yaht (yet another helmet thread)

[tyr]

I have, honestly and seriously, tried to unfathom UK - or possibly English and Welsh - law on helmets for motorcyclists. I've tried reviews, opinion pieces, dot gov dot uk pages, I suspect I just don't know half the vocabulary.

The last time I had a helmet it had no visor. It reached my brow, not my chin. It was not dissimilar to a brickie's safety helmet. It had a peak and a chinstrap.

I'd not deliberately avoid updating to modern practice but I have, since birth, been claustrophobically challenged. I know perfectly well I'm incapable of squeezing my head into what passes for safety gear on a motorcycle in the 21st century.

Are there medical exemptions? Are there permits for old headwear if the bike is registered vintage? How do I go about this. What have other people done. Are the laws enforced? How much is the fine?

[tyr]

And while I'm at it, every time I see "Derestricted Danger" above my avatar I think it says derestricted dangler, a phase I thought I'd grown out of.

[Nobby the Bastard]

You could just become a sikh and ride round in a turban.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[tyr]

[stinkwheel]

[tyr]

That's an encouraging sight then.

Having tracked it down by name I was diverted at the sight of "German retro half helmet meets DOT/ECE R2205 safety standards. It is approved for all road traffic in the US and Europe", which has the added benefit that it would infuriate my granny. And neighbours.

[jeffyjeff]

Stinkwheel is right. Pretty much any open face helmet will be less claustrophobic and more comfortable for you. Half-shell helmets have leather flaps that come down over the ears, and may well be even less stressful for you. You know they are comfortable, these fine gentlemen wear them every day.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53568248553_66ccbc9665_z.jpg
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[Nobby the Bastard]

Do you need a.reach-around whilst you put it on?
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[jeffyjeff]

I just looked that up. That's disgusting! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53568138761_af8582b7b4_t.jpg

Or not, depends on who is doing the reaching around. Could be good motivation for ATGATT, under the right circumstance.
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[Skudd]

I didn't realise I was claustrophobic until I had an MRI scan, can't wear a fitted oxygen face mask either, but I can wear a lid. I would be able to wear a divers helmet, but would a face mask for diving.
I think it's about control and escape.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[rpsmith79]

Look for any open faced helmets, most will have a retro feel to them

HJC have a decent range of open faced helmets, with some pretty cool colourways too

The V31 stands out as a nice retro design, if that is the sort of thing you are after

https://hjchelmets.eu/products/v31-byron
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[doggone]

I'm a relatively recent convert to open face style and do much prefer it especially in summer.
Some of them manage to incorporate a small visor in case you forgot shades, useful but makes them more bulky though.

[DaddyStu]

I use a Shark CityCruiser when the weather is good. Excellent visibility, still has a visor/sun-visor and brings with it some notional jaw protection. Got it in a sale for about £40.
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Daddystu
Zontes 125-G1 (part-ex'd). Yamaha Tracer 700.

[rpsmith79]

This is about as close as you are going to get to a piss pot helmet, with modern safety standards

Though it appears to only be DOT rated for the US market

https://www.bellhelmets.com/motorcycle/p/pit-boss-cruiser-motorcycle-helmet/250030000600000001.html

https://www.bellhelmets.com/dw/image/v2/BDBJ_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bell-master-catalog/default/dw510e8377/images/large/bell-pit-boss-open-face-motorcycle-helmet-solid-pearl-white-right.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit

The Scout has ECE (EU) approval though

https://www.bellhelmets.com/motorcycle/street/p/scout-air-cruiser-motorcycle-helmet/250030001000000001.html

https://www.bellhelmets.com/dw/image/v2/BDBJ_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bell-master-catalog/default/dw6ff7ecf6/images/large/bell-scout-air-street-motorcycle-helmet-array-satin-gray-red-right.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[tyr]

I do see the point, but I had a look in mind eventually. I can't get past it. I didn't start out this way but having seen it I'm fixated.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006597219959.html

The fourth paint along, matt black.

It's ECE/DOT certified. It won't stop my hair from blowing in the breeze and I have lots of hair.

[rpsmith79]

[Freddyfruitba...]

[jeffyjeff]

[tyr]

[MarJay]

[rpsmith79]

You can still get some decent safety rated helmets on a budget, check out the SHARP website, where helmets are independantly tested

Just a quick search for 4 star rated helmets shows one for a low as 30 of your British pounds

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/?manufacturer=All&type=1&min-rating=4

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/agrius-rage-sv/

EDIT:

Ok, checking on the website, it is now up to £40, but is available in matte black

https://www.ghostbikes.com/51013-agrius-rage-sv-solid-motorcycle-helmet-(pinlock-ready).html
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Current Bike: Honda CG125 ES4 // Honda CB600FS Hornet // Triumph Street Triple R

[MarJay]

[jeffyjeff]

[stinkwheel]

Bah. Helmet, schmelmet. Try not to fall off.

Here's a bargain, tick the box.
https://www.feked.com/open-face-motorcycle-helmet-complies-with-all-euro-regulations-classic-style-en.html

Also, interestingly, if a helmet complied with the rules when it was purchased, it's still legal to wear. So basically, if you still own a helmet with a kite mark on it, you can still wear it and it's legal. Of course, it would be illegal to buy an early 70's cromwell helmet then wear it... Or you'd at least need to be old enough to have conceivably bought it new
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[DaddyStu]

Mandp have a helmet sale on. Something silly like 80% off
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Daddystu
Zontes 125-G1 (part-ex'd). Yamaha Tracer 700.