What are some helmet options that match Big Blue Pearl motorcycles. How much do quality motorcycle helmets typically cost. Why is investing in a high-quality helmet important for rider safety.
Helmet Options for Big Blue Pearl Motorcycles
Riders with Big Blue Pearl motorcycles often want to find a helmet that perfectly complements their bike’s color scheme. While exact matches can be challenging to find, there are some promising options available:
- Arai Vector 2 in Diamond Blue
- Arai Corsair-X in Diamond Blue
- Shoei RF-1200 in Matte Blue Metallic
- Bell Star in Matte Force Blue
The Arai Vector 2 in Diamond Blue has been noted as an especially close match by some riders. However, helmet color is just one factor to consider when making this important safety gear purchase.
Key Factors in Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet
When selecting a motorcycle helmet, riders should prioritize the following factors:
- Safety certifications (DOT, SNELL, ECE)
- Proper fit and comfort
- Ventilation
- Visibility
- Noise reduction
- Weight
- Style (full-face, modular, open-face, etc.)
- Brand reputation and quality
- Price
While aesthetics are important to many riders, safety and comfort should be the top priorities when choosing a helmet.
Understanding Motorcycle Helmet Pricing
Quality motorcycle helmets can range widely in price, typically from around $100 to over $1000. High-end brands like Arai and Shoei often fall in the $400-$800 range. Why the significant price differences?
- Materials: Premium helmets use advanced, lightweight materials
- Research and development: Extensive testing for safety and aerodynamics
- Manufacturing quality: Precise construction for optimal protection
- Features: Advanced ventilation systems, noise reduction, anti-fog visors
- Brand reputation: Established track record for safety and quality
While budget-friendly options exist, investing in a high-quality helmet from a reputable brand can provide superior protection and comfort for frequent riders.
The Importance of Proper Helmet Fit
A correctly fitting helmet is crucial for both safety and comfort. How can riders ensure they choose the right size?
- Measure head circumference just above the eyebrows
- Try on multiple sizes and brands
- Check for snug fit with no pressure points
- Ensure the helmet doesn’t move when shaking head
- Wear the helmet for 15-30 minutes in-store to assess comfort
- Consider different internal padding options if available
Remember, a helmet that’s too loose won’t provide adequate protection in a crash, while one that’s too tight can cause discomfort and headaches.
Full-Face vs. Open-Face Helmet Considerations
Riders often debate between full-face and open-face (3/4) helmets. What are the pros and cons of each style?
Full-Face Helmets:
Pros:
- Maximum protection for face and chin
- Better aerodynamics at high speeds
- Reduced wind noise
- Protection from debris and insects
Cons:
- Can feel claustrophobic to some riders
- Reduced peripheral vision
- More difficult to communicate at stops
Open-Face Helmets:
Pros:
- Greater sense of freedom and airflow
- Easier to communicate and drink water
- Often lighter weight
- Preferred by many cruiser and scooter riders
Cons:
- Less protection for face and chin
- More wind noise at high speeds
- Greater exposure to weather and debris
Ultimately, the choice between full-face and open-face helmets comes down to personal preference, riding style, and individual safety priorities.
Understanding Helmet Safety Certifications
Motorcycle helmet safety standards ensure that helmets meet minimum protection requirements. What are the main certifications riders should look for?
- DOT (Department of Transportation): Required for road use in the US
- SNELL: More rigorous testing, often required for racing
- ECE: European standard, becoming more common globally
Many quality helmets will meet multiple standards. For example, an Arai helmet might be DOT and SNELL certified. While these certifications are important, they represent minimum standards. High-end helmet manufacturers often exceed these requirements in their designs.
Maintaining and Replacing Your Motorcycle Helmet
Proper helmet care and timely replacement are crucial for maintaining optimal protection. How should riders care for their helmets, and when is it time for a new one?
Helmet Care Tips:
- Clean the shell with mild soap and water
- Use specialized cleaners for the interior padding
- Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use a helmet bag for protection when not in use
When to Replace Your Helmet:
- After any impact or crash, even if there’s no visible damage
- Every 3-5 years, depending on use and manufacturer recommendations
- If you notice any cracks, loose padding, or worn straps
- When the fit becomes loose due to compressed padding
Remember, a helmet’s protective qualities can degrade over time due to factors like UV exposure, sweat, and natural aging of materials. Regular inspection and timely replacement are essential for maintaining optimal safety.
Customizing Your Motorcycle Helmet
For riders who can’t find the perfect color match off the shelf, customization offers a solution. What options are available for personalizing a helmet?
- Professional custom painting
- Vinyl wraps or decals
- Interchangeable visors in various tints
- Aftermarket accessories (Bluetooth communication systems, action camera mounts)
When considering customization, it’s crucial to ensure that any modifications don’t compromise the helmet’s structural integrity or safety features. Professional services experienced with motorcycle helmets are often the safest choice for major alterations like custom painting.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers warn that custom paint jobs may void the helmet’s warranty. Always check with the helmet maker before proceeding with significant modifications.
The Role of Technology in Modern Motorcycle Helmets
Advancements in technology are continually improving motorcycle helmet design and functionality. What innovative features are available in today’s high-end helmets?
- Integrated Bluetooth communication systems
- Heads-up displays (HUD) for navigation and performance data
- Emergency beacon systems for crash detection
- Advanced ventilation systems with adjustable intake and exhaust ports
- Photochromic and electrochromic visors that automatically adjust tint
- Noise-cancelling technology to reduce wind noise
- Lightweight composite materials for improved strength-to-weight ratios
While these features can enhance the riding experience and potentially improve safety, it’s important to remember that the primary function of a helmet is impact protection. Riders should prioritize fit, comfort, and basic safety features over high-tech add-ons.
Balancing Cost and Quality in Helmet Selection
With helmet prices ranging from under $100 to over $1000, how can riders determine the best value for their needs and budget? Here are some key considerations:
- Frequency of riding: More frequent riders may benefit from investing in a higher-quality helmet
- Type of riding: Long-distance touring might justify spending more on comfort features
- Climate: Riders in hot climates may prioritize ventilation systems
- Personal fit issues: Riders with hard-to-fit head shapes might find premium brands offer better options
- Budget constraints: A mid-range helmet from a reputable brand can offer good protection without breaking the bank
Remember, the most expensive helmet isn’t necessarily the best choice for every rider. Focus on finding a helmet that meets safety standards, fits well, and suits your specific riding needs.
The Impact of Helmet Choice on Riding Experience
Beyond safety, a rider’s helmet choice can significantly affect their overall motorcycling experience. How does helmet selection influence different aspects of riding?
Comfort on Long Rides:
A well-fitting, properly ventilated helmet can make the difference between an enjoyable journey and a miserable one on long rides. Features like moisture-wicking liners and adjustable cheek pads can enhance comfort over extended periods.
Noise Levels:
Wind noise can lead to fatigue and potential hearing damage over time. Helmets designed with aerodynamics and noise reduction in mind can significantly improve the riding experience, especially on highways or for touring riders.
Vision and Awareness:
The shape and size of a helmet’s eye port can affect a rider’s field of vision. Some helmets offer wider views, which can be particularly beneficial in urban riding environments where situational awareness is crucial.
Weather Protection:
Full-face helmets provide superior protection against wind, rain, and debris. However, they can be warmer in hot climates. Modular helmets offer a compromise, allowing riders to flip up the chin bar when stopped.
Communication:
For riders who frequently communicate with passengers or other riders, helmets with integrated or easily installed communication systems can be a significant quality-of-life improvement.
By considering these factors alongside safety and aesthetics, riders can choose a helmet that not only protects them but also enhances their overall enjoyment of motorcycling.
If you have Big Blue Pearl and want a matching helmet
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Last post by
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Garemlin
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Take a look at the Arai Vector 2 in Diamond Blue. Saw one today in a local motorsports shop. Took it outside and it is almost a perfect match. If I wore a full face it would have been mine. Especially with the fact they were gonna knock $100 off.
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Garemlin said:
Take a look at the Arai Vector 2 in Diamond Blue. Saw one today in a local motorsports shop. Took it outside and it is almost a perfect match. If I wore a full face it would have been mine. Especially with the fact they were gonna knock $100 off.
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Awwwww shit. Ill have to google this one.
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Color looks good but its expensive and kinda fugly.
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Good looking helmet, and it’s not cheap.
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Nice looking helmet, but, damn, they are expensive. The cheapest one I can find is still over $350!
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Ernster500 said:
Nice looking helmet, but, damn, they are expensive. The cheapest one I can find is still over $350!
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If $350 is too much then whats the contents of the helmet when its worn worth?
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tmd said:
If $350 is too much then whats the contents of the helmet when its worn worth?
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..
..I can’t speak for everyone but mine aren’t worth a hill of beans. Too many explosions and too much booze
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RichieRichMRMC said:
I can’t speak for everyone but mine aren’t worth a hill of beans. Too many explosions and too much booze
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Haha! Mine were worth $35 until I got by RGC and upgraded to a 3/4 from a skid lid (or egg shell as I always called it).
Now they are worth $99 + whatever shipping was…
E
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RichieRichMRMC said:
Color looks good but its expensive and kinda fugly.
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Looks good in person. And as far as full face helmets go it was pretty damn comfy.
And as far as price goes you get what you pay for I guess. Arai has earned #1 in JD Power and Associates customer satisfaction award while no other helmet brand has even earned a rank. From what I hear they are top notch quality helmets.
Here is another model of their helmets in Diamond Blue.
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If you can get an Arai for under $400 that is a good price.
So we will spend $300 on an air filter cover or a horn cover but not a helmet…
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Good one Flex!!!
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Flexin said:
If you can get an Arai for under $400 that is a good price.
So we will spend $300 on an air filter cover or a horn cover but not a helmet…
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I have no problem with the price. And as I said they were gonna knock $100 off the price which would have taken that helmet down to $395. But I just don’t wear full face helmets. If they had their 3/4 in that color it would have been a done deal.
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Garemlin said:
I have no problem with the price.
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And as I said they were gonna knock $100 off the price which would have taken that helmet down to $395. But I just don’t wear full face helmets. If they had their 3/4 in that color it would have been a done deal.Same here but hopefully the 3/4 wouldnt have cost $395
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Gare, that was not at you but in general when folks says its expensive.
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A good helmet will cost you, I tried on some Arai’s before I bought my Shoei, I don’t care what JD say’s, my Shoei fit better and is a whole lot more comfortable for me, and it wasn’t cheap either. When shopping for a helmet, I do look at the price, mainly to see if I can beat it somewhere else, but my main concerns are the DOT and SNELL rating, and that it’s comfy, then I start asking about the price.
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RichieRichMRMC said:
Same here but hopefully the 3/4 wouldnt have cost $395
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..Actually their 3/4 run $499 and $599. That is spendy for a 3/4 helmet no matter how you look at it.
Flexin: Gotcha
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Flexin said:
If you can get an Arai for under $400 that is a good price.
So we will spend $300 on an air filter cover or a horn cover but not a helmet…
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It’s not chrome though…..
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Custom painted helmet | Road Glide
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Wlarson331
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Big blue pearl custom painted helmet and pinstripe
I custom painted this helmet to match my bike big blue pearl road glide just got done and it looks terrific, also signed my name ,put “dot” on it even though it’s not and pinstriped a devilish character on it.
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Devilish character
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Rear signature and dot, I also put the little metal point at the top and put the iron cross on back
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Wlarson331 said:
I custom painted this helmet to match my bike big blue pearl road glide just got done and it looks terrific, also signed my name ,put “dot” on it even though it’s not and pinstriped a devilish character on it.
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Great work, Looking very nice.. All of work in airbrushing I love helmet painting so much. This airbrush paints and supplies are my favorite. Sometimes I also do car and motorbike painting work.
