Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site scgvaxd.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!harpo!decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!bmcg!cepu!trwrba!trwrb!scgvaxd!gordon
From: gordon@scgvaxd.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Need Helmet Info
Message-ID: <186@scgvaxd.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 30-Apr-84 12:33:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: scgvaxd.186
Posted: Mon Apr 30 12:33:08 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 4-May-84 02:26:37 EDT
References: <1854@hplabsc.UUCP> <1157@proper.UUCP>
Organization: Hughes Aircraft Co., El Segundo, CA
Lines: 49
Keywords: helmet,Snell 80,Bell Star,ventilation,vision

<>
Oh well, here comes another quasi-solicited opinion...

I have done over 30kmiles in the last year with my head snugly encased
in a SHOEI Z-100 helmet.  I have had only ONE complaint (ever):
	"The %^@**^$! face-shields cost $15 to replace!"
(I'm on my third one right now)

The helmet saved my life one summer afternoon on a mountain road.  I
would pay the price for one again.  

Cost: approx $160.  Very comfortable, average weight, extremely good
looking, excellent airodynamics (listen to this point -- at speeds
in excess of 100mph, aerodynamics of a helmet can turn a wild ride
into a painful one!).  Warm in freezing temperatures, not too hot
in the Mojave summer.  Best face-shield design I have ever seen.

For an excellent price/performance helmet, look at the Nolan (I forget
model name).  It is an
inexpensive, well-designed helmet.  (about $40)   Light, too.
(My personal philosophy is "The best equipment for the best sport")

While you are looking at motorcycle gear, please don't forget good
leathers (many fine jackets made -- should have a snug fit -- mine
had a 12" gash along the side from the previously mentioned accident.
I didn't have a scratch.  After re-tailoring, the jacket was as good as
new.)  Also good boots and gloves.  Your first rainy ride will teach
you the value of a good rainsuit, but to insure the fullest experience
of the sport, I suggest waiting until you get soaked one day (water
in your boots, soggy gloves, the works) before buying one.  
Notwithstanding Au's dire theorems on rainsuits, one small wet spot
is better than one BIG wet spot. 
	Best rain strategy I know of: drive a car. (they still have SOME
uses!)

Seriously, expect to invest several hundred dollars (10-15% of the cost
of your new bike) on good gear.  Your gear is as much a part of the
bike as the valve train.  But don't expect anyone to INSURE your gear...
(and if you find anyone who does, let me know)  It is a sobering fact
that statistically, 80% of all novice motorcyclists have an accident
within the first year of riding.  It's when you pick yourself up and
go on that you really appreciate the sport and its underlying 
philosophy.  

"You've never experienced the road 'till you've kissed the asphalt"

Gordon Howell
{allegra | trwrb | ucbvax}!scgvaxd!engvax!gordon