 |
|
21 Jan 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
|
|
|
Open Face Helmet .v. Full Face Helmet ?
I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the merits/disadvantages of wearing an OPEN faced helmet in the Summer when the weather is fine as an alternative to a FULL faced one. I like the idea of an open faced helmet when it's hot but will I be taking an unacceptable risk by wearing one in the UK? My riding is likely to be 70% road (in heavy traffic) 30% offroad (nothing to technical or muddy cos I don't like to get my bike dirty!).
An open faced helmet appeals to me because it is likely to be much cooler...
I don't want to spend much more than about £80.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Last edited by kentfallen; 21 Jan 2008 at 18:20.
|
21 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
|
well.......
OPEN FACE is my choice off road.
but watch out for the wasps!
Your better off with a Motocross type lid & Goggles!
Martyn
PS GET IT DIRTY! you know you want to!
|
21 Jan 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
|
|
|
Depends on what you mean by "open" helmet - moto-cross or pilot type helmet? The enduro is ok, but the second type I consider as potentially dangerous, no matter how good your riding skills are. Things do happen now & then, like broken jaw etc. when going for a loop.
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
21 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
|
I could not find a 'full ' helmet with a chin protection that i could wear with my glasses. I used an open faced one with peak until last year when i bought another open faced one with screen. The reason for the change was the aforementioned wasps ( and hornets) and the odd stone that would bounce off my bikes fairing. I do miss the peak. Oddly the new helmet is noisier an I hope this year to fit a slightly taller screen. But I feel safer from the threat of a small flying stone going through a lens on my glasses.
|
21 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
|
|
|
Caberg Justissimo Flip Up, as I like to filter with it up and for hot weather slow riding around town (inner visor protect my eyes), and as soon as I reach 40 flip it down from protection.
As you know I'm far far too pretty not to look after my face, hell I've only got the one.
As for off road, the Berg is ok with good visability but I also own an enduro lid and googles.
|
21 Jan 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kentfallen
I like the idea of an open faced helmet when it's hot but will I be taking an unacceptable risk by wearing one in the UK?
|
That's really for you to decide - everybody's idea of an acceptable risk is different.
Personally I'd never wear an open face helmet, either on the road or off-road - I like my face and teeth arranged the way they are.
For low speed road riding in hot weather I'll wear my MX lid with sunglasses. Off-road it's the MX lid with either sunglasses or goggles. For normal road riding out of town I use my road lid whatever the weather.
|
21 Jan 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
I could not find a 'full ' helmet with a chin protection that i could wear with my glasses.
|
Next time you go to buy glasses .. chose ones that work with a helmut! The distance from the hindge to the lens should be small - minimusing the width. I take my hemut with me .. if the glasses don't fit .. I try the next shop.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
21 Jan 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London
Posts: 27
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
I could not find a 'full ' helmet with a chin protection that i could wear with my glasses. .
|
I use a Schuberth J1 - open face Jet style with some chin protection and I can wear my specs too.
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
|
|
|
I'm afraid a open face helmet might give the words "jaw dropping" a new - and more literal - meaning. So I prefer my Schuberth full face for touring and my HJC cross helmet for offroading. But that's just me. Others prefer otherwise, I'm sure.
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
|
|
|
I have heard in a few places that some MX lids and even some flip down lids are no better than an off face lid in a crash as the chin bar is not that strong so just breaks on impact. cant remember where i heard this.
Personally i like a full face helmet even if it is hot, 1 for protection and 2 i ride a motorX type bike so no fairing, and can get very windy. Also the weather here in the UK changes very quickly. For off roading at the moment i dont have a MX lid but will hopefully get one soon with a set of googles.
Dont know what it is but i just feel more safe, properly because its enclosed more
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
|
Its what I use...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi
Depends on what you mean by "open" helmet - moto-cross or pilot type helmet? The enduro is ok, but the second type I consider as potentially dangerous, no matter how good your riding skills are. Things do happen now & then, like broken jaw etc. when going for a loop.
|
Vaufi, I totally agree on your points there. But the Enduro type lid & Goggles are no good if you are a spectacle wearer like Myself. I can't wear Contacts, tried n Failed at that. so what do I do?
So, I use a fully open lid. Jet style, OK, it offers no lower face protection, and I know that, it is a risk I am prepared to take. I have ridden perhaps most of my road miles and definitely all my off road miles in a lid of this type. I know the risks and wont moan if I lose half my face if /when I come off!
I DO own a full face lid, and I hate it... I feel claustrophobic in it. I only wear that if on a long journey on road now.
As for a Broken Jaw, Yes, Been there, done that! ( Pushbike)
Martyn
|
22 Jan 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
|
|
|
I use a schuberth J1 also this is great, its open face has a removable Bar type chin jaw protector a flip down dark visor as well a superb full face clear shield visor, the helmet is very comfortable and stable at all speeds, even the visor up position the helmet is fine at speeds upto 100mph without the visor flipping down and virtually no drag from the visor being up either. I have used this helmet since its release on the market about 2 1/2 years now and have never returned to wearing a full face since. The internal ventilation works really well as well giving a definate stream of air jetted onto the top of your head cooling the bonce when its hotter. I ride all weather snow rain sun whatever and find the helmet warm and comfortable in every situation ( save for a bit coolness around the chin (a windstopper tube saves that problem). downside is its pricy - currently about £250 from some retailers.
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
|
|
|
Full face.
For me, the likely damage to your face in the event of a crash is too horrendous to consider wearing an open face. I have worn a motorcross lid with goggles for when its raining or windy etc and this has been fine. I should point out that I have always had the Arai fullface too and do not find it claustrophobic, but the motorcross lid was used on our S America trip to good effect. It was very airy.
Like Martynbiker, I also wear glasses: always have done and I have never had problems with googles. However, my frames are not massive, but they are not tiny either...
I really do feel that, if a conventional full face is not to yor taste, a motorcross lid is your best bet for ventilation (but it will be noisy at speed). Flip-up lids? These look like to be a nice compromise, but in the UK they are only classed as a Type A EC approved lid with the chin section down. Once raised the helmet no longer conforms: something to consider from an insurance point of view...
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
|
|
Pushbikes are dangerous
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker
I DO own a full face lid, and I hate it... I feel claustrophobic in it. I only wear that if on a long journey on road now.
As for a Broken Jaw, Yes, Been there, done that! ( Pushbike)
Martyn
|
You weren't going too fast on your pushbike, were you? Be honest :-)
I'm so used to my closed helmet - sometimes it's even protection from heat. In Africa temps once reached nearly 50°C. Closing all vents was more comfortable than incoming air, which felt like the blast of the furnace .
Hans
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
22 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
|
err Yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi
You weren't going too fast on your pushbike, were you? Be honest :-)
Hans
|
Yep, I was, I was 15 and on my Dads Bike too.  Bent the frame! 
Martyn
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Pushbikes are dangerous
Linear Mode
