Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
General Discussion => Campfire Talk => Topic started by: Hatecamel on April 17, 2013, 09:34:45 am
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Hey guys. I'm not overly concerned with looks but I'd prefer to not look like I just walked off the set of a sci-fi movie when riding the C5 I plan on getting. Are these taking that too far though, as in risking crushing teeth, my jaw or, for the shoes, ankles?
Helmet: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/905/21281/ITEM/GMax-GM-55-Half-Helmet.aspx (not the skull one :P)
Shoes: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/900/42299/ITEM/Teknic-Striker-Boots.aspx
Like I said, I'm not concerned enough with looks to excessively risk losing bone matter but since I'll rarely be going above 70 I'm wondering if these will work ok.
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Welcome, Hatecamel!
You'll find all kinds of opinions about acceptable risk limits - you've gotta choose your own. Personally, I know riding is a risk, but I still want to protect myself as much as I can, so it's a full face lid for me.
I first came across this info and diagram at my MSF rider safety course, and again just recently in David Hough's book "Proficient Motorcycling" (since everyone else, including the MSF, has been stealing his stuff for decades, I hope he won't mind me posting it here! ;) ):
According to a German study by Dietmar Otte and Günter Felton that was published in The Proceedings of the 1991 International Motorcycle Conference, the majority of helmet strikes in accidents are to the left and right chin areas.
And the accompanying diagram:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Aai4LHwoYZ4/UW5kOcX-bnI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/2ayXkDbxtBA/s720/helmet%2520impact%2520distribution.jpg)
Just so you make an informed decision...
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Ouch. 45% more impacts choosing half helmet... I'm going to avoid freeway riding and speeding completely since that's not even close to why I want to ride (or else I wouldn't be getting a C5 obviously :P) so hopefully taking that into account reduces the risk a bit. Still, that really doesn't seem like a fun place to smack into the ground or take flying debris to... Thanks for the info.
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Statistically, on the freeway (divided highway) at high-speeds (implying moderate traffic) is about the safest place you can ride...
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Hey guys. I'm not overly concerned with looks but I'd prefer to not look like I just walked off the set of a sci-fi movie when riding the C5 I plan on getting. Are these taking that too far though, as in risking crushing teeth, my jaw or, for the shoes, ankles?
Helmet: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/905/21281/ITEM/GMax-GM-55-Half-Helmet.aspx (not the skull one :P)
Shoes: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/900/42299/ITEM/Teknic-Striker-Boots.aspx
Like I said, I'm not concerned enough with looks to excessively risk losing bone matter but since I'll rarely be going above 70 I'm wondering if these will work ok.
Check out the Bell Pit Boss. This is by far the most comfortable 1/2 helmet I have ever tried. Most 1/2 helmets I have tried makes me look like the Great Kazoo (google image if your not familiar). The Pit Boss was kinder in this respect.
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So I know the risks and have both a cheap HCI-50 half helmet and a full face Modular that I ride with, Mostly the Modular, only because the HCI I have found to be a little uncomfortable.
I have also just purchased a Davida Classic Pudding Basin Helmet for riding with as I have always loved the look of them and couldn't wait any longer.
Riding is dangerous and I know that, But I also no that everything in life as a small amount of danger and I am not going to be afraid of everything that comes my way. If I am then I would never be able to leave my house and then what would be the point of living??
I also ride with a vintage style Leather Jacket that has no Armour in it and I also wear Gasolina boots that have no real padding or armour either.
Damon
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I have a Davida that I love. The only thing I dislike about it is that earplugs are mandatory. I usually wear an open face Fulmer. Also a great helmet, and I don't need earplugs. I have a similar Bell 500, very noisy. I have several full faced helmets that I seldom wear, because it's just not stylin'!
I've had two crasheds that my face got into. One was in an airplane where my head ended up dragging down the freeway. As I was sliding along, I was thinking about the fact that I needed my helmet! The other one was the last one on the Enfield when I took a face plant over the bars and face first into a dirt and rock bank. A couple of stitchable cuts on my forehead and bruises around my eyes from the goggles and some bones broken around the bridge of my nose. Obviously a full face helmet would have saved me from looking like a raccoon that had been in a barroom brawl. The Davida probably would have been worse as the padding in the helmet is very old school, cork. They are not approved helmets.
I will replace the Fulmer with a new one and continue wearing it, but...
If your are looking for the best protection, get a full face helmet that fits right and feel good. I have a $200 Bell that I wear when I want a fullface helmet. I also have a Shoei, and an HCI flip front. I've owned Arais and other expensive helmets. Don't use price as a guideline. If it's Dot approved, you are pretty much going to get all the protection you can. After that, it's form and feel. The expensive ones don't offer any more protection. I have smacked some full face helmets from different angles including right on the front, and straight down on top of my head, and they have always worked as advertised. Never any damage to me.
Bare
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Riding a motorcycle has risk.
Everything can be put to a risk statistic.
I ride in a no-helmet, no-lights on during day required State( as it should be).
Some kind of helmet is better then nothing. A leather jacket is better then a t-shirt, and its been my experience to always wear gloves.
If you wear a soft bottom shoe( like sneakers) they don't protect your feet much. ( I have some broken toes to prove it).
That being said , I usually wear a full face helmet ( its cold here) , gloves, combat style brown boots, aviation flight jacket( G-1 or A-2) and a rain coat. ( long johns, of course) Mostly for weather.
I don't crash too much anymore.
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Oh, as for the shoe/boots, Put your leg up against the pipe when you're sitting on the bike and see if those boots are high enough to come between your leg and the pipe. If not you may want the rethink the height of the boots. I got third degree burns on my leg with short footwear.
Bare
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Oh, as for the shoe/boots, Put your leg up against the pipe when you're sitting on the bike and see if those boots are high enough to come between your leg and the pipe. If not you may want the rethink the height of the boots. I got third degree burns on my leg with short footwear.
Bare
Oh sweet Jeebus I did not think of that. I'm one of those people who prefer not to be burned on a regular basis, so you definitely have me rethinking those :P Thanks a lot for the advice everyone. The broken body parts to style ratio is a lot more tilted in favor of the former than I imagined, so I'll probably just get a couple different pieces of gear for different situations like you guys. Thanks again.
As an aside, these verification things are hard as hell. Anyone else have to go through it over 5 times per post? Lol. I always think I finally got it, then it tells me NOPE.
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As a newbie myself, may I ask of you old timers here: is there a way to test helmets for comfort and noise level on a ride? Do retailers let you do that? I spent good money on my Shoei Qwest helmet, and while I'm sure it will protect me, and it's comfortable enough so that I'm not tempted to skip it, but I'm not too crazy about the noise level, both behind my windscreen and without it. Also, it's a wicked fogger.
If you can find a way of trying before you buy, it's a good idea!
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Most good helmets have some kind of costumer review on line.
Heck, some helmets have been talked about on this forum.
Been thinking about a new full face for years.
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My old Shoei is very quiet, the quietest helmet I have.
I read a review on the Qwest and they did mention that it was a fogger, however they said it was quiet, but behind a wind screen it was noisy. They blamed the windscreen. However, I'd think a lot of it is with the big air vent below the shield. That could be causing a bit of turbulence. Try putting some tape over that vent and see what it does.
As for noisy helmets, the modular ones are generally noisier than the standard full face helmets' All those joints seem to raise the decibel level considerably.
Bare
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Here in the UK helmets like the one linked are illegal.
I use a Shoei open face.
As the others have said it's up to you. I ride a vintage(!) motorcycle that goes the same speed as a professional cyclist who doesn't have to wear a helmet at all!!
I also wear kevlar jeans and a new Halvarssons jacket with ancient Dutch para boots. About 4 dollars in your money!
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I've got two helmets; an HJC SyMax 2 convertible and a Davida Classic pudding-bowl. I tend to wear the full-face around town or anywhere that's statistically higher-risk, or in the cooler weather, and the Davida for out on the open road, where the chances of a crash are statistically lower, or for "parking lot" sort of get-togethers where the "vintage look" of the Davida works with the "vintage look" of the bike.
There is no mandatory helmet law where I live, but you'll never catch me riding without a skid-lid. I also know and accept the risks of riding with the lower level of protection that the Davida brings to the table.
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I've always worn full face helmets, but I've been contemplating the new Bell Rouge.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/lethalinj/Bell-Rogue-Helmet-SolidMatt_zpsf8ada018.jpg) (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/lethalinj/media/Bell-Rogue-Helmet-SolidMatt_zpsf8ada018.jpg.html)
As for other gear: A good old school James Dean leather jacket, a good pair of denim jeans (or if you have the money, they sell riding jeans these days that are padded and/or armored for around $150), a good pair of comfy leather boots with a heel and a pair of riding gloves. If you don't don't a motorcycle apparel shop near by mechanics gloves work pretty well too. I personally feel that gloves are a must for riding. They prevent your hands from slipping when they are sweaty and they also protect your hands from road debris. If you've ever taken a rock or june bug to the knuckle at 55mph, you know what I mean. And notice how on ALL the gear I said "good"..... Crappy gear is just about worthless. Make sure your properly protected.
Scottie
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After riding in shorts and half sleeves, I was at a riding course in NJ. A very experienced instructor's few words changed all that. He said "You cannot afford not to wear riding gear". There I realized that I have everything sitting at home, let me try to wear it. Since then I follow his second mantra, which was - ATGATT (All the Gear All The Time). Moreover, I had a kid riding with me on pillion quite a bit. To make him safe with protective gear, I made it a habit that I do the same to set an example.
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I saw that Bell Rogue in the "Matte Green" and thought is would go well with my C5 Military with sidecar in the similar "Battle Green". ;)
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(or if you have the money, they sell riding jeans these days that are padded and/or armored for around $150)
Competition Accessories has "Sliders" brand kevlar-lined riding jeans for ~$80 a pair (regularly around $100)... Motorcycle Consumer News rates them "Best Buy" over even Draggin' Jeans.
http://tinyurl.com/88tb93m
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Hey guys. I'm not overly concerned with looks but I'd prefer to not look like I just walked off the set of a sci-fi movie when riding the C5 I plan on getting. Are these taking that too far though, as in risking crushing teeth, my jaw or, for the shoes, ankles?
Helmet: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/905/21281/ITEM/GMax-GM-55-Half-Helmet.aspx (not the skull one :P)
Shoes: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/900/42299/ITEM/Teknic-Striker-Boots.aspx
Like I said, I'm not concerned enough with looks to excessively risk losing bone matter but since I'll rarely be going above 70 I'm wondering if these will work ok.
No two people precess sensory input the same way. We are all wired a bit different from on another.
Take for example my co worker, a visual only guy. Sound distracts him greatly. A full face with ear plugs works best for him.
Another fellow I know is aural. Shorty helmets for him to let sounds in.
He finds the style you linked to ( he calls it yolk and chin strap) to cut wind noise better than the single chin strap style.
Another fellow I know looks not just by turning his head but also by turning his eyes.
A full face is absolutely out of the question for him due to the blocking of his peripheral vision. He wears an old bell 500 open face.
The boots you linked too look pretty decent. The first quality I look for in a riding boot us how comfortable would they be to walk five miles in when the bike breaks down.
Double heck yes endorsement for Kevlar jeans, padding and leather pants in cooler temps. Bruises suck but not as much as road rash.
Welding gloves work in pinch when the weather gets cold.
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Plenty said already, just 2 comments:
(1) My MSF instructor said the very most important aspect of footwear is whether it covers your ankles, because ankles are disproportionately easy to damage and disproportionately hard to fix.
(2) Regarding ATGATT -- I have knee/shin guards that fit inside my regular riding pants (heavy Carhartt double-ply trousers). If you were me, would you wear them on every ride? I did when I first got them, then I got complacent. Should I start again?
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That's up to you.
My greatest risks here in descending order are a motorist quick left in front of me, getting rear ended and wildlife collisions after dark in those scenarios shin guards wouldn't do me much good but that's my risk environment.
Check out this video on the smidsy weave... the weave saved worked for me more than a few times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU)
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Great video Ice.
I will incorporate that into my bag of tricks.
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Ice: Found myself doing it yesterday. See what u started. ;D
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I haven't read the thread but here's 3 meanies I found:
Shark RAW
http://www.motorcycleshop.ie/shark-raw-mat-black-167-p.asp
Bell Rogue
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-rogue-helmet
Brembo
http://uncrate.com/stuff/brembo-helmets/
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OSBE Tornado helmet. Face guard is an option.
(http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae168/helmetworld/aircraft-militar-orange-en.jpg)
(http://www.hdforums.com/forum/members/17111-qwispichkn-albums-4127-osbe-tornado-helmet-picture24505-with-chin-guard.jpg)
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Like many others I have different helmets depending on what bike I'm riding and where I'm going. On the Enfield I wear a Shark RSJ 3/4 with face shield and drop down sun visor. It's light weight, quiet and fits me well so very comfortable. On my big bike for highway trips I typically wear a Scorpion EXO-400 full face, moderatley priced in the $150 range and highly rated for protection.
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I do like the Rouge. It kinda has an early English soldier doughboy shape to it, doesn't it?
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check jafrum.com. sorta the same, yet way better pricing. Most all my cold weather gear is from jafrum. And riding the RE THIS summer, most evenings are cold, without a shield. Full=faced helmet,winter riding jacket, GoldWing branded boots.Bridgestone gloves.
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i'm also considering the Bell Rogue for city riding. I'll stick with a full face AGV for long rides.
This is the only thread mentioning it. Has anyone tried it? How's the ventilation in that Bane-like mask?
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Ah, Vanity! Does this helmet make me look fat? Get a full face. I have done 40 years of research on this: 99% of all riders (including me) look great with their faces covered.