Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
Thank you for the replies so far. Whilst I'm interested in the broader take people have taken for this thread (and I'm finding it interesting), I would also appreciate comments on my original question please! The Nolan sounds interesting; I've looked at the Schuberth C3 as well, which is supposed to be quieter (but looks quite scary when the front is down!). At the moment, my first thought is the Shoei, but I'm looking for further suggestions . . . . .
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
I might have been one of the people that Endurodude referred to as I mentioned this in my session on Morocco.

In the winter time I use a BMW System V flip top. As I enter villages and towns I normally raise the top so I don't look like a Darth Vader character. With a fliptop I can easily eat and drink on the move (with some helmets it's almost impossible to get a hydration tube through).

With a standard helmet the only way to get some air in is to raise the visor, but I don't want to do this as I get wind in my eyes. So in summer time I remove the chin bar and short visor and stick on the convertors to make it into an open face (or what BMW calls a Jet Helmet) with the longer visor. This way I get lots of air in but with the visor still in place.

I looked at the BMW System VI helmet which has a nice sunshade pull down but it doesn't covert into an open face so that's a no-no for me.

The only thing I would really like is a sunshade for when I'm riding into the setting sun. It seems I am always riding west in the evening!
__________________
"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
  #18  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
Thanks for the suggestion, Tim. Unfortunately, I was at work when you spoke about Morocco; I was gutted, as I REALLY want to go next year, and it would have been really useful. I've had a look at the BMW system 6, but I might check out the 5.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 12
Nolan N 43 Air

Not a flip, but I have a Nolan N43 Air for the summer holiday trip. Technically it's a Jet helmet, but has the ability to "morph" into a full face (for wind and rain protection). Wore it down through Spain last year and the features were superb. Excellent ventilation and has a drop down dark visor too. Could be worth a look. Can have bluetooth N-Com retro fitted too.

As for protection, best stay between the hedges, I say...
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 107
I have an AGV Miglia that served me well on my RTW ride, 10 months of near-daily use. Air flow through the vents isn't so great, but all of the mechanical parts held up fine.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Just to stir things a bit I wear open face helmets all the time - personal choice - and yes I know if i hit the ground with me face its going to be messy - but I will take that risk and have done for a huge amount of miles over the last 30 odd years. But my point was about helmet safety standards and my current open face an Arai - has a gold sticker meaning it passes some crap bench test but offers no facial protection, my main helmet for travelling over the last 10 years was a schuberth jet with chin bar long visor and sun visor - it had a gold star badge as well. As for full face ask a paramedic about other injuries related to them - often serious neck fractures if the jaw hits the ground, or worse people pulling them off to get at an unconcious riders face causing lots of damage to heads brains ( a very good friend of mine was killed this way by the driver of the car he collided with) So like Dougie said lots of people have a story. If you want my two pennies worth - flip fronts can be heavy, rattly (unless your forking out a fortune) - if it was me I would say ride a bit slower take in the scenery and wear an open face lid - but to be honest its not me its your head go what your comfortable with - but as for border crossings as has been said above somewhere take your hat off cos its unlikely you will be crossing unless you do..
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 27 Jun 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Adventure950, you're not the only one who wears an open face.

Yes, yes, I know it has nowhere near the same safety value as a full-face, but the fact is that if I really want to be safe I should sell my motorcycle and go buy a Volvo.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 4
I have just bought a Caberg Konda. Cheap at 99 of your English pounds, but has a 5 star Sharp rating. What else do we have to go on?

Apparently noisy, but I haven't used it, just hide it in the garage. I normally buy black helmets so our lass doesn't notice a new one. This one is silver, but was reduced, so it had to be mine.

Seems pretty reasonable quality to me. Comfortable. Definitely slightly heavier, but not by much.

Nobody so far has mentioned how utterly uncool they are! But very very practical.

If I could afford it I would have got a Shoei.

Clive
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Quote:
Originally Posted by bclarke View Post
Adventure950, you're not the only one who wears an open face.

Yes, yes, I know it has nowhere near the same safety value as a full-face, but the fact is that if I really want to be safe I should sell my motorcycle and go buy a Volvo.
Funny that - I do have a Volvo !
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
What I wan is a helmet with an external sunshade.
I used to have an open face helmet with one but bought a new helmet some 2-3 years ago that has a screen in front. It is great unless its a sunny day and you are not facing away from the sun.
Anyone got suggestion..?

As for Volvos. the most scary car I ever had was a volvo 740 estate. was too scary for me, so I sold it and bought a Citroen XM estate which was a delight to own.
The Volvo had an engine management system that was programmed to shut down the engine whenever it detected any error. Usually this was inconvenient, but having been parked twice about 4 or 5 lanes into the M5/M6 interchange it just got too exciting for me.

I will stick to using open face helmets until I can find a flip up that has a sun shade.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
What I wan is a helmet with an external sunshade.
Do you mean a peak like on a motorcross helmet?

Nolan did a flip front with an external sun visor a while ago. Didn't catch on...
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
have had Nolan 102 (absolutely hated it)
currently have scorpion, cut outs for speakers etc, internal sun visor and not overly expensive at £250 ish

wouldn't use anything but a flip front now, really useful for eating & drinking while on the move when doing iron butt runs (100mls a day)

Steve

Last edited by codcutter; 27 Jun 2011 at 18:53. Reason: more information
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 27 Jun 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hayle, Cornwall
Posts: 16
With helmets, fit is everything so if one type doesn't fit right, no matter how much you like it, it won't be as comfy or safe.

I used to have full face helmets all the time, then off road helmet and goggles as well. The plastic chin piece isn't protective past mud and the odd stone.

I have a Nolan 102 I bought several years ago for £250 which has been good, slightly heavier than standard and the dark visor was outside the clear one so they both got dirty! The 103 is inside so much better design. It feels sturdy, comfortable (for me) and the pinlock is brilliant in damp, cold weather. It never fogs. I found the visor opening slightly restrictive on side views. The button to raise the front is brilliant and can't be done by accident but uses one hand.

I also have a Lidls flip front (£39.99) which is the same helmet as Viper sell but without the bluetooth. It fits me better but that is down to head shape. It has better side visibility, the dark visor is on the inside and can be used with the front up, though it's not rated for riding like this. Its a bit more difficult to raise the front as it's only one recessed button. Its a little noisier than 'normal' full face. For the price I also got extra pads and baffles and a spare visor!

I'd like to try the Shark Evoline as the front goes right over out of the way and you can still use the visor and it's safety checked as both full and open face. If it fits well it could be good.

I also have a Davida open face which is very comfy leather interior and very quiet. I think it looks cool in Union Flag colours, too. I'm preferring it more and more

I hope that helps you

On safety (and as a mechanical engineer), I can see no reason why a properly designed flip front doesn't give as much protection as a full face.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 28 Jun 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ett View Post
Do you mean a peak like on a motorcross helmet?

Nolan did a flip front with an external sun visor a while ago. Didn't catch on...

Yes, a peak
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 28 Jun 2011
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post

You'l never see any racer in street biking/MX/Enduro wearing a flip ( they could talk to the camera men and their crew easier)... The only exception is that the "Trails" guys wear open face but they only hop up and down sewer pipes !


Schuberth C3 Motorcycle Helmets. Sound Distribution - UK supplier of Schuberth motorcycle helmets
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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
Helmets - flip-front or full face ? Howiezowie Camping Equipment and all Clothing 18 22 May 2007 01:09
Schuberth Flip Front _ Australia Rene Cormier TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 5 19 Jul 2006 01:35
Grex Flip front simmo Equipment Reviews 0 18 Jan 2004 21:53

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

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 16:49.