April 29, 2007

Curious George: Motorcycle Helmets Hey motor monkeys, I got a question. I just got a bike, and a shiny new helmet. It's a Fulmer modular flip-face. I couldn't find anything online about weather they offer as good of protection in a crash as a standard full face. Anyone here know? Any opinions in general?
  • I would go full-face all the way, simply because I've been in a motorbike accident in an open-face helmet and a chin bar would have saved my teeth. I don't think I'd put as much trust in a flip-face, just because they're hinged rather than fully attached.
  • Weezel you got a bike? Sweet. /off topic
  • I've had both full and open face helmets - but have decided to stick to full face for the reasons tracicle gives ... but both my motorbike instructor and UK police riders use flip-face helmets, so I assume that if you spend enough wedge you'll get a good one. Enjoy yer bike - what you got?
  • "Taking a trip." "Yeah." "Where to?" "Oh, I don't know...wherever I end up, I guess." "Pal, I wish I was you."
  • Full face gotta be safer, but they sure aren't as convenient.
  • I used to be a smoker back when I was a biker, and my Nolan full face wouldn't allow me to drive and smoke. A good thing, in retrospect.
  • This review discusses the safety aspect. I think the general consensus is "not quite as safe as a fullface, but much much much better than an open face"
  • I've got a Honda CB350 Four. From what I've read, and what people have told me, it's an excellent bike. I'm getting it from a close friend, and I know all the history on it. He's bringing it over in a couple of hours, and I'm super excited. Sloot, that was just what I was looking for. Thanks! However, that article gave me this link. According to that PDF, my helmet fails! Upon further research (which I can't seem to link to, but it's in the link next to the helmet), it only failed in the "Penetration" tests. And I don't know if my helmet is a 2006 or 2007 model. It does have a DOT sticker on the back, of course. Is this something I should worry about? And you can keep your penetration jokes to yourselves, thankyouverymuch.
  • I also think you should get a face. I use mine all the time, and I couldn't be happier. Well - if it wasn't so fucking ugly, I guess I'd be happier, but I can always wear a paper bag over it. Make sure you get one with a couple holes in it though: mine has a big pie hole, for eating (say) pies and drinking (for example) beer; and some eye holes for seeing what the fuck I'm eating. Also got a couple holes in the side for hearing people tell me what a goddam ugly piece of shit I am, and two nose holes for a big fat line o' the snifter. I'd be totally lost without my face, and it was totally worth selling both arms and my left testicle to buy it. Ride on, bro!
  • Hi. quidnunc's face here: I'm just using his login while he's off getting off his face. I just wanted to say that I kinda resent being called ugly. Sure - I AM pretty ugly. But have you seen the rest of this guy? I mean it's like, "dear pot, you're black, signed kettle". His legs in particular are incredibly hideous. And don't get me started on that fat ass!
  • Hi - quidnunc's ass here. I'm just using his login while he's off getting off his fat ass. I'm actually quite svelte, and I really resent his face making an ass of itself by calling me fat. I've slowly been working my way up in this organisation - I used to be a foot, but got promoted - and one day I hope I'll get the position of arm. And when I do, I'm gonna punch that goddam face so hard I'll fall over on my ass.
  • sweet ride (or was in the 70's anyway. I'm not so much into the ninja styles, but what the hell do I know). Quid you're being too hard on your face. Or vice vespa. Whichever.
  • Pete, I don't think so - in fact, I've had a total reorganisation and promoted my liver to the role of face. Liver will lead a dynamic management team comprised of elbow, foot, knee and bile duct that will create the environment for strong, sustainable growth. Pancreas and Shoulder have been re-appointed as auditors. I think I'm entering a phase of innovation-led, strategic planning for a total body solution, and if you want to feedback about these changes please talk to my secretary, scrotum.
  • So there's no 'one-window' service, then? I thought that was all the rage in corporate circles...
  • Full face all the way, but a flip face still beats a 3/4. About 1/3 of all strikes are to the chin area of the helmet. Not to mention that having your face covered can save you all sorts of nasty pain in everyday riding. I've had a Palo Verde beetle (an Arizona thing - they're as big as your thumb) bounce off my faceshield at 70 mph. It felt like a rock when it hit. That would have really sucked without a faceshield. And rocks. Been hit with a bunch of those in the faceshield. Better that than my face. (I wear an HJC CL-14, if that matters for anything.)