Shiny Helmets......... or not

[rpsmith79]

This may seem like an odd question, but as it is a reasonably expensive purchase, i want to make sure i get it right

Long story short, i have been looking for a new helmet for some time as i seem to have a very oddly shaped head (size XL but also very long oval) and i have finally found a helmet that seems to fit well (albeit for a short period of time when worn in a shop)

The helmet in question is the Shark SKWAL/D-SKWAL, but this then raises another problem, and that is colour scheme

I'm guessing most people match they helmet colour to their bike, but as i am still learning, i haven't got a big bike to match it too, so i'm thinking of just buying a black helmet, but i like the look of the Matt Black option

So my question is, is a Matt Black helmet any better/worse to look after than a shiny helmet, so they scuff easily and look tired an old before their time

Any opinions welcomed
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[chrisdubya]

Cant help you with colour but 2 people I know have had issues with the visor clips breaking on their Skwals - a common issue it seems.

Also, dont match your kit to your bike - unless you've got loads of money to buy new kit whenever you change bike, or always go for the same colour...

[DRZ4Hunned]

Whenever I see someone with all matching kit like a power ranger, I think it looks a bit sad if anything. Then you're tied down if you want to change bikes.

I've just got a matt black Shark helmet, apart from being covered in bugs I'm sure it'll be just as durable as a gloss helmet provided it's looked after.
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DRZ400-SM
FZS600

[owl]

got a matt black helmet, no issues so far, if it gets a grubby just wipe it with some wet wipes.
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Observation is the greatest source of wisdom.

[rpsmith79]

[rpsmith79]

[owl]

[rpsmith79]

[Baffler186]

IME matt black helmets show the scratches more. Might be because it's a cheap helmet, but my other cheap glossy helmets seem to fair better
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[rpsmith79]

[Rogerborg]

You should definitely get a black helmet, because it sends a powerful statement about how many fucks you don't give about being seen. The approbation of strangers should be your primary concern.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[haroman666]

My SKWAL is of a matte colour and surface finish.

It is slightly more difficult to clean in comparison to a shiny lacquered jobby.
But the difference is negligible. Not even worth fretting about.

As for the scratch thing; I've found that the matte finish doesn't scratch as easily and I've got far less scratches on this helmet than I did on my previous, after a similar amount of time.
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The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[rpsmith79]

[rpsmith79]

[techathy]

Th quality of the paint has more to do with some scratch resistance than the finish
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Bikes: '17 Zero FX ZF6.5, '16 BMW R1200 RS, '12 Triumph Daytona 675

[Teflon-Mike]

Sorry... I have just watched a Jim Davidson video.... queries about the best way to look after a black helmet, how to clean a black helmet, how to polish a black helmet.... after his rather blue black willy jests to an audience or Royal Engineers, is not begging ANY motorcycle relevant suggestions, I'm afraid!

"Ere maan, you got a black helmet you have nuddin to worry bout, maan, just drop your trowsiz and let dee' carpet do dee wirk maan!"

BEST I can come up with, at the moment, I'm afraid!
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Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[grr666]

Shark Spartan Carbon In black on black + Super dark off road use only pinlocked black visor.

Cool. As. Fuck.

Spartan shares same visor as the SKWAL but no probs with mine so far.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
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[P.]

I won't buy another Shark.

They refused my warranty on the visor clips breaking... on the 2nd visor.

First one was broken by a bird, the 2nd was just by the wind.

[Tracer1234]

[Rogerborg]

[Freddyfruitba...]

[Snowdonia Rider]

I've got a matt black HJC and if anything it scuffs less than the gloss black I had before it. The matt black finish takes a few extra squirts of cleaner compared to a gloss, but other than that the difference is nothing to worry about.
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[rpsmith79]

Cheers everyone, looks like i'll be going for the stealthy Matt Black option then
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

Need as many colours as possible, in my opinion. Goes with any bike and is "Hi-Viz" without being "Polite." Needs an iridium visor though. My first one was a white Shoei but I followed with Haga, Van Den Bosch and then Nakano reps.

[Shinigami]

Get a purple one so you look like a throbbing bellend
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.