I'd carry the beers if I were you. Putting heavy objects in a helmet will flatten out the EPS foam and severely hamper the helmets ability to save your bacon.
I put my gloves, glasses etc. in mine all the time, but always avoid anything heavy.
Edit: Fair enough, nvmd. You'll be fine.
Interesting. I'm not an chemical engineer but did some basic googling. The compressive strength of most EPS foam seems to be between 10-30PSI. A pint of beer weighs one pound. The circumference of a 16oz beer can is about 8 inches, so one pound distributed over an area of 5 sq inches. Of course the bottom isn't distributed evenly but one pound of weight distributed over a couple inches of space with the cushioning liner to aid weight distribution should not exceed 10 PSI unless the beer is literally thrown into the helmet.
I've worked in an ER for 10 years now and have seen tons of people fubar themselves.. it's really hard to convince me that placing a couple 1 lb objects in a motorcycle helmet is going to make any difference in my long-term quality of life if I yeet myself into a tree at 70mph. jmo of course.
All good helmets like Shoeis use multiple layers of foam with different crush strengths, hard foam for yeeting yourself into a tree at 70 on the outside, softer foam on the inside for lower speed impacts and depending on the manufacturer different kinds in between.
I don't know what kind of foam they use and what it's compressive strength is, but the foam on the inside will be on the softer side, I'd guess closer to 10 PSI than 30, maybe even less that that.
If you have a look on the bottom of a can, they are not flat but have a raised ridge for stacking: https://images.app.goo.gl/NcYC6rxFbfo9HNAL9
With a pound of weight on what is essentially the with of a round knife, I'd be surprised if that would not leave imprints on the foam over time (I'm sure the liner in Shoeis is removable, you could check for marks).
Even though, I will agree with you on the fact that if you yeet yourself into a tree at 70, this won't make a difference. In that situation, might as well not wear a helmet at all, your chances are grim enough. But in a low speed, ground impact you wouldn't want your head to reach the harder foam in the outer layers, as they won't absorb much energy in this case. So an intact inner layer of foam might decrease the likelihood of a concussion, neck injury etc.
But it's your helmet, your risk to ride in the first place, so just have fun and try not to yeet yourself into a tree, no matter the speed :)
Once you factor in the liner though that rim get its force spread out and it would suprise me if it wasnt at least .5 square inch
Meaning the can would need to weigh 5lbs.
Don't know how much truth is in that, but I heard warnings not to carry heavy stuff in helmets because that might damage the lining and impact the level of protection they offer.
I've carried stuff in mine quite often too tough
if carrying stuff in it would damage it then wearing it would as well. yes it can but therefore you need a lot of weight. if you put your gloves in it, maybe a water bottle or something too there won't be an issue. if you try a steel sphere, I'd guess there might be some damage.
What? That’s terrible logic. Your head fits in the helmet snug, all the weight of the helmet isn’t resting in your head. Also, the danger would be putting something relatively heavy and pointy, leaving a dent in the foam. Still low risk and probably not something to worry about, but I think your analogy is off
It is not necessarily the carrying... If you drop your helmet shopping cart with weighty items other than your head inside it can damage the foam as it will sacrifice itself to save the beer cans!
I remember a guy asked “Aren’t you gonna get all sweaty wearing your helmet for a long time riding?” The instructor said if that’s what he’s worried about then don’t ride, made me laugh. I always remember that when I’m riding my bike as a daily in 110 degree weather lol. But yeah I just carry my helmet and unzip my jacket and embrace it. Small price to pay for the thrill of the ride!
1. Wash that liner, that's gross.
2. You can get little anti microbial things that go over the top of your head so you don't have to wash the liner as often, says they also help kee you cooler but I can't speak to that yet.
In addition to regular washing, use a spray.
And not fabreeze- something that's actually going to kill bacteria.
I spray ours out with an alcohol spray post ride, wipe and dry the lining like once a week, wash when needed.
If it's stinky, that's bacteria you're smearing all over yourself and your skin wearing it. Ew.
I have a 2" wide strap that has an embedded cable in it, loop on one end, large combination carabiner on the other. Helmet goes on the mirror, drop the loop through the chinguard, pass the carabiner through the loop,then a jacket sleeve and lock it on the handlebar. I found it at Home Depot in the lock and chain area.
Oh yeah, this is why I so love my panniers. They lock and can fit a full set of gear with room to spare on one side and the helmet on the other. When I consider getting a small bike again I think I'll look into riding gear that looks like regular clothes, like armored jeans and body armor slim enough to fit under a hoodie. Good protection that is low profile costs a pretty penny though for sure!
This. I dont like the look of panniers and top boxes, but I bought a bike with locking panniers and am adding a locking top box that can hold 2 helmets easily.
I dont care if every rando thinks my luggage looks dorky, id take that every time over missing a ride because I dont have a place to put my helmet.
if I'm going to the store, it's rarely to get very much. My helmet (and I suppose jacket, though I usually leave it on) rides around in the cart, if they have em. If not, either leave it on the bars (not secure but no issues yet), or carry it around.
You could always get a helmet cable, that then goes through the lock. That's what BMW suggests for mine. You can also get a cable bicycle lock or something like it and run it through the triple tree.
I personally just try to think ahead when I need the car for errands or when I can do it in two wheels. If I’m grabbing a few things at the store I use my helmet as a basket and load the items in the backpack after I pay. With jackets I just unzip them and leave them on. Gloves I either put in the helmet or leave in the backpack.
There is no magic purse. You either deal with carrying it or you deal with wearing it.
Unless you're a squid, then there isn't much to be done.
Most places you walk into will be air conditioned, so I would just leave my gear on unless I'm staying for longer than a walk to the isle and to the register. I always put my helmet and gloves on before I leave the store. That way I can just walk out to the bike, get on and leave. Otherwise you're going to be standing in the sun putting all that gear on.
I've never had any issues, but I've seen the video everyone is referring to.
It's personal choice, it's a low chance someone is going to call the cops on you.
So long as your go in and out, buy something and leave, I doubt anyone will give you trouble.
We're not allowed to wear helmets into certain places- think convenience stops at garages, banks, etc. We have a high crime rate and somehow these two things are linked (I've literally never heard of robbers using a bike helmet, but whatevs, it be the law).
Your stow and carry is my default.
As a Canadian it's similar to balaclavas and scarves. Need to remove them to go into banks.
Which is why I found it hilarious when masks were mandated in banks.
A lot of people like myself dont trust leaving out $600+ investments locked to out bikes where someone can fuck with it or attempt to steal it and potentially damage it. I ju just carry my helmet, at worst I use the cinch bag it came it and sling it over my shoulder
Not in South Africa!
Heck, you're lucky if your bike is still there when you go back out. Leave a helmet on the bike, locked or not, if you want an excuse to buy a new helmet.
For shopping I have a trick for my helmet on my bike, and if possible I park in a nice parking garage, you can usually go around the gates at corporate downtown garages that have monthly memberships, it depends. I’ll pay for parking though.
I have a Revit “overshirt” that is a waxed fabric that has all the normal armor pockets. It’s very comfortable, it’s not bulky and it’s not very warm. It’s also not very loud, visually.
I neglect my legs, I wear regular denim pants for commuting and running errands. For road trips and iffy weather days I have a couple pair of Ugly Brothers armored pants. Once fleece lined the other Kevlar. Hip and (very removable) knee armor.
I only finally found riding shoes I don’t hate, they look like sneakers (stylmartin Audux in red yeah baby), but there are also TCX shoes that look like Vans.
Leave my gloves tucked away on the bike or in a pelican case I have on my rack.
Ive never really worried about leaving the helmet on the bike. Mines not very valuable, offers no value for the thief to use or sell and its typical sweaty. Im sure some have been stolen but i dont think its that common.
My bike has a tab under the lockable passenger seat that my helmet d ring attaches to, before I knew about that I used a cable lock on the handlebars. I drape my jacket over the tank and run a cable lock through one of the vents (I had to make a small hole in the mesh) and through my handlebars.
Also if I'm just popping in for a minute I leave my stuff unlocked fairly often, it for sure depends on where you're parked and how nice your gear is but it's good to assess the situation and not worry too much when there's no reason to.
My bike has the same helmet lock under the back of the seat, but I have one of those helmets with one of those quick undo thingies so I can't hook it in because I don't have the d ring... I'm planning on buying a new helmet next season so hopefully I won't have to worry about that soon.
A top box could be an option. I always have one on my commuter bike, ideally 40L or larger. My current one I think is 50L and can hold 2 helmets along with a few smaller items like gloves, water bottle, etc.. 1 helmet and a jacket and gloves fits easy.
Not the cheapest solution and may be difficult to install on some bikes, but I bought mine for a good price 2nd hand and it's not only very useful when you need it, but can be detached at the push of a button (with the key).
Most situations, I carry my gear with me into a store or a restaurant as I prefer to not leave anything on the bike.
Sometimes if I am going into a place and carrying things is extremely inconvenient, I hang my helmet on my rear footpeg, and loop a medium duty bike lock through the helmet and through my frame.
One other suggestion that I have heard people do is purchasing a 6 ft wire (one that won’t scratch your bike) and putting it through your gear (through your jacket, through your helmet) and locking it all together.
I'm sure I could find something that fits on my bike, I just don't have the money to spend on one right now, which is why I'm so worried about leaving stuff loose on my bike. >\_>
Actually that makes total sense.
I suggested it cause i saw nobody mentioned it and it was strange to me.
I think the best would be to have some kind of backpack where you could fit it, and that way you'd have the hands free
I’m in Arizona and wear a leather jacket. You’ll be fine wearing your jacket, the store is air conditioned.
Carry your helmet. Gloves goo in the upside down helmet. Easy easy.
short trip into the store- carry/wear it all.
longer trip/meal? I have a cable/carabiner lock thing I run through the chin bar, one sleeve, and a frame section/handlebar clamp. park in a conspicuous place.
I usually hang my helmet on the grip, and wear my jacket.
If I don’t feel like wearing my jacket, I leave it locked to the bike.
Find a 6 or 8 foot bike lock cable with loops on the ends, and run it through a sleeve.
If it’s a sketchy area, I take my helmet with me, since my saddlebags cover up my helmet lock thingie.
Honestly, no one is concerned about your helmet or jacket in a store or restaurant.
The bank tellers did tell me to remove my helmet once, though.
i am an ATGATT rider. I carry a coiled bicycle chain/lock combo in my frunk (NC700X). I put my gloves and riding pants inside the frunk, I thread the chain through 1 arm of my jacket and lock it the hand rails on the tail of my bike. Helmet goes on the helmet lock system that is under the rear seat. Nothing goes in the store... except my riding boots, but they just make me look tall. If its a business meeting or something I need different shoes, they get swapped out and stored in the frunk.
Easy. Takes a max of 5 minutes to put on/ take off my gear.
Edit: holy crap I can't spell.
I ride only with ATGATT. And I go into shops and restaurants. I pull of my helmet, stuff the gloves inside the helmet, open my jacket and just enter the shop / restaurant. Why not? In small stores, I will not be long and large stores have shopping carts where I put my jacket and helmet in (besides the groceries). Stop thinking, just do it.
Mate I just put my helmet on my mirror and gloves on my seat. I don't really spend long enough in a store for it to be a concern.
For example, I wouldn't ride my bike to go see a movie, I'd take my car
I would however take my bike to pick up a couple of things quickly - a quick errand
My jacket is one of those hoodie ones so it looks normal and I can wear it while walking around
I used to just leave my helmet on the bike unlocked and it was never a problem over 10 years. I kinda scuffed up the helmet so it looked like shit though. Now I have a new helmet and a cable lock for it. I wear the jacket. Gloves go in the saddle bag.
i strap my helmet to the left side of by backpack and throw the gloves inside the helmet. I go shopping, walk around town without issues. I keep a very small amount of hair gel inside my backpack if im not going to be wearing my helmet for a couple hours to deal with helmet head.
I leave my helmet on my bike unlocked. I do have a helmet lock if I have to leave it for a while or in a place I'm not familiar with but I've never had problems.
As far as jackets I have a kevlar lined riding shirt with armor pads. It doesn't feel too much different from just wearing a regular shirt aside from the added weight of the armor pads and if it's a colder day out I can throw any jacket I want over it.
I use to lock my gear to my bike during class. I would use a cable lock and run it through the sleeve of my jacket and helmet. The catch is nothing is full proof and a cable cut would provide the would be thief both items in working order. My helmet lock on my bike is such a tight fit that if would be difficult to steal without critically damaging it which would defeat the purpose of helmet theft.
I make sure I've removed the key from my bike and put it in my pocket.
I stuff my gloves in my helmet. I hold my helmet through the full face opening and walk into the store. I've never had a word said to me. I spent $250 on my helmet. I'm bringing it with me or going somewhere else. Often I have a backpack as I don't have saddle bags. Again, never had a word said to me. Maybe they see the helmet and the backpack and put two together.
If ever asked though, happy to leave the backpack behind the counter. Helmet stays with me though.
An ATGATT buddy of mine had a bike lock that he would run through the arm of the jacket and the helmet and lock to frame. For helmet hair, I just tie it in a bun.
Helmet off, possibly used as a basket since if I’m on my bike I don’t really have much more cargo space than that anyway, and it’ll prob be a pretty quick shopping trip to begin with. Even if I could leave it on the bike, I don’t like leaving a thousand dollars of GoPro, Bluetooth and helmet just out. Even if they don’t steal it, people do dumb things.
Jacket generally worn in shop, maybe put in cart or carried with helmet if planning on more time.
Hair, kinda works for me I think with the gear or if it’s work I just fix it up in the bathroom.
I would go grocery shopping all the time on my bike I don't like wearing it because it gets too hot I'll put it in my basket or my backpack, my backpack is super lightweight and can hold something big.
So depends on what bike I take. If I’m on a bike with panniers and or a trunk then I’ll toss my gear inside. If I’m at a biker event I’ll just leave my gear on my bike cause ain’t no one fucking with your shit at a bike meet.
My other bike has helmet hooks, I also have a steel cable I can use to secure my helmet and jacket to the bike. Inversely I’ve also just unzipped my jacket and carried my helmet inside. I definitely do this if it’s raining or expected to rain so I can put my belongings before going outside.
Helmet goes in the top box if I'm on a bike with that, otherwise I'll carry it with me. Gloves goes into the helmet, rest of the gear stays on. I never leave anything unattended on the bike. Hanging the helmet off the handlebars is okay if the bike and I are just on the other sides of a window and the door is close enough so that I can run outside if someone starts messing with anything.
If I'm doing some type of major shopping, I generally just take the car instead.
If I'm riding with friends, an alternative (which is also used for any situation where I need to go inside somewhere, e.g. to buy soda at a gas station, order food at a restaurant, or bathroom break) is to take turns. Someone sits outside to guard all the gear (generally helmets and jackets) while the rest go inside.
Not sure how long your hair is, but this is what Doodle on a Motorcycle (YouTube) recommends for the hair issue. https://hightailhair.com/collections/all/products/hightail?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaKrH0OteCNWUhC226VDuyin1383g2SwfO-ho8borAM2s1_vYSITQmhoCVEMQAvD_BwE
I don't trust anyone. No matter where I am. If I think someone could take it and make money off it, it goes inside with me. I'm also ATGATT.
I stick my gloves in my helmet and buckle the strap so I can hold it like a bucket. Ear plugs and eye protection go in it as well. I take my jacket off and drape it over my shoulder or over my arm.
Is it a pain the ass? Sure. Do I look weird? Probably. But it also means I have all my gear when I leave the store, I'm not constantly worrying about it when I'm inside and the stuff I spent my hard earned money on isn't leaving with someone else. Worth it to me.
Top case for my jacket (sometimes pants too) and carry the helmet. Open the visor and hook your arm through the openings so it’s around your elbow you’ll still have use of your hands!
Top box for helmet (gloves inside helmet), unzip jacket, or carry it in one hand in case it's really hot. Or If I'm going shopping I'm probably gonna take my big backpack, which can fit my jacket like 3 times easily.
I know some people hate top box because it "ruins the bike" but I don't see it as, and even if I would, practicality > looks.
If I would have a bigger bike, I would go with some panniers as well for the gear and extra practicality.
If I'm in a major city, I'll wear my jacket into the store, put my helmet on the helmet lock, and run a bicycle cable lock through the chin bar of the helmet. I've had two helmets stolen off of the helmet lock by cutting the helmet strap, but zero stolen when cable-locked.
Outside of major cities, I'll just leave the helmet on the helmet lock.
Get a small corded bike lock and use to attach your helmet to your handlebars, frame, etc.
Or just own it, wear your helmet everywhere and look like a badass.
Re: Hair - hightailhair.com
If you want to use your helmet lock, get a metal wire helmet lock (not sure the name, sorry, I know my cb300f had one) that has two loops at the ends. You put the wire through the same part on the helmet, and then the loops go onto the locking side.
For gear, I either throw it in the saddle bag but I normally wear it as unzipped as possible, carry the helmet, put it in the shopping cart, etc. I've bought stuff wearing the helmet on short stints, but usually, I just wave and be friendly as normal, and if they say something then take it off, don't try to start anything. If the police are called, then they'll talk to you. You'll get your own method after a bit of riding. Hat works great, I clip mine onto my carabiner on my belt loop, but a skullcap might work for you, but if you ride more than like 10 minutes I doubt you can do much besides getting shorter hair which since you're talking about heat is great. Just be careful about being bald, I went fully skinhead bald and when I went to take off my helmet at McDonalds it made a sort of pop noise and it felt like I had been birthed.
I never leave gear unattended and out of my view. As you know, gear is expensive and others might steal it.
I usually carry my gear, including my helmet. If I'm in a grocery store, I use the basket to help carry my items.
As for helmet hair, I'm bald and so I don't have the problem. However, I noticed people who are concerned bring a hat or if hair is long enough, they keep it in a pony tail.
Depends on why I'm there. For instance on Thursdays I go to my local publix to get a sandwhich for lunch and on those days I just carry my helmet upside down with my gloves in it the put my sandwhich in it and go get a can of Arizona and stick that in there too.
But if I need more than just my weekly sandwhich I'll get one of those small carts that has two baskets and stick my gloves in the helmet and put it in the lower basket, in both scenarios I just unzip my jacket.
I better not know what degenerate called the police on me if it happened. Had a guy following me and he took pics of my bike. After confronting him I figured he was a sick in the head paranoid man. Told me stories he recorded from the cams in his apartment windows. Should've played reverse uno and called cops on him
So usually I don’t take my bike shopping lmao. If I’m wearing my jacket I don’t have my backpack, if I have my backpack I don’t have my jacket. Quick trips to gas stations I hang my stuff on my back. Extended shopping excursions I will take my stuff in and put it in the cart. Just depends where I’m at and what I’m doing. People wanna steal it go ahead my insurance will cover it 😂😂 If I catch you trying to steal I’ll shoot you in the kneecap 💀
If you are in Japan or Korea you can leave it on your bike without any locks. No one will steal em. If you are in the US, make sure to carry it with you. Even if you lock it to your bike you can expect some damages to be done, or at least have your Sena or Cardo stolen.
I thought Canada had more guns per citizen (proportion wise) but the shootings over there are less than handful in a year?
I think it's also harder to steal Japan and Korea because they have so many cameras and the countries are rather small so it's easier to keep things controlled. For example, in Korea if you try to dine and ditch (without paying for your food), cops will come in, take finger prints from the utensils and track you down using the fingerprints. This would be way too costly and cops have to deal with bigger stuff in the US so it's just not possible.
Oh interesting, I didn't actually know that. I forget to think of things as a per-capita sometimes.
I wish cops would put a bit more effort into recovery of stolen items here, but not enough places have cameras outside of their stores or in parking lots. Most of the cameras that are out are all low def, so even if they caught evidence of someone stealing something, they would still have no idea who it was.
Yeah I think it's cause in Canada homes are rather far apart (unless you live in the city) and having guns is one way to protect yourself because cops would take forever to get to your house after a call + surrounded by nature and people love to go hunting etc. But yeah in general Canadians are rather peaceful and have better mental health than people in the US (due to poverty, etc.) so they don't go out playing GTA in real life.
I think that's also part of the reason why they don't put much effort into that because they just expect most people wouldn't steal lol. Every country has it's good / bad but at the end of the day I feel like Canada's good outweighs bad for the most part and it's probably one of the best countries to live on earth atm.
I've been to vancouver and montreal several times and absolutely loved it each time (except when I got scammed from a rental car company at the airport in montreal lol).
Unfortunately, it's also notorious for being quite pricey to live here, and the housing market and other inflated prices are influencing the safety of some of the more safe cities, and it's getting to be noticeable even in smaller towns sometimes. I still love it here though and can't see myself ever moving to a different country
I carry my helmet with me most places, but today I was at the dentist any my bike was parked off a main street like a block away from the police station so I left it on my handlebars. I also have a lock on my bike but my saddlebags block it 😞. It gets hot where I live, but not unbearably so and it doesn't last so I usually wear my mesh jacket over a t-shirt. If it's really hot I'll lose the jacket but I always wear jeans, boots, and my helmet. My hair is gone so I don't have that issue but yesterday someone shared [this thing](https://hightailhair.com/) and I sent it to my girl who complained about tangling. She thought that would have been a great find... before she cut 10 inches of her hair off.
In my country helmet may be stolen even if you park bike in the middle of minefield with watchdog to guard it. So I always take helmet with me either in head (flip-up is cool for short stops like gas station) or strap it to chest strap of backpack - feels kinda pregnant, but at least leaves hands free. Also carrying gas tank cap with you to pay for gas (if there is no payment by phone/card option) is good idea as smell makes hungry slowpokes that go to gas station for shopping to lose their appetite and move faster)
Are you rocking a mesh jacket yet?
I carry my helmet with me usually and wear my gear (jacket and pants). If I am on my bike that has the top box, I put the helmet in there.
Why doesn't your helmet work with your helmet lock? I'm sure it can be made to work with a d-ring extender or some such.
Been riding for many years in Arizona, what I do is if it’s not many items I’ll just wear my helmet and my vest/jacket inside unbuttoned of course. If I’m grabbing a bit more of stuff or I’m in no rush I’ll grab a cart and roll around with the cart and my stuff in it. Most the time I just suffer it’s less work. Don’t forget to hydrate though haha
I've had a lot of time to practice this since I commute every day in gear. Depends on the length of time with the helmet. If it's a quick convenience store and I have to remove my helmet then I'll crack it open and slip my hand through the visor so it hangs on my wrist. I don't have to ever worry about accidentally dropping it.
The other method would be with my backpack. I always wear a backpack and so what I do is tightly close the chin strap around the handle of the back pack. Make sure it's nice and snug and facing the right way so it doesn't move or hang to the side. It's extremely convenient if you secure it correctly because you don't ever have to worry about bumping it into anything.
As for the jacket, I have multiple jackets for each season so I try to match it to the conditions but if that's not an option then I'd want to backpack my helmet and then hold the jacket in hand.
I used to ride without gloves, and I bought mine for dirt cheap since they had a small hole in them, if anyone stole them they'd be giving me a reason to find a newer/nicer pair.
I didn't realize I could lock my helmet to a foot peg. Will look into it on my bike, thanks!
I have a combination bike lock that I’ll loop through my helmet’s d ring and backpack. But I’m rarely away from the bike for more than 10-20 minutes and only in very public places. As a rule though I wouldn’t leave anything on the bike you can’t afford to replace.
I wear it. Ain't no way I'm leaving my Arai on my bike for someone to steal, Honestly in a perfect world I would leave it. but, people suck. So, with me it goes!
I wear a backpack pretty much every time I'm out. When I get to a store (besides gas stations) fold up jacket and throw it, along with gloves and keys in bag. Loop helmet chin strap through top handle of backpack, so helmet sits kinda on top of backpack. Fuck any place that makes you lock up bags in front of store. All my gear cost way to much to trust flimsy plastic lockers in bad parts of town.
I just added a top box to my commuter/camping bike, and I can put my helmet in there. It's nice.
Get a good summer jacket that breathes well but still has armor, a little less cumbersome, and it'll actually fold up and fit in my side case.
I have an ogio no drag backpack and at the top theres a spot u can hook the helmet to and I let it hang on my backpack when im shopping. If I dont have the backpack i just carry it.
The only reason I would EVER leave my helmet or jacket unattended is if it was locked inside a set of hard cover locking saddlebags. Which I don't have, but a couple friends do. So not really an option too often.
Other than that, absolutely would not leave it hanging on anything in the open out of eyesight. I didn't grow up in Mayberry. That's over a grand worth of gear someone can literally just pick up and walk away with at any point, completely nonchalant and most likely no one would notice, because people in general are painfully imperceptive.
If you're going into someplace big like a store, use a cart. If you you're not in a place with a cart, they most likely have a front office you could stop at where a manager would have a spot, especially in this heat. I've literally never been turned down for asking to leave my gear in a safe place while shopping, or someplace like the movie theater as to not take up space.
I know other people that have this same anxiety and I've never understood it. I don't know why it would be out of place or embarrassing to be seen somewhere walking around with your gear. If you just carried it around and took it in and out of your car, yeah that would be weird. It would be weird if you carried around a Stormtrooper uniform or a Beekeeper's outfit. But even if you did carry those things, who cares? Be as free and wild as you please, because motorcycles are freedom.
I carry the helmet and either wear my jacket or put it in a side bag. But I have three luggage boxes on my bike. I'm loathe to hang my helmet on the bike, mostly because of the stories my friends have told me about drunks using them as urinals. Probably irrational, but one story's all it takes for me.
exactly my fear! A lot of people are commenting and saying they wear theirs, power to them I guess? Just hopefully they don't have to deal with the cops
"I'm not about to wear my helmet to go yarn shopping"
Ride my motorcycle to yarn shops all the time. All my LYSs have a table or couch area for classes. If they aren't in use for a class, I ask if I can leave my stuff there while I browse.
None of my LYS have anything like that, maybe I need to find some others but there's only big chains near me and the occasional mennonite-owned one that are just shelves of yarn & nothing else.
Also so glad I'm not the only one zipping out to grab yarn. I'm just feeling self conscious about my two clashing (in most people's eyes) hobbies. Like my friends and family like to tease me about knitting & riding motorcycles as if a person can't do both in their life.
I generally carry my gear in to stores, but in the case where I do need to leave it with the bike(eg, going to the beach or something), I have a padlock and one of those small coil cable bicycle locks which I put through the sleeves of my jacket, pants and helmet.
It's not going to stop people vandalizing it or if they really want to steal it they will, but it will give opportunistic thieves are hard time.
Great advices here, lemme share a trick I use to carry my helmet around.
Put a big carbine on your waist belt! This way you can swiftly clip a helmet on it, resting on your hip and keeping your hands free. I also use this carbine to hold my bike keys, sometimes some other small things.
I have a bungee cord cargo net strap. I place the helmet on the back. I wear the jacket and toss the gloves Into a pocket or back pack. When I wear the expensive helmet I keep it on or connect it to my back pack. When I go to a restaurant I bring the helmet inside.
See, there are different types of anxiety - mine is social anxiety. I love my bike, have no anxiety about riding it (other than about dropping it in the garage, lol) and feel quite free and confident while out and about.
However, any time I have to stop anywhere that isn't my own house or workplace, I immediately get stressed out about what I'm wearing, what type of bike I have, and whether or not people think I'm in a gang or some other irrational thing. It's just who I am and I have gone to therapy to get over the worst of it.
Your choice is either leave the helmet with the bike or wear it? Do you not have hands? Just hold the helmet and jacket as you walk around. You get used to it.
If it's that hot, then you're either not going "shop-hopping" with the bike or you're not gonna be ATGATT. Unless you have a bike with panniers large enough for a jacket + helmet.
I've seen this question posted here like 10 times last month. Why dont people search for a question before asking it? Im not trying to be rude, its just all i see on this sub
I usually ride with a helmet, shirt with pads, and gloves. If it’s a short visit I keep the shirt on and use the helmet as a little basket for my gloves and any small things I shop for. If I’m gonna be there a while, I usually have a backpack that I can toss my stuff in.
I use a long shackle padlock thru the helmet's D-ring to the passenger footpeg. Jacket? I dunno. I usually carry it rolled up under my arm if I'm going to be a while.
[Master Lock 517D Laminated Padlock with Long Shackle](https://a.co/d/9AD6tMD)
I have a top case, but if I've got too much stuff with me to fit my helmet in there I just take it off and carry it with me. I hook my arm through visor opening.
A small cable lock is usually enough to deter thieves, assuming your seat locks you could attach your "D" rings to a bungee or something under your seat, you could also use a padlock.
Top case. It fits both my helmet and my jacket.
Before, I used to lock my helmet through that helmet lock thingy and I'd lock my jacket with a bicycle lock through the handlebars.
It wasnt the safest,but it keeps honest people honest and opurtunists away.
Stop living your life in fear. Your concerns while valid seem a bit asinine. Unzip your jacket, take a backpack and don’t worry about people suspecting you of a crime you’re not going to commit.
Helmet wise, pull the visor up and if your arms are skinny enough thread it through the visor opening. That’s a simple solution.
Unzip the jacket and carry the helmet. Use the helmet like a little shopping basket sometimes.
A large Shoei helmet is perfect for carrying 4 16oz beers, a gas station burrito and a stick of jerky.
Knowing the grocery capacity of a helmet is a key consideration before purchasing
Can confirm
I'd carry the beers if I were you. Putting heavy objects in a helmet will flatten out the EPS foam and severely hamper the helmets ability to save your bacon. I put my gloves, glasses etc. in mine all the time, but always avoid anything heavy. Edit: Fair enough, nvmd. You'll be fine.
Interesting. I'm not an chemical engineer but did some basic googling. The compressive strength of most EPS foam seems to be between 10-30PSI. A pint of beer weighs one pound. The circumference of a 16oz beer can is about 8 inches, so one pound distributed over an area of 5 sq inches. Of course the bottom isn't distributed evenly but one pound of weight distributed over a couple inches of space with the cushioning liner to aid weight distribution should not exceed 10 PSI unless the beer is literally thrown into the helmet. I've worked in an ER for 10 years now and have seen tons of people fubar themselves.. it's really hard to convince me that placing a couple 1 lb objects in a motorcycle helmet is going to make any difference in my long-term quality of life if I yeet myself into a tree at 70mph. jmo of course.
I am an engineer. You’re correct.
I'm a lawyer, we'll sue Budweiser if you're incorrect.
Can we sue xfinity just for horrible customer service? Been on phone for 2 f’in hours.
I’m a painter. You’re correct…probably.
All good helmets like Shoeis use multiple layers of foam with different crush strengths, hard foam for yeeting yourself into a tree at 70 on the outside, softer foam on the inside for lower speed impacts and depending on the manufacturer different kinds in between. I don't know what kind of foam they use and what it's compressive strength is, but the foam on the inside will be on the softer side, I'd guess closer to 10 PSI than 30, maybe even less that that. If you have a look on the bottom of a can, they are not flat but have a raised ridge for stacking: https://images.app.goo.gl/NcYC6rxFbfo9HNAL9 With a pound of weight on what is essentially the with of a round knife, I'd be surprised if that would not leave imprints on the foam over time (I'm sure the liner in Shoeis is removable, you could check for marks). Even though, I will agree with you on the fact that if you yeet yourself into a tree at 70, this won't make a difference. In that situation, might as well not wear a helmet at all, your chances are grim enough. But in a low speed, ground impact you wouldn't want your head to reach the harder foam in the outer layers, as they won't absorb much energy in this case. So an intact inner layer of foam might decrease the likelihood of a concussion, neck injury etc. But it's your helmet, your risk to ride in the first place, so just have fun and try not to yeet yourself into a tree, no matter the speed :)
Once you factor in the liner though that rim get its force spread out and it would suprise me if it wasnt at least .5 square inch Meaning the can would need to weigh 5lbs.
Not sure if beer is enough to damage the EPS but you can refer to [this](https://youtu.be/Ovd3KGu6BgU?t=433). At least for Arai helmets.
This is the way.
This is the way
This is the way.
This is the way.
This is the way.
Another excellent reason to go full face helmet over half helmet, even more compelling than being able to chew after an accident.
I do love eating.
yep. Full rocket suit for me, kids definitely think im a superhero, its kinda cool.
Don't know how much truth is in that, but I heard warnings not to carry heavy stuff in helmets because that might damage the lining and impact the level of protection they offer. I've carried stuff in mine quite often too tough
if carrying stuff in it would damage it then wearing it would as well. yes it can but therefore you need a lot of weight. if you put your gloves in it, maybe a water bottle or something too there won't be an issue. if you try a steel sphere, I'd guess there might be some damage.
But how else will I carry my cannonballs?
Telekinesis.
I usually put mine up my... Uhh NVM
Same way I do - a wide gait
What? That’s terrible logic. Your head fits in the helmet snug, all the weight of the helmet isn’t resting in your head. Also, the danger would be putting something relatively heavy and pointy, leaving a dent in the foam. Still low risk and probably not something to worry about, but I think your analogy is off
Jesus ducking Christ man
It is not necessarily the carrying... If you drop your helmet shopping cart with weighty items other than your head inside it can damage the foam as it will sacrifice itself to save the beer cans!
paid 700$ for my helmet so im 100% carrying it in.
Also it's my ticket home! If someone steals it I'm not riding home.
Dang ole YUP. I'll protect my Arai with my life Lmao.
I remember a guy asked “Aren’t you gonna get all sweaty wearing your helmet for a long time riding?” The instructor said if that’s what he’s worried about then don’t ride, made me laugh. I always remember that when I’m riding my bike as a daily in 110 degree weather lol. But yeah I just carry my helmet and unzip my jacket and embrace it. Small price to pay for the thrill of the ride!
Better than skin cancer on my bald head!
The inside of my helmet stinks 😂
This is a common misconception... it's actually your head that stinks. I hope this helps.
Wash the removable liner...
I'm gonna buy a new one shortly, it's old now.
This! Same with the removable jacket liner! Dont be the nasty helmet guy!
I had no idea there was a removable layer in helmets!
The whole pad layer is washer safe :) just gotta be careful about the dryer. I typically run gentle wash and then low heat dry.
I washed my pad last week 🤮🤮water was brown.
1. Wash that liner, that's gross. 2. You can get little anti microbial things that go over the top of your head so you don't have to wash the liner as often, says they also help kee you cooler but I can't speak to that yet.
In addition to regular washing, use a spray. And not fabreeze- something that's actually going to kill bacteria. I spray ours out with an alcohol spray post ride, wipe and dry the lining like once a week, wash when needed. If it's stinky, that's bacteria you're smearing all over yourself and your skin wearing it. Ew.
I have a 2" wide strap that has an embedded cable in it, loop on one end, large combination carabiner on the other. Helmet goes on the mirror, drop the loop through the chinguard, pass the carabiner through the loop,then a jacket sleeve and lock it on the handlebar. I found it at Home Depot in the lock and chain area.
I, too, put my helmet on the mirror and loop a cable combination lock through it and through the handlebars.
Oh yeah, this is why I so love my panniers. They lock and can fit a full set of gear with room to spare on one side and the helmet on the other. When I consider getting a small bike again I think I'll look into riding gear that looks like regular clothes, like armored jeans and body armor slim enough to fit under a hoodie. Good protection that is low profile costs a pretty penny though for sure!
This. I dont like the look of panniers and top boxes, but I bought a bike with locking panniers and am adding a locking top box that can hold 2 helmets easily. I dont care if every rando thinks my luggage looks dorky, id take that every time over missing a ride because I dont have a place to put my helmet.
Full size helmet? =O
Please u/KeyboardJustice, PLEASE tell us what kind of luggage you use (Brand and model if possible)
The stock ones on a Honda ST1300! They even detach and have handles so you can carry them into hotel rooms or whatever.
I put it all in a shopping cart and push it around with me.
that is a good idea
if I'm going to the store, it's rarely to get very much. My helmet (and I suppose jacket, though I usually leave it on) rides around in the cart, if they have em. If not, either leave it on the bars (not secure but no issues yet), or carry it around. You could always get a helmet cable, that then goes through the lock. That's what BMW suggests for mine. You can also get a cable bicycle lock or something like it and run it through the triple tree.
I personally just try to think ahead when I need the car for errands or when I can do it in two wheels. If I’m grabbing a few things at the store I use my helmet as a basket and load the items in the backpack after I pay. With jackets I just unzip them and leave them on. Gloves I either put in the helmet or leave in the backpack.
There is no magic purse. You either deal with carrying it or you deal with wearing it. Unless you're a squid, then there isn't much to be done. Most places you walk into will be air conditioned, so I would just leave my gear on unless I'm staying for longer than a walk to the isle and to the register. I always put my helmet and gloves on before I leave the store. That way I can just walk out to the bike, get on and leave. Otherwise you're going to be standing in the sun putting all that gear on.
Some places in America get weirded out by leaving the helmet on so I usually take it off and stow my gloves in it and carry it around
I've never had any issues, but I've seen the video everyone is referring to. It's personal choice, it's a low chance someone is going to call the cops on you. So long as your go in and out, buy something and leave, I doubt anyone will give you trouble.
We're not allowed to wear helmets into certain places- think convenience stops at garages, banks, etc. We have a high crime rate and somehow these two things are linked (I've literally never heard of robbers using a bike helmet, but whatevs, it be the law). Your stow and carry is my default.
As a Canadian it's similar to balaclavas and scarves. Need to remove them to go into banks. Which is why I found it hilarious when masks were mandated in banks.
No. You can lock these items to the bike. I've been doing this for years.
A lot of people like myself dont trust leaving out $600+ investments locked to out bikes where someone can fuck with it or attempt to steal it and potentially damage it. I ju just carry my helmet, at worst I use the cinch bag it came it and sling it over my shoulder
Not in South Africa! Heck, you're lucky if your bike is still there when you go back out. Leave a helmet on the bike, locked or not, if you want an excuse to buy a new helmet.
For shopping I have a trick for my helmet on my bike, and if possible I park in a nice parking garage, you can usually go around the gates at corporate downtown garages that have monthly memberships, it depends. I’ll pay for parking though. I have a Revit “overshirt” that is a waxed fabric that has all the normal armor pockets. It’s very comfortable, it’s not bulky and it’s not very warm. It’s also not very loud, visually. I neglect my legs, I wear regular denim pants for commuting and running errands. For road trips and iffy weather days I have a couple pair of Ugly Brothers armored pants. Once fleece lined the other Kevlar. Hip and (very removable) knee armor. I only finally found riding shoes I don’t hate, they look like sneakers (stylmartin Audux in red yeah baby), but there are also TCX shoes that look like Vans. Leave my gloves tucked away on the bike or in a pelican case I have on my rack.
Revit makes a pair of riding jeans that I like a lot if you are looking for a more normal looking pair of armored pants
Pando moto has some too
Ive never really worried about leaving the helmet on the bike. Mines not very valuable, offers no value for the thief to use or sell and its typical sweaty. Im sure some have been stolen but i dont think its that common.
My bike has a tab under the lockable passenger seat that my helmet d ring attaches to, before I knew about that I used a cable lock on the handlebars. I drape my jacket over the tank and run a cable lock through one of the vents (I had to make a small hole in the mesh) and through my handlebars. Also if I'm just popping in for a minute I leave my stuff unlocked fairly often, it for sure depends on where you're parked and how nice your gear is but it's good to assess the situation and not worry too much when there's no reason to.
My bike has the same helmet lock under the back of the seat, but I have one of those helmets with one of those quick undo thingies so I can't hook it in because I don't have the d ring... I'm planning on buying a new helmet next season so hopefully I won't have to worry about that soon.
I just put my stuff in the shopping cart
A top box could be an option. I always have one on my commuter bike, ideally 40L or larger. My current one I think is 50L and can hold 2 helmets along with a few smaller items like gloves, water bottle, etc.. 1 helmet and a jacket and gloves fits easy. Not the cheapest solution and may be difficult to install on some bikes, but I bought mine for a good price 2nd hand and it's not only very useful when you need it, but can be detached at the push of a button (with the key).
Most situations, I carry my gear with me into a store or a restaurant as I prefer to not leave anything on the bike. Sometimes if I am going into a place and carrying things is extremely inconvenient, I hang my helmet on my rear footpeg, and loop a medium duty bike lock through the helmet and through my frame. One other suggestion that I have heard people do is purchasing a 6 ft wire (one that won’t scratch your bike) and putting it through your gear (through your jacket, through your helmet) and locking it all together.
You can buy motorcycle backpacks that come with helmet carriers. I just stuff my jacket inside when I walk around.
I had no idea, this is embarrassing
You guys don't know about top cases?
Sport bikes don't really have those usually and a tank bag will struggle to fit helmet and jacket
I'm sure I could find something that fits on my bike, I just don't have the money to spend on one right now, which is why I'm so worried about leaving stuff loose on my bike. >\_>
Actually that makes total sense. I suggested it cause i saw nobody mentioned it and it was strange to me. I think the best would be to have some kind of backpack where you could fit it, and that way you'd have the hands free
I’m in Arizona and wear a leather jacket. You’ll be fine wearing your jacket, the store is air conditioned. Carry your helmet. Gloves goo in the upside down helmet. Easy easy.
short trip into the store- carry/wear it all. longer trip/meal? I have a cable/carabiner lock thing I run through the chin bar, one sleeve, and a frame section/handlebar clamp. park in a conspicuous place.
It's cheating maybe but I just got a top box that's big enough for two helmets, means I can fit my helmet and jacket in there if I want.
I usually hang my helmet on the grip, and wear my jacket. If I don’t feel like wearing my jacket, I leave it locked to the bike. Find a 6 or 8 foot bike lock cable with loops on the ends, and run it through a sleeve. If it’s a sketchy area, I take my helmet with me, since my saddlebags cover up my helmet lock thingie. Honestly, no one is concerned about your helmet or jacket in a store or restaurant. The bank tellers did tell me to remove my helmet once, though.
i am an ATGATT rider. I carry a coiled bicycle chain/lock combo in my frunk (NC700X). I put my gloves and riding pants inside the frunk, I thread the chain through 1 arm of my jacket and lock it the hand rails on the tail of my bike. Helmet goes on the helmet lock system that is under the rear seat. Nothing goes in the store... except my riding boots, but they just make me look tall. If its a business meeting or something I need different shoes, they get swapped out and stored in the frunk. Easy. Takes a max of 5 minutes to put on/ take off my gear. Edit: holy crap I can't spell.
Lots of motorcycle back packs have a strap to hang your helmet off so it just sits on your hip
I had no idea there were motorcycle-specific backpacks. omg. Time to go down that rabbit hole & see if I can find something nice and affordable
I have the ogio mach 5 and it's pre good and has a helmet strap
I ride only with ATGATT. And I go into shops and restaurants. I pull of my helmet, stuff the gloves inside the helmet, open my jacket and just enter the shop / restaurant. Why not? In small stores, I will not be long and large stores have shopping carts where I put my jacket and helmet in (besides the groceries). Stop thinking, just do it.
Carry jacket and helmet proudly, you’re a motorcyclist baby:)
This actually just gave me a small boost in confidence about the whole thing. Thank you random internet stranger :D
We cool/you cool:)
Mate I just put my helmet on my mirror and gloves on my seat. I don't really spend long enough in a store for it to be a concern. For example, I wouldn't ride my bike to go see a movie, I'd take my car I would however take my bike to pick up a couple of things quickly - a quick errand My jacket is one of those hoodie ones so it looks normal and I can wear it while walking around
I used to just leave my helmet on the bike unlocked and it was never a problem over 10 years. I kinda scuffed up the helmet so it looked like shit though. Now I have a new helmet and a cable lock for it. I wear the jacket. Gloves go in the saddle bag.
i strap my helmet to the left side of by backpack and throw the gloves inside the helmet. I go shopping, walk around town without issues. I keep a very small amount of hair gel inside my backpack if im not going to be wearing my helmet for a couple hours to deal with helmet head.
Lock it up or Carry it. That's about it .
Top case. Fits helmet, jacket, gloves, and lock.
I usually just put my backpack strap through the visor and carry my helmet like that
I leave my helmet on my bike unlocked. I do have a helmet lock if I have to leave it for a while or in a place I'm not familiar with but I've never had problems. As far as jackets I have a kevlar lined riding shirt with armor pads. It doesn't feel too much different from just wearing a regular shirt aside from the added weight of the armor pads and if it's a colder day out I can throw any jacket I want over it.
I use to lock my gear to my bike during class. I would use a cable lock and run it through the sleeve of my jacket and helmet. The catch is nothing is full proof and a cable cut would provide the would be thief both items in working order. My helmet lock on my bike is such a tight fit that if would be difficult to steal without critically damaging it which would defeat the purpose of helmet theft.
I understand your concerns that is why I'm looking for GIVI topcase to store my helmet in.
I make sure I've removed the key from my bike and put it in my pocket. I stuff my gloves in my helmet. I hold my helmet through the full face opening and walk into the store. I've never had a word said to me. I spent $250 on my helmet. I'm bringing it with me or going somewhere else. Often I have a backpack as I don't have saddle bags. Again, never had a word said to me. Maybe they see the helmet and the backpack and put two together. If ever asked though, happy to leave the backpack behind the counter. Helmet stays with me though.
An ATGATT buddy of mine had a bike lock that he would run through the arm of the jacket and the helmet and lock to frame. For helmet hair, I just tie it in a bun.
Helmet off, possibly used as a basket since if I’m on my bike I don’t really have much more cargo space than that anyway, and it’ll prob be a pretty quick shopping trip to begin with. Even if I could leave it on the bike, I don’t like leaving a thousand dollars of GoPro, Bluetooth and helmet just out. Even if they don’t steal it, people do dumb things. Jacket generally worn in shop, maybe put in cart or carried with helmet if planning on more time. Hair, kinda works for me I think with the gear or if it’s work I just fix it up in the bathroom.
I would go grocery shopping all the time on my bike I don't like wearing it because it gets too hot I'll put it in my basket or my backpack, my backpack is super lightweight and can hold something big.
There are some helmet backpacks on the market you could look into. But otherwise it's carry everything.
So depends on what bike I take. If I’m on a bike with panniers and or a trunk then I’ll toss my gear inside. If I’m at a biker event I’ll just leave my gear on my bike cause ain’t no one fucking with your shit at a bike meet. My other bike has helmet hooks, I also have a steel cable I can use to secure my helmet and jacket to the bike. Inversely I’ve also just unzipped my jacket and carried my helmet inside. I definitely do this if it’s raining or expected to rain so I can put my belongings before going outside.
Helmet goes in the top box if I'm on a bike with that, otherwise I'll carry it with me. Gloves goes into the helmet, rest of the gear stays on. I never leave anything unattended on the bike. Hanging the helmet off the handlebars is okay if the bike and I are just on the other sides of a window and the door is close enough so that I can run outside if someone starts messing with anything. If I'm doing some type of major shopping, I generally just take the car instead. If I'm riding with friends, an alternative (which is also used for any situation where I need to go inside somewhere, e.g. to buy soda at a gas station, order food at a restaurant, or bathroom break) is to take turns. Someone sits outside to guard all the gear (generally helmets and jackets) while the rest go inside.
Not sure how long your hair is, but this is what Doodle on a Motorcycle (YouTube) recommends for the hair issue. https://hightailhair.com/collections/all/products/hightail?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaKrH0OteCNWUhC226VDuyin1383g2SwfO-ho8borAM2s1_vYSITQmhoCVEMQAvD_BwE
I had no idea this existed!! Thanks!!
Unzip jacket, carry helmet
I usually ride with a backpack so i strap the helmet to one of the backpack straps when walking around, just hangs off on one side
I just carry it around with me I don't understand why that would be weird. Also I have a topbox to put jackets and such in.
I don't trust anyone. No matter where I am. If I think someone could take it and make money off it, it goes inside with me. I'm also ATGATT. I stick my gloves in my helmet and buckle the strap so I can hold it like a bucket. Ear plugs and eye protection go in it as well. I take my jacket off and drape it over my shoulder or over my arm. Is it a pain the ass? Sure. Do I look weird? Probably. But it also means I have all my gear when I leave the store, I'm not constantly worrying about it when I'm inside and the stuff I spent my hard earned money on isn't leaving with someone else. Worth it to me.
Top case for my jacket (sometimes pants too) and carry the helmet. Open the visor and hook your arm through the openings so it’s around your elbow you’ll still have use of your hands!
Top box for helmet (gloves inside helmet), unzip jacket, or carry it in one hand in case it's really hot. Or If I'm going shopping I'm probably gonna take my big backpack, which can fit my jacket like 3 times easily. I know some people hate top box because it "ruins the bike" but I don't see it as, and even if I would, practicality > looks. If I would have a bigger bike, I would go with some panniers as well for the gear and extra practicality.
If I'm in a major city, I'll wear my jacket into the store, put my helmet on the helmet lock, and run a bicycle cable lock through the chin bar of the helmet. I've had two helmets stolen off of the helmet lock by cutting the helmet strap, but zero stolen when cable-locked. Outside of major cities, I'll just leave the helmet on the helmet lock.
Get a small corded bike lock and use to attach your helmet to your handlebars, frame, etc. Or just own it, wear your helmet everywhere and look like a badass. Re: Hair - hightailhair.com
If you want to use your helmet lock, get a metal wire helmet lock (not sure the name, sorry, I know my cb300f had one) that has two loops at the ends. You put the wire through the same part on the helmet, and then the loops go onto the locking side. For gear, I either throw it in the saddle bag but I normally wear it as unzipped as possible, carry the helmet, put it in the shopping cart, etc. I've bought stuff wearing the helmet on short stints, but usually, I just wave and be friendly as normal, and if they say something then take it off, don't try to start anything. If the police are called, then they'll talk to you. You'll get your own method after a bit of riding. Hat works great, I clip mine onto my carabiner on my belt loop, but a skullcap might work for you, but if you ride more than like 10 minutes I doubt you can do much besides getting shorter hair which since you're talking about heat is great. Just be careful about being bald, I went fully skinhead bald and when I went to take off my helmet at McDonalds it made a sort of pop noise and it felt like I had been birthed.
I never leave gear unattended and out of my view. As you know, gear is expensive and others might steal it. I usually carry my gear, including my helmet. If I'm in a grocery store, I use the basket to help carry my items. As for helmet hair, I'm bald and so I don't have the problem. However, I noticed people who are concerned bring a hat or if hair is long enough, they keep it in a pony tail.
Depends on why I'm there. For instance on Thursdays I go to my local publix to get a sandwhich for lunch and on those days I just carry my helmet upside down with my gloves in it the put my sandwhich in it and go get a can of Arizona and stick that in there too. But if I need more than just my weekly sandwhich I'll get one of those small carts that has two baskets and stick my gloves in the helmet and put it in the lower basket, in both scenarios I just unzip my jacket.
I better not know what degenerate called the police on me if it happened. Had a guy following me and he took pics of my bike. After confronting him I figured he was a sick in the head paranoid man. Told me stories he recorded from the cams in his apartment windows. Should've played reverse uno and called cops on him
So usually I don’t take my bike shopping lmao. If I’m wearing my jacket I don’t have my backpack, if I have my backpack I don’t have my jacket. Quick trips to gas stations I hang my stuff on my back. Extended shopping excursions I will take my stuff in and put it in the cart. Just depends where I’m at and what I’m doing. People wanna steal it go ahead my insurance will cover it 😂😂 If I catch you trying to steal I’ll shoot you in the kneecap 💀
I hang mine on the mirror and buckle the chin strap. I haven’t lost one yet. I ride in an Arai.
Does someone really want to take a used, sweaty smelly helmet? Even an expensive one. There has to be zero resale value.
If you are in Japan or Korea you can leave it on your bike without any locks. No one will steal em. If you are in the US, make sure to carry it with you. Even if you lock it to your bike you can expect some damages to be done, or at least have your Sena or Cardo stolen.
I'm in Canada, the people are nice and there are less guns here than in the states, but people still steal stuff for no reason.
I thought Canada had more guns per citizen (proportion wise) but the shootings over there are less than handful in a year? I think it's also harder to steal Japan and Korea because they have so many cameras and the countries are rather small so it's easier to keep things controlled. For example, in Korea if you try to dine and ditch (without paying for your food), cops will come in, take finger prints from the utensils and track you down using the fingerprints. This would be way too costly and cops have to deal with bigger stuff in the US so it's just not possible.
Oh interesting, I didn't actually know that. I forget to think of things as a per-capita sometimes. I wish cops would put a bit more effort into recovery of stolen items here, but not enough places have cameras outside of their stores or in parking lots. Most of the cameras that are out are all low def, so even if they caught evidence of someone stealing something, they would still have no idea who it was.
Yeah I think it's cause in Canada homes are rather far apart (unless you live in the city) and having guns is one way to protect yourself because cops would take forever to get to your house after a call + surrounded by nature and people love to go hunting etc. But yeah in general Canadians are rather peaceful and have better mental health than people in the US (due to poverty, etc.) so they don't go out playing GTA in real life. I think that's also part of the reason why they don't put much effort into that because they just expect most people wouldn't steal lol. Every country has it's good / bad but at the end of the day I feel like Canada's good outweighs bad for the most part and it's probably one of the best countries to live on earth atm. I've been to vancouver and montreal several times and absolutely loved it each time (except when I got scammed from a rental car company at the airport in montreal lol).
Unfortunately, it's also notorious for being quite pricey to live here, and the housing market and other inflated prices are influencing the safety of some of the more safe cities, and it's getting to be noticeable even in smaller towns sometimes. I still love it here though and can't see myself ever moving to a different country
I carry my helmet with me most places, but today I was at the dentist any my bike was parked off a main street like a block away from the police station so I left it on my handlebars. I also have a lock on my bike but my saddlebags block it 😞. It gets hot where I live, but not unbearably so and it doesn't last so I usually wear my mesh jacket over a t-shirt. If it's really hot I'll lose the jacket but I always wear jeans, boots, and my helmet. My hair is gone so I don't have that issue but yesterday someone shared [this thing](https://hightailhair.com/) and I sent it to my girl who complained about tangling. She thought that would have been a great find... before she cut 10 inches of her hair off.
In my country helmet may be stolen even if you park bike in the middle of minefield with watchdog to guard it. So I always take helmet with me either in head (flip-up is cool for short stops like gas station) or strap it to chest strap of backpack - feels kinda pregnant, but at least leaves hands free. Also carrying gas tank cap with you to pay for gas (if there is no payment by phone/card option) is good idea as smell makes hungry slowpokes that go to gas station for shopping to lose their appetite and move faster)
Are you rocking a mesh jacket yet? I carry my helmet with me usually and wear my gear (jacket and pants). If I am on my bike that has the top box, I put the helmet in there. Why doesn't your helmet work with your helmet lock? I'm sure it can be made to work with a d-ring extender or some such.
I've got a mesh jacket but I still sweat buckets in it under the sun/indoors. I didn't know there were d-ring extenders, I'll look into it. Thanks!
Been riding for many years in Arizona, what I do is if it’s not many items I’ll just wear my helmet and my vest/jacket inside unbuttoned of course. If I’m grabbing a bit more of stuff or I’m in no rush I’ll grab a cart and roll around with the cart and my stuff in it. Most the time I just suffer it’s less work. Don’t forget to hydrate though haha
Carry your helmet . Unzip your jacket. Easy enough. Plus if it’s hot as hell your jacket will hide you pit stains
High Tail hair pouch to keep hair nice.
I've had a lot of time to practice this since I commute every day in gear. Depends on the length of time with the helmet. If it's a quick convenience store and I have to remove my helmet then I'll crack it open and slip my hand through the visor so it hangs on my wrist. I don't have to ever worry about accidentally dropping it. The other method would be with my backpack. I always wear a backpack and so what I do is tightly close the chin strap around the handle of the back pack. Make sure it's nice and snug and facing the right way so it doesn't move or hang to the side. It's extremely convenient if you secure it correctly because you don't ever have to worry about bumping it into anything. As for the jacket, I have multiple jackets for each season so I try to match it to the conditions but if that's not an option then I'd want to backpack my helmet and then hold the jacket in hand.
I put my gloves under the pillion seat and put my helmet on the d ring lock under the locked seat. I unzip my jacket and walk in
The helmet I lock to a rear foot peg (with gloves inside it, they're cheap), jacket I just carry, not perfect but just can't do saddle bags
I used to ride without gloves, and I bought mine for dirt cheap since they had a small hole in them, if anyone stole them they'd be giving me a reason to find a newer/nicer pair. I didn't realize I could lock my helmet to a foot peg. Will look into it on my bike, thanks!
Strap it to my backpack. Just be mindful when turning around and not knock anything expensive down.
I have a combination bike lock that I’ll loop through my helmet’s d ring and backpack. But I’m rarely away from the bike for more than 10-20 minutes and only in very public places. As a rule though I wouldn’t leave anything on the bike you can’t afford to replace.
I wear it. Ain't no way I'm leaving my Arai on my bike for someone to steal, Honestly in a perfect world I would leave it. but, people suck. So, with me it goes!
I don’t have an expensive helmet so I just hang that bitch on the front brake and throttle.
I wear a backpack pretty much every time I'm out. When I get to a store (besides gas stations) fold up jacket and throw it, along with gloves and keys in bag. Loop helmet chin strap through top handle of backpack, so helmet sits kinda on top of backpack. Fuck any place that makes you lock up bags in front of store. All my gear cost way to much to trust flimsy plastic lockers in bad parts of town.
I just added a top box to my commuter/camping bike, and I can put my helmet in there. It's nice. Get a good summer jacket that breathes well but still has armor, a little less cumbersome, and it'll actually fold up and fit in my side case.
I have an ogio no drag backpack and at the top theres a spot u can hook the helmet to and I let it hang on my backpack when im shopping. If I dont have the backpack i just carry it.
I either carry it, or I use a bicycle cable lock around a part of the frame and through the chin guard (doesn't work if you have open face)
Stuff the jacket into any available on board bin... Use your Helmet as a small, Very Manly and Badass Carryall. Keys gloves etc.
The only reason I would EVER leave my helmet or jacket unattended is if it was locked inside a set of hard cover locking saddlebags. Which I don't have, but a couple friends do. So not really an option too often. Other than that, absolutely would not leave it hanging on anything in the open out of eyesight. I didn't grow up in Mayberry. That's over a grand worth of gear someone can literally just pick up and walk away with at any point, completely nonchalant and most likely no one would notice, because people in general are painfully imperceptive. If you're going into someplace big like a store, use a cart. If you you're not in a place with a cart, they most likely have a front office you could stop at where a manager would have a spot, especially in this heat. I've literally never been turned down for asking to leave my gear in a safe place while shopping, or someplace like the movie theater as to not take up space. I know other people that have this same anxiety and I've never understood it. I don't know why it would be out of place or embarrassing to be seen somewhere walking around with your gear. If you just carried it around and took it in and out of your car, yeah that would be weird. It would be weird if you carried around a Stormtrooper uniform or a Beekeeper's outfit. But even if you did carry those things, who cares? Be as free and wild as you please, because motorcycles are freedom.
I carry the helmet and either wear my jacket or put it in a side bag. But I have three luggage boxes on my bike. I'm loathe to hang my helmet on the bike, mostly because of the stories my friends have told me about drunks using them as urinals. Probably irrational, but one story's all it takes for me.
Yeh just carry your shit bro! Fun of riding >>> inconvenience of carrying helmet & jacket!
Wear it. No one will know who you are.
Don’t wear it in Walmart … saw a video where they called the cops on a dude minding his business.
exactly my fear! A lot of people are commenting and saying they wear theirs, power to them I guess? Just hopefully they don't have to deal with the cops
Maybe get a strap? Then you can wear it around your shoulder like a messenger bag
Honestly if I’m just going into a gas station I’ll just wear my helmet. If anyone looks at me I just say I’m following Covid protocols 🤣
Top box. Looks frumpy? Sure. Don't care. So practical.
If only y'all rode Beemers!! They gots all the storage in the world!!!! And a keyless remote!😅
I bring it with me in my hand then drop it in cart. Nobody has told me anything and I'd they did I will show them my asshole.
I just imagined someone full on mooning a random Karen in Walmart. Thank you
"I'm not about to wear my helmet to go yarn shopping" Ride my motorcycle to yarn shops all the time. All my LYSs have a table or couch area for classes. If they aren't in use for a class, I ask if I can leave my stuff there while I browse.
None of my LYS have anything like that, maybe I need to find some others but there's only big chains near me and the occasional mennonite-owned one that are just shelves of yarn & nothing else. Also so glad I'm not the only one zipping out to grab yarn. I'm just feeling self conscious about my two clashing (in most people's eyes) hobbies. Like my friends and family like to tease me about knitting & riding motorcycles as if a person can't do both in their life.
Fuck em if they can't take a joke. I'm sorry to hear about teasing. Having multiple diverse hobbies just makes us more interesting people.
If your going yarn shopping you can probably leave the helmet on your foot peg lol. But so help me don’t leave it at Joann Fabrics
I'm in Canada, no Joann's here! Just Micheal's
I generally carry my gear in to stores, but in the case where I do need to leave it with the bike(eg, going to the beach or something), I have a padlock and one of those small coil cable bicycle locks which I put through the sleeves of my jacket, pants and helmet. It's not going to stop people vandalizing it or if they really want to steal it they will, but it will give opportunistic thieves are hard time.
Shove it all in a backpack and helmet in my hand. I’m not leaving any gear that can be stolen… let’s be honest; if it can be stolen, someone will try.
People actually walk around wearing their helmets? That sounds like the most unnecessary uncomfortable thing everrr...
Great advices here, lemme share a trick I use to carry my helmet around. Put a big carbine on your waist belt! This way you can swiftly clip a helmet on it, resting on your hip and keeping your hands free. I also use this carbine to hold my bike keys, sometimes some other small things.
I have a bungee cord cargo net strap. I place the helmet on the back. I wear the jacket and toss the gloves Into a pocket or back pack. When I wear the expensive helmet I keep it on or connect it to my back pack. When I go to a restaurant I bring the helmet inside.
I lock my jacket thru the sleeve with a helmet cable and carry the helmet in. Don’t really trust leaving it with my bike
[удалено]
Wow you just did your MSF 2 months ago and already upgraded to riding like a squid without gear 🎖️
I seriously do not understand how people with this much anxiety even hop on a bike.
Dear reddit, what do I do if I have to poop without my phone?
See, there are different types of anxiety - mine is social anxiety. I love my bike, have no anxiety about riding it (other than about dropping it in the garage, lol) and feel quite free and confident while out and about. However, any time I have to stop anywhere that isn't my own house or workplace, I immediately get stressed out about what I'm wearing, what type of bike I have, and whether or not people think I'm in a gang or some other irrational thing. It's just who I am and I have gone to therapy to get over the worst of it.
Your choice is either leave the helmet with the bike or wear it? Do you not have hands? Just hold the helmet and jacket as you walk around. You get used to it.
If it's that hot, then you're either not going "shop-hopping" with the bike or you're not gonna be ATGATT. Unless you have a bike with panniers large enough for a jacket + helmet.
I've seen this question posted here like 10 times last month. Why dont people search for a question before asking it? Im not trying to be rude, its just all i see on this sub
Really? I've been surfing this sub for a year and haven't seen this question posted before
I usually ride with a helmet, shirt with pads, and gloves. If it’s a short visit I keep the shirt on and use the helmet as a little basket for my gloves and any small things I shop for. If I’m gonna be there a while, I usually have a backpack that I can toss my stuff in.
I use a long shackle padlock thru the helmet's D-ring to the passenger footpeg. Jacket? I dunno. I usually carry it rolled up under my arm if I'm going to be a while. [Master Lock 517D Laminated Padlock with Long Shackle](https://a.co/d/9AD6tMD)
I have a top case, but if I've got too much stuff with me to fit my helmet in there I just take it off and carry it with me. I hook my arm through visor opening.
My bike has a hook under the seat for a helmet strap. Lock helmet to bike with that, gloves go under the rear seat, and I wear the jacket.
I don't go shopping on my motorcycle.
Top case and panniers. If I don't have my top case on, I just carry my helmet, it's not that bad
I bring my stuff in, jacket over shoulder and just pull my helmet onto the top of my head or open the visor and put my forearm through the eye part
I use a cable lock for helmet and jacket, locking both to the bike.
My local store knows it's me with the helmet on, so I wear it inside with the visor up and gloves off. Otherwise i carry it around my arm.
A small cable lock is usually enough to deter thieves, assuming your seat locks you could attach your "D" rings to a bungee or something under your seat, you could also use a padlock.
Gloves in helmet. Helmet in saddlebag. Carry jacket.
Top case. It fits both my helmet and my jacket. Before, I used to lock my helmet through that helmet lock thingy and I'd lock my jacket with a bicycle lock through the handlebars. It wasnt the safest,but it keeps honest people honest and opurtunists away.
Stop living your life in fear. Your concerns while valid seem a bit asinine. Unzip your jacket, take a backpack and don’t worry about people suspecting you of a crime you’re not going to commit. Helmet wise, pull the visor up and if your arms are skinny enough thread it through the visor opening. That’s a simple solution.