This year will be my first time going out to a track and I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this and if it's even something I should be concerned about. I'm 5' 5", I know there's no remedy for that , and with my current helmet, an HJC FG-17, when I'm in a full tuck on my street bike, a fully naked Monster 620, I cannot see the horizon. I'm afraid it's not as simple as just tilting my head back because the amount I need to do so hurts and isn't a neutral position. I'm not sure if this is due to the Monster being naked, my stature and how much I tuck, or both. I don't know if this would be an issue on the track or not, but I'd like to be prepared. My track bike is an '08 SV650 with CBR1000 fairings and windscreen, so I know that will deflect the air which may allow me to come up a little bit, but in my mind it seems like it would be better to tuck and have good visibility from any position. The only potential solution I can think of is a helmet that has a larger opening vertically, but I've never heard of something like this and haven't seen specs listed for helmets regarding the size of the opening. Thoughts?
Good body position is paramount to improving on the track, BUT, not at the cost of not being able to see what you need to see. You said you haven't been on the track before, so what I would do, is try it out with the SV the way it's equipped and see if it's an issue for you. As you improve on the track, if it becomes an issue, then think about replacing the helmet if you feel it is impairing your vision. Being a first timer to the track, there will be lots and lots of info thrown at you in the Novice classroom, body position included, but remember, there is not ONE PERFECT body position that works for everyone....you will listen/watch/learn from others and eventually, learn to do the basics and what works for you.....just be very open to the info.
Agree with Vern, no sense in buying something you may not need. Getting into full tuck position is for racing, track day riding is more laid back, at least for most of us and getting into full tuck position isn't really necessary. Just as a funny observation, I was at a track day pitted next to a new rider last year. He had worked on his body position more than anything! He looked pretty silly hanging off the side of his bike going 30mph almost straight up and down, LOL!
Sounds like you're a little too tucked. Just tuck as far as you can while still being able to clearly see what's going on.
It's your first year at the track. You'll have plenty of more important things to worry about. I would put this way way way way way way way far down on the list. Just get out there and get acclimated.
I put stick on weather stripping from home depot in the top of my helmets to lift it up just a little. I have done this in multiple helmets to fix the exact problem you are having. I have an HJC fg-17 as well and with this fix I have no problems with visibility.
I have seen riders use squares of 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch foam to fix this issue, putting it in the top of the helmet. But I also agree that this issue is way far down on the list of things.
I had the same problem with my HJC. Switched to an Arai and problem solved. I don't think the brand names are important to my story.
Use some battery foam and add 1/4 inch of padding on the top... Just make sure your helmet is still tight when fastened... Worked for my Shorai
Cool, I'll try it out with the HJC and see how it goes. Thanks for all the feedback; having not been to a track day yet, I wasn't sure how it differs from a race. I'll try to keep from overthinking it and over preparing.