Helmet trying to fly off at higher speeds - what do I do..

[Rogero]

I have a three quarter helmet (Scorpion with a flip down face shield) that I got (first helmet) last summer. I only had my M1 the whole time because of the drive test strike - so kept speeds lower.

Got my bike out a couple of weeks ago, and I`ve been taking in on longer rides .... usually go out 40-80 minutes, stop for coffee and head home, and on the way home, sometimes i notice i`ve been out a little longer than expected, so grab the hwy to speed home. and that`s when i`m getting in trouble.

at speeds under about 60mph - i`m good. as i approach 65 and certainly at 75mph, it`s like the helmet is trying to take off on it`s own - it literally lifts off my head.

i`m learning to get around it with head tilt, tightened straps, etc, but it`s crazy uncomfortable. so i wonder - is this just an oddity with this helmet (this helmet on my head) ... or is it common for the open faced helmets, that air just gets in and under, and lifts it up when you go faster

any suggestions on what i could do to alleviate, or am i just stuck with a speed limit with this lid

would love any and all comments.

thx
r

[Thumper]

It's not even uncommon with full faced helmets (I've never worn anything else, so I don't know if it's more pronounced on a 3/4 helmet or not.) Depending on the wind direction, when I get on the Interstate and get up to 65-70, it does feel like my helmet wants to pop right off my head. As long as the strap is secured, I think the chances are very, very slim...and you'll get used to the feeling. A windshield that changes where the wind hits your helmet will help, but fr me...I just got used to it. I don't like it, either, but it doesn't bother me like it used to.

[Wrider]

3/4 face helmets tend to do that i've noticed. You might want to borrow a full face helmet and try it.

[dr_bar]

I've never had that problem, at least not with a helmet that fit properly...

[BuzZz]

Every helmet I've had has done this. But usually not until the speeds get really stupid. At normal highway speed (under 80-90 mph), it's never been an issue.

[jaskc78]

Every helmet I've had has done this. But usually not until the speeds get really illegal. At normal highway speed (under 80-90 mph), it's never been an issue.

i'm not 100% sure that there's a sliding scale of illegality that corresponds to speed. i think it's just as illegal, but the penalty gets bigger.

[BuzZz]

There, fixed it.

[Flesher]

If your scorpion helmet came with a little detachable visor brim make sure you put it on, it will help avert the "sail" effect somewhat. I normally wear a full face, but also have a scorpion with the visor that flips up and is hidden in the helmet, and a typical half helmet. At highway speeds the Half is pretty much unbearable, the scorpion is better, the full face is great by comparison. The key with open face helmets (if you must wear one), is to secure the strap very tightly so the helmet doesn't ride back on your head and act like a sail.

I am sensitive to pressure on my my neck (I have a plate at c5-c6 from a neck injury) and I can tell you the pressure with a full face helmet is pretty negligible compared to the open face helmets at highway speeds.

[RhadamYgg]

I've only had one helmet - and I've had the effect your are talking about only when I have not tightened the strap enough. Once it was bad enough that I pulled over and re-did the strap.

[Wrider]

Every helmet I've had has done this. But usually not until the speeds get really illegal. At normal highway speed (under 80-90 mph), it's never been an issue.

i'm not 100% sure that there's a sliding scale of illegality that corresponds to speed. i think it's just as illegal, but the penalty gets bigger.

Yeah there is, especially in AZ with you! 20+ gets you a criminal record, and 40+ gets you jail time!
But just so you know, the speed cameras in Phoenix can't catch bikes that are on the dotted lane dividers.