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From: jon@msunix.UUCP (Jonathan Hue)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: helmets
Message-ID: <153@msunix.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 8-Oct-85 03:15:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: msunix.153
Posted: Tue Oct  8 03:15:22 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 12-Oct-85 21:37:59 EDT
References: <583@Shasta.ARPA> <811@ihlpa.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: LMSC-Mechanisms & Servos, Sunnyvale, Ca.
Lines: 46
Summary: Information on helmets...

In article <811@ihlpa.UUCP>, dob@ihlpa.UUCP (Daniel M. O'Brien) writes:
> > I am in the market for a good motorcycle helmet.  Can any riders
> > recommend brands or give suggestions on how to get a good, comfortable
> > and safe fit?
> 
> I second this request for helmet info!  I would like to use a full face
> helmet, but I can't get the helmet over my glasses (those aviator-style 
> ones that wrap around the ears!). Can anyone recommend a full face helmet 
> that will work?

Check the September issue of Motorcyclist for a comparison of 31
full face helmets.  The Snell '85 standard is tougher to pass than
the D.O.T. and is voluntary, the D.O.T. is required by federal law.
It seems that  the manufacturers of expensive, high quality helmets
(AGV, Arai, Bell, Shoei, Simpson) are the only ones who can pass the
Snell '85.  There is a controversy over whether a helmet which can
pass the Snell '85 standard is safer than one which cannot.  I figure
that anything can pass the D.O.T. and I trust Arai to build a good
helmet (Fast Freddie Spencer does).

I currently use an Arai Supervent.  I can't say that the vents are
all that useful, but it remains cool is warm weather.  I have no
problem with my large-framed glasses, as long as I take them off
first and then put them on through the eyeport of the helmet.  I've
no complaints with the Supervent, it's comfortable, its visor works
well, and it's pretty quiet.  Retails for $175, mail order for $120,
and about $150 in the local discount stores.

I am considering purchasing an AGV Vallenza Kenny Roberts Signature
helmet for use as a spare or passenger helmet.  It passes D.O.T.
and Snell '85, and is very light, as light as an Arai Ultralight (49.5 oz)
versus the average of ~56 oz for your standard Arai, Bell, Shoei or
Simpson.  Motorcyclist rated it a B+, due to minor wind whistling.
It is on sale for $109 at the local discount store (Santa Clara
Cycle Salvage).  Yeah, people look silly on the back of my Interceptor
wearing my Bell Moto IV.

If the September issue of Motorcyclist is unavailable at your local
library or newsstand, I am willing to mail summaries to those interested.


				Jonathan Hue 
				LMSC-Mechanisms & Servos

				(ucbvax!amd!cae780!leadsv!msunix!jon)
				or something like that