 Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
http://www.customlids.co.uk/helmets.htm Just going out to by a new lid to wear on the Silver/Grey TBA that arrives Midday August 4. Got a Caberg Justissimo at the moment but not very happy with it. Thinking of getting an open faced one or at least a flip up for my new baby. Saw these and liked the look of them. The dealer isn't too far away so it will be my first port of call.
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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 Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
I have not yet tried a modular (flip-up), but I can't say enough good things about my SHOEI RF1000. Make sure whatever you buy fits your head, and, if you plan on riding a lot and wearing your helmet, consider how many hours you could have your head stuck inside the thing, and spare no expense. At 100mph, 20000 miles would be a lot of time with your head in the bell, and of course you can't expect to average half of that speed for most of your miles. If it doesn't fit, or is uncomfortable, you won't wear it. If you won't wear it, even a $50 helmet is a total waste of $$$ and a P-O-S.
There was a helmet thread on here somewhere that had a link to a good study of the DOT and SNELL certifications versus the newer European certifications, and it raised some concern about how safe the DOT and SNELL certs really are.
You probably have a lot more options over there than we would here in the States in terms of what certs are available to you. The buying public's ignorance/lack of education here stipulates that retailers are not likely to carry much that is not DOT and/or SNELL certified here in the States.
The article/study had to do with sustained head injuries when wearing a helmet, and the fact that the DOT and SNELL standards still allow a significant head injury even though the helmet itself may survive due to the fact that the DOT and SNELL certs measure units (jouls?) sustained by a sudden shock (like the ball pean test?), where the European standards actually cert how well the helmet distributes the shock to lessen the severity of the head injury. It was an interesting read.
Of course there is always the obvious reality that other injuries incurred in an accident resulting in a head injury of sufficient magnitude to question a helmet's effectiveness may in themselves be mortal injuries anyway.
Get yourself a helmet you won't mind wearing everyday and wear it.
Don't worry about the other crap - people get struck by lightning every day.
Hey! I found the link to that article!
MOTORCYCLIST MOTORCYLCE HELMET PERFORMANCE Blowing The Lid Off
Last edited by Blackwind; 07/29/2006 9:22 AM.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
I have one of the modular HJC (?) helmets and just love it. i wear glasses and it is very handy for that as well. I never had one like this before, but I will never buy anything else once I've had one. They are sweet and the way to go if you're going full faced. I also have a 3/4 helmet that I use mostly for opassengers, and Matt borrows it all the time, but I hardly wear that one myself.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
We got Kim a flip up for the glasses reason too. Makes it much easier to get on and off too.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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 Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
Just got back from the dealers - embarrassed or what ! Put on a Nolan flip up and snapped it shut. Didn't bother to check how it opened first. I pressed the button like my Caberg and tugged - nothing, tried it again - no good - Panic starting - tried to lift it off my head in the down position - no good. Pressed the button again - no good. Asked my son if he could see how it was done - he couldn't work it out either but found it amusing. Went to a mirror and noticed the red tag. pulled that and the button popped out. tried pulling the tag - nothing. Squeezed the button and the tag together and up it went - just as the assistant arrived to see if I needed help ! Number one son reckons I've got old timers disease. I reminded him of the time he put his head through a gap in the picket fence and got it stuck. Mind you, as he pointed out, he was only 4 at the time 
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919 |
Hi Micheal. ive got the roof boxer helmet, so i get the best of both worlds. might be worth you looking at..
Dave
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 Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
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Quote:
Hi Micheal. ive got the roof boxer helmet, so i get the best of both worlds. might be worth you looking at..
Dave
I've just had a look on their site. I'll go and try one on. Thanks
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
I've got to do something about a new lid too. Last two rides when going over 65 mph my Fulmar half helmet would have blown off my head if the throat stap wasn't tight. It was a really weird feeling with that thing lifting off my head like that. I'm thinking of a 3/4 HJC with the new slightly shorter face shield. I haven't been able to find any prescription riding glasses that I like (and that fit worth a darn)... so what the heck... go with my regular glasses and face shield, plus I figure the 3/4 will stay on my head better at speed.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 119
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 119 |
I've mentioned Schuberth J1 so many times I should be getting a commission, but I bought one last month and it's outstanding. It's top-end, about as much as a fancy Shoei, but it's a 3/4 helmet with a u-shaped bar going round the chin that protects your teeth. Very quiet, very well ventilated, drop-down sun visor. Would recommend it. I have a matt-black for my matt-black speedy, but they do a silver one..
The westernmost Triumph in Europe
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
I've got a Nolan and like it but try to push the buttons with your gloves on! If you are claustaphobic, read the directions before hand-I couldn't get out of mine in the dealership. Really impressed the salesperson.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
Quote:
I've got a Nolan and like it but try to push the buttons with your gloves on! If you are claustaphobic, read the directions before hand-I couldn't get out of mine in the dealership. Really impressed the salesperson.
They do a quick release one with sliders either side under the jaw protector that looks easier.
Good point about the gloves though. I'll take mine in with me next time, and try lifting the visor with them on.
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
Just had a look at the Shuberth site. I wish buying a helmet was a straight forward as the bike ! BA or Speedy only two options ! At least it whiles away the time 'till my bike arrives on friday. 
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 542
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 542 |
Hi mate - try a Shoei syncrotec II flip front - I've got one & it's great - you can pick 'em up for about £180 at shows and rallies. But make sure you try it on before buying - although they are sized, they just don't fit some shapes of head (Adey!!!)
Regards
Jan
Never whistle while you're ******....!
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
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I'm over Water Orton way later today so I'll drop in Bikers World and have a look. Cheers 
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
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Quote:
There was a helmet thread on here somewhere that had a link to a good study of the DOT and SNELL certifications versus the newer European certifications, and it raised some concern about how safe the DOT and SNELL certs really are.
Hey! I found the link to that article!
MOTORCYCLIST MOTORCYLCE HELMET PERFORMANCE Blowing The Lid Off
a very thorough investigation and I thought I'd got enough info to make a decision then.......
A story from this Weeks MCN.................
EURO HELMET TESTS ARE TOO SLACK
UK's top, lid tester claims 'flawed' safety standards are putting lives at risk
The UK's most experienced motorcycle helmet tester has slammed flawed Brussels helmet safety regulations. Since 2000, all helmets sold in the UK have had to meet Europe's 22-05 standard. However, Brussels' testing philosophy is at odds with the rest of the world. According to Brian Walker, from 'independent testing house Helmet Protection Evaluation (HPE), the current ECE Regulation 22-05 (now stamped on the back or chin strap of all UK lids) has narrowed the spectrum of performance levels to the point that the tests aren't strict enough."
Walker has been testing helmets for 55 years and has approved them for Formula one driver Michael Schumacher, the British Army, cricket teams and all major motorcycle helmet makers, including Arai, Shoei, Suomy and AGV. He says it's time to speak out against meddling from Brussels that has capped the safety performance levels of the helmets we wear. Walker outlined the four main flaws with the current European testing standards:
EURO HELMETS IMPACT TESTED IN SPECIFIC AREAS REGULATION 22-05 only requires the helmet to be impact tested on areas the size of a penny coin at the front, back and rear. According to Walker, the highly specific areas of testing could lead to the "potential of localised strengthening". Walker showed MCN photographs he had taken of helmets sent to him for testing that had been covertly reinforced with impact patches to strengthen specific areas - the manufacturers had reinforced the precise points struck during the testing procedure. Other testing methods, such as Snell (a tough American standard for crash helmet performance) conduct impact tests at random over a much larger surface area, makes the practice of reinforcing specific points worthless.
NO PENETRATION TEST REGULATION 22-05 has no penetration test - a test that pierces helmets with sharp spikes. All other helmet evaluation tests worldwide include a penetration test, making its absence in the European test alarming. Walker is often asked to view crash scene photographs to assess the performance of helmets; he said: "We've seen a penetration accident that split a man's helmet in two and killed him - penetration tests are important."
EXTREME ANVIL TEST CANNED REGULATION 22-05 scraps the use of the hemispherical anvil test, in which a helmet is dropped on to a block of solid metal. The hemi-anvil test is featured in the Japanese, American and Australian standards. Regulation 22-05 replaces it with a "kerb stone anvil" test. However, according to Walker, "the impact for this test is not representative of the extremes a biker faces".
CAR BASED TEST INCLUDED REGULATION 22-05 has faced stinging criticism over the inclusion of the Head Injury Criteria (HIC) scale. Devised by John Versace, a safety researcher for the Ford Motor Company, this scale uses a complex formula to judge the head injuries of non-helmeted car drivers following accidents. It was never intended to be used for evaluating the effectiveness of helmets. Industry experts decided by consensus at a recent conference in Milwaukee , that "HIC should not be incorporated into crash helmet standards". They concluded the main weaknesses of including HIC in helmet testing are: 1) It only deals with linear acceleration. not rotational acceleration - despite more injuries being caused by the latter; 2) It only deals with frontal impacts, not lateral impacts; 3) It takes no consideration of mass.
Manufacturers Respond
ARAI
“It’s important people see how flawed ECE 22-05 is. We will be inundated with cheap helmets from the far east because Regulation 22-05 is so easy to pass. The impact test is so specific that some manufacturers add carbon fibre reinforcements at the precise points they know are being tested. It would frighten you if you saw how badly legal European helmets performed.â€Â
SHOEI
“European Shoei helmets are different from the Shoei helmets sold in the rest of the world. We use different materials and European helmet shells are less rigid. Many manufacturers would like to see EEC testing standards in the USA because it’s much easier to pass 22-05 than the American Snell standard. It means developing a whole new shell.
AGV
“From the manufacturing and testing point of view, it’s easier to pass ECE 22-05. as a result, we’ve seen a massive influx of Chinese helmets that are made to pass a standard test and they’re made to a budget. It’s more difficult to pass a Snell test. We’d like to see a graded system, like the old BSI A and B standards, but we can’t see that ever happening now in Europe.â€Â
GP RIDERS WON’T WEAR EURO-SPEC LIDS
When Shinaya Nakano had a 200mph horror crash at Mugello in 2004, much was made of the helmet that saved his life. However, his Arai lid was not certified to ECE Regulation 2-05, Instead it was a Snell-approved helmet. In fact, non of the Arai sponsored MotoGP riders chose to wear ECE marked helmets opting for the Snell marked helmets supplied by Arai. Shoei Europe also confirmed that it’s rider Chris Vermeulen wears a Snell helmet and not a European standard helmet.
Why can't everything be as simple as buying a Motorbike - BA or Speedy ? 
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 542
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 542 |
Quote:
and European helmet shells are less rigid.
....not necessarily bad - a rigid shell will transmit more energy into the helmet liner (and thence into your head) whereas one with a degree of "give" will absorb the energy as it deforms and degrades...if ya really wanna get paranoid, check these out... helmet study 1 and especially helmet study 2 - the Cooter study reckons you're more likely to die from wearing a full face helmet...anyway, mate, you decide!
Never whistle while you're ******....!
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Re: Open faced or flip up - decisions,decisions
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 34
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 34 |
Michael, I like my AGV model GTO. Easy glasses access,easy flipup clear(or optional shaded)viewshield(nice while stopped) and has stepped catches for varrying ventilation on the move.Logical design on main fullface section (releases w/ gloves on), some ventilatin vents(rainproof) and mid range price. Bob.
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