Helmets and Glasses

[Altritter]

Reference: Allred's thread re his newly-acquired R65 and his Norton Helmet.

I read in a Shoei advertisement in BMWMOA ON two or three issues back that Shoei offers slotted replacement cheek pads for its Multitec modular helmet to permit easy wearing of eyeglasses or shades. I consulted two cycle dealer parts departments and learned from one (Bob's) that according to Shoei, the slotted pads are not yet available.

Anyone have any information on this? I've broken two temple plates on my Rx sunglasses from attempting to squeeze the temple plates under the standard Shoei cheek pads.

Thanks,
John

[larstorders]

I use a Shoei Raid 2 and manage ok with my regular specs and various sunglasses. standard cheek pieces are in place. I reckon its possible to reduce the bulkiness of the removable cheek pieces by compressing thei foam pads with some cunning stitching with a needle and thread. Maybe worth a try.

[fastcataz]

A Norton helmet? what does IT leak?

[Altritter]

From larstorders: << I reckon its possible to reduce the bulkiness of the removable cheek pieces by compressing thei foam pads with some cunning stitching with a needle and thread. >>

Thanks for the tip. I've noticed that the cheek pads seem to be compressing naturally. They must be; my head certainly isn't shrinking. (Just ask my spouse.  )  Anyway, I'm not riding now as much as I like, despite the great autumn weather in my area. I limited my riding, pending some medical maintenance scheduled for both eyes. I see well enough to drive a cage legally, but I'm not comfortable with my visual acuity on a bike, especially my limited ability to discern small objects in the road ahead. Hope to increase my mileage in the next few months.

[not-so-fast-ed]

Hey John,
Hope your medical adjustment helps you like mine did me.  Big improvement.  Not perfect,  but better.

I've been trying on modular and full face helmets and have yet to find one that fits well and allows me to wear my specs & prescription sunglasses comfortably.  Probably something to do with the size & shape of my noggin.  I have no problem with my three quarter Z1R.
Maybe the Shoei modifications will work for me when they're available.   I still want to upgrade to a full face, or modular for the safety aspect.

Ed

[Semper Gumby]

A Norton helmet? what does IT leak?

ILOL!    

I use the Shoie RF-1000 with a clear shield for night ops and the Dark Smoke shield for day ops.  On upper inside of the smoke shield I also have a Polar Optics element that provides an additional 1 and 1/4 of addition darkness.  I found I needed this one morning on the prarie heading east out of eastern Colorado at sun up.  No place to hide!   8-)  Riding one handed sucks....

[Altritter]

From not-so-fast-Ed: << I still want to upgrade to a full face, or modular for the safety aspect. >>

Except for the tight fit on the cheek pads, the modular Shoei multitek has suited me just fine. I had found out before shopping for a helmet that I'd need a modular style to handle my glasses.

Thanks for the comment on the eyes. I'm scheduled for a procedure 10 November, after which I'll be programmed for one, perhaps two, procedures later on the other eye. The uncertainty over the number of procedures is due to the tendency of the initial procedure (a vitrectory to correct a progressive condition called macular pucker) to stimulate the formation of cataracts. That happened with my left eye, thus the second surgery on that eye. I'm betting it will be required for the right eye, also, for it now has a slight cataract in addition to the macular pucker. No need for concern, for both procedures are not bad & have a relatively high success rate (the cataract surgery especially). Nonetheless, the inconvenience is a major PITA. I grit my teeth each time I go into the garage & see my bike. (I sneak a short daytime ride occasionally in good weather on weekends, at times when traffic is relatively light.)

[Yikes]

I have anHJC CL-SP full-face helmet (similar to Rob Valdez, white too) that I have no problem wearing either my regular or scrip sunglasses with.   8-)  The helmet is very comfortable and pretty quiet when the visor is not flipped up.  This is probably because it is big.  I am not a huge guy (5'-10", 160lb) and when I'm wearing my helmet I look like a Power Ranger.  Doesn't bother me.  I don't have to look at myself.

Morphin' time............................................

[williamemack]

I have a Nolan helmet and have no trouble getting it on over glasses. I'm very pleased overall and love the flip down sunscreen that is standard. Getting a good fitting helmet is tough as many dealers don't carry much stock and are reluctant to accept returns if you have to order one. I bought the Nolan even though it rested against my chin and had a mild hot spot at the front of my long oval head. I'm going to judiciously take a rasp to the styrofoam at the back of the unit so I can slide the whole helmet back a tad.