The Saddle Sore 1000

[bgd8rd]

I'm thinking of doing this adventure. Getting my bike right (F6B Goldwing). One thing though, my helmet starts to kill my head after a couple of hours. I have two helmets. I have a Shoei RF1200 Large. I wore it for a couple of years and it felt too small (Large) so one year ago I ordered the Shoei NeoTec Modular Helmet (XL). Awesome helmet in ever aspect. But after about an hour or so I'll start to get a hot spot on the top front portion of my head just above my forehead.

Obviously the bike has to be right and so does your equipment. Especially if you're going to do something like the SS-1000.

Any suggestions? Obviously, I can't keep going out and buying $400-$600 helmets just hoping one doesn't hurt my head after 2 hours of riding.

Thanks in advance!

[wjduke]

I'm thinking of doing this adventure. Getting my bike right (F6B Goldwing). One thing though, my helmet starts to kill my head after a couple of hours. I have two helmets. I have a Shoei RF1200 Large. I wore it for a couple of years and it felt too small (Large) so one year ago I ordered the Shoei NeoTec Modular Helmet (XL). Awesome helmet in ever aspect. But after about an hour or so I'll start to get a hot spot on the top front portion of my head just above my forehead.

Obviously the bike has to be right and so does your equipment. Especially if you're going to do something like the SS-1000.

Any suggestions? Obviously, I can't keep going out and buying $400-$600 helmets just hoping one doesn't hurt my head after 2 hours of riding.

Thanks in advance!

In all seriousness, I question the shape of my head, and I look halfway normal I'm pretty sure! I have a Shoei RF1200 that causes a harmonic hum at 50-60 mph only. No one else seems to have this problem. It may be that you have to keep trying different ones until one feels right. Cycle Gear has many on display last time I was there...maybe worth a trip.

[Redlinez]

You need to try on some other brands and figure out what shape your head is. The Lidpicker may help as it shows a list of many helmets with bar graphs showing which shape they are. I have figured out my head is in the middle of a round vs oval, leaning more towards narrow (oval). Nothing worse than a constant pressure point on your head. I bought a Shark RSR2 years back that I loved the looks of, but after 30 minutes or so, I had a red forehead.

[six2go]

I'm thinking of doing this adventure. Getting my bike right (F6B Goldwing). One thing though, my helmet starts to kill my head after a couple of hours. I have two helmets. I have a Shoei RF1200 Large. I wore it for a couple of years and it felt too small (Large) so one year ago I ordered the Shoei NeoTec Modular Helmet (XL). Awesome helmet in ever aspect. But after about an hour or so I'll start to get a hot spot on the top front portion of my head just above my forehead.

Obviously the bike has to be right and so does your equipment. Especially if you're going to do something like the SS-1000.

Any suggestions? Obviously, I can't keep going out and buying $400-$600 helmets just hoping one doesn't hurt my head after 2 hours of riding.

Thanks in advance!Some of the interior pads of your NeoTec are replaceable with different thickness ones. I had to get thinner cheek pads so I didn't get squeezed to look like a chipmunk. Other than that it fit great and is really comfortable. Not sure if all of the pads are replaceable but it's worth a look into the owners manual.

[Steve 0080]

Cycle gear !!!! They let you wear a helmet for a week, if you don't like it bring it back and get another!!! I would honestly look at you pumpkin ...we all have a different shaped heads and there are helmets made to fit yours, then it is just a matter of size. When you find "your" helmet, don't ever change brands again !


http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm

[2wheelsforme]

Take both and change them out every once in a while, you will be riding all day and the change will be welcome. I do not recommend this to others as it might could reduce the protection of the lid but. I also have an odd shaped head I have gone inside the helmet and shaved off just a bit of styrofoam where it is pressing against my head too much. Wearing an altered helmet is better than a half or even none at all which I do sometimes. Good luck on the iron butt, did it a couple of years ago, left early in the morn and back that night. Plan your route with the least amount of turns and make a plan for your gas stops. Those receipts are needed for turns. Also remember to hydrate, the wind sucks the water out of you.

[opas ride]

In all seriousness, I question the shape of my head, and I look halfway normal I'm pretty sure! I have a Shoei RF1200 that causes a harmonic hum at 50-60 mph only. No one else seems to have this problem. It may be that you have to keep trying different ones until one feels right. Cycle Gear has many on display last time I was there...maybe worth a trip.

I also get a really bad harmonic hum with the face shield down on my Shoei 3/4 Helmet..I also have an open face HJC ,which cost $250 less and it works fine with just a little more road noise...I have recently heard of many good reports on the Kabuto helmets...Ride safe

[taxfree4]

On the Lid Picker scale http://www.lidpicker.com/free-data/ both those helmets show rounder to very round shape. You may have more of an oval head, hence the problem. If I were you for $20 Lid Picker will give you a measuring kit, report and as a bonus free under helmet sunglasses so you can get a more definite head shape profile and matching helmet types.

[DTOM]

Take both and change them out every once in a while, you will be riding all day and the change will be welcome. I do not recommend this to others as it might could reduce the protection of the lid but. I also have an odd shaped head I have gone inside the helmet and shaved off just a bit of styrofoam where it is pressing against my head too much. Wearing an altered helmet is better than a half or even none at all which I do sometimes. Good luck on the iron butt, did it a couple of years ago, left early in the morn and back that night. Plan your route with the least amount of turns and make a plan for your gas stops. Those receipts are needed for turns. Also remember to hydrate, the wind sucks the water out of you.

I agree...take 2 helmets. I always do on my long rides, but one of them is a half helmet. It is refreshing to feel a little wind around your ears and neck...especially when you're riding in the heat of the day. Other suggestions...Bring a friend and have a Sena or equivalent. Good conversation can eat up the miles. Music is a must. Limit your gas stops to 10 min, especially during the first half of the challenge. Take a nice 30-40 minute lunch and evaluate your progress to see if you can extend the time of your gas stops a little bit for the 2nd half. Ride hard and fast, afterall you are on a F6B! Good luck!

[bgd8rd]

Hey, thanks for the tips. I like the LidPicker site. But I have a question. What the heck do I do with my $600 Shoei NeoTec helmet that is only 1 year old?

[six2go]

Hey, thanks for the tips. I like the LidPicker site. But I have a question. What the heck do I do with my $600 Shoei NeoTec helmet that is only 1 year old?Some of the guys are gonna cringe at this, but I fixed the "hotspot" in a helmet(Maybe my Neotec)by using a small ballpeen hammer and GENTLY tapping on the inside where the discomfort was. If you can't get to it with the head of the hammer, use a piece of broom handle or something similar. Place that on the spot you want to alter then tap on that. Notice I said GENTLY TAP, not wail away like you're driving a tent stake. Anyway, it worked like a charm for me and the helmet remains comfortable.

[taxfree4]

Hey, thanks for the tips. I like the LidPicker site. But I have a question. What the heck do I do with my $600 Shoei NeoTec helmet that is only 1 year old?

Put it up for sale on here, Craigslist and ebay even if you get half, riding should be a pain free escape no matter how far you go.

[98valk]

Some of the guys are gonna cringe at this, but I fixed the "hotspot" in a helmet(Maybe my Neotec)by using a small ballpeen hammer and GENTLY tapping on the inside where the discomfort was. If you can't get to it with the head of the hammer, use a piece of broom handle or something similar. Place that on the spot you want to alter then tap on that. Notice I said GENTLY TAP, not wail away like you're driving a tent stake. Anyway, it worked like a charm for me and the helmet remains comfortable.

+1 :yes:

[tpwood]

+1 :yes:

+2

[bertrider]

I've used the back of a tablespoon and a little elbow grease. Works.

[okf6b]

I'm thinking of doing this adventure. Getting my bike right (F6B Goldwing). One thing though, my helmet starts to kill my head after a couple of hours. I have two helmets. I have a Shoei RF1200 Large. I wore it for a couple of years and it felt too small (Large) so one year ago I ordered the Shoei NeoTec Modular Helmet (XL). Awesome helmet in ever aspect. But after about an hour or so I'll start to get a hot spot on the top front portion of my head just above my forehead.

Obviously the bike has to be right and so does your equipment. Especially if you're going to do something like the SS-1000.

Any suggestions? Obviously, I can't keep going out and buying $400-$600 helmets just hoping one doesn't hurt my head after 2 hours of riding.

Thanks in advance!

Man, I feel your pain. I went through the same thing a few years ago. Was out on a 2 week adventure and by the end of the day I'd have a painful scab on my forehead. I'd tried Shoei, Nolan, HJC and all gave me the hot spot. Finally figured out I needed a LO (long oval). The Arai Signet Q was the answer. I can wear it all day with no issues at all.

You can find Signet Q's below $400 right now as they are being replaced with the Signet X (still LO). I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[bgd8rd]

Man, I feel your pain. I went through the same thing a few years ago. Was out on a 2 week adventure and by the end of the day I'd have a painful scab on my forehead. I'd tried Shoei, Nolan, HJC and all gave me the hot spot. Finally figured out I needed a LO (long oval). The Arai Signet Q was the answer. I can wear it all day with no issues at all.

You can find Signet Q's below $400 right now as they are being replaced with the Signet X (still LO). I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Were you getting the same hot spot as me? Just above the forehead? After a couple of hours I'm like damn, I've got to get this thing off for a while. I'll sometimes reach back with my hand and push the back of my helmet forward and hold it to relieve the pressure for a while. But I can't go down the road like that for hours on end....

[JGF6B]

Were you getting the same hot spot as me? Just above the forehead? After a couple of hours I'm like damn, I've got to get this thing off for a while. I'll sometimes reach back with my hand and push the back of my helmet forward and hold it to relieve the pressure for a while. But I can't go down the road like that for hours on end....

Your symptom is exactly what happens when you have an oval head but wear a round helmet. I have a narrow oval head, I've found no other helmet to fit me perfectly except for Arai. I also have an Icon Alliance that is pretty good for for my oval head and it costs much, much less than an Arai. The thing about the Arai is that you get excellent ventilation in addition to perfect comfort.

[Mazilla]

Here is some info on the head shape vs helmet manufacture...each helmet manufacturer make a certain "shape", like Shoei makes "intermediate oval" shape (which I believe is the most common head shape). Anyway read the article it explains it all and the helmet shapes by manufacturer are also on this link. Click on any helmet and it explains the sizing by shape as well as size.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/motorcycle-helmet-fitment-101

[Mazilla]

Put it up for sale on here, Craigslist and ebay even if you get half, riding should be a pain free escape no matter how far you go.

Sell it on Ebay or Craigslist!

[bgd8rd]

Sell it on Ebay or Craigslist!

I like the idea of selling my Shoei NeoTec on here or on my Goldwing FB pages before CL...

[grendl]

I have done the 1000/24 a couple of times. Havent decided if I'll do it again. First time took me 25 hours so no joy. Second time 22 hours and I have the certificates and the stuff you get for completing it. Advice I can give.Keep your pace up.I dont mean excessive speed but keep rolling.Get plenty of rest before you go. Stop and eat.Stay hydrated-not coffee-you will lose time stopping to pee.To the point of this thread DONT use gear that annoys you. Get a helmet that fits ,clothing and boots. For me it was a challenge and grueling. I met the challenge but a helmet that hurts -no way...

[woody]

The old maxim when buying helmets. "You have a Shoei or Arai shaped head" is close to the mark. If you have a Shoei head a Kabuto will fit fine.

[unsub]

I'm thinking of doing this adventure. Getting my bike right (F6B Goldwing). One thing though, my helmet starts to kill my head after a couple of hours. I have two helmets. I have a Shoei RF1200 Large. I wore it for a couple of years and it felt too small (Large) so one year ago I ordered the Shoei NeoTec Modular Helmet (XL). Awesome helmet in ever aspect. But after about an hour or so I'll start to get a hot spot on the top front portion of my head just above my forehead.

Obviously the bike has to be right and so does your equipment. Especially if you're going to do something like the SS-1000.

Any suggestions? Obviously, I can't keep going out and buying $400-$600 helmets just hoping one doesn't hurt my head after 2 hours of riding.

Thanks in advance!

In my research I understood the neo tech to have excellent airflow / cooling. I don't own one yet but I'll most likely be buying one very soon. Can you adjust the top vent in a way to work for you? If that doesn't work I do have a non-helmet suggestion for you. Keep a well soaked linen towel wrapped around your neck as often as you can. All the best on your ride.

From a review

"The top vent on the Neotec is a simple slider. Push it back, through one or two clicks, and it opens.Fresh air pours through the helmet -- what can only be called a "curtain" of air flows through over the top of the head. No need for multiple switches, buttons and exotic spoilers, assemblies and plastic gimcracks. Just make the darn thing flow some air, and this one does! Maybe it takes big bucks to design a system that actually works? Doubtful. Instead, it's more likely that a smart designer who actually rides a motorcycle can figure this out. Apparently Shoei has one, because the Neotec has what has to be the best ventilation in a flip-up helmet you'll find (let's hope we find one that's better!) and it beats, oh, maybe 98% of the full-face designs also."

[six2go]

In my research I understood the neo tech to have excellent airflow / cooling. I don't own one yet but I'll most likely be buying one very soon. Can you adjust the top vent in a way to work for you? If that doesn't work I do have a non-helmet suggestion for you. Keep a well soaked linen towel wrapped around your neck as often as you can. All the best on your ride.

From a review

"The top vent on the Neotec is a simple slider. Push it back, through one or two clicks, and it opens.Fresh air pours through the helmet -- what can only be called a "curtain" of air flows through over the top of the head. No need for multiple switches, buttons and exotic spoilers, assemblies and plastic gimcracks. Just make the darn thing flow some air, and this one does! Maybe it takes big bucks to design a system that actually works? Doubtful. Instead, it's more likely that a smart designer who actually rides a motorcycle can figure this out. Apparently Shoei has one, because the Neotec has what has to be the best ventilation in a flip-up helmet you'll find (let's hope we find one that's better!) and it beats, oh, maybe 98% of the full-face designs also."I might be wrong, but I think when the OP said he had a "hot spot", he meant a spot that became sore after awhile. Just guessin'.

[crossbowme]

I'm a retired Army pilot and we used a Nomex skullcap. I use a commercial one of these now ALL the time I use my helmet. Does a great job eliminating hot spot and absorbs sweat.

[okf6b]

Were you getting the same hot spot as me? Just above the forehead? After a couple of hours I'm like damn, I've got to get this thing off for a while. I'll sometimes reach back with my hand and push the back of my helmet forward and hold it to relieve the pressure for a while. But I can't go down the road like that for hours on end....

Exactly the same spot. Wearing a helmet like that for a 2 week ride certainly made the ride less enjoyable. Some mornings it was tough to even put the thing on. I tried pounding the styrofoam in but it didn't help much. The Signet Q (or X for my next one) is the only helmet for me.

[unsub]

I might be wrong, but I think when the OP said he had a "hot spot", he meant a spot that became sore after awhile. Just guessin'.

Oh sh*t brain fa*t. Thanks....of course. Too much sun and vino.

:yes:

[Brasco]

I'm a retired Army pilot and we used a Nomex skullcap. I use a commercial one of these now ALL the time I use my helmet. Does a great job eliminating hot spot and absorbs sweat.

Was going to make a similar suggestion. Perhaps try a skullcap (or do-rag) that has flat lock stitching to minimize effect of the joints in the fabric seams. I wear one of these Cortech liners and it works great. If you have a cloth do-rag with prominent seams stitched together it can create a seriously painful hot spot.

http://www.cortech.net/inc/sdetail/journey_coolmax_headliner/166/558

[grendl]

Maybe a question of definition. My interpretation of 'hot spot' was the place that your helmet and skull maintain an interference clearance. Meaning the helmet is too small. It starts as a hot feeling at the point of contact and grows to an intolerable pain.