Hi everyone,

I'm new here! Currently in the process of acquiring a 1988 Yahama Riva 125 (I'm a student on a small budget...) since my car didn't have the right cat to pass Cali's smog test.

I've been reading a lot of the threads here and they have been super helpful. But I'm going to be the newbie and ask something that has possibly been covered before... since a lot of people have recommended on previous helmet threads to try helmets on in the store instead of buying online, I went to Cycle Gear today. I had bookmarked some HJC helmets on sale online at Dennis Kirk, but Cycle Gear didn't have any HJC. I ended up buying a BiLT full face helmet but now I'm wondering if it's a good brand.

I'm only planning on scooting around town where the speed limit never exceeds 40mph. Should I risk buying a better-known helmet online without trying it on or will the BiLT suffice? Anybody have any experience with BiLT?

Nice to meet you-
-Megan

welcome!
i don't have any experience with the Bilt brand of helmets, but i see that they are at least DOT certified which is a plus. HJC makes a good helmet and they are on the more affordable side (though still more expensive than Bilt's.)
a lot of helmet comfort/sizing seems to do with head shape. i must have a good shaped head because i have never had a problem with sizing (always a small) so i don't really have any fear of ordering a helmet online. if ordering, make sure that you use a good measuring tape or something and either look in the mirror or have someone else look to see what the measurement is. you want it to be snug but not too tight so that it will give you a headache.
i'd just stick with what you already have. as long as it will protect your face in the event of an off then you're good.

also, there's nothing wrong with having more than one helmet!

you should also look into some other protective gear like an armored jacket and gloves. i'm not going to tell you to wear all the gear all the time (ATGATT) but there's nothing fun about road rash.

do you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license? if not, i recommend signing up for the MSF class asap. i cannot express how much i enjoyed the class and how much it helped me learn to ride well, spot dangerous situations, etc.

Well, the HJC helmets I've found on sale are under $100, so the pricing is competitive. Alas, I cannot afford two helmets at the moment because I don't get a paycheck during the summer, so it is one or the other for now. I am jealous of your well-shaped head! Yesterday at the shop most of the XS were not quite snug enough. Took a while to find one that fit me, so maybe I really should not order online anyway.

I've been looking for other gear, but it's taking a while because I don't wear leather and I have a small budget. Also it is high 90s here for most of the summer, so I definitely need gear that will keep me cool.

I am lucky to live in a town that is very bicycle friendly - drivers are used to watching out for non-cars - but I don't plan to ride on the road until I take the MSF class. Until then, it will be empty parking lots!

#1 The BILT helmet should do you well. In a year or so, you might want something different, but this one
will give you a feel for the features you want in the next one. Best to try them on until you know what fits well.

#2 Mesh jackets work well for summer. Watch for one on sale for about $65. I like the Hi-Vis Yellow ones (cost more).
Black will be too hot in summer.

#3 Right now, high top boots are the next safety gear to buy. They do not have to be biker boots. Cycle Gear has some good prices in July.

#4 We wear biker jeans with steel or Kevlar at the hips and knees.

So, watch www.CycleGear.com and www.motorcyclegear.com for good clearance sales.

Scoot safely,

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New Rider in 2010
Grand Vista 250

Yes, the darned Cyclegear here only has those BILT helmets in stock, as well.
It's their store brand.

Go try them on... the key is whether they fit snugly, without any pressure points.
(Edit: oops, just saw your second post.
Yes if you find one that seems to fit well, nab it and don't worry about the brand.)

If it's not comfortable, you aren't going to wear it and it's wasted money.
And getting a size too big, that does not help at all.

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~~~~~ Linda ~~~~~