I have a large Shoei RF-something helmet from around '96-'97. When I ride it’s good for about an hour and a half but after that I start feeling pressure on the center of my forehead just below my hairline (or where my hairline used to start). I can stand it for maybe 15-20 minutes before it gets really bad and I have to stop and take off the helmet for a while lest my ride be ruined. When my ride’s over I have this big red spot on my forehead.
It seems like where the helmet slopes my forehead doesn’t. Other than that I think the helmet is a good fit. It certainly feels good when I first put it on. Do different motorcycle helmet manufacturers make helmets that fit differently even though the size is the same? Is there a particular manufacturer that makes a helmet that would alleviate the problem I described (a high forehead)? Is my helmet just too small? Thanks.
Yes different manufactures make different shaped helmets. They even vary among the size. For instance I can put on a large Shoei, but not a large Arai. The best thing to do is to goto a shop and try on a number of different ones to find a size that fits.
You can also try and trim a small amount of foam out of the helmet near where it makes a pressure point. I’m not advocating it, but I do know people who do cut some foam out of helmets.
There are “Arai heads” and “Shoei heads” and generally the two are incompatible. I have an Arai head and every time I try on a Shoei helmet I can’t go more than a couple of minutes before I have the same problem you describe–a pressing on my forehead followed by a red spot when I take it off.
I suggest you go try on a few Arais, find one that fits (remember, it’s going to be a little tight at first) and wear it around the store for awhile.
I forgot one thing. I normally wear a bandana under my helmet, sometimes I get a big red spot on my forhead. Maybe if you wear something like that it could be doing the same thing.
I didn’t know that this was a common problem. I wear an HJC full face and I have experienced the same thing. Right at my hairline. I have noticed it after around 1/2 hour of riding, usually when it is hotter outside. I find that pushing down from the top of the helmet to angle it forward a little more helps a little but not completely. Other than that problem the helmet seems to fit fine, if anything it is a little bit looser than I would prefer, it doesn’t wobble around or anything but if I turn my head @ 80mph to double check a lane I am switching to it will shift a little. I don’t think I could get away with a smaller helmet. Maybe someday I will spring for a different brand, but this is what I have right now.