Long Distance Biker
Long Distance Motorcycling Advice

motorcycle helmets?

i noticed that some people that wear motorcycle helmets wear helmets that dont cover the face. it looks like a ww2 german army helmet. is this safe to have on when going on the freeway?

Public Comments

1. the only helmet you should where is a
full face helmet. anyone who wear's an
open face helmet is a moron.

2. I won't wear anything except a full face helmet. I have low sided on the track at 120 kph (75 mph) and gone over the handlebars into the back of a car at 20 kph (12 mph) and received no injuries to my face on either occasion because the helmet protected me.

There are lots of arguments about their weight and the restriction of vision but I prefer to keep my face where it is.

3. I wear both open-face and full-faced helmets depending on the weather and the bike I'm riding. Every rider must decide for him or herself how valuable the grey matter is. My head is full of rocks, so I need a helmet that provides lift at speed.

4. Those half shell helmets are a joke. They may protect your skull, but your face is at risk for some serious damage. Road rash, broken bones, exposed to stuff fly out car windows (cigarette butts), bugs, and other stuff. I always wore a full face helmet when I had my bike and I plan to buy another full face helmet when I get my next bike. My last helmet has some serious scratches on the chin bar. With an open face helmet, that could have been a broken jaw and it would have defiantly been a lot of road rash. Its your choice. I would rather be safe than sorry.

5. You're safest helmet is a full face but everyone has their own style and half helmets or buckets are more comfortable to wear.

6. Anyone that wears a full face is so afraid of riding that they may as well stay in the car.

7. No, everyone should use a full face helmet for maximum protection.

8. full face helmets give you the most protection ,the half helmets give you the least amount of protection after going down at about 30 mph and having the bike land on top of me with just a half helmet on I switched to a full face and I only wear the half helmet if I am just going for a very short ride like up the street or around the block

9. okay, do i want an extra 6 pounds trying to snap my neck if i get in a wreck or do i want 12 ounces? my windshield takes care of debris and wind... so it comes down to risk management.... i'd rather have a scar than be a cripple from the neck down if i ever have a nasty crash.