On Tue, 24 Jun 2003 01:33:34 GMT, Chris Moran
<cmorandelete.RemoveThis@crossfadedelete.com> wrote:
>Likely not a new topic... but since helmets change every year just a
>little bit, I'll ask anyway 
>I've currently got the HJC CS-10... works fine. Could use a touch more
>ventilation though. My wife has almost come to terms with interest in
>actually riding with me (pillion) [if I can get her to do that... I just
>know she'll wanna ride eventually too ] so I need a second helmet.
>Mine will go to her (yes, it fits) and I would like an upgrade... but
>damn if I can find something that seems better for $100. Require full
>face and prefer graphics for the standout/noticeability/safety (though,
>I've tought of getting solid black and finding some reflective tape to
>make my own designs from for it, which could be fun).
>
>The woman at the shop had me try on the CL-14. While it's better, it
>didn't feel as comfy and the same size felt looser. It's also at least
>$30 more than I can spend.
Try searching around for a Bieffe GPR. By far the best helmet I've
ever owned.
I've owned a large HJC FG9 for many years and just grew tired of it,
plus it didn't match my two latest bikes.
I wanted something more off the wall, not dime a dozen and yet high
quality. The look of the GPR did it for me plus it had the DOT, SNELL
and some other rating I've never heard of. Last year the cheapest
online price I found was $270 for the solid color and $350 for the
replica's. I checked Ebay and a dealer out of Colorado
(ccctrw@aol.com and he still lists them every so often) had tons of
them in every size for $100 BIN price and $10.00 shipping. I checked
the sizing charts from Bieffe and bid on the large solid white. If I
was borderline between two sizes I'm not sure if I would have taken a
chance at ordering online but I was right in the middle of the large
scale. Fit turned out to be perfect and yes I did take a chance but
for $100 if it didn't fit I could re-sell it, give it away or chuck it
in the trash.
The comfort is incredible. The insides are a soft hypoallergenic
material and it's all removed in seconds for cleaning and goes back
just as easily.
Chin strap is quick connect/release which can be done with one hand.
Ventilation is nothing short of awesome. It's the first helmet I've
ever owned where I can actually feel the air flow.
The white with clearcoat is flawless and stunning.
Shield stays in place even if you want to keep it half open for
ventilation. Ratcheting is just as good as day one.
Noise level is fair. Better than the HJC but still not what I would
call quiet. There are adjusting screws behind the tear offs that
allow you to adjust the shield for a perfect tight fit.
The tail, spoiler or what ever you call it molded into the rear really
works. My other helmets always tend to want to "lift" at speeds over
90 mph. I've hit 150 mph with this helmet and it stays firmly in
place. About 2 weeks ago there was a show on the Discover Channel (or
maybe TLC?) about high speed motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
One of the featured bikes was a turbo'd out Suzuki which hit around
216 mph and blew away some record. I just thought it was cool that
the owner was wearing my exact same helmet except in solid black.
Unless you have a dealer in your area replacement shields need to be
ordered online. Replacing shields involves popping off the "tear
offs", no tools required. I thought these would wear or break easily
so I ordered a spare set with my smoke shield. So far no need to use
the spare set.
My only complaint is that even thin headphones for communicators or
walkman's are a tight fit through the base of the helmet and there are
no cut outs inside. I typically use earbud headphones.
For $110 I think I got a great helmet. If it gets stolen tomorrow and
I couldn't find another for less than $300 I would not hesitate to pay
the $300 price tag.
If you want graphics, the replica's will fit the bill and they range
from mild to extremely tacky.
George
CX500 TURBO
CX650 TURBO<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
>> Stay informed about: Great $100 helmet? 
FAQ
Search
Profile
Private Messages
Log in/Register/Password
I'll have to order one.