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SPECIAL DEALS Current Deals and Coupon Discounts at Online Shops!
Helmets 2001
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2006 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Sharon, For Sharon who was looking to get "crafty" with her helmet: I hot glued charms on the back of mine. My friend has crystals on hers. There is another web site www.buyskinners.com that sells coverings for helmets. I ordered two but they were too small for the DOT helmets. He actually called me and let me keep them and is now (or has) the DOT ones being made available. They look fun 'cause you can change according to our outfits for those of us that are fashionistas at heart. Kathy (note from Mama: fun, fun, fun! Thanks for sharing the Skinners!) Monday, February 6 About sprucing up a plain helmet: Thanks for the information, and to Kathy, on how to go about sprucing up my helmet! I'm still doing research and gathering ideas, but I'm looking forward to embarking on my winter arts project. Sharon in Chicago (note from Mama: I'm still hoping for more hints and tips from readers who have decorated their own helmets!) Tuesday, February 7 More for Sharon on getting artsy with her plain helmet: I found this link a few months back for Street Glo . . . some of the decals, if you have hours and hours to pour through them, are really cute and funny. Also since they are reflective they are a good addition to loud pipes! : ) Sara (note from Mama: yup, they have the requisite flames and skulls and naked ladies, but also other inventive designs . . . I enjoyed looking through some of the pages!) Wednesday, February 8 From Sharon who is getting artsy with her plain helmet: Thanks Sara--and to everyone else who has helped send info my way. I now have many resources to weed through for this proposed winter project. Here are some links I've found too that might be helpful to others who want to beautify their helmet: www.gersonstudios.com/helmets.htm, www.griffindesign.net/, www.airxtremeart.com Sharon (note from Mama: fun sites and it looks like you're on your way!) Monday, February 20 Even more for Sharon on getting artsy with her plain helmet: Happy 5th anniversary! (thanks!) I found a really neat site, Ultimate Decals, that lets you personalize your plain helmet in countless ways for a very reasonable price. There are a lot of decal sites, but this one is unique. So many options of designs, colors, styles. You can customize in any way imaginable. I have a black full face helmet (snore) but I sort of like my head. It really needed to be chicked-up. I think it came out great. It was a little tricky applying them to the rounded surfaces, but not bad if careful. I didn't ruin any of them and they are pretty detailed. Hope this helps someone get creative! Denise (note from Mama: yummy! Lots of decal categories, including decals that depict motorcycles. And they have lettering too, in case you want to send a message!) Dear
VTwin Mama, One of the things that actually disappointed some of my customers is their expectation of seeing a biker and not a consultant. I manage my hair by using a Buff. Just like the ones on the Survivor show! They keep your hair in place (long or short) and prevent it from being terribly smushed, tangled, or frizzed (is that really a word???). They are the absolute best! I get them from Buff. In addition, when I need to stay over (due to weather or some other unfortunate reason), I have a neat accessory for my outfits! They are inexpensive enough to have several different styles and colors. Mommydba Dear
Mommydba, Thursday, March 9 For Mommydba who recommended the Buff for hair control: The reason I don't ride my bike to work is because of the way my hair looks when I take the helmet off. It doesn't seem to matter what the temp is outside, I always have a damp head under my helmet. I do have a vented helmet but it doesn't cure the problem completely. My hair is medium length and it frizzes and curls when it gets humid. Most everyone can visualize what a problem that can be when your going to work and you arrive all frazzled looking. I am a nurse and I could pack my scrubs and put them on at work but the hair is a challenge. My hubby rides his bike back and forth to work all the time but then again he shaves his head and even if he didn't, men don't seem to have as big of a problem with "helmet head" as us ladies do. Does anyone else have any suggestions other than the Buff? I am going to order a few of those and give them a try. Thanks for the info Mommydba. Nikki from Dallas (note from Mama: well, I have seen men with hair smush, but rarely! All hair smush-related input is archived on my Riding Gear: Helmets/Goggles/Hair pages, so you might want to take the time to read through those five pages worth of material as there is a lot of chatter about handling hair and too much for me to recount in this response.) Thursday, March 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diamond Lil, It's the Department of Transportation (DOT) that certifies helmets and provides its test results. From the WebBikeWorld site, "The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) known as FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218), describes in great detail the requirements for "DOT" certification of all helmets sold in the United States for use by motorcyclists. Helmets that do not meet the minimal DOT certification standards may not be sold as "motorcycle helmets. The Snell Memorial Foundation is an additional certification source intended to provide testing and "Snell" certification to a different standard than FMVSS 218. The Snell certification doesn't replace the DOT certification and is in fact a voluntary standard. All motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S.A. must be DOT certified, but they are not required to be Snell certified. A motorcycle helmet that carries both DOT and Snell certification may have gone through different testing schemes, but may not necessarily be superior to helmets that carry only the DOT certification. There's lots of controversy over standards and testing, and it gets even more complicated if you consider the European ECE 22.05 standard." From this Motorcycle Cruiser magazine April 2003 article (which is an extensive article on the subject, with their own testing of 7 flip-up helmets), "None of these helmets claim to meet the Snell standard, but just to see how they would fare in terms of the basic Snell impact, we dropped each twice from the Snell-standard 10-foot height onto a flat anvil. Each drop was to a different spot on the helmet; one to the right side, one to the rear. Only the Zeus, at 316gs in its right-side drop, permitted more than the Snell-allowed 300gs through to the headform on one hit. The Shoei, Lazer and Nolan were the best in the heavy hits, while the Schuberth, HJC and Arrow turned in solid performances in the middle. At the end of the day we had learned that all of these modular motorcycle helmets provide acceptable crash protection, as long as you make sure they will stay on your head by performing a roll-off test before you buy." In reading the Motorcycle Cruiser article, there are a number of observations about the comfort and protection afforded by a flip-up style helmet. My own conclusion is that no, you do not need to abandon your helmet, but you'll be better informed on your choice by reading through the material I've linked. Mama More for Sharon who was looking to get "crafty" with her helmet: I bought reflective tape from the hardware store, made an intricate design and used an exacto knife to cut them out and carefully applied them. The different colors of tape are very inexpensive, attractive against a dark helmet, and safer at night. I also don't have to worry about peeling paint and any flaws would be easily fixed. Three colors of reflective tape was under $10. Jenn (note from Mama: sounds like it's easy to try . . . and peel off things that don't work out!) Friday, March 31 For Jenn who suggested a way to decorate a helmet with safety in mind: Thanks for the suggestion regarding using reflective tape and making your own helmet design with it. This sounds like an easy and safety conscious solution. Adding some of that tape to my various jackets is a good idea too! Sharon in Chicago (note from Mama: and it's fun to boot!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, Monday, April 3 For Sharon who pointed out a site for products to manage long hair: I have waist length thick hair so to avoid tangles while riding I go to my local upholstery fabric shop and buy 1/4 yard of leather or fake leather in lots of different colors. Then do your hair in a ponytail at the base of your neck, measure the length and cut a piece of leather slightly longer than that. Wrap the leather around your ponytail with a slight overage. (my leather winds up being about 15 inches long and 7 inches wide ) Go to a craft shop and buy large decorative snaps and fasteners. Decide how far apart to space them to control your locks and then use the snap tool to put them into place. I cut a small hole at the top center of the leather and run an elastic hair band through it in a "U" fashion. This then wraps around your existing ponytail and prevents the leather wrap from coming lose and flying off your head while riding. I have these in 20 different colors to match whatever I am wearing. I have started making these for other gals in various lengths. The best part is that when you arrive at your ride end, you simply pull it off, fluff your hair and can show off those long flowing locks. Cost each is about $1.50. Dorathy Biddinger (note from Mama: wonderful notes for those out there who like crafting things for themselves!) Thursday, April 6 For Laura who was looking for a pink DOT approved helmet a while ago: Hello! I have a very large motorcycle leather and helmet store online called Leather Lollipop. We used to only have the pink helmets in the novelty version, but we now have it in DOT. You may purchase it with or without snaps and visor. We have many other girly type DOT helmets including roses, butterflies, leopard prints, pink, and more. Wynter (note from Mama: fun, fun, fun!) Thursday, April 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Donna, Ok, it's my opinion that while Internet shopping for motorcycle gear can be totally cool, the fit of glasses/goggles is a "must try on" kind of thing. This is because each face shape is different and how well glasses fit around the bridge of a nose (to block wind from streaming in to the eyes) and the width (so it's not loose or too tight) and the comfort of goggles, from the strap to the padding around the rims and how they wrap around the face, is super important. Otherwise, an investment is a waste. It does no good to go cheap if the lenses are going to scratch easily or the padding is going to disintegrate, etc. A lot of times one can find good deals and try things on at local rallies that have vendors in place. Or, you might visit several dealers, try on everything in sight, jot down the ones you like (brand/style/price) and then hunt for a better deal on the Net. That way you know the fit before the buy, but might locate a hot discount for a specific pick. Mama Friday, May 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, Dear VTwin Mama, I wear an open face helmet because I don't like the closed in feeling of a full face one. The problem I have is my face is exposed to the weather, bugs and dust. To overcome this problem I have thought of tying one of my headscarfs over my mouth and nose to protect me. I also have a problem of the wind entering the helmet and blowing around my ears. Again, I have thought of wearing a headscarf to stop this as ear plugs may stop me from hearing traffic. Any views or advice on this subject would be most welcome. Sarah Dear Sarah, Many open face helmets can be fitted with a faceshield . . . it offers protection but it's possible you would have that "closed in" feeling again. Something to explore. Yes, some riders opt for simply covering their face with
a material-based item. However, keeping a standard scarf or bandana in
place and from fluttering around can be a pain. Check into the Buff,
which is a versatile item that can be configured many ways, ordered in
many colors/patterns, and are wind resistant, breathable and wick away
moisture.
Mama For Sarah who is seeking face protection with her current helmet: Welcome to motorcycling! VTwin Mamma is right about the helmet fit. I should be REALLY snug. Not enough to cause a headache, but almost. I have both open face and full face helmets. One of the problem I had with the full face was wind in my eyes. I wear contacts, and it made my eyes water. I purchased some foam padded sunglasses. One for day and a yellow for night. This keeps the wind out of my eyes. Be careful what you clean them with. Best to use water and a soft cloth, as some chemical cleaners can make your eyes water even worse. Peace on the road, Jojo (note from Mama: a snug fit around the eyes makes a world of difference!) Friday, May 19 For VTM and Jojo who offered her view on foam-lined eye protection: Thank you both for the help you have offered me. I have read the article from Motorcycle Cruiser magazine and you are both right . . . my helmet doesn't fit me tightly. The Buff sounds a good idea Mama as when it is in place it won't move. Wore a scarf today which started off being tight and snug but after an hours ride was slipping a bit!!! Thank you Jojo for the glasses idea, I will try it. Probably a silly question, but if I wear a buff or scarf won't the glasses fog up? Is there anything I can put on them to stop this? Happy Biking. Sarah (note from Mama: there is no such thing as a silly question at the VTwin Mama site . . . sharing and caring is the cornerstone of what we collectively do! Yes, there are anti-fogging products for glasses/goggles and some have the coating built right into the eyewear! Lots of Internet sources.) Saturday, May 20 For Sarah who is seeking face protection: My name is Jane and I have just stumbled across this site whilst surfing the net and what a great and informative site it is. I am hooked and I have bookmarked it. Please keep up all your hard work that it must take to run the site. [labors of love are well worth it!] Hi Sarah, like you I wear an open face helmet because I don't like that closed in feeling, so you are not alone in that respect. I wear a buff, scarf or bandana depending on what I feel like. The buff is everything that VTwin Mama has already said and I will add that it is very comfortable to wear. When I wear a scarf over my face I tend to choose a fairly large one which isn't silk because I find they slip. I generally fold a polyester one into a triangle, place it over my face and tie it in a knot at the back of my neck. I then bring the ends to the front and tie them under my chin in a double knot. This brings the fabric tight into the neck, stopping the tip of the triangle flapping about and also tightens the fabric over the nose and mouth. Experiment with the knot until you feel comfortable, rather than restricted. I find that by tying a scarf in this way it stays in place ok and being polyester doesn't slip. You should have no problem with a bandana as these are usually cotton, which again won't slip too much. Hope this is of some use to you. Enjoy your biking. Jane (note from Mama: thanks for sharing how you use various items for face/neck protection!)Thursday, May 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lee, Saturday, July 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nancy, In this Team Oregon article, it is suggested that you can try a helmet on and then immediately look in a mirror when you take it off, and if you see any redness (even tiny), that's a pressure point. But even they note that sometimes it doesn't show up until later in the ride, but advocate wearing a helmet for a longer time in a store (walk around and shop!) so that pressure points have a greater chance to show up! In another article I read, they emphasized that this is not the time to skimp on cost . . . expensive helmets are $$$ intensive for a reason! So, I'm not sure if there is any way to guarantee what you want. Readers, what say you?! Mama Wednesday, July 12 For Lux in London whose only option to traffic-free learning is at night: Just wanted to share an idea I recently tried out that seems to really work well. When riding after dark, instead of clear lenses, try yellow. They take a few tries to get used to but the yellow cuts the glare from opposing vehicles' lights and actually seems to add definition to everything around you. I was told about this by carpenters who use yellow when working in houses, etc as it gets darker outside. Dorathy Biddinger (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this!) Friday, August 18 For Joan whose ability to see her surroundings at higher speeds is a challenge: This may be somewhat dissimilar, but I had a problem when I started riding at faster speeds. It took a long time before 45 mph didn't feel like I was flying. Then I started to get used to more speed, up to 50-55 mph, on smoother roads. The bigger problem came when I had to do 50 or 55 on somewhat less smooth roads (our freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw winters make for some bumpy roads). At those speeds, on not-so-smooth roads, my glasses seemed to be bouncing up and down on my nose (at least that's what it felt like), making it hard to see and scan my surroundings. I wanted to yell, "slow down, I can't see!" In reality, I think it was more my eyes adjusting to added motion, with minimal eyewear movement. Now I always adjust my glasses, just in case, before I lower my face shield. I too wear a 3/4 helmet, and yes, it does fit. Between the eyewear adjustment, and time, and the sheer repetition of riding, I've gotten used to it. Our eyes can adjust to almost anything. With new glasses and all, perhaps Joan's eyes will adjust in time and clear up that blur. Perhaps some other adjustment is needed as well. Oh yeah, and everyone I mentioned this to at the time, thought I was nuts. Linda C. (note from Mama: an interesting phenomenon . . . more input anyone?!) Wednesday, August 23 For Michele whose goggles are fogging up: Love your site, Mama!! [thanks!] If your goggles are fogging up, try a thin layer of toothpaste smeared around the lens and then wiped off. Keeps them from fogging (and they will smell nice and minty too!). Road Princess (note from Mama: nothing like a home remedy!) Friday, August 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mo, So, I would start with the make/model of the helmets you are wearing. Hop onto the manufacturer's website and see if they don't offer replacement shields with built-in anti-fog coatings. They do exist! Otherwise, if you go to the WebBikeWorld
site, and scroll down to the bottom, you'll see the links to several
products with detailed reviews, including Cat Crap and FogTech.
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, If you really want to ensure that nothing gets into your eyes, and want it through eyewear, then I'd be looking at goggles that incorporate a foam lining around the edges and have vents. If goggles aren't a look you like, then you could take
another look at the windshield/face shield issue. The wind is clearly
coming over the windshield in such a way as to interfere with the face
shield and I don't think a more expensive face shield is going to solve
that. I'm wondering if you can angle that windshield (some are adjustable)
a bit to change how that wind hits. Or, perhaps a slight shaving off the
top of the windshield will still offer you main wind protection but stop
the vibration. Some food for thought.
Mama Wednesday, August 30 For Leslie who had Lasik eye surgery and is concerned about stuff in her eyes: I wear contacts and can't stand getting stuff in my eyes when I ride. I've tried expensive goggles and cheap goggles. They all seem to let some dust in. My best luck so far is with my Nolan N-41 Classic Plus helmet with face shield and a good pair of Rayban sunglasses. I used to ride down the road letting my eyes water to wash out the dust but I rarely have this problem anymore with the face shield/sunglass combination. The face shield is very rigid and I don't have any vibration problems with it. Good luck and safe riding. Tricia (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your specific solution combination!) Thursday, August 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vicki, Tuesday, September 19 Dear VTwin Mama, I hate how my leather chaps feel (and how chubby they make me look). OK - so I AM a bit chubby but my off-the-shelf chaps are too baggy and thus really accent the big leg look and I hate the sheer bulk of them when trying to roll up and put in saddle bags after the day warms up. Custom made chaps cost a fortune and still take up too much space and seldom come in neat colors to match your jacket or bike paint, so this seems like a great alternative. Eager to hear anyone who has tried these out. Anyone know of a company that makes leather chaps in let's say red or yellow or snakeskin leathers??? Dorathy Biddinger Dear Dorathy, So, I begin my musings with a basic overview of Cordura. From one website I found out that Cordura is an "air treated" nylon fabric originally designed by DuPont, characterized by a rough, fuzzy texture on the outside and a somewhat rough texture on the inside, and the chief advantages are that it's abrasion resistance and light weight, but not necessarily as easy to waterproof. From the Vegan Motorcyclist site, I learned that Cordura comes in a number of thicknesses, so this is definitely something to consider. From this site I also saw that they listed a number of non-leather alternatives, although most seem to be pants rather than chaps, but explore some there! Of course your heavy duty leather chaps, while being a pill to roll up and store and can feel bulky, offer a level of protection and could potentially be altered by a good tailor who handles leather . . . I'd call around . . . and will add that the nearest motorcycle leather shop usually has alteration people on staff or has a freelance alterations person on call! If you still wish to proceed with lighter weights, I'd also be searching for Kevlar chaps . . . lightweight but highly abrasion resistant and they do exist! Ok readers, who has input on this one?!
Mama For Terry who is having fogging challenges: My Arai helmet does have an anti-fogging setting. Yes, it works! Or consider the anti-fogging/cleaning spray used for snorkel masks. That comes in tiny bottles that would be easy to have to hand. I have the Arai Profile, a new line last year that replaced the Signet (it's called the Viper GT in Europe.) While Arai is pricey and requires extra care, it is the best fitting and most customizable helmet on the market. All Arai helmets are handmade. They have several lines, each of which are designed for one of the three basic head shapes: long oval, round oval, and intermediate oval. While Arai liners are one piece multi-density, the cheek & ear pads can be customized /thicker or thinner for optimum fit. It has great air flow over the top of head as well; two top back ports and two top front ports. The chin has two open positions. The face shield has two brow vents to open or close. But it is an amazingly quiet helmet, and cool in 90 degree riding. It is extremely light and comfortable, has a very aerodynamic shape. When I turn my head to check side lanes, I do not notice any 'wind tug'. The lining is very soft, the Arai site says: "When you build the shell to do its job, you do not have to ask the liner to help. They are all about rider protection and comfort. That said, I got mine on sale for about $380 w/tax. Because of the handwork, never spray directly on the shied, only on a clean soft cloth then polish the shield. Never get any cleaner on the 'rubber' or any glued areas. But you shouldn't spray directly on any shield. AND NO Windex! The Arai site, www.araiamericas.com, is an excellent read before buying any helmet just to be more fully informed about what to look for. Do read the how to fit section. Hope this helps. Jo (note from Mama: thanks for sharing specific notes on a helmet that meets your needs!) Monday, November 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bill, Why do riders add these to their riding gear? Well, the most common reasons given are that it's not only fun, but it increases the chance that a cage driver will spot a rider and take notice . . . hopefully increasing the likelihood that they'll realize they are sharing the road with a more vulnerable vehicle and drive accordingly. Mama Hi Petra, My hair is long and the bangs sneak out from under the helmet into my face. And when I get to my destination and remove the helmet -- YIPES! Am I destined to return to short hair to facilitate my riding? I have tried a leather skull cap, a home-made do-rag (I got the pattern off the Internet), and I bought a knit thing that slicks back over the hair and keeps it back under the helmet but I look crazy when it comes off (with the helmet, of course). What do other gals do? I don't want to have to keep the helmet on when we stop! Any other suggestions? Patty Dear Patty, If I recall correctly, bangs smush no matter what you do. That means you need to go into jiffy repair upon helmet removal. A small spritz bottle with water and just a little hairspray, light bang application, and a round brush to fluff. A bit extreme? Well, we love the way our bikes look, so an extra measure on personal looks is not crazy! Readers, help me recall other remedies that I've forgotten. Mama Thursday, November 30 A follow-up from Patty who asked about hair smush and shared her bike photo: Thanks for being so prompt in replying to me! I looked up the [hair smush] items on your website and they should help -- the shaved head thing was sounding good until this cold front came in today! My flame-painted bike is a new '02 model that was part of a group of custom painted bikes that were crated and shipped around the country to various bike shows for the first part of their lives. Mine didn't even have gas in it until I bought it just before Labor Day this year. I got a good deal on it, considering the custom paint and ostrich seats, and the extra chrome. I did have to put the windshield on it though. Love your site! It's a great place to see that there are other women riders out there, and not feel quite so "odd." Thanks again, Patty (note from Mama: nope, you are not odd . . . just part of that great group riders that at times can still come across as "unusual" to the general population! I'm glad you found some ideas on hair smush in previously posted letters and thanks for sharing more details on your bike! What a delicious story! Now is a good time to remind readers that I would LOVE to get more detailed reviews of bikes . . . from your own viewpoint! Just hop onto my Motorcycle Reviews by Women Riders page and consider contributing . . . it really does help another rider looking for input.) |
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