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  #1  
Old 24 May 2010
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Question Advice on open face helmet
hello folks
i think this might be a daft question, but is legal to ware a open face crash helmet in france and italy
Ray
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  #2  
Old 24 May 2010
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Hi Ray,

Firstly, welcome to the HUBB.

(It would be better to post this in Equipment or Miscillaneous for future reference)

Yep perfectly legal as long as its passed EU or BSI tests.

I havent bought a new lid for 10 years....but you would think that an EU approved lid would be fine in UK though check first or Im sure someone else will know on the HUBB ?

Theres a new SNELL M2010 test as well which is a good sign to look for on a new lid, which tests a second impact at the same point and is tougher than the EU test.

Its your choice, but I am not a fan of open face lids, Ive seen a few bikers in open face lids with teeth knocked out, broken jaws and other facial injuries - all could have been avoided with a full face or flip up lid.

kerb stones, handlebars etc are not face friendly.
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  #3  
Old 25 May 2010
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Hi Ray and welcome

I've no idea whether you've done any miles with an open face in the UK or what and I can only make a general guess that if they're EU tested then they're probably legal, but I would make a couple of observations based on many miles wearing open face helmets.

I've got three full face helmets and probably half a dozen open face ones and the wind noise from the open facers is horrible over about 30mph. OK round town but it would drive you mad over any distance. I used one on a trip to The Gambia on the basis that a ff would be too hot in the desert and found myself cruising slower and slower because of the noise.

The other thing is face protection. Not so much for when you highside into a pile of gravel, important though that is, but when insects etc hit you. The bl**dy things hurt. I found myself riding along with with my hand in front of my face going through a locust swarm in Western Sahara and they even hurt my gloved hand when they hit. OK, not too many of those in France but even flies hurt at 60mph. Old time bikers, pre full face helmets, would use goggles and leather face masks for good reason.
Last edited by backofbeyond; 25 May 2010 at 15:10. Reason: Mind fuddled from wearing open face helmet
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  #4  
Old 25 May 2010
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Open face doesn't necessarily mean without a visor. My preference for hot climes is a BMW System V with the jet helmet conversion that includes a deep visor. For motorway or cold weather use I can clip the chin guard back on.

Open face helmets were the norm when I started riding. I've never seen anyone who's incurred an injury because of wearing open face rather than integral helmet, but I suppose these things do happen. The way things are going with health and safety people will be wearing neck braces and riding bikes with airbags before long.
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Old 25 May 2010
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I agree about the noise, I wear open face because I have yet to find a helmet I can wear sensibly with glasses.

Re the stones, insects, pheasants rain hail etc.. there are things called fairings which stops 99% of all UFO's as well as wind chill.

Not the poxy little perspex Gstring's, but something like an old Avon touring fairing. or BMW RT
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  #6  
Old 25 May 2010
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I have the Givi X01 helmet which allows me to have a full face helmet or a full face helmet with vents and cut outs at the front for when it is hot. If you look at the link you will see what I mean.

It also changes into an open face helmet and I will add my bit about open face helmets. In 1991 I was t-boned while wearing a profesionally fitted full face helmet. My head went through the screen of the car on the way past and amongst my other various injuries all my top front teeth were smashed in.

Now imagine what would have happened to me if I had been wearing an open face helmet !! It is not a pretty thought.

The Givi X01 is certainly not cheap but neither are any of the other good helmets. Like they say if you have a 2 bob brain then buy a 2 bob helmet.

The helmet is great to wear and the fact that I can let air in during the summer but while feeling protected is why I went for this helmet.

Just never think that it will not happen to me because unfortunately it can.

Givi X.01 Helmet - webBikeWorld

Steve
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  #7  
Old 25 May 2010
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Smile re open faced lids
hello all

thanks for opinion's and advice
ray
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  #8  
Old 26 May 2010
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Horses for courses, when I'm out on a classic bike, an open face Davida fits the bill, and works as a most effetive speed limiter! On a modern crotch rocket, full face.
I'm planning a trip back from Qatar to the UK, was considering the Roof Boxer, but the Givi looks good too, so thanks for the tip.
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  #9  
Old 26 May 2010
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Open face helmets are certainly valid anywhere in europe and the odds of anyone bothering to check whether it meets current standards are so low as to be as good as non-existent.

I've used full face helmets since the early 70s when they first appeared on the market, but over the last 3 years I have reverted to open-face, albeit with a visor.

Contrary to other posters here I find the open face to be quieter than a full face, however, I am running a very large (70cm tall) electrically adjustable windscreen on my AN650 and it does help reduce the noise level somewhat.
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  #10  
Old 26 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by QatarRider View Post
was considering the Roof Boxer, but the Givi looks good too, so thanks for the tip.
Avoid the Roof. The chin bar "hinge" is just a bolt through that is retained in the down position by plastic flaps with popper studs. Nice helmet to wear but mine was in the bin after a year because the flaps fail by fatigue caused by vibration when worn with the chin bar open.

IMHO you either need to go with cheap and cheerful scooter helmet with either the old three stud visor or goggles, or go top end with the GIVI or Schuberth.

Andy
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  #11  
Old 26 May 2010
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Thanks for that Andy, not the first time I've read/heard about Roof quality, I'll check out the Givi in person
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  #12  
Old 26 May 2010
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I have just bought a Nolan N41 open face lid.It has a visor so hopefully shoud avoid flying bugs etc.There is a peak to keep the sun out of your eyes.I have only worn it a couple of times for gentle bimbling about but I am happy with it so far.Saying that,for distance work I would still use my FF lid.
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