Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Flip front helmets - ??? Flip front helmets - ???
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Jun 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
You'l be taking your helmet off at borders so I don't understand that one.. It's just being rude to leave it on and probably way too hot way !!

It is handy to flip it up at petrol stations or talking to your riding buddies etc.

There will always be a compromise in the strength of the front section as opened to a one piece closed face helmet though, no matter what anyone else tells you... It's impossible for a moving part/latch to be as strong as one solid bar.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
There will always be a compromise in the strength of the front section as opened to a one piece closed face helmet though, no matter what anyone else tells you... It's impossible for a moving part/latch to be as strong as one solid bar.
it's only impossible if they are made of the same thickness and type of materials. however, it's quite possible for both types to far exceed any sort of impact you'll come across by riding a sub 150 mph motorbike.

in addition, the moving part/latch is not taking any impact, or in the direction of any stresses.

it's just rumour and myth that a flip-front is not as strong as a full bucket-type; for any type of motorcycling incident that we are likely to experience while travelling.

the major downside with them is that you often ride with it 'up', because it feels better. when doing this you just have to remember not to crash.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jun 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
Quote:
Originally Posted by DougieB View Post
it's only impossible if they are made of the same thickness and type of materials. however, it's quite possible for both types to far exceed any sort of impact you'll come across by riding a sub 150 mph motorbike.

in addition, the moving part/latch is not taking any impact, or in the direction of any stresses.

it's just rumour and myth that a flip-front is not as strong as a full bucket-type; for any type of motorcycling incident that we are likely to experience while travelling.

the major downside with them is that you often ride with it 'up', because it feels better. when doing this you just have to remember not to crash.
There's a million variables in any crash so odds are pretty incalculable..Speed, type of riding doesn't really come into it.. You can get hit by a car sitting at the lights on a scooter... There isn't an engineer in the world that will tell you a break in the structure is as strong as a solid item..

Yes, there are LOTS of materials, designs etc but it's no myth and no helmet manufacturer will put that it's "as strong" in writing, or you could be sure they would market it that way...

Anyway, going here !!


Sorry
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Yes, there are LOTS of materials, designs etc but it's no myth and no helmet manufacturer will put that it's "as strong" in writing, or you could be sure they would market it that way...
yeah, they are though. flip-ups are the same 'safety' spec as full-facers. the shoei multitech (the lid in question) is tested in the closed position and gets the gold standard. exactly the same standard as your full face lid. the multitech is not gold standard rated when in the 'up' position.

who cares what manufacturers put in writing ? manufacturers are hardly organisations to be believed.. it's definitely a myth that flip-ups are less protective than full-facers in a crash. as you say, that's such a blanket statement so as to be pointless. so why say it ?

if you're going to go with 'what people say', then why do UK cops (known for their love of security standards) use flip-up lids; if they are so poor ?

as I say, the only measurement we have are the standards that helmets are put through. flip-ups (in the closed position) and full-facers meet the same standards.

absolutely, technically, a flip-up chin bar is not as strong as a full-face chin bar (what about the rest of the lid ?), taken to an absurd limit. but, it's definitely more than strong enough for you and me.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Jun 2011
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
Quote:
it's just rumour and myth that a flip-front is not as strong as a full bucket-type; for any type of motorcycling incident that we are likely to experience while travelling.

I know a paramedic who would seriously disagree with you there!

Quote:
if you're going to go with 'what people say', then why do UK cops (known for their love of security standards) use flip-up lids; if they are so poor ?

Police wear them so they don't have to keep taking off their lid when talking to motorists.

Quote:
as I say, the only measurement we have are the standards that helmets are put through. flip-ups (in the closed position) and full-facers meet the same standards.

Currently, the DOT standard does not require chin bar testing.


Despite this, I've worn em for years.
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Quote:
Originally Posted by djorob View Post
I know a paramedic who would seriously disagree with you there!
yeah, we all know a paramedic with horror stories. I know one that has horror stories about alcohol consumption, but I still drink.

I just think it's got to be put into perspective. Fine if some people are a bit paranoid about safety and won't use a flip-up for personal reasons. but, come on, the benefits far outweigh the risks for most of us mere mortals.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jun 2011
gixxer.rob's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
Quote:
Originally Posted by DougieB View Post
yeah, we all know a paramedic with horror stories. I just think it's got to be put into perspective. Fine if some people are a bit paranoid about safety and won't use a flip-up for personal reasons. but, come on, the benefits far outweigh the risks for most of us mere mortals.
Personally and thats all I can speak of/from, I would not wear one. Much like others have said I fail to see how they could be as strong or as durable in a crash.
  • I probably would listen more to the people that make helmets rather than standards results for a number or reasons.
  • Standards do change and in the most case only get tougher.
  • Helmet A & B both pass but does that mean they both passed by the same amount and just as safe. Some helmets pass and others far exceed the "standard" during testing.
I would not wear one because I am about reducing the possibilities for injury and the "benefits" that they may bring don't outweigh that for me.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
An open face helmet is far less intimidating to anyone you talk to than a full face one, be it Officials, Fuel stations and people in general. Even more intimidating can be some flip front helmets by adding a protuberance several inches above your head.
Less intimidating = better response and assistance.

I use a BMW System 5 helmet and removed the chin guard section and put on the side 'trim' bits, once I had done the long days/weeks of 'main road' sections. But the visor only really covered my eyes leaving the rest of my face exposed to Colebatch's dirt and dust!

Even better, the BMW dealer in Krasnoyarsk had a deeper visor that covered the entire face. I've not seen it in other counrties. It worked fine for over 3 months, then I put the chin guard piece back on for the return to civilisation - and a real need for safety!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Helmets - flip-front or full face ? Howiezowie Camping Equipment and all Clothing 18 22 May 2007 01:09
Schuberth Flip Front _ Australia Rene Cormier TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 5 19 Jul 2006 01:35
Grex Flip front simmo Equipment Reviews 0 18 Jan 2004 21:53

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top