Stupid question about off-road helmets

[jazbug5]

Can anyone tell me why they have that 'duck bill' shape? I can see why they would be open to allow for more airflow and so on, it's just I am curious about the different shape.

Also, was thinking of having a go at some off-road to improve my riding when I get back to the UK, too; would a normal helmet be a pain, or would it be okay-ish just for a try-out do you reckon? Oh, and what do short people ride..?!

[merv]

The helmets are the shape they are so that goggles fit and also as you say probably to give more breathing space given that you huff and puff a bit in the dirt. The other feature is the peak to keep the mud out of your eyes as much as it can.

If you are just doing casual dirt riding a road helmet is fine, but anything a little bit strenuous and you'll sweat like a pig and steam up.

Short people can buy some shortish dirt bikes and/or shorten them if you are doing a mix of road, tricky terrain and more demanding stuff. Moto X of course you can do with having the long suspension travel.

At my age, retired from competition, I was happy to buy the WR250 and shorten it and have now bought an XR250L as well which is shorter but still a bit tall for comfortable use on the road for a short arse like me.

There are some short bikes out there - XT225 Yamaha, and dirt only unless you add a road kit CRF230 Honda.

Have fun - dirt has always been a joy of mine as well as road.

[Motu]

What Merv says - an off road helmet has much more venting than a road helmet,and you can't turn it off! Lot's of air is directed over the top of your head,even at low speeds.The mouth/chin section is a development of the mouth guard worn in the 70s when they just wore a road open face.They are legal for road and racing use,but are not too good over 120kph.I wear my off road helmet more than my Nolan dual purpose on road,I like the open feeling,lots of air around my face,and looking through goggles is better than a visor.Trials riders wear open face helmets,and are cut back at the neck to give better movement,less restrictive over the ears for good hearing and better balance....but they aren't road legal.Lots of trials riders just wear road open face,even the top guys...I have a horse helmet,just to complete the dorky look.

Look at something like a DT175,you can still get them new in the UK I think,they've been made for decades and a really good learner bike.You'll be miles ahead of the kid who decides to learn on a YZ250 2 stroke because he wants a really fast bike y'know.....

[jazbug5]

Thanks, both of you- very helpful. I'll have a quick look on Ebay to see if there are many of the bikes you mention around.

And anyone will tell you, I'm far from being a speed demon- at least until I have the skills to do it, hence trying off-road. Besides, it seems like it could be a lot of fun..!

[SDU]

Any bike can be lowered.
I ride an Serow225 which is the same as XT225 but it is made for the Jap market & some models have extras over the XT.
My Serow is a 93 and it has a rear disc and adjustable suspension. I haven't seen that on the XT225. I'm just over 5ft and find it a good height especially as it has the magic button- no more kick starting.
The XT is low enough & is a reasonable all rounder bike. It is not highly powered though so while learning to trail ride it won't be the cause off crashing.
I use mine for mud plugging, adventure type trails, general offroading &
commuting to & from work.
And it isn't too heavy to pick up when I drop it. It does help a heap with improving the skills & is great fun, even when I crash.
Make sure you get some good boots and you'll find the off road helmets lighter and cooler to wear over the road helmets.
I did ride a KLX125L for dirt riding only, It is a lot shorter & even lighter.
I have thought of get a KLX400/KTM and lowering them for more power but I'm not sure how much ground clearance will be left afterwards -Sadly I'm not hitting the dirt enough to warrant the spend due to work commitments at the mo:(
Have a look at the serow forum for info about the bike & what people think, look in places to ride area for pics of others' rides.
http://www.neatknacks.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php
Have fun
SDU

[F5 Dave]

Ahh, so Jaz, that means you're off for good then? Sorry to hear. Best check the local areas are avail for riding, they got all closed down with the CJD stuff but guess everything is back to normal.

[jazbug5]

Ahh, so Jaz, that means you're off for good then? Sorry to hear. .
Well, hope to return in a couple of years as an immigrant: just need to a get a couple more points by becoming employable and stuff. Ha ha...!

Best check the local areas are avail for riding, they got all closed down with the CJD stuff but guess everything is back to normal.
Hopefully so. Going to hook up with a local school for a bit of extra training once I have found a road bike sorted; I believe they also offer off-road instruction, so will figure something out hopefully.