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Flip front helmets - ??? Flip front helmets - ???
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  #1  
Old 26 Jun 2011
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Flip front helmets - ???
Having just come back from Lumb Farm, and having heard a number of different people say that flip top helmets make you appear far friendlier (a bonus at borders), I thought I might buy one. I quite like the Shoei Multitech (the price doesn't worry me too much, especially as I'll possibly sell my old one on ebay); does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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.
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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.
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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 !!


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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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.
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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.
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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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!
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Old 27 Jun 2011
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I have just bought a Caberg Konda. Cheap at 99 of your English pounds, but has a 5 star Sharp rating. What else do we have to go on?

Apparently noisy, but I haven't used it, just hide it in the garage. I normally buy black helmets so our lass doesn't notice a new one. This one is silver, but was reduced, so it had to be mine.

Seems pretty reasonable quality to me. Comfortable. Definitely slightly heavier, but not by much.

Nobody so far has mentioned how utterly uncool they are! But very very practical.

If I could afford it I would have got a Shoei.

Clive
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Old 27 Jun 2011
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have had Nolan 102 (absolutely hated it)
currently have scorpion, cut outs for speakers etc, internal sun visor and not overly expensive at £250 ish

wouldn't use anything but a flip front now, really useful for eating & drinking while on the move when doing iron butt runs (100mls a day)

Steve
Last edited by codcutter; 27 Jun 2011 at 18:53. Reason: more information
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