The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: weasel01 on August 06, 2009, 09:35:56 PM
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I'm in the market for a new helmet and like most things I do I'm researching my best choice.
Wondered what you all use, like (or dislike).
Thought since we all have great taste in motorcycles we might have similar tastes in brain buckets.
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I wear glasses, so I saw my only realistic choice was between a 3/4-coverage (Yank-style) football design and a modular helmet. Swallowed hard, put down the cash for a silver (for visibility) Shoei Multi-Tek, decorated it with reflective sharks' teeth in strategic areas, and never looked back.
(Takes only one T-bone (in a previous riding existence) to make one a believer.)
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I've tried different mfgrs over the years, but have found that my head seems to fit Shoei helmets pretty well - they seem to work well with "long" heads with a certain oval shape like mine. I wear glasses, but I am also a firm believer in full face protection, so I've gotten quite adept at taking my glasses off/putting them on through the visor opening of full coverage helmets. I am planning to buy a new Shoei RF-1000 helmet later this year, probably in white or yellow or other visible/non-dark color. I don't need to spend an extra $100+ on fancy factory graphics, and I want a comfortable, QUIET, well-protecting helmet that at least meets current SNELL safety standards and isn't super heavy or "creaky". I also insist on fiberglass and/or carbon fiber construction over potentially shorter-lived polycarbonates. I've friends who like the Nolan flip-up chinbar helmets, but I personally can't stand them.
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I wear an HJC Symax modular in cool weather and a 3/4 or 1/2 helmet when it's 100 plus in the shade...
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I have an old Arai (complete with nomex lining) from my car racing days, but it has a very narrow appeture so it aint suited for traffic.
I've also got an HJC, with opening vents, but the wind noise is terrible ........how do you know what a helmet is like until you've spent some time wearing it at 120 km/h??
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I like an adventure helmet - peak and visor.I've finally had to retire the Nolan N70 and have a KBC - I miss the peak,they are so handy in the sun.In summer I wear an MX helmet with goggles on back roads,so much cooler.
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HJC Symax 2 year round. I like full coverage because statistics show that in about 75% of m/c accidents the rider will land on his face first. I like a visor for riding in the sun but I'm not going to spend $650 for the Arai. The feature on the HJC that solves this is the retractable sun visor. At $285 I thought it was a good value.
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I have a Fulmer modular helmet for cool or rainy weather, and a police-cop style shorty helmet for the hot and steamy weather SC is known for! ;)
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My fiance found the HJC modular to be noisy. We went with the cheaper Shoei full coverage and are very happy with them.
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I now go with a basic, no frills, HJC full coverage. First, I agree with others that full coverage is better. Second, it is still Snell rated (a whole 'nother topic of discussion for me) so it is roughly comparable in protection to other more expensive helmets. Third, it is relatively inexpensive. Considering that the inner shock-absorbing material in any helmet will deteriorate in a couple of years, I don't plan on investing a lot of money in helmet that I will replace in two years or so.
I once had the BMW helmet with the swing-up chin piece. I liked it alot, but it was very expensive. After about four years or so, it no longer fit properly because of deterioration of the inner material. That's when I decided to go for more basic helmets.
k_enn
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I've been using a Scorpion EXO-200 (at least I think that's the model number !!!), for the last 3 years, it was the only helmet that fit me properly .
I was a bit leery about a helmet made in China, but it did have the latest Snell rating .
The vinyl lining is coming off of the interior now, but so far that's the only complaint about it .
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I've tried different mfgrs over the years, but have found that my head seems to fit Shoei helmets pretty well - they seem to work well with "long" heads with a certain oval shape like mine. I wear glasses, but I am also a firm believer in full face protection, so I've gotten quite adept at taking my glasses off/putting them on through the visor opening of full coverage helmets. I am planning to buy a new Shoei RF-1000 helmet later this year, probably in white or yellow or other visible/non-dark color. I don't need to spend an extra $100+ on fancy factory graphics, and I want a comfortable, QUIET, well-protecting helmet that at least meets current SNELL safety standards and isn't super heavy or "creaky". I also insist on fiberglass and/or carbon fiber construction over potentially shorter-lived polycarbonates. I've friends who like the Nolan flip-up chinbar helmets, but I personally can't stand them.
+1. I've had two Shoei RF-1000 helmets, and I've liked them both; quiet, quite comfortable, and I like the added Snell safety. I also wear glasses, but I invest in Oakley glasses/sunglasses that come with straight ear pieces, and it's real cake putting them on and taking them off while I have the helmet on. My only dislike on the RF-1000 is that all pieces of the interior padding can't be removed for cleaning... oh well.
My last RF-1000 I got from some motorcycle dealer in TN, and I bought it through eBay; it was over 100$ less going that route.
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I have a Cadberg in blue ....its the full face with lift up front and i like the built in sun visor as far as im aware its the only one with the internal shades..of course i could be wrong on that one.
Lou
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i've been very pleased with my scorpion exo-700. i'm on the second right now, and the first would have lasted another season had it not seen that last physic-defying drop (which included a bounce, spin, slide and a roll).
the vents actually work, and the breath guard does an excellent job of keeping the shield from fogging. the liner is removable if you're into washing them.
the shield has a fairly effective twist-to-remove system. i use plexus and a diaper to clean it, and they're very scratch resistant, even with a thick coat of bugs. the shield also has a nice ratchet mechanism that will hold it up easily at in-town speeds, and allow some airflow at highway speeds if necessary.
on the down side, there's no room for head phones, which is fine for me because i've gotten away from that.
they are fairly inexpensive (~$200) and snell approved.
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I have an HJC Symax flip up going on 5 years. It is still working well but I think I will replace it with a regular full face possibly with blue tooth if i can afford it. There is one called"Element" I think that didn't look so bad price wise. I want my wife to get a full face too. She rides her bike to work also (Vulcan 800 classic). With a full face she won't have to put it on in front of a mirror to see how she looks, because if she gets a dark shield no one can see her face anyway. ;D That will be a time saver.
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Very often the shell of a 'cheap helmet' comes out the same factory as a known brand, but things like linings, vents, visors, buckles etc are the big difference.
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I have a couple of 3/4 Rodia helmets. The first ones actually were fiberglass but I think the newer ones are a polycarbonate of some sorts. They have flip-up shields and cost around $50 - I think they are a good value in a helmet.
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Thank you for your responses!
I've looked at all suggested models and though the Shoei looks great it's out of the range for what I feel that my heads worth...
I have more of a $200 head.
I used to use a Nolan full face that was a great helmet but it was heavy had non removable panels and the visor fogged way too easily
and mostly it was HOT.
I'm using a very cheap 3/4 helmet w/ sunglasses now and I'm getting tired of being force fed large bugs ...so I'm looking at the regular full face VS. a modular.
I've had the full face so I know what to expect but the modular looks like the heat relief I've always wished I could get with my Nolan.
On a modular , does the visor flip up too? that would be perfect!
Is their a downside to the modular?
Also some people said the HJC was noisey is this true with all HJC?
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Back in the 60's and 70's I used a Bell open faced helmets, because the Bell was the only helmet the was comfortable for me, and they didn't have full faced helmets back then [smiley=beatnik.gif]. I rode Honda's back then, my first bike was a used CB160 and then I went to a 305 Super Hawk, and ended up with a CL 305 Scrambler. In 1972 I bought my BMW R 60/5 and stayed with the Bell. After I sold the BMW in 1974(Big mistake :'() I did not ride for a few years, until the itch once again took over and I went through a Yamaha 500 single, a Suzuki 550? 4, and then settled on a 1981 Suzuki GS 850 shaft drive. For these I used an Ari full face helmet, which again was a matter of comfort and fit as well as Ari's reputation. Now, 20 years latter I bought the Shoei Multitec. The reasons being dealer recommendation re. its quality, and for me the fact that it is not made in China. The fit and comfort are perfect for me. I debated about getting the Shoei full faced helmet with the Snell approval, however I felt to claustrophobic in it. If I crash I'll try to remember to turn my head so I don't land on my face ;). The salesman at the dealer claimed that the main open faced portion of the helmet is identical to the regular Shoei open faced helmet which does have Snell approval. So I think I safe enough.
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Once I tried the BMW modular helmet back in the 80's there has been no turning back for me! I'm now using an Arrow Modular (don't make those anymore, I'm afraid) and my husband has the Nolan Modular. He just took out the lining to wash it and he's very happy with it. You might want to check them out again.
I have even landed on my face (I watched the pavement bounce 3 times) and my helmet held up fine. Can't remember exactly which modular that one was. I know the modular aren't SNELL approved, but they are DOT approved and I've been completely happy. I'll never go back to a standard full face.
I just use earplugs for any helmet/wind noise I get while riding.
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Amp, I think most (if not all) modular helmets are considerably noisier than a full helmet. My HJC is quite noisy but not overly so. As far as your 3/4 helmet and eating bugs goes there are numerous 3/4 helmets on the market that have a flip-up face shield. Nolan even makes an N-Com helmet in a 3/4 style with a flip-up shield.
Oh, at least on the HJC Symax the visor also flips up...
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I have a white full face HJC SP-CL, which I havew been pretty happy for the last couple of years since I got the bike. It has a nice flip open visor which I keep open a lot in the mostly city-riding I do. I haven't tried a lot of other helmets, so I can't say how quiet it is compared to other models. It was quite inexpensive for a full-face DOT & Snell rated helmet. I also wear glasses and have gotten adept at putting my helmet on with the glasses on. The secret is to look up and put your face in first, then rotate the helmet back and down on top of your head. The glasses do have to pulled off tho remove the helmet.
The helmet is quite large (I'm 5'-11", 165lb.) and on the occasions I see mself in a reflection, there is definitely a Power Rangers look to it. I've been thinking of maybe getting something smaller and lighter for hot weather - a Suomy Nomad open-face, but that is going to have to wait until after the fork springs, rear shocks, seat cover, frame paint....
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I'm using an HJC full face that is about 3 years old. H1 I think is the model. It is extremely noisy and wants to ride up when I look over my shoulder despite using the included pads to form a better fit. the cheek pads squeeze my face like a grandmother pinching a child. The visor screw cover promptly broke on the first visor change. It has vents that don't circulate air well but do whistle like a pipe organ in a hurricane. There is no flip down shade, blue tooth, Fax or Wi-Fi built in. The strap does have a little snap to secure the loose end once buckled and this works flawlessly. I use it 'cuz I'm a poverty rider and got it on clearance for $98usd. I need a real Helmet!
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What about speakers?
do you guys use them?
I doubt I would use them for communication but music on the highway sounds appealing...or maybe distractingly dangerous?
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Being a bit worn down by the years plus a life-long love of things that are really noisy, I'm forced to wear electronic audio enhancement devices along with custom visual acuity lenses... Okay, the old guy has hearing aids and glasses.
A Fulmer modular is almost mandatory for me to gear up without unplugging everything. Yes, Ampy, the visor flips up independent from the face piece. Face shield defrost vent is nice along with the top 'o the head vent. Noisy? What? Huh? Say again, please.
Guy at work says modulars are too heavy but he's a pencil-neck geek whose idea of exercise is a brisk sit.
[smiley=happy.gif]Monte
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What about speakers?
do you guys use them?
I doubt I would use them for communication but music on the highway sounds appealing...or maybe distractingly dangerous?
in my previous helmets, i would buy some over-the-ear headphones from radio shack, cut off the head piece, and velcro the earpieces into the helmet. run the cord under the headliner and out the back.
wear earplugs when you listen to music in your helmet. sounds odd, but you can still hear quite well.
even with earplugs, music tends to get as fatiguing as wind noise after a while.
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We have a couple of helmets that I stuck in the Chatterbox mic/earphone kits to go along with the Chatterbox radios. At speed I can just make out what somebody is saying if the volume is all the way up. :P
What I have been doing now that I'm riding a bike without a radio is to use "ear buds" and MP3 player. The helmet slips right on...
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We have the Collett communicators and both use speakers in our helmets, no problems. Don't listen to music, just each other on occasion - no chit-chatting, just important stuff like, "ooo - did you see that deer?" And we use earplugs with the speakers as well...it actually blocks out more of the background/wind noise and makes it easier to hear what you need to hear.
Sometimes it takes a little finagaling to get the speakers just right. Some of the helmets have niches built in for speakers.
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Amp, I think most (if not all) modular helmets are considerably noisier than a full helmet.
I've not noticed any in from my Shoei. Of course, spouse says I can't hear a thunderclap. ;D
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No music for me - I find it too distracting. I often wear earplugs to cut the wind noise on long rides even with a full face helment, but some helmets are reasonably quiet even without earplugs.
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Hi,Second post. After a lot of looking and test fitting of all the Top helmets, I finally settled on a helmet marketed by SparX of Burbank CA
a very cheap helmet, why because the fit for me was perfect, they pass the DOT, Euro, and Aust standards, washable liner come with ear plugs and a holder for same built into the helmet. They also offer a helmet replacement Free if you have a accident and return the helmet to them ( I hope to never use this service ) they have air vents in the helmet and visor the same as ARAI, may not suit all as it is made China ( what isn't these days )....................Pete OLDDOG
Sorry can't post the website due to this being only my second post, but I am sure if you google the brand name you will find the web site.
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Hey, OldfPete Believe you can post links anytime after joining. At least I thought so. I'm not too compuKer literate, but...
To post a website address in the response box:
1. Highlight the entire site info at the top of the vendor's page, then choose "Copy".
http://www.bmwr65.org/ example-this is what I copied.
2. Peck out whatever you have to say and when/where you want to insert the link info click the "Globe" icon at top-right of your response box.
http:// example-this is what will show up.
3. Click the cursor, that little moving vertical bar thingy, dead center between the url brackets.
4. Hit paste on the tools bar and you're golden.
http://www.bmwr65.org/ example-this is what you'll get. Fini
Monte
PS: You may use the Test Zone category to try out posting links, photos, whatever. If you goof up, no one cares as we all do so occasionally. You can even delete the test after you've tried...whatever.
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I think one factor we overlook when selecting a helmet is bad weather. Ever tried to wear an open face helmet while riding in the rain? The water will not only cover the face shield but will also cover the inside of the face shield. You can wipe off the front but can't do much for the inside.
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I have a Davida "old style" with the aviator goggles, (very cool looking for a classic bike rally but not too save I'm sure) but recently purchased a Nexx. The Nexx X60 Vision w/ a half shield looks similar to a Cromwell or MOMO but less expensive and quite good looking and retains the classic cafe racer look. DOT certified.
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I think one factor we overlook when selecting a helmet is bad weather. Ever tried to wear an open face helmet while riding in the rain? The water will not only cover the face shield but will also cover the inside of the face shield. You can wipe off the front but can't do much for the inside.
My HJC Symax II leaks a bit down the inside of the visor when I ride in much rain. It sucks, though at least it doesn't fog up because I have a Fog City in it. It may be because there's so little wind behind the Windjammer to blow the rain away; I don't usually ride the Triumph in the rain so I haven't tested that yet.
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My HJC Symax II leaks a bit down the inside of the visor when I ride in much rain.
Had an opportunity to ride seven hours in the rain one day on our last trip and had zero leaks in my Symax II. However, sometimes the chin piece can be hard to lift which is extremely aggravating. I think that the adjustable windshield on my R1100RT had a lot to do with deflecting the rain and made the ride bearable.
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As for visors on helmets to help with the sun - I really like the stick-on tinted sun visor film for motorcycle helmets - I bought one at the West Bend rally and another one at the Johnson City rally. They are reusable many times over, but I wanted another for my 2nd helmet. They don't do a lot for keeping the inside much cooler, but they are DEFINITELY good for driving into the sun and cutting glare. You just stick em on the inside of the windscreen after wetting them with water and dish soap and let dry for a little while. To remove, just peel off and reapply as before.
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I have a Davida "old style" with the aviator goggles
Ahh to be able to legally wear one of these fine helmets....I know that in terms of protection, they leave a lot to be desired, but - oh man - boy do they look cool!
I have 2 Shoei's - the one I usually wear is the TZ-1. I don't find any wind noise, is comfortable and provides as much protection as you would want.
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Are Open face helmets are not legal down under ?
I wore a second hand open face in the early 70's. Had the full face been invented by then ? If it had they would have been much too expensive anyway.
By the late 70's I'd got a full face and in the early 80's I bought a Griffin Clubman like the racer boys used. It was Best helmet I ever had and I kept it for 14 years.
Coming back to motorcycling more recently I bought a new full face. Can't tell you what it is because I found it to be noisy and claustrophobic and don't use it any more except maybe in the depths of winter.
I went back to a Kevlar open face and find there is much less wind noise and I just enjoy riding more being in touch with the elements.
Yes I know it's not safe by current standards but to tell you the truth I can't come to terms with this modern body armour approach. Before long We'll be kitted out with air bags. Then we'll all feel invincible and be liable to take more risks. Where will it end ?
I did the speed thing on a Z900 when I was younger and now prefer to ride much more moderately; safe in the knowledge it's going to hurt if I fall off. It focuses the mind.
I will surely change my tune if I ever fall on my face but until then I'll enjoy my motorcycling.
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They actually already sell a self-inflating suit (personal airbag, if you will)
made out of a durable, puncture and abrasion resistant material for motorcyclists who fly off their bikes. It is triggered electronically by a tether to the bike and results in one instantly looking a bit like the Michelin Man. I've seen them advertised and read about the testing, but I've yet to see anyone wearing one.
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When Theresa got her R1100R she sold her Honda CB450 to a young guy she worked with. He came over to ride one time and had one of the inflatable suits. Looked just like the Michelin Man and hadn't even inflated it yet! ::)
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Are Open face helmets are not legal down under ?
Open face are fine - I was talking about the pudding basin helmets - sorry I should have been a tad clearer.
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They actually already sell a self-inflating suit (personal airbag, if you will)
made out of a durable, puncture and abrasion resistant material for motorcyclists who fly off their bikes. It is triggered electronically by a tether to the bike and results in one instantly looking a bit like the Michelin Man. I've seen them advertised and read about the testing, but I've yet to see anyone wearing one.
In the MotoGP race yesterday, when Lorenzo had his get-off, his 'air-bag' went off. I was wondering what was up with his suit until the commentators spoke up about it. Michelin Man, indeed! He unzipped his leathers pretty quickly once he was up and about.
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I will surely change my tune if I ever fall on my face but until then I'll enjoy my motorcycling.
Yep, having a broken zygomatic arch will cure you! Been there, done that. Now it's only full face for me. It is more claustrophobic, but I've seen the pavement as I bounced along the road, and I was glad I had it!
Sometimes the thought of putting on all that gear keeps me from riding...especially on those really HOT days. I love that image of throwing on a shorty helmet, throwing my leg over the bike and taking off...so simple and freeing. None of that for me anymore. Sigh...
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Open face are fine - I was talking about the pudding basin helmets - sorry I should have been a tad clearer.
Friend of the spouses shows up at spouses shop the other day on his old airhead (R75 i believe). He's wearing this 'pudding basin' helmet that looked like it was covered in gray duct tape. Then I took a closer look at it. It was a gray fiberglass bucket that was lined in cork and had beat up leather ear covers and a snap strap that hung down about 2" below his chin. I asked him where his goggles were as the helmet looked just like something out of the 30-40's that the racers would wear. Apparently he's had this helmet since the 60's when he lived in Europe.
Says the helmet is very comfy, especially when its hot out. But since the WA State Patrol is cracking down on 'illegal' helmets, his cousin is bringing him a new Schuberth C2 from Belgium (along with a C3 for the spouse). Which cracks me up, because DOT no longer certifies the Schuberth helmets. ;D ;D
I'd love to have a new C3, but at around $600, I can't afford it.
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Right now I have a Vemar Jiano...bought on the mad thought that it would be nice to have "no wires attached" bluetooth option. Well....throw that extra cash away and burn it! The wind noise makes it too hard to hear the bluetooth GPS navigation instructions and the GPs's MP3 music sounds like the chipmunks singing over 60 mph. Everything is good more or less up to 60 mph. Very much depends on the wind velocity and direction on the day. So I have a wire to the new Garmin GPS and earbuds which I stick-in with my plasticine type earplugs. I personally find music good for me. Everyone must decide. I had let my old MP3 battery run out last year and even a bit of music or the action of stopping and putting in a new battery would probably have saved me from my accident. I needed some stimulus! I fought the music thing when David suggested I try it. Then he gave me a MP3 for xmas! So I tried it. Still working on getting the sound good at speed though.
For comfort and quiet I think my 2 Arai helmets were best. The Caberg flip-up leaked a bit and tickled my nose in the rain but it was a life saver so I shant complain about it. As my first flip-up helmet the Caberg was a joy. They seem noisy though which is understandable. First helmet was one with earflaps, second one was open face with a plastic visor and third was the fullface Bell in the mid 70's. The internal sun visor is a fantastic feature which was in the Caberg and now the Vemar. I miss D-rings though!
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Shoei RF-1000 -- plain Jane White With replective decals on it. I like it because I can remove the shields in about 3 seconds without tools. This is because I have a clear lense for night riding and the darkest smoke lense with a polar optic sun screen on top for day riding. I keep other screen on the bike in the a Whitehorse cloth bag. At the moment I'm using ear plugs and a silky (which I wash once a week).
My favorite helmet of all time was the Marushin which they stopped making for this country. >:( :( :-/ :'(
If I go modular/flip up I will probably go with the Shoei again....The only time I would use an open face helmet is while riding Trials. I would never be caught out on the road without a full face helmet.
< never >
ATGATT! 8-)
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I currently have an Arai Profile. It is the second Arai helmet I've owned (previously had a Quantum-S). Yes, Arai helmets are expensive, but you get first-rate quality (beautiful fit and finish), great venting and visibilty, and quiet comfort. I've also owned Bell and Shoei helmets...no comparison to the Arai.
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I have a Davida Jet for those non-rainy days when only an Open Face will do. This is not the pudding basin type, but is actually good enough for the race track.
I also have a Caberg Trip for those other days when an Open face is too painful (rain hurts at anything above 30mph). Sun visor is great, but vents could do with some work. Anti-mist/fog treatment for visor a must. Great for the price.
I wear clothes that I am comfortable in for the trip that I am doing. On short trips across the town it might Jeans, with a stout Jacket, sometimes a leather one, sometimes a fabric one, and sometimes with armour. Always sturdy boots (HM forces high legs) and gloves. I dress for the conditions I am likely to meet.
I do not conform to ATGAT, I would rather make an informed choice at the time. I will not be told by the 'safety police' what I should be wearing - that is my choice. But you won't ever see me in trainers and shorts.
If I ever consider a neck brace or self inflating suit to be advisable/necessary - then I will stop riding.
When I get to my destinations, I expect to be able to walk around and do other things. Its bad enough that I have to carry my helmet, if I have to carry round a heavy suite of armoured clothing, or am made uncomfortable with what I am wearing, then that is a major inconvenience. I will not festoon my bike with hard luggage to store it all. I particularly do not like top boxes - due to the effect that they have on the bike at speed. side panniers are okay though - although I have sold both my sets.
I never drive with music. Your riding style and speed will change as your music does - beware. I would rather listen to the engine. I always wear ear protection though. I can also do without intercoms and radios.
My routes are planned before I leave and I would rather be watching the road than a sat nav. I will conceed that a satnav has been useful on occasion - to get out of a jam.
My tuppence worth
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I agree with Steve that the GPS has it's place. I figure it is a useful driving partner. On a long day when you're hot and tired a bit and heading into an unknown town or city it is nice to have instructions to a motel. GPS and the music thing is like the girl with a curl in the middle of her forehead...."when she is good, she is very very good and when she is bad she is horrid!!!
Nice to have the choice.
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Interesting article on Forumula One helmets. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/how-felipe-massas-helmet-saved-his-life/
Wonder if he had to shell out the $17k from his own pocket? Hmmm?