I learned something today that maybe everyone else knows but I didn't, so I thought I would share. Maybe I'm not the only one. I bought an HJC helmet a while ago. Tried many on at the local bike shop until I found one that was nice and snug, and fit well. CL-15 XXL (Big head from switching from old CB 750 to a VFR!). After wearing it over a year, it seems to be too loose. My thoughts are time to look for a new helmet. This time I am doing a lot of research and actually measured my head. I learn I should have bought an XL instead of an XXL. Then I start thinking Arai is always talking about changeable pads and I am wondering if helmet manufacturers make different outer shells for each size or do they make just a few shells and change the size by adding thicker or thinner pads. I decided to give HJC a phone call. The very nice lady on the phone told me they make a few shells and fit them with different pads. She said my XXL shell is the same shell for LG, XL and XXL. All I have to do is go to a dealer and buy the XL Crown and the XL chin pads and I would have an XL Helmet. I went on the web to Motorcycle Superstore and found my parts for $8.99 Chin pads and $11.99 Crown. Wow, change my size for under $30.00 including freight. My son was also complaining about his Scorpion EXO-700 helmet being too big so we called Scorpion and same thing. He wears a medium and wants to go to a small. The folks there told us his shell is for X-small, Small and Medium. The conversion for the Scorpion is about $15.00 for the chin pads and $29.00 for the crown pad, but still much cheaper than replacing a helmet that he really likes. The bottom line here is, if your helmet doesn't fit just right and spending big bucks on a new one in this economy isn't an option, call your helmet company and find out what other sizes go with the shell you have. Chances are you can get a better fitting helmet and it won't break the bank. Having the proper fitting helmet is probably the safest thing we can do for ourselves. I can't wait for the new parts to arrive. :smile:
Good information. I learned this about a year ago on my HJC AC12. It was a bit tight so I ordered the smaller cheek pads, but I got the wrong ones. I have never got the new pads but my fitment in the helmet is nice as the pads took awhile to compress and break in. Almost mothing worse than a loose helmet!
It seems you should go slightly too tight instead of just snug because all pads will compress with time. It's like new boots or gloves, it takes a little time to fit your form.
Got the parts a few days ago and tried it out over the weekend. Wow! What a difference. Helmet fits much better. I noticed when I look over my left and right shoulder I can see further back. I think my head was turning inside the helmet before. Now the helmet stays put on my head and when I look full left and right the helmet window turns as far as I do. Wider visibility is good!!!
