# A guest helmet, what size? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 23, 2008, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394 "2008-03-23T00:35:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/1 "2008-03-23T00:35:31Z")
If I were to carry an extra helmet on my motorcycle (scooter), what would the best choice? Is there a “one size fits many” model? Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/2 "2008-03-23T01:16:42Z")
Moved to IMHO. **samclem** General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/3 "2008-03-23T01:19:47Z")
[QUOTE=samclem] Moved to IMHO. **samclem** General Questions Moderator [/QUOTE] Thanks, sam. I’ll pick one up tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/4 "2008-03-23T01:35:28Z")
Bubble wrap and duct tape? ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/5 "2008-03-23T02:03:35Z")
[QUOTE=Chimera] Bubble wrap and duct tape? [/QUOTE] Couldn’t find any that meet the DOT requirements. ---
**Author:** ![maggenpye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecc23a/32.png) [@maggenpye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maggenpye)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/6 "2008-03-23T02:11:38Z")
Medium should fit most people with the minimum of discomfort either way. ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/7 "2008-03-23T02:23:30Z")
My guest helmet is a large, because I wear a medium myself. In the event that my passenger has a smaller head than I do, I can wear the large and they can wear the medium. If I didn’t already wear a medium, I’d get one as a guest helmet. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/8 "2008-03-23T02:59:35Z")
[Obligatory Safety Weenie] Of course helmets are designed to work effectively when they fit properly. If the helmet is too snug or too loose it might not provide adequate protection. [/OSW] ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/9 "2008-03-23T04:32:42Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] [Obligatory Safety Weenie] Of course helmets are designed to work effectively when they fit properly. If the helmet is too snug or too loose it might not provide adequate protection. [/OSW] [/QUOTE] (Honest Question) Is a malfitting helmet better then no helmet? Would the rider be more likely to wind up with neck injuries due to a malfitting helmet? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/10 "2008-03-23T04:58:35Z")
[QUOTE=Joey P] (Honest Question) Is a malfitting helmet better then no helmet? Would the rider be more likely to wind up with neck injuries due to a malfitting helmet? [/QUOTE] Without searching for an answer I can only guess. My guess is this: That one is more likely to suffer severe head trauma from not wearing a helmet than he is to suffer a neck injury from an ill-fitting helmet. So I would guess that ‘a’ helmet is better than not wearing one at all. Given the choice, I would wear (and have worn, in circumstances) the wrong-sized helmet. ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/11 "2008-03-23T06:53:58Z")
I have a HJC Medium 3/4 helmet that goes on the back of my Honda Elite 150 in case I pick up unanticipated passengers (usually the best kind ;)) ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2008, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/12 "2008-03-23T15:58:53Z")
[QUOTE=MikeG] I have a HJC Medium 3/4 helmet that goes on the back of my Honda Elite 150 in case I pick up unanticipated passengers (usually the best kind ;)) [/QUOTE] Medium sounds good. I’m looking at (okay, I’m sold on) a red [Burgman 400](http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/AN400K8), with that cavern under the seat, and I gotta put something in there. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/13 "2008-03-24T00:55:22Z")
Okay, that’s settled. Now, can you get helmets with a built-in speaker that won’t interfer with my ability to hear traffic and such? I might want to use my GPS. Better yet, can someone reccommed a site that can answer my questions? I’m actually pretty excited about this. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![svrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@svrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svrider)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2008, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/14 "2008-03-24T09:14:01Z")
[QUOTE=mangeorge] Okay, that’s settled. Now, can you get helmets with a built-in speaker that won’t interfer with my ability to hear traffic and such? I might want to use my GPS. Better yet, can someone reccommed a site that can answer my questions? I’m actually pretty excited about this. 😛 [/QUOTE] There are lots of kits that allow you to build speakers and microphones into the helmet, I think they all look a bit clunky though. I’ve tried riding with earphones, but my helmet is a very snug fit and it’s a pain trying to get earphones in there and I could not hear anything as soon as speed got over 70-80 mph. It also meant I couldn’t ride with earplugs and as I’d rather like to still be able to hear when I get older, I’d very much prefer to use them. On a Burgmann, you sit protected behind a rather large windscreen, so it might not be a problem at all. For the ultimate in gadget coolness you can get the Dainese Airstream Bluetooth helmet [http://www.dainese.com/eng/articolo.asp?cat=&nome=AIRSTREAM\_Bluetooth�&articolo=1835480](http://www.dainese.com/eng/articolo.asp?cat=&nome=AIRSTREAM_Bluetooth%AE&articolo=1835480) . Possibly you could use that as speakers for your GPS too, if it supports bluetooth headsets. I think that would be the ultimative sollution if it’s loud enough to hear even with earplugs in place. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/15 "2008-03-25T00:47:14Z")
Thanks, **svrider**. That does look cool, but my old tomtom gps doesn’t have bluetooth. I have been looking at the Navigon 7100, which does. I couldn’t find a price for that helmet, but they have a store not too far from here. I’ll check some of the other makers too. BTW; What is a “sv”, that you ride? Aha, googled it. One of [these](http://forum.svrider.com/), I’ll wager. Cool. 🆒 Thanks again, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![svrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@svrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svrider)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/16 "2008-03-25T12:16:20Z")
mangeorge, yup, one of those indeed. To be precise an '06 Suzuki SV1000S. > **[Suzuki SV1000S (solgt)](https://www.motorcykelgalleri.dk/galleri/8786-suzuki_sv1000s_solgt)** > > Motor: 996ccm 90 grader V2 - Hestekræfter: 120HK/9000 omdr. 102nm/7 - Dæk: For: 120/70/17 Bag: 180/ - Fælge: Sorte standard fælge ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/17 "2008-03-25T15:19:25Z")
You can get earplug speakers. I’ve seen them at motorcycle shows and I know people who use them. I’ve heard good things about them as well, as in people using cell phones with them. Granted this is on a bike with lots of wind protection. Don’t most helmets come with a place for speakers? I know the last few HJC helmets that I’ve had did. I have some flat speakers that fit behind a small pouch that works well. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/18 "2008-03-25T15:46:48Z")
The other day, I met my sister-in-law’s neighbor as he pulled up on the bike I want to own - an FJR 1300. As I was drooling over it, he offered me the opportunity to ride it if I wanted to. I told him I’d love to, but that I didn’t have my gear with me. He said, “Well, I’ve got a helmet you can use if you want.” I just laughed and laughed, as my head is a monstrosity and no normal human being would have a spare helmet my size. But it was really nice of him to offer. And no, I’m not kidding about my head size. The last time I went helmet shopping, I was in the XXXL sizes. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/19 "2008-03-25T16:49:39Z")
Back in the day the dealer would give you a helmet when you bought a new motorcycle. After the dealer and I come to an agreement on my scooter, I’ll hit him up for one. Nothing fancy, just one to wear until I find exactly what I want. Nice helmets are expensive, startiong at 400 to 500 bucks! ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2008, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394/20 "2008-03-25T16:53:14Z")
[QUOTE=svrider] mangeorge, yup, one of those indeed. To be precise an '06 Suzuki SV1000S. > **[Suzuki SV1000S (solgt)](https://www.motorcykelgalleri.dk/galleri/8786-suzuki_sv1000s_solgt)** > > Motor: 996ccm 90 grader V2 - Hestekræfter: 120HK/9000 omdr. 102nm/7 - Dæk: For: 120/70/17 Bag: 180/ - Fælge: Sorte standard fælge [/QUOTE] Crazy Danes, zipping all over the countryside on their little motorbikes. 😉 I read that somewhere a while back. I paraphrased, of course. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-guest-helmet-what-size/442394.md?page=2)