American helmet in the uk?

ldnpinoy · L Plate Warrior Joined: 11 Aug 2012 Karma :

Just wondering if anyone here owns an american helmet? Really want to get a Shoei rf1100 Axis Yellow from the US to match the paintwork of my bike. I know american helmets have different standards and regulations from the UK but do bike cops check if your wearing the correct helmet?

Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

I've been riding since 1984 and have never ever had a helmet inspection. I know of people that ride around in some pretty thin open face helmets from America and they don't seem to have any problems.
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CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

What my bike thinks about me:-
Throw it on, hope for the best.

What i think about my lid:-
Throw it on, hope for the best.

Thumbs Up

Ayrton · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

We have the same heads as americans, i dont see why you shouldnt wear one Laughing

I dont think you would ever get asked for proof a helmet is legal, unless it looked like it was for racing only and you got stopped for doing something.

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Karma :

Matching = Sick

ldnpinoy · L Plate Warrior Joined: 11 Aug 2012 Karma :

Thanks for the help Marki, CaNsA and Ayrton! Definitely going to order it now Very Happy

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Karma :

And eddie hitler. You're welcome! Thumbs Up

plugger147 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Mar 2005 Karma :

Ayrton · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

plugger147 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Mar 2005 Karma :

Which one is going to possibly end in a fatality though?
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Ayrton · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

Redoko · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Karma :

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

I have heard the US Snell test is far more demanding than the ECE or BS standards for lids. Since the Shoei passes the snell 2010 test I wouldnt be unduly worried.
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barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

Andrew122 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 10 Apr 2012 Karma :

Patriot180 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Jul 2012 Karma :

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

https://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/dft-information-sheets/motorcycle-helmets-visors-and-goggles.pdf

The important bit being:

blurredman · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Karma :

Sew the regulation tag into it.
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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

By one here. Paint it yellow.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

My understanding is that the Snell rated helmets are technically not legal, as some of the tests are less stringent so it need not provide the same level of protection. Whether it is a relevant difference for your chances of survival is another question (ie, think the chin guard impact checks vary, but the realistic difference is that one breaks your neck while you other collapses and destroys your jaw).

That said, not heard of anyone being done for using one. And I used an Aussy market Shoei for a couple of years.

Probably the only time it might make a big difference is if you have an accident resulting in a major head / brain injury while wearing it and the insurance company manage to argue that the different helmet standard contributed to it.

All the best

Keith
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McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

Bear in mind that the US market Shoeis are a different shell size to the UK ones and also heavier to cope with the SNELL test.
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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Daemonoid, a difficult one and one that might well take an expensive legal case to decide. From a different viewpoint the VAT rules state:-

Helmets may also be zero-rated if they comply with a European Standard which offers a level of protection which is equivalent to (that is the same as, or better than) BS 6658:1985 and are marked with a certification mark which is equivalent to the British Standard 'kitemark'. However, at the time of writing, we are not aware of any such standard or certification mark.

For the avoidance of doubt, UNECE Regulation 22.04 is not equivalent to the British Standard.

Which is doubly interesting as they limit it to other European standards.

Going back 20 years or so US standards were not regarded as equivalent (and one major difference was the size of the aperture to look through).

All the best

Keith
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