I missed this one ... I love to post about helmets. One of my favorite subjects, especially with the cruiser crowd. So many passionate opinions.

I used to roadrace (not the street type, the track type) I was also a punk street fighter before that. Gear is very important and a full face is the best protection you can have. I too wear an open face about half the time on my cruiser (other half full face). The speeds are lower and I am not usually in traffic on it. It is a bit risky I know, but at least I have my noggin covered. My wife, daughter and son are all required to wear a full face on my bike with me.

I recommend a new rider where a full face helmet. It never hurts to have the extra protection (I am a little surprised your first bike is a 1600cc twin tho) as far as price .. find one that fits compfortably. THEN look at what it cost. The fit is the most important thing. I have buds that just cannot wear the high end helmets because they do not fit them well, and end up in DOT/SNELL approved helmets for half the price.<br><br>Post edited by: CRASH, at: 2005/04/19 10:36