Helmets

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Ninja06

Here is some data from NHTSA on helmets tested in 2000-2005. I had my eye on a couple when I was looking for a new helmet, but this site curved my choice away from what I was going to get. Glad I looked first.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/comply/fmvss218/

Which goes to show...$10 helmet for a $10 head...Cost is not an issue when it comes to safety.

[G]

as mentioned before in aust , we must by law wear a approved helmet . i use a open face helmet in summer & full face helmet in winter . i noticed its not required to wear a helmet in the US ? is it all states or certain states it required ? the onus is on the rider i guess .

[Dudester]

Originally Posted by MEAN 1

as mentioned before in aust , we must by law wear a approved helmet . i use a open face helmet in summer & full face helmet in winter . i noticed its not required to wear a helmet in the US ? is it all states or certain states it required ? the onus is on the rider i guess .

Being a U.S. neighbour, I believe it is the law to wear helmets is some states and in others, it is not required. Although riding without a helmet might have a cool look for some, I still would prefer to wear a helmet regardless of the law.
Just my .02 cents worth.

[Svetlana]

Originally Posted by MEAN 1

as mentioned before in aust , we must by law wear a approved helmet . i use a open face helmet in summer & full face helmet in winter . i noticed its not required to wear a helmet in the US ? is it all states or certain states it required ? the onus is on the rider i guess .

The last I noticed only three or four states have no helmet laws whatsoever (including Colorado and Illinois... perhaps some members from there could verify this). The majority of states require either full-face helmets or certain helmet restrictions based upon age.
Here are two sites and frankly I'm wondering if they are even accurate... I live in Washington state and notice ppl with half-helmets all the time leading me to believe these sites are not accurate. But, if any1 has more info, pls speak up!
http://www.fastfreds.com/helmetlawmap.htm
http://usff.com/hldl/hlstatutes/mapolinks.html

lastly, here's a good link to worldwide helmet laws/restircitons that I think is interesting. Most every country listed requires mandatory helmets on all bikes over 250ccs
http://www.whohelmets.org/world_helmetlaws.htm

[billc5]

Colorado is by choice but eye protection is required, if I remember correctly. Kathy and I are both full full face and gear all the time.

[G]

thanks for the heads up , i guess @ times even here in aust . Hardley Davidson owners here seem to wear open face helmets thinking it looks cool "LOL" . i also am guilty of open face helmet wearing in summer , but feel safer with a full face helmet . not to mention a bug @ 100km hurts when it splats on your face ..

[darkwolf29a]

Originally Posted by MEAN 1

thanks for the heads up , i guess @ times even here in aust . Hardley Davidson owners here seem to wear open face helmets thinking it looks cool "LOL" . i also am guilty of open face helmet wearing in summer , but feel safer with a full face helmet . not to mention a bug @ 100km hurts when it splats on your face ..

Yeah, I remember taking my first bug in the face. I was glad for the FF. At 70mph, that june bug knocked my head back a bit.

I don't ride without a FF, plain and simple. One never knows, riding around here, when something is going to appear in front of you.

[Wildroot_]

I have a Nolan FF Flip-up with sunvisor that is a great tub for the brain. It is the best helmet that I have run across at a $300 price

[NjGrl6]

i have a random helmet question...are the white graphics on most helmets reflective? specifically the shoei's...

i've asked some biker friends, gotten different answers lol

[ervins]

Not in the cases of Suomy or Arai. They have a high gloss white finish which helps in being shiny. However, that is not refelctive per se as you reflectors. There are kits out there to make your helmet more reflective. I encourage this...That is why I never will buy a black helmet. Hard enough to see not need to make it harder.

[NjGrl6]

i'm surprised they don't advertise it more....i've been looking at helmets and none say they have reflective graphics

...i'm looking at the shoei and scorpion helmets mostly...any other suggestions?

[Svetlana]

Originally Posted by NjGrl6

i'm surprised they don't advertise it more....i've been looking at helmets and none say they have reflective graphics

...i'm looking at the shoei and scorpion helmets mostly...any other suggestions?

You won't find any Scorp helmets w/ reflective graphics, but I do believe some of the more expensive Shoei's and Arai's have them on their replica graphic helmets. In general, as ervins recommends, you can buy the reflective sticker kits yourself and apply them. They really are well worth having and I've been thinking of adding them to my black helmet for safety reasons.

[NjGrl6]

ok thanks

[Brown]

Open face helmets are the only way to go. Until you have an accident.

[Mercury]

^^^ I disagree

check out the hjc cl-max open or full face

its awesome

kenny

[Brown]

I still agree with my comment.

An aquantance/friend just went down with a full face helmet on (don't know the brand of helmet) and he still had facial and teeth pain. If he'd been wearing a helmet that was not full face, he would have lost his entire jaw and a good portion of the left side of his face.

He was hit by a large mountain goat type thing with horns going around a twistie...it jumped out and hit him side on.

Ultimatly, NO HELMET is the way to go. Until you are in an accident.

[Brown]

Don't get me wrong...there are times when I wish I wasn't wearing a full face, there are times I wish I had those flip top helmets...they are nice...but again..until your face fits (freudian slip {fits, hits} that I will let slide..slide...get it?) the pavement at 30 to 60 miles an hour life is beautiful...and then it is even more so.

[kev101]

got a hjc cl-14 got nice venting

[Brown]

Just read that pass fail stat thing...can't believe that arai failed for 2006...that is hard to beleive...

[Bennie]

Does anyone know if Kiwi helmets are any good? Because i've seen one i'd like to buy but never heard about Kiwi so i don't know if it's good. I also can't find a site about Kiwi, only shops that sell them.