria spokesman at the Seattle show he is very, very good! CP Colin Prior Cogmos Administrator Lake Forest Park WA COG#7767

Boburns · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2009, 02:30:00 pm »

I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head. It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at. In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches. I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact. Bob "Flylooper" Burns COG #5887 E Clampus Vitus, YB#1 '04 FJR 1300

Slybones · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2009, 05:05:00 pm »

I wish they would have spent more time telling you how to fit a helmet. And not just say you need a tape measure and all the pieces come in different sizes. Even though the Arai guy says there is becoming more focus on fitting in the industry, some how I dont see dealers keeping a huge box of interchangeable cheek pads in the back so they can custom fit every helmet sale. They'll be fitting the main shell of the helmet and then tell the customer its $79.99 x2 to get the right cheep pads so it fits comfortable. while that was informative, I think it would be cool to actually seen them fitting a helmet. 2003 Concours, 46K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://mysite.verizon.net/slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

S Smith · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:15:00 pm »

Quote

I suggest we post this on one of the main web pages not just on the Forum. Thoughts?

It is something to consider... but where? I posted it because the information has merit. Proper fit is important. Also consider that any information conveyed in the segment is based on the Arai product and may not be the same corporate line of other helmet manufacturers. -- Steve Smith, COG #3184 (somewhere in south central CT)

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

raulb · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:37:00 am »

This is great!!! I have passed the COG URL on to some friends. Makes me feel a little better. My new Schuberth helmet was fairly new when it fell off my bike. Too expensive to throw away . . . . My HJC Symax also gave me a pain in the forehead. The Schuberth is MUCH better. _____________________________________ raulb

2003 Connie COG #6043 CDA #281 AMA #699463 "It may not be smart or correct, but it's one of the things that make us what we are." --Red Green, "The New Red

Brett0769 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2009, 03:55:00 pm »

I had been relying on this for a fitting guide.

see more pwn and owned pictures

Ranger Jim · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2009, 12:31:00 pm »

Wonder if we could make it a "sticky?"

Daniel_Wolter_MN · « **Reply #11 on:** April 03, 2009, 10:49:00 am »

I guess I am lucky. I went to a store that is NOT my dealer when I bought my lid, an Arai Profile (long oval head shape). I went there because of recommendations from a couple of buds. I was measured, fitted AND he did try all cheek pads, 20-40 to find the best fit. Ended up with the 40 checks and a 2XL helmet. I had asked specifically for Zack and he definitely took his time and got it right. Fits like a glove. My lesson learned is don't be in a hurry to buy a helmet and ASK for help from someone who actually knows what they are doing. If no one can help, go some place else. Also, Brett0769. I am just now stopping laughing. That pic you posted at the bottom of page one is FRICKIN' HILARIOUS! I have got to send that one to a few friends today!

krumgrinder · « **Reply #12 on:** April 03, 2009, 12:18:00 pm »

Quote

I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head. It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at. In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches. I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact.

I've had this same problem with every helmet, from every manufacturer, that I've owned. I finally came to the conclusion that the problem was with my head shape, not the helmets. My most recent helmet, the HJC Symax II, was so snug (in the same size as recommended by the manufacturer for my head measurement) that I called the company and spoke with one of their CS people. He told me the interior cushioning styrofoam does compact over time, shaping to the head and eventually becoming looser, but that at first it should be very snug. Still, I couldn't believe it should be causing me pain to wear. so I took matters into my own hands- I removed the liner and began lightly shaving out the foam (in just the areas where it was hurting) a little at a time. The result was a helmet that still fit very snugly, but did not give me a migraine, instead it became a joy to wear. And then, not a month later, I grabbed a handful of front brake in a tight curve like an idiot and got a refresher lesson in how not to negotiate a decreasing-radius turn. I skidded and hit a road sign and got tossed over the handlebars, going through my beloved Cee Baileys on the way. I landed on my head fairly softly about 15 ft down a grassy embankment and somersaulted to a stop. My head was fine, the helmet did it's job perfectly- I didn't even have a headache afterwards. So, while I agree that it is important for the helmet to be snug, I draw the line at it causing pain, and believe common sense should then help dictate some custom fitting. Perhaps eventually helmet retailers will have personalized fitting techs that could help you properly fit the helmet to your head, much as bowlers have pro-shops fit balls to their hands??? Steve K. '02 Concours 'Locomotive Breath' COG# 6550 AMA# 965469 'No matter where you go, there you are...' http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/68/68/1/7/22/2822107220014238429Coipiz_th.jpg http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/50/650/8/12/65/2901812650014238429UfVKJm_th.jpg

Con_ndrm · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2009, 08:03:00 pm »

One thing I've heard for pressure points, rather than shaving, is to find the point and then GENTLY, with your thumb and the other hand behind it, push on the inside of the helmet until the liner gives JUST A LITTLE. You effectively reduce the compression ability in that one spot from 100% to let's say 95%, but your pressure point is gone and the overall integrity of the helmet is still good. Shaving might reduce that compression ability in a larger area than necessary. Again, that's just what I've heard from a couple of dealership and helmet reps so consider the source... John 2008 Concours14 "Conundrum",2006 Blue ZX-14 "Zexy" COG # 6819,AMA # 840034,ROK # 398016 PROUD owner of a Concours14 - 47k mi. and rising and I LOVE IT!!!

Colt45 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2011, 12:22:15 pm »

So, How do you get the movie to show, rather than broken looking HTML?

WillyP · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2011, 02:32:00 pm »

Maybe this one?: Arai Helmets - Video - Jay Leno's Garage

mellow yellow · « **Reply #16 on:** August 15, 2011, 12:30:37 am »

very entertainning video.

gnuse · « **Reply #17 on:** December 20, 2011, 12:06:48 am »

The Arai man educated me and I try to pass on the importance of what he teaches. GREAT video. Take it seriously.

2fast · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2012, 01:20:44 am »

I went to the bike show a couple of years ago with a friend that was a new rider and needed a new helmet. He had been trying on everything he could find, and they all hurt. He has a more oblong shaped head. At the show, he started telling the Arai guys his dilemma, and they spent about an hour with him taking measurements, trying helmets on, and so on. They said they thought they could fit him, but not with anything at the show. They sent him a helmet after the show, and it fit him perfectly. These guys probably made a customer for life with this effort, and an ambassador for Arai.

That said, Shoei fits me the best after trying on everything for years and years. Guess what I wear......

gsun · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2012, 03:19:57 am »

Quote from: krumgrinder on April 03, 2009, 12:18:00 pm

Quote
I'm not sure what they mean by "right size" helmet. I once bought a helmet (HJC Symax) that fit very snugly on my skull, which I thought was thr proper fit. But after a couple of hours on the road, I got a tremendous headache on the front of my head. It turns out that some manufacturers start with templates which are differently shaped. Some are rounder than others; some are more oval, and they need to more or less conform to the way your own head is shaped. I found that a full face HJC CL-14 helmet is what fits me best of all the ones I looked at. In my case, I was stuffing a rounder helmet on an more oval shaped head, and that was the source of my headaches. I'm surprised no mention was made of that fact.
I've had this same problem with every helmet, from every manufacturer, that I've owned. I finally came to the conclusion that the problem was with my head shape, not the helmets. My most recent helmet, the HJC Symax II, was so snug (in the same size as recommended by the manufacturer for my head measurement) that I called the company and spoke with one of their CS people. He told me the interior cushioning styrofoam does compact over time, shaping to the head and eventually becoming looser, but that at first it should be very snug. Still, I couldn't believe it should be causing me pain to wear. so I took matters into my own hands- I removed the liner and began lightly shaving out the foam (in just the areas where it was hurting) a little at a time. The result was a helmet that still fit very snugly, but did not give me a migraine, instead it became a joy to wear. And then, not a month later, I grabbed a handful of front brake in a tight curve like an idiot and got a refresher lesson in how not to negotiate a decreasing-radius turn. I skidded and hit a road sign and got tossed over the handlebars, going through my beloved Cee Baileys on the way. I landed on my head fairly softly about 15 ft down a grassy embankment and somersaulted to a stop. My head was fine, the helmet did it's job perfectly- I didn't even have a headache afterwards. So, while I agree that it is important for the helmet to be snug, I draw the line at it causing pain, and believe common sense should then help dictate some custom fitting. Perhaps eventually helmet retailers will have personalized fitting techs that could help you properly fit the helmet to your head, much as bowlers have pro-shops fit balls to their hands??? Steve K. '02 Concours 'Locomotive Breath' COG# 6550 AMA# 965469 'No matter where you go, there you are...' http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/68/68/1/7/22/2822107220014238429Coipiz_th.jpg http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/50/650/8/12/65/2901812650014238429UfVKJm_th.jpg

That's what I did with mine. I had one pressure point on the forehead and I shaved down the styro over several days until it fit perfectly. Looking at it, I only took out about a eighth of an inch in the size of a dollar coin. Can't see that as ruining the protection.

Con_ndrm · « **Reply #20 on:** May 14, 2012, 04:00:49 pm »

I have also had success with pinpointing the exact location, then using my thumbs and gently but firmly compacting the foam enough to relieve the pressure.

jkenny · « **Reply #21 on:** August 25, 2012, 11:08:14 am »

Great Video. When I purchased my bike from the dealer they fitted me with a large, after doing some more research I found out I am actually a medium!!

WillyP · « **Reply #22 on:** August 25, 2012, 02:46:58 pm »

Ok, but keep in mind some people fit different brands and styles of helmet differently.

Coolsurlasix · « **Reply #23 on:** October 28, 2012, 01:10:34 am »

Quote from: jkenny on August 25, 2012, 11:08:14 am

Great Video. When I purchased my bike from the dealer they fitted me with a large, after doing some more research I found out I am actually a medium!!

I don't get it. If you were an actual medium, you should have predicted it even before going to the store.

Ranger Jim · « **Reply #24 on:** October 30, 2012, 03:06:33 pm »

GROAN!