Helmet

[coeurdalenebusa]

I just bought an '05 Busa and started riding again after about 5 yrs (Suz RF 900 prev bike) and I am wondering if anyone can tell me if there is anything that I can do to keep my helmet from feeling like it is going to come right off my head when I get over 80 mph. Stupid question but I feel like the size is right... wondering if the double bubble would help much and if anyone else has any ideas.. I am 6'1

[BigBSBusa]

Tuck behind the windscreen, buy a double bubble windscreen or try a new helmet. Others may have some other opinions. Congrats on the purchase. Post up pics! And welcome.

[Schism]

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Motorcycle Helmet Wind Blocker

wBW Reviews Home

The Windjammer II is a unique product that can decrease motorcycle helmet noise caused by wind buffeting while also providing some extra warmth for cold weather riding.
A majority of helmet noise can often be traced to the "dirty" air that causes buffeting up under the neck area of a motorcycle helmet. This can be accentuated by a fairing or windscreen if it causes air to be directed towards the lower part of the helmet.

The air that comes up under the neck of a motorcycle helmet during cold-weather riding is also uncomfortable and can decrease overall body temperature, because of the cooling effect on the huge amount of blood flowing in and out of the human head.

If you have a noisy helmet, especially one that has a low-frequency "booming" noise, try this: next time you ride, place a finger up around where the helmet meets your neck under your ear to see if that decreases the noise.

I'll bet you'll find a drastic decrease in sound levels. Of course, you should always wear earplugs, which will greatly decrease perceived noise levels whilst protecting your hearing (See the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information).

The aerodynamics around the bottom of a helmet is a motorcycle helmet design issue that should really get more attention from helmet manufacturers, because it seems to be a potential source for lots of low-frequency buffeting, and it should be fairly easy to solve with some type of padding.

In the meantime, there's the Windjammer II. I've been aware of the Windjammer for some time, and I finally got around to ordering one to try. I'm glad I did -- it fits over the bottom of almost any helmet and prevents drafts and noise.

The inside of the Windjammer II has about a 50mm (2") wide section of some type of sticky substance that grips the helmet. Proline Sports claims that it can be moved from helmet to helmet or repositioned, and I've been able to do this successfully, but I'm not sure how long the sticky material will last.

It's a bit of a trick to pull the material tight around the bottom of the helmet; it's a lot easier to install if there's someone nearby who can hold the helmet upside-down for you while you stretch the material over the bottom.

Once the Windjammer II is installed, it stays securely attached to the helmet, and there should be no need for any further adjustments until it's removed. The photo to the left shows the Windjammer II as it is installed on my OGK FF-4 helmet. The product doesn't negatively affect the feel or performance of any helmet that I've tried it on in any way.

The Windjammer II has 6 small vents in the front (under the chin) and back, but I'm not sure they have much functionality. Helmets seem to have a tendency to fog up a bit more when the Windjammer II is installed, probably due to the blocking of any outside air other than from the helmet's vents.

Another interesting effect is that the Windjammer II seems to help make helmet vents work more efficiently. I could even feel air coming through the vents on a couple of helmets where I never thought the vents actually did anything. Either that, or maybe the vented air is more noticeable because it's not affected by buffeting coming from under the helmet without a Windjammer II installed.

The Windjammer II is made of a thin neoprene material with some elastic along the bottom. Once installed, the head entry hole stretches wide enough to make it easy to don the helmet. With the Windjammer II installed and the helmet on, the opening is small enough to just about touch my neck, but it's completely unnoticeable when I'm wearing the helmet. The neoprene is very soft, so it shouldn't bother even the most sensitive faces.

The Windjammer II really does make a dramatic difference by decreasing the ambient noise level. I tried it on a couple of helmets to the same effect. It's designed to be used with full-face helmets, but I suppose it could be used successfully with a flip-up helmet. It probably would have to be removed each time the visor was flipped up.

The entire sales and ordering process from Proline Sports was first rate. U.S.A. customers shouldn't have any worries about ordering from the Proline Sports website in the U.K.

I received an immediate email confirmation and my package was delivered in less than one week, which is more than I can say for some U.S.-based retailers. If your order is more than £20.00, shipping is free! Proline Sports ships worldwide, and they offer a variety of neoprene and other cold weather riding gear, such as underwear, vests, Balaclavas and more.


Note: Unless otherwise noted, webBikeWorld® has no affiliation or financial interest related to the products, retailers or manufacturers listed. This article is for informational use only. All material and photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2001-2005. All rights reserved.

Product Review: Proline Sports Windjammer II
Available From: Proline Sports (U.K.) Suggested Retail Price: £9.95 (~$17.05)
Colors: Black Made in: U.K.
Product Comments: Neoprene wind blocker fits under helmets, does a good job at preventing drafts and greatly decreases helmet noise. Causes slightly increased levels of fogging because of decreased airflow in helmet, but seems to help helmet vents work more efficiently.
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wBW Home | Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy | Site Info | September 19, 2005
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TRY THE "WINDJAMMER" I HAVE BEEN USING IT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW AND LOVE IT. USED IT ON MY HJC AND NOW MY ARAI AND THEY BOTH WORKED GREAT. A DOWNSIDE IS THAT THEY GET STRETCHED OVER TIME. I USUALLY GET ABOUT A YEAR OR TWO OUT OF ONE. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT A LINK W/ MY REPLIES HAVE PAITENCE.

[Schism]

WWW.PROLINE-SPORTS.CO.UK/

HERE IS THE SITE FOR THE "WINDJAMMER 2" IT'S NOT A BAD PRODUCT. HOPE IT HELPS

[Charlesbusa]

I've never had a helmet feel like it was going to come off except after they get old and stretched out. Sounds like your helmet is too big, maybe... Your helmet should be tight, but not uncomfortablly or leaving marks on your head/face.

[coeurdalenebusa]

Thanks guys for the responses... just want to enjoy my ride more at higher speeds...being tall I have alot to fold up under that windshield...

is there a noticeable difference with the double bubble?

[crazybusa]

double bubble works great... lanimar lip is helpful too... and, a good set of earplugs!

[nitrousjunkie]

Double bouble and a quality helmet.

[gunslinger]

Use to have a Shoei, an old one...switched to an AGV V-FLYER and it was an unbelievable difference. I know there are other helmets out there with a similar aerodynamic design but I can speak from experience with the V-Flyer. The Shoei did feel like it was coming off when I was going fast or when I turned my head to the side. Plus the V-Flyer fits like it was made for my head and the Shoei was a little big. I still get significant wind noise though. Gonna have to check on the Windjammer...especially with winter coming up.

[DREW]

I have an arai signet gt. Best helmet I have tried.. Quiet and comfortable.. Ear plugs are also good..

[mjn]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Charlesbusa @ Sep. 18 2005,23:50)]I've never had a helmet feel like it was going to come off except after they get old and stretched out. *Sounds like your helmet is too big, maybe... *Your helmet should be tight, but not uncomfortablly or leaving marks on your head/face.

+1

[manatrader]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (coeurdalenebusa @ Sep. 19 2005,10:53)]Thanks guys for the responses... just want to enjoy my ride more at higher speeds...being tall I have alot to fold up under that windshield...

is there a noticeable difference with the double bubble?

I think your helmet is too big. Easy way to tell is put it on tight and pull up the front of the helmet trying to keep your head level if your chin becomes exposed then it's too big.
I would also think you have a lot of wind noise too, since that’s what would be moving your helmet around.
For it to be moving around that much at 80mph it not the helmet but more the fit, helmets have many different shapes too, not all the same, I would suggest go to someone who knows how to fit a helmet right. I can pull up at 150mph and have no problems with the helmet, wind noise is minimal too.

[05 Busa LE]

I've got a Shoei RF-1000 that fits well and doesn't seem to move at speed. Is it possible that your helmet vents are open, creating the feeling that the helmet wants to come off?