types of helmet???

Just passed my test, and looking for a helmet (I currently have a cast off
from a good friend). I have an XT600 Tenere (anyone got a back shock
assembly lying around?).

Anyway, I quite fancy a flip front helmet - for general ease of use, easy
off roading and eventually talking to pillions. The guy in the shop was
pretty down on them, which led me to think that I don't anything about
helmets really.

I bought a couple of bike mags, but they were pretty naff really. I'm
looking for any good reference info about helmets; comparative strengths,
standards, construction etc. Any pointers??

cheers,

jim

 

I had a Lazer Revolution (in fact still do at the back of the wardrobe)
The flip is quite cool, as is the sun visor. On the downside, it was
*very* noisy, draughty and heavy. Not a patch on my current Uvex. On the
plus side, the lining on the Lazer didn't get worn out by my 'beard' in
less than four months.
On Balance, I'd not buy another flip front, though I know others swear by
them

--
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www.cuore-sportivo.co.uk

 

Jim Procter wrote

Proper bikers don't carry pillions.

Man is a **** then, shop elsewhere.

I wouldn't be without my Nolan Xlite front lifter.

However you have to bear in mind that they are noisy as compared to
sealed double glazed units and the opening mechanism on mine has always
been a bit of a pain needing two hands to operate. Better than the BMW
one that I had before though.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Jim Procter

Or that he doesn't stock flip-front lids... ;^)

I like my Lazer Revolution. As noted elsewhere, it *is* noisy. Get
earplugs. You'll need them anyway.

The flip down sun visor is very good, and the normal visor doesn't mist
up (double glazed). The lid stands up very well to wear and tear too.

I'm very likely to buy another when this one gets past its bin-by date.

 

Flip front are (IMO) generally noisy. If you want to talk to the pilliom,
stop or buy a intercom.

Try Uvex, best I have had yet.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, YTC#1

Or a car...

 

Flip-tops are usually heavier.

 

Try them all on! I must have tried over 50 helmets on before I found one I
liked the feel of [1]. Although I wear glasses, I've opted for a full-face
as all the flip-top ones felt really odd, and interfered with my glasses
anyway (which defeated the point for me)...

I've been lucky in some ways as it's quite quiet, but I usually wear
ear-plugs anyway, so it matters not.

[1] HJC CL-14

 

The most important thing is how it fits. Try on loads: you want a good,
snug fit that's not going to move around on your head. Something just a
*little* tight to start with, as it'll loosen up after a couple of weeks,
but not actually uncomfortable. If you're unsure, ask the assistant for
assistance: if they can't help, go elsewhere.

Any helemt should provide you with adequate protection, but the build
quality and features will vary: mostly with the price.

Fit varies a lot from one manufacturer to another. Arai make good
helmets, for example, but I've never found one that fitted me.

Personally, I like AGV's because they fit me well. I've had a couple of
X-Vents, which were comfy, reasonably quiet and well ventilated. I also
like the quick release visor, althought that's not that big a deal if you
use an anti-fog insert.

At the moment I'm using a Caberg Justissimo flip-front helmet. It's the
only flip-front I've tried which was comfortable and which I could get on
and off without removing my spectacles. It's a bit noisy and the
ventilation isn't as good as the X-Vent, so I can see it being a bit hot
during the summer, (if it ever arrives). It has an internal tinted visor,
which is sort of nice. Not terribly dark, though. Removable lining.
They're quite cheap,too. I'm not sure that I'd buy another one, but it's
OK, and the flip front is handy for petrol stations and the like.

 

I tried one of these the other day and it was a good snug fit but I
wondered if I would ever actually use the flip front. It felt too top
heavy when flipped to be comfortable for riding. Do you ever ride with
it up?

I like the idea of the internal tinted visor. Are there any full face
(non flip) helmets with a similar internal tinted visor?

 

rb says...

Osbe have just introduced a full-face helmet with a flip down internal
sun visor. Osbe aren't that good a brand though, definitely at the
cheaper made end of the market.

For more details try contacting the importers on 01473 745131

 

No. It's not intended to be used that way. I'm not sure it would stay
up, and it obscures vision. If you want something that you can use as an
open face, get a Roof Boxer.

 

I have ridden with my Justissimo with the front up - up to 40mph with
no adverse effects. The instruction book doesn't recommend doing this
tho.
I haven't had obscured vision; tho. I could see it happening for
riders of sports bikes.

 

Verdigris wrote

Never go shopping for a new helmet when you need a hair cut, always have
the haircut first.

 

<waves>

My new Uvex is a 59 and comfy. The old one is a 61 which was snug
when hairy. There's more chinstrap to spare these days, too.

 

Pip wrote

No, dead straight with split ends.

 

How would you know, mop-head?

 

Ben Blaney wrote

I don't. I was just feeling all lonely and unloved and wanted someone
to take notice of me.

 

<looks away>

 

All bike mags are shite. Superbike's got tits, but that's about all.
There's some rag that TOG writes for, and I believe some folks rate it.