Hi, I just got myself a Honda Super Cub and now I’m in the market for a helmet. I tried a bunch on at Ken’s Garage and I wear glasses so I found the so called “full system” (full face expect the chin guard opens) design to be the best compromise for me. I discovered my head shape is somewhere between an intermediate and long oval shape, and it seems like most helmets made in Japan are are with the round oval head shape in mind – I guess this aligns with the average Japanese hear shape. My all accounts I should be a Medium in most brands (57-58cm) but I needed to go for a large with the round oval helmets and even then my forehead was crushed and it was too roomy at the sides. Looking around the market, I haven’t found anything in Japan where head shape is even mentioned (beyond “perfectly designed for Japanese heads!”)
Does anybody know any brands or shops which might be able to help me out here? Thanks.
11 comments
I prefer classic helmets with a clip on bubble face shield. Something of this style. They are comfortable and modular to a degree.
https://www.fc-moto.de/WebRoot/FCMotoDB/Shops/10207048/604A/6E3A/A3B1/91B6/DFB5/AC1E/1411/23C3/bell-custom-500-culture-helmet-gloss-vintage-white-front-left_ml.jpg
Sorry can’t help ya with where, but keep an eye out for that style
If you`re in the market for at least a full sized motorcycle helmet, head over to a Naps or にりんかん if you have one nearby you. Alternatively, if you don`t mind travelling, check out the Naps or にりんかん website to see which outlet has staff that`s certified in fitting for whichever brand of helmet you`re interested in. Most motorcycle goods stores would be able to give fitting advice and let you try out different motorcycle helmets, but not all of them are able to provide full fitting services (think inserting extra pads throughout the helmet lining to spread out the weight evenly across the entire head).
Be prepared to be set back *at least* 25k for a helmet brand with such a service, though.
Also, while it’s not necessarily bad to ask here, you might get more in-depth and better advice at r/RideItJapan.
If you buy one at the Shoei showroom in Tokyo or Osaka they will do fitting there for you and place the material inside to fit your head exactly.
Go to your local Naps and get a helmet fitted.
Arai
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> I found the so called “full system” (full face expect the chin guard opens) design
This is usually called a modular helmet in English.
If Ken’s Garage is near you, then Naps in Nerima or Mitaka are pretty easy shops for you to reach. They are both Arai and Shoe tech certified shops, and can tailor fit either brand to your head. Arai unfortunately doesn’t make a modular.
It’s their summer sale right now too, so you might find a deal on your preferred lid. If your budget will stretch to it, the Shoei Neotec II is one of the best modular helmets on the market right now.
Otherwise, you can order online from FC Moto or Revzilla – Revzilla in particular is very good about listing the various helmets’ shell shapes, and typically their info is accurate.
I got a shoei based on recommendations around here. They changed a couple of the inner pad things around and also made more room for my glasses to slip in and out easily. Works fine for my Western head. I would second going to an actual shop. I got mine taken care of at a Rico
amazon
/r/rideitjapan is a great place to ask bike-related questions.
For anyone else reading this in the future, I got a Kabuto in the end. Kabuto helmets have the option of fitting as well as Shoei.
Kabuto helmets on average are a fair bit cheaper than Shoei, fitting at 2rinkan was free. I got a “Ryuki” which is Kabuto’s modular flip-up helmet. It was 35800. My head circumference is 57cm so in theory an M size but the L size fit better on my forehead. The staff added 3 pads at each side, 1 at the top and 2 and each side between the top and sides. (3-2-1-2-3). The helmet was 2000 cheaper on Amazon so I guess in theory fitting cost me 2000 but well worth it. One other thing to mention is that with the full face Kabuto helmets, XL seemed to fit better. I was glad to get the L since its a bit lighter. Mine has 35mm cheek pads and they ought to be a smidge thicker but they didn’t have anything thicker. The result is a very comfortable helmet. Hope this helps somebody else out.