My helmet broke during a ride

[rteichman]

When I started riding last year by taking the MSF and even before I bought a bike, I bought a helmet over the Internet that seemed OK. It was a Lazer Century (now called AGV) and was one of those full face front flip up models. I was really happy with it, and especially with the price I paid (around $70). Well that all ended this Saturday!!

I was running errands on my bike, and at one point when I stopped and took off my helmet I found that the left screw that held on the flip up part had fallen off. Somewhere well before where I stoped since I couldn't find it. I didn't feel the screw falling off and until I took the helmet off there was nothing to indicate a problem. Of course after I took off the helmet I could not put it back on without the right side hanging down and rattling. I then had to ride like that for about 10 miles to get home. I nearly killed myself because I was so focused on the broken helmet that I could hardly turn the bike (I have only been riding for 2 years, so being flustered really hurt my riding skills)!

So if you notice me praising the helmet on any earlier post I made. IGNORE IT!

The only "upside" to the story is that I was able to switch to my car, and get to a store and buy another helmet before it closed. While the store had a selection, I was limited since I wanted to buy one then or loose out on riding the rest of the weekend. I tried on a Shoei, but ended up with a HJC. The Shoei was too expensive, and the HJC fit like a glove. It fit so well, that I realized how poorly my Lazer helmet fit! :o You don't know what you never had! Later that day I rode on the highway with the new helmet and was shocked! My old helmet was very sensitive to the wind, and I had to be very carefull not to move my head to much at highway speeds or the wind would twist my head. With this HJC, I can turn my head at highway speeds without a problem!

Boy am I glad my old helmet broke!

[pitbull76]

Which HJC did you buy? I have the AC-11 and it fits me perfectly. I'm sure the Shoei is a much better helmet, but I was most concerned about getting one that fit right.

[rteichman]

I think it was either that one or the -13... I can't remember and I'm not near it now. Wow, same bike (from the picture I see we have the same bike and color scheme) and same helmet

[pitbull76]

You probably have the CL-13. It's a bit heavier, and it didn't quite fit me right. Cool that you have the same bike.

[stevie c]

I remember a readers letter in the UK's Motorcycle News,regarding the flip-up style helmets.
He was a paramedic and said that at all the motorcycle accidents he had attended,the riders with flip-up helmets came worse of with facial and head injuries than riders with full face helmets.
He said he knew they were tested to an acceptable limit but from what I remember,he said 3 out of 5 helmets failed and the riders face had been damaged.

[rteichman]

Originally Posted by stevie c

He said he knew they were tested to an acceptable limit but from what I remember,he said 3 out of 5 helmets failed and the riders face had been damaged.

Well now I am even happier that it broke!

[Uncle Bob]

If it fits like a glove , do you now look like a rooster riding down the road with the fingers sticking up ? LOL

Now seriously, there are some excellent helmets out there but the best helmet for you should be the one that fits the best.