Don't laugh - I'm currently wearing an AGV Blade helmet on my Yamaha XT's. I much prefer open faced helmets. Full faced helmets are uncomfortable and closed in (confined). I also like an open face helmet because it allows wider vision.

Here's a AVG Blade: Agv Blade Helmet | eBay

I know I'm taking a small risk and that these things don't protect the face as well as a full face helmet does.

I'm a retired (worn out) bike cop (50 years old). In the early 1980's I used to wear a Bell open face helmet and enjoyed wearing it on patrol. I always felt it allowed me to interact with joe public better, gave me wider vision and was comfy to wear all day. The only downside was the wind noise.

I'm prepared to put up with increased wind noise. I'm not a speed freak in any case (hence my sedate choice of bikes now).

Fast forward to 1986 and I was wearing a Bell full faced helmet which I hated wearing. By the 1990's I had moved onto other things in the job but my old mates in traffic were starting to wear odd hybrids - flip top helmets.

I have always trusted Italian AVG helmets. My first helmet in 1979 was a AVG X3000 Valenza which I wore on my Yamaha AP50 and MZ Simson S50/B1 (bet none of you know about that little gem).

I bought the AVG Blade a couple of years ago from getgeared (and excellent online supplier of most things bike). The AVG Blade is apparently designed for scooters but it looks okay on a big trail bike too (in my opinion).

I'm in need of another OPEN FACE helmet as my partner has finally agreed to go pillion. Like me she hates wearing full faced helmets.

I do possess a full-faced helmet (Shoei X-Spirit) which cost me £400 but this is only used when I'm riding the Honda XBR500. My mates said I looked ridiculous wearing the AVG Blade on it. My Mrs refuses to wear it on any bike.

The AVG Blade is still available but it's gone up in price quite considerably - £109 now. I only paid £60 for mine which at the time seemed a great bargain. Wonder why it's gone up so much in such a short time?

Nearly all the AVG Blade alternatives are the old basic "pudding basin Jet" style helmet, a version of which is sold by most helmet makers. I don't think they look good on a big trail bike being ridden on the roads.

I am happy spending up to £150 but it must be a bargain buy.

I suppose if I can't find another more modern looking "funky" alternative, I will have to simply bite the bullet and procure another AVG Blade for my Mrs.

Any thoughts would be welcomed.
Thanking you in anticipation.....

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).