Helmet Design Q's

[Aikman666]

Hi guys and gals

Basically im doing a design project for college at the moment. Ive decided to design a good utility helmet. For market research people my team put together a simple questionare for you guys. This helmet is going to have it all; Bluetooth compatibility for phone calls, MP3 players and GPS navigation systems. We're even looking into the possibility of adding a HUD projection to save you looking down at the clocks when doing *aherm* high speeds. Most of this is focused on improving rider safety. Feel free to add your own comments. You can reply your answer here, PM me or email me at Aikman_666@hotmail.com

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?
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Will work for petrol
My Design Blog

[Itchy]

[G]

>>1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one? <<
When my old one is too damaged to use.

>>2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”? <<
Yes, if it doesn't fit, no if it does fit me .

>>3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet? <<
NOthing particularly.

>>4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment? <<
Less noise, less weight.

>>5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet? <<
No more than £150.

>>6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet? <<
Yes.

>>7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet? <<
Depends on the intended use. Flip front for general use, full face for serious and track use. Never open face.


>>8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD? <<
Only if it didn't add to the price significantly.
Veypor also do a HUD at the mo I believe, by the way.

>>9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it? <<
Occasionally use one.

>>10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?<<
I would not buy extra visors, don't really use internal flip-down visor on current helmet.

[metcarf]

[LeeR]

[Aikman666]

Results so far have been helpful guys. We know that alot of these techonologies have already been implemented, but none seem to be in the same lid, we're looking to do a convergance of all of the successful technologies to give you an all-in-one lid. We're trying to bring the best of all technologies together. We're now looking into appyling "smart glass" technology to the visors, however it all depends on if the technology can be adapted to suit plexiglass, as obviously glass visors cant be used for safety reasons.

As far as im aware the HUD feature is not an expensive one to implement, but in doing high speeds or if your concentrating on cornering, personally, I would love to not HAVE to check my clocks if I want too.

One of the concept idea's was to add exhaust fans at the back of the helmet to artificially create airflow, helping prevent fogging of the visor when your stopped and encouraging the flow of cold air around your head.

Also what are your thoughts on carbon fibre helmets? Would you stretch for the extra protection and the less weight.
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Will work for petrol
My Design Blog

[LeeR]

[feef]

the difficulty of adding 'gadgets' into helmet are numerous.

The helmet requires to deform in a controlled manner to absrob the forces of impact. By putting 'gadgets' into the helmet, you either end up with localised, non-impact absorbing components, or a shell that is significantly larger to accomodate these components but still allow for adequate protection.

Adding these gadets would also increase the weight of the helmet, which can in itself increase the liklihood of injury from broken necks in accidents down to the added momentum of the lid.

It would be, in my opinion, to have a helmet that might permit a modular attachment of 'gadgets' to the outside, similar to some of the bluetooth intercoms and handsfree kits you can get. Having a helmet with the intercom/audio aspect pre-installed with the selection of gadgets being variable would be a better approach in my opinion.

the HUD would be somethying I'd consider, but again, you're having to install a relatively heavy and large projection unit inside a very confined space, and it would only work if the visor is shut. As soon as you open the visor a crack, the angle of reflection would change, and you'd lose sight of the HUD display

just some thoughts to keep you going.

a
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Mudskipper wrote: feef, that is such a beautiful post that it gave me a lady tingle
Windchill calculator - London Bike parking
Blog and stuff - PlentyMoreFish dating

[TheShaggyDA]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When I need a new one.

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

I try it on before I buy it.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

At the very most, headphones and a microphone.

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

One that would reduce noise to the equivalent of being in a car.

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

I've never spent more than £100

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

The helmet's function is to protect my head (apparently). It's more practical not to wear one. Unfortunately therefore, it's a legal requirement to have function over practicality.

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Horses for courses. Sunday pottering on a vintage bike or around town on a scooter = open face. Motorway commuting = full face. Multidrop deliveries = flip front.

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

No, but a multifunction display on the bike would be cool.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

I use one in the car for when I'm going somehwere I haven't been. I'd use one on the bike if they were available for £50.

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

I have a Caberg V2 and find the internal visor very useful since I wear glasses.
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[Fahim]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When my one becomes dated.

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

I try it on before I buy it.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

1 or 2 speakers within the helmet, nothing fancy and a connection; 3.5 mm jack so it can fit not Ipods, but all MP3s and My Nokia N95

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Silencer...so everything is peaceful!

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

I doubt i would spend more than £250/300

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

Practicality.

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full Face

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

Too complicated for the likes off me, keep it sorta simple.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

I would tend to use it quite a lot because i am useless with knowing my way round London or anywhere but only if it was half decent.

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Internal please.
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Current Bike: CBR125 ---> Written off Theory Test Passed: ---> 8/04/08 ---> A2 Test Booked:8/05/08 - Failed to turn up (had an accident and broke my leg in 3 places!)

[McGee]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When a new one comes out, so a new one every year.

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

Occasionally on the paint design it self.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

There are quiet a few helmets out here in the states that have led lights that you can turn on like a flash light so you can see where your putting you key, but are also extremely bright and can be seen 1/2 a mile away. It just seems a good feature to me.

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

One that is noticeable, I am a tart when it comes to being seen on the bike.

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

£150 - £600 depends on how bad I want the lid to be honest.

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

I would prefer the safer option.

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face.

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

Been talking about one for years. I think it would be a decent addition even if it just showed your speed it would stop you glancing at the clocks.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

Never seen the need on a sports bike. But perhaps for a European tour that I plan on tagging along with I may consider one. But around the UK I think its not needed.

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Interchangeable.
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◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[sekwah275]

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

Not as drastic as falling apart, just when it gets a bit worn feeling.

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

Nope, my XR1000 is perfect.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

A decent HUD system would be nice, the fancy helmet with rearview mirror in it seems an interesting concept to work with

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Increased peripheral vision, and an internal flip down sun visor would make it much more enjoyable. An effective built in mic and speaker system would be excellent, i have an autocom but the earphones take up the space my ears go in and i get 'ear cramp' after a prolonged ride, and the mic always gets tangled and bent when i put the lid on.

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

Principally anything to ensure safety. I think helmet is the one item you cant skimp on, i was happy with £300 for my xr and would pay as much as is required to provide the best safety i can afford.

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

Arn't these the same? I would prefer it to do its job and do it to the safest level, e.g. i wil lalways choose a D-ring fastener over a seatbelt style clip on the chin

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face for safety, although i would like a flip front for the summer

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

Would be nice, although the only version i have seen is an Apache helicopter style monacle thing coming over the helmet, i would want it projected onto the visor from inside with no unsightly bulges.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

Seldom, generally if i go out on teh bike i know where im going, im yet to need to pull out a map or gps system

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Flip down inside is the one thing i wish my helmet had, would make it a perfect helmet then.
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Current Ride: CBR 600RR07 Graphite/White

[ram_doom]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When mine becomes too damaged to use

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

Sometimes its handy to have changeable padding in the cheeks, and top of the liner.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?
High quality speakers for music and communication. I mean, good enough to hear clearly over wind noise, and provide some semblance of bass along with clear undistorted high frequencies.

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Large visor opening, deep chin for more ventilation but avoiding turbulence caused by air rushing underneath, very plush interior, small outer shell, lightweight, no fins, large front air intake, skirt at the bottom of the helmet with a (safety) drawstring to seal around your neck and reduce noise.

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

£160

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

Form follows function. Just make it cool looking and give it chequered stripes!

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face for race and fast road riding, flip front for touring so long as the shell size isnt increased greatly, and noise isnt increased hugely.

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

No, but a heated liner/visor would be great and pretty easy, seeing as theyre making helmets with lights on in America, which are powered by a small rechargeable batterypack.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

I use one now and again, main thing that puts me off is not having a decent speaker system built into any of the affordable helmets, so I have to make do with a crappy headphone.

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Changeable visor, those flip down ones interfere with some folks noses, look awful, and the bottom of the visor rarely comes down far enough to avoid causing a distraction.
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TL1000s, KDX200

[deanoet]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When needed / recommended i guess, only had one so far. (new biker)

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

I kept trying them on till i found one i liked


3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

Bluetooth, headphones and a mic all built in behind the padding. The mic built into the chin bit.
Most devices can be hooked up to bluetooth.

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Quieter and lighter, better ventillation as well would be nice

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

Prob about £200

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

as long as it does its job and doesnt look offensive it is fine.


7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face as i can only afford one, for round town though a flip front is handy


8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

as long as it wasnt distracting yeah, although prob not essential on a 125.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

This is probably my next serious accessory to buy for the bike.
Would only use it for point to point and getting home, when setting off with no destination a sat nav isnt much use.

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Mine has the flip down sun visor in it. Steams up very easily though, especially this time of the year as it is cold in the mornings and the sun is very low, so fix that and i`d be happy.


HTH
Good luck with your project and course.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[The Tot]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When i see a good bargain even though my current helmet is fine! . Honestly! For that reason, it's why i should have a HJC AC10 and KBC AR1 instead of my current Arai Corsair and Shoei XR1000

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?


The arai was suited to fit my head with a customised fitting service - pads etc.

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

Integrated intercom to talk to other biker mates WITH the added noise cancelling function ( i know it might be a bit dangerous to have noise cancelling earphones- but i'm sure the feedback mic can be adjusted to only filter out certain frequencies so you can hear things that you want to hear - ideal on motorways, but with added functionality in a busy town)

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Full face with good liner - KBC had the plushest liner of any lid i had - very soft - shame the lid was heavy.

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

Because it was an Arai Corsair retailing for 150 quid less that list price, i had to get it - otherwise i'd not spend more than 250 on a good lid - this arai was an exception of course- nakano scheme which i had longed for!

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

I'd have function over practicality hence why i've always gone for ful face race helmets - good venting, small profile and relatively light.

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face all the time - Even moto-X lids are full face - i don't like the idea of having a bulky mechanism nor the idea of doing a jaw drop on the pavement!

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

Funnily enough i thought of this idea by trying to devise a small projector beam from somewhere near your temples displaying info like speed and revs onto a black visor - but it's a gimmick! Doesn't add to much, i concluded it was probably a distraction and besides most bikers have a keen ear and good feeling as to what they're doing. Hence why i didn't pursue this project for my AS level D&T.

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

GPS = My brain + Dead Heading + reasonably good sense of direction. I don't trust the things as it takes away the importance of knowing how to read a map properly and actually having a thoughtful plan. It's a sin!

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

I can change the visor in 10 seconds with my lid on so it makes no blind bit of difference. [/code]
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[T.C]

Some of the prototypes I saw in Japan last week which are currently being tested and due to be introduced over the next couple of years will blow the mind of the majority of riders.

Some of the technology was amazing, even the photographs I took were vetted before I left to make sure that there was nothing that could be leaked to other producers.


Although it is a research programme you are doing, by their standards, it is old technology as they have been working on it for quite a while, the problem is making it work effectively and reliably at an affordable cost.

Hence the reason why the photochromatic visor I trialled (and which I still have) never went into production (well not yet anyway) as the production costs were prohibitive.
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It is better to arrive 30 seconds late in this world, than 30 years early in the next

[growler]

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

when I need a new one

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

no as I wouldn't buy a helmet that wasn't right

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

some thing to stop the visor misting

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

light weight and photocromatic visor suffer from Photophobia

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

£150

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

don't get the question isn't that the same thing

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Have had two flip fronts now wouldn't go back to a full face

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

no

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

would use one occasionally

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

prefer the internal flip down as wear glasses
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DILLIGAF

[Noxious89123]

Only thing i would change about my lid; Quieter!

In terms of gadets, i wouldn't want ANYTHING that is internal to the helmet. Any kinda gadgetry should be fitted exterbnally on the lid, and be desgined so it can easily be attached / detached. It should also no cause the lid to feel "off balance" (ie. heavier on one side etc) and should not cause excessive drag.

I would find a HUD distracting. Someting i think would be excellent would be a way to control the tint of your visor, on-the-fly. That would be awesome, dunno how the hell it could work though!

Night vision would be sweet as well
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'06 Honda CBR125RW-6 ~ '00 Honda CBR600F-Y ~ '07 Honda CBR600RR-7 ~ Bikeless
'53 Ford Ka 1.3 ~ '03 Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.8 ~ '52 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.2 ~ '53 Vauxhall Astra GSi

[kitty kat]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

buy when I need one, ie after a crash, or every couple of years

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

No, only buy a helmet that fits properly & feels comfortable

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

Not into gadgets personally, but bluetooth would be good & head phones

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

I usually spend up to £100

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

Function everytime

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full face

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

Don't think so

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

wouldn't use, half the fun of being on a bike is finding roads by mistake

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Internal flip down visor
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[Noxious89123]

Just had another idea. Laser Cannons.

Oh yeah

https://www.equipped.com/GRAPHICS/3Rescue%20Lasers%20turned%20on.jpg

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'06 Honda CBR125RW-6 ~ '00 Honda CBR600F-Y ~ '07 Honda CBR600RR-7 ~ Bikeless
'53 Ford Ka 1.3 ~ '03 Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.8 ~ '52 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.2 ~ '53 Vauxhall Astra GSi

[Type_Mo]

Questionnaire

1. When do you purchase a new helmet, when a new one comes into fashion, when your old one is becoming very dated and worn or when its falling to bits and your seriously need a new one?

When i need one

2. When you buy your new helmet and you try it on for the first time, is there anything you thought “this could’ve been different to suit me!”?

is this a good fit? is it comfy?

3. What sort of gadgets (Within reason) would you like to see within a new style of helmet?

Speakers and a mic which can be attched to mp3 / sat nav / mobile phone

4. What sort of helmet design would practically enhance your riding experience and your enjoyment?

Full face, light weight, fully ventalated, anti fog visor, nose guard to stop glasses fogging up

5. When buying a new helmet what sort of price range would you be willing to spend towards a new helmet?

Around the £300 mark

6. Would you rather have practicality over function when buying a new helmet?

N/A

7. Would you rather have a flip front, open face or full face helmet?

Full Face

8. Would you appreciate the addition of a HUD?

yes

9. how often would you use a GPS system if it was available or if you already have it how practical/useful is it?

Alot

10. Would you like interchangeable visors on the helmet or would you prefer an internal flip down visor within it?

Interchangable
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- Typhoon ?0 - Yamaha DT125R - Aprilia SR125 - Yamaha DT125R - Honda Hornet 600 -