Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Advice on open face helmet Advice on open face helmet
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 May 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: totton hampshire
Posts: 4
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 May 2010
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
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.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 May 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,109
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.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
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
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 May 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: totton hampshire
Posts: 4
Smile re open faced lids
hello all

thanks for opinion's and advice
ray
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Qatar
Posts: 72
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.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 May 2010
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
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.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
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
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Qatar
Posts: 72
Thanks for that Andy, not the first time I've read/heard about Roof quality, I'll check out the Givi in person
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Nottingham U.K.
Posts: 96
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.
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
Open face lid v Full face Warthog Equipment Reviews 55 27 Jul 2009 22:26
Goggles with open face helmet tommysmithfromleeds Equipment Reviews 7 21 May 2009 23:01
Open Face Helmet/Eye protection Birdy Camping Equipment and all Clothing 4 7 Oct 2008 22:57
schuberth j1 open face helmet. Jake Equipment Reviews 3 20 May 2008 05:17
Open Face Helmet .v. Full Face Helmet ? kentfallen Camping Equipment and all Clothing 30 25 Jan 2008 11:57

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

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 11:17.

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