From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon May 26 10:21:14 1997 Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 07:02:49 -0700 From: Mark Parker To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Helmet Liner - Sliks References: <199705261325.PAA25043NoSpam@NoSpampostia.lio.se> Reply-To: Mark Parker Re: the helmet cleaning thread, we have been using the Sliks helmet liners for while and find them very satisfactory. They are easy to clean and they can be soaked in water when it gets hot to help cool the 'noggin. They also help minimize the dreaded helmet hair. "Sliks by Betty" is at 800-242-5339. YMMV. Mark Parker Sacramento R1100GS From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon May 26 14:05:49 1997 Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 13:31:00 -0400 From: David & Mariana Syrotiak To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Helmet Cleaning Reply-To: David & Mariana Syrotiak > > Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 00:20:21 -0500 > From: Sheryl Myrick > Subject: BMW: Helmet Cleaning > > Just read the caution about NOT running the helmet through the > dishwasher (I'm a "prez" of two whole days, now)..Anybody out there who > can tell me just how one does a good cleaning on a $$ helmet? I'm a bt > wary of something as radical as the dishwasher > Cissie (oh, yeah, I'm a girl BMW rider!) > Cissie, I find that if you but a container of "SIMPLE GREEN" at your local walmart and use this on your helmet, it will come out looking like you just bought it! I have a friend who has been riding for 12 years and he never used the stuff. After washing his windshield and helmet with some of mine, He went out and bought a bottle for himself! Gets rid of bug guts in a hurry and it's boidegradable too! Use it on your bike too as it dissolves grease and oil as well as brake dust and left over balancing weight goop from previous tire installations. It also cleans upholstery, so I assume that it will clean the INSIDE of your helmet as well. Happy riding to you! Regards, David J. Syrotiak Brattleboro, VT '95 R1100R (Brenda) From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon May 26 21:34:50 1997 From: "Karl Juul" To: "Geoffrey Roberson" , Subject: BMW: Re: Helmet Maintenance Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 09:01:11 -0400 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Karl Juul" ---------- > From: Geoffrey Roberson > Is there anything that can be put over scratches on lids to protect the > internal fibre construction from grease, water and UV etc. Possibly > something like a clear lacquer or filler that will not react with the > construction of the lid. Any clear or colored enamel or lacquer should be fine on a fiberglass shell... [polycarbonate shells shouldn't be exposed to such solvents, though] -Karl. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Tue May 27 03:43:44 1997 Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 00:18:46 -0700 From: Sam Lepore To: Sheryl Myrick Cc: Internet BMW Riders Subject: Re: BMW: Helmet Cleaning References: <33891D95.5EF9NoSpam@NoSpamweb-access.net> Reply-To: Sam Lepore Sheryl Myrick wrote: > > Just read the caution about NOT running the helmet through the > dishwasher (I'm a "prez" of two whole days, now)..Anybody out there who > can tell me just how one does a good cleaning on a $$ helmet? I'm a bt > wary of something as radical as the dishwasher > Cissie (oh, yeah, I'm a girl BMW rider!) The current issue of Motorcycle Consumer News rates 4 helmet cleaners in its Product Comparison feature (p. 20). Best rated: California Helmet Liner Cleaner $9.95 from Helmet Head Products, PO Box 369, Laguna Beach, CA 92652, 800-943-5638 They say: "To clean your nasty hat, spray the liner with the cleanser, and let it sit for five minutes ... then wipe the liner with a clean cloth ..." There's more, but you get the idea. Other products were Caprilim Helmet Foam (recommended), Woolite, and a deodorizer (not a cleaner) Helmet Fresh. You ought to consider subscribing to MCN. The product comparisons are done very well. ______________________________________________________ Sam Lepore, San Francisco, 1988 R100RT and 1995 K75RTA From ducmanNoSpam@NoSpamwwd.net Tue Jun 10 23:09:55 1997 From: Matthew Thornbury To: "'Thomas Hundt'" Subject: RE: Helmet baffles, spoilers, etc. -- any of these work? Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 23:06:39 -0400 X-Info: Via World Wide Development ------ =_NextPart_000_01BC75F3.038853E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Tom, As for the NOJ things that go under the helmet, they're ok if it's cold = out and you have a Fog City Fog Shield installed. Otherwise, they cut = the flow of air to your face, and are just miserable if it's over 65 = outside. They have zippers, but that makes 'em noisy, which defeats the purpose, = no? Plus, the one I've got (the middle priced model) makes it a major pain = in the neck (ha ha) to get your helmet on and off. I don't recommend = it. The top model, with the zippers for entry/exit may be better here. = Still hot, though. Matt Ashland, KY ------ =_NextPart_000_01BC75F3.038853E0 Content-Type: application/ms-tnef Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 eJ8+IgUDAQaQCAAEAAAAAAABAAEAAQeQBgAIAAAA5AQAAAAAAADoAAENgAQAAgAAAAIAAgABBJAG AAQBAAABAAAADAAAAAMAADADAAAACwAPDgAAAAACAf8PAQAAADsAAAAAAAAAgSsfpL6jEBmdbgDd AQ9UAgAAAABUaG9tYXMgSHVuZHQAU01UUAB0aHVuZHRAc2xhY2submV0AAAeAAIwAQAAAAUAAABT TVRQAAAAAB4AAzABAAAAEQAAAHRodW5kdEBzbGFjay5uZXQAAAAAAwAVDAEAAAADAP4PBgAAAB4A ATABAAAADwAAACdUaG9tYXMgSHVuZHQnAAACAQswAQAAABYAAABTTVRQOlRIVU5EVEBTTEFDSy5O RVQAAAADAAA5AAAAAAsAQDoBAAAAAgH2DwEAAAAEAAAAAAAAAzkqAQiABwAYAAAASVBNLk1pY3Jv c29mdCBNYWlsLk5vdGUAMQgBBIABADkAAABSRTogSGVsbWV0IGJhZmZsZXMsIHNwb2lsZXJzLCBl dGMuIC0tIGFueSBvZiB0aGVzZSB3b3JrPwDoEgEFgAMADgAAAM0HBgAKABcABgAnAAIAKgEBIIAD AA4AAADNBwYACgAXAAMAFwACABcBAQmAAQAhAAAAN0YxNTAxNjM5MEUxRDAxMUJBQTlBODY1MDND MTA2MjcA6QYBA5AGAAQEAAASAAAACwAjAAAAAAADACYAAAAAAAsAKQAAAAAAAwA2AAAAAABAADkA wMvJehR2vAEeAHAAAQAAADkAAABSRTogSGVsbWV0IGJhZmZsZXMsIHNwb2lsZXJzLCBldGMuIC0t IGFueSBvZiB0aGVzZSB3b3JrPwAAAAACAXEAAQAAABYAAAABvHYUesljARWA4ZAR0LqpqGUDwQYn AAAeAB4MAQAAAAUAAABTTVRQAAAAAB4AHwwBAAAADwAAAGR1Y21hbkB3d2QubmV0AAADAAYQfqQ5 DAMABxCuAQAAHgAIEAEAAABlAAAAVE9NLEFTRk9SVEhFTk9KVEhJTkdTVEhBVEdPVU5ERVJUSEVI RUxNRVQsVEhFWVJFT0tJRklUU0NPTERPVVRBTkRZT1VIQVZFQUZPR0NJVFlGT0dTSElFTERJTlNU QUxMRURPVAAAAAACAQkQAQAAAGoCAABmAgAAdAMAAExaRnXjDz5L/wAKAQ8CFQKoBesCgwBQAvIJ AgBjaArAc2V0MjcGAAbDAoMyA8UCAHByQnER4nN0ZW0CgzN3AuQHEwKAfQqACM8J2TvxFg8yNTUC gAqBDbELYOBuZzEwMxRQCwoUUaUL8mMAQCBUA3AsCoUdCoVBBCACEAXAdGhl2QewT0occQuAZwQg HICCYQVAZ28gdW4EgUsccxyQbAeAdCwccnnCJxYQIG9rIAaQH7CsdCcEIBWBZB+AdQVAmwBwIHB5 CGAegGF2HKCAYSBGb2cgQx/w+nkhs1MdEB6gIHALgBPAhQdAbAmALiAgTxyB+nID8WUe9CAwIKEc ghjg+m8H4G8f0AtwHGEd0CERfQXAZgDQJEEg0grAHKBq0nUTwCBtJCFyAaAjYM0ft28hcAXANjUg ggCQtQ2wLhs8VCSCIVN6BSDqcASQcx7wYiTTHZEAwIprB5EnE+Agbm8EAFp5HvB3HRARcCANsWWX HZAdUhygcAhwcG8kMvUtED8bPFAKQCuxHIICILkcoEknIXEdwAVAKByC+SewZGQoIRNQLaAJgCeg eQRxbCksZR/wIZEAwGq/BbEKsAuAIvEcczDwYx+g3igRgCFBMzAmAWcRwCYkrx6UMNEgwyWQZiOR SS3Q3QIgJwVAFhAFoG0HgCDh7x/wI5EqsSXxcDLULWEf8B8twByCK1UcMwnwdHJ5uC9leDOxAMAi MGIcoD88kAJAHiEj4SmwI6BTdDsDEAMgaDGAHvIIYGdoVSnNTR2QdBunaBjxZBke8EtZGzwK9Gxp M142DfAZ2xuWFTEARDAAAAMAEBAAAAAAAwAREAAAAABAAAcwQFReBhR2vAFAAAgwQFReBhR2vAEe AD0AAQAAAAUAAABSRTogAAAAAOkd ------ =_NextPart_000_01BC75F3.038853E0-- From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jun 15 18:14:24 1997 From: "Bob Anundson" To: "bmw2" , "thars" Subject: BMW: Helmet selection and maybe too long for most to read unless you are looking for a new helmet Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 14:59:40 -0700 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Bob Anundson" Hi , Well after 4 months of searching and evaluation I finally purchased a new helmet. My motivations were several fold. The Shoei Air X-8 that I had bought 4 years ago has always been uncomfortable. The hard form contacted my upper forehead which was painful and left a red spot after a few hours of riding. Using the pressure techniques for reshaping the helmet never worked for me. Also I had dropped the Shoei many times and it showed. Although I had sent it to Shoei 18 months ago to make sure it was OK, which it was, I began to lose confidence. Anyway it was beginning to look like hell and my vanity began to make an input. My criteria for a new helmet was comfort above all else, white if I could find one that made criteria one for heat considerations, and manufacturer that had a reputation of building quiet helmets. These criteria narrowed my selection to Shoei, Arai, and AGV (Motorcycle Consumer News). Every time I went into Beaverton Honda (OR) I checkout helmets for fit with no success. Saturday I went over to Dr. Brown (OR) and found nothing that was comfortable. The gal at Dr Brown is great and offered to order a helmet for me but I didn't want the obligation of having to buy a helmet that wasn't just right and I would feel that way if she went to the trouble to order one. Beaverton Honda made the same offer by the way. The major problem I have with all full face helmets is the jaw padding. Every helmet is too tight. That was true for my Shoei X-8 as well and I removed almost half of the padding to get rid of the eventual ear ache that pressure caused. I had bought the Shoei mail order after trying one on at Beaverton Honda. That was a big mistake. The one at Beaverton Honda fit and the mail order has not. So Saturday I went over to Beaverton Honda again and tried on the available helmets within the target brands. For the first time they had a Arai NR-2 large size and it seemed to be reasonably comfortable. I checked out various Shoeis and AGVs but nothing came close to that fit. Still I decided to sleep on the decision. The jaw pressure was still more than I am used to. Today I bought the Arai NR-2 (their "low end") and these are the initial impressions after taking it for an hour ride. The comfort level is enormously better. I may have bought a size too small when I bought the Shoei in retrospect. The noise level however was the biggest surprise. I get a lot of buffeting noise off from my windshield and wear ear plugs. An Air X-8 Shoei has the reputation of being one of the quietest helmets available but the Arai was substantially better. I didn't wear ear plugs and yet the sound level was about the same as with Shoei with ear plugs. Finally the ventilation was a surprise. The Shoei X-8 has all sorts of vents and Arai has options to match those but the basic helmet does not. To my surprise I could feel a lot more air flow over the top my head than I felt with the Shoei when it had maximum ventilation open. Finally Arai has a great method in removing the shield. It is very simple and can be done with gloves and probably with the helmet on. None of these side benefits were expected. The helmet still has more pressure on my jaw than I am used to but I will not modify it until I see whether it causes pain. On the negative side I often ride with the shield up. The Arai shield won't stay up over 60mph. I guess that means I will have to keep the shield clean. Sorry this is so long. Anyway I wrote it for folks looking for helmets. Regards, Bob Bob Anundson 8768 SW Iroquois Drive Tualatin, OR 97062 v 503 692 2841 f 503 692 7906 From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jun 15 22:38:13 1997 From: james.colburnNoSpam@NoSpampressroom.com Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 22:15:28 -0400 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Helmet selection Reply-To: james.colburnNoSpam@NoSpampressroom.com >Date: Sun, 15 Jun 1997 14:59:40 -0700 >From: "Bob Anundson" >Today I bought the Arai NR-2 (their "low end") and these are the initial >impressions after taking it for an hour ride. > >The comfort level is enormously better. I may have bought a size too small >when I bought the Shoei in retrospect. Possibly not. You may just have (as I do) an Arai-shaped head. I wore Shoei's for a few years and always got this pain in my forehead after an hour or so, until someone suggested that I had an Arai-shaped head. I tried one and since then, no more pain! Jim Colburn (aka james.colburnNoSpam@NoSpampressroom.com) Photo Editor/BMW Rider Washington, D.C. "No matter how great your triumphs or how tragic your defeats, approximately one billion Chinese couldn't care less." From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri Jun 20 06:33:58 1997 Date: Fri, 20 Jun 1997 03:13 -0700 (MST) Subject: BMW: Results - Helmet Washing Thanks to IBMWR presiden From: Brian Skow To: IBMWR Cc: Ron Row Reply-To: Brian Skow Results - Helmet Washing Thanks to IBMWR presidents for responding to my inquiry of a month ago regarding washing a helmet in the dishwasher. I took my Arai Signet Solid (white) and ran it through a normal cycle, no dry, with a little detergent. The helmet came out clean and intact, and I placed it in the sun to dry. No problem! Good results! Oh, oh yeah...a little soft scrub on stubborn shell marks works well. Brian <><><><><><><><><><> Brian Skow | bskowNoSpam@NoSpamgetnet.com | Phoenix, AZ "This message made possible by an Apple eMate 300." <><><><><><><><><><> From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jun 22 22:29:28 1997 From: "Bob Anundson" To: "thars" , "bmw2" Subject: BMW: Re: Helmet selection and maybe ...1000 mile update Date: Sun, 22 Jun 1997 19:13:01 -0700 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Bob Anundson" Well its been over a 1000 miles since I bought my new Arai helmet and I'd like to mention a few impressions since my first impressions. First I stated I thought it was quieter than the Shoei Air X-8 I had before. Now having worn it in a lot of different conditions I don't think it is much if any quieter. All of my helmet noise is from buffeting off the windshield and that buffeting can vary tremendously. What effects it the most is other air movement whether that is traffic or cross winds. At one point this weekend I was traveling through a forested lane where the air was dead calm. The buffeting noise was very slight. Other times like when following trucks on the freeway it was very loud. I was worried about the cheek pads being too tight although it was much better than any other helmets I had tried. It struck me late today after finishing up a 230 mile run ( 900 mile weekend) that I hadn't thought about the cheek pad pressure at all. Maybe the helmet is changing or I am, but it is very comfortable now. I hate going in an modifying padding and it looks as if I won't have to. Also the ventilation continues works well ( although the temperature has not been that high) and it is fairly easy to slightly crack the visor so that it doesn't fog. This was tested very well in some awful rain storms. The visor system on the Shoei has more adjustments but the Arai seems a little easier to keep the fog out. Of course the best part of the last thousand miles was the helmet fit and it was very, very comfortable. It really cut down on the fatigue. BTW I would have bought a Shoei if I could have found one that fit. They really build a quality product in my opinion and back it with excellent service. For the folks that have asked I paid $270 for a plane white NR-2 and that price was after discount. They are spendy beasts. Regards, Bob Bob Anundson 8768 SW Iroquois Drive Tualatin, OR 97062 v 503 692 2841 f 503 692 7906 From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jun 26 02:24:31 1997 Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 01:02:09 -0500 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: Cal Swallow Subject: BMW: Wear one or die. (was "Texas Mandatory...") Reply-To: Cal Swallow At 07:26 P 6/25/97 -0500, you wrote: > >---------------------major snippage----------------------------------- > > "If they want freedom to ride without a helmet, let's >give it to them with the organ donor caveat. We could mitigate the cost >to the state and society by the lives saved resulting from the increased >supply of donor organs." > >Naturally, those lobbying for riding without a helmet feared that they >would become targets for those needing transplants and their friends and >families. That amendment did not make it. Maybe it should have. I like >the concept of a potentially self-destructive behavior that could also >benefit human kind. > C'mon Jack, sign your work. First of all let me say I have worked in both the bicycle and motorcycle industries over the last 25 years. I have sold many bicycle and motorcycle helmets. There is no "logical" defendable argument for riding without a safety helmet!!!! Now, having said that............. I often choose not to wear mine. [8-O Fortunately, I live in a state that leaves that choice to me. There is no way to explain how it feels to me to go for a sunset ride on a warm / hot day without a helmet. Just a couple of days ago the moon was full and several nights I rode till after 1a. Without my trusty Shoei. Just leather shoes, jeans, a t-shirt, light gloves, 78 deg, aahhhhhhh. Truly a wonderful sensory experience. Spiritual. The feeling of the air passing over and around my head was an integral part of the evening. (I didn't mention hair as I have little left) These rides are what I usually refer to as a "Putt". Rarely over 50 mph. Yes, I know you can do major cranial remodeling at 10 or 15 mph. I do not consider myself a daredevil or a major risk-taker. If I lived in an area with cool weather in summer, I would wear the helmet. On hot days I turn into "sweat boy" at the drop of a hat. Jack seems to feel that I owe it to "society" to protect myself to the max at all times. Hummph. I'll bet Jack: -- breaks the speed limit at times. --eats foods because of taste instead of the most healthy. --makes an occasional illegal u-turn. --drives too fast around entertaining curves. --rides with tennis shoes instead of boots. --rides without gloves. --has peed into the wind. --rides one handed. --takes his feet off the pegs to stretch. --eats real mayonaise. --rides tired. --doesn't dim his high beam soon enough. --sits too close to a computer screen. --has slept in a structure w/o a smoke detector. --took the label off a mattress. --owns a helmet that isn't the most visible color. (Day-glo orange, I think) --rides without bright orange clothing with reflective strips. HE MUST BE STOPPED before he cost us some cash. Let's get the government involved in this right away. Gaaaawwwdddddd help us. We need protection. Us po ignerint lemmings have no idea how to make our own decisions. Hell, lets just outlaw these dangerous "murdercycles" while were at it. We'll all be so safe, warm and fuzzy. I'll bet the Ford Crown Victoria is safer than your car. Does Uncle Sam think you should own one? Now march right out like a nice little clone and get one. Orange please and don't forget to keep the lights on. Drive under 50 so you don't hurt yourself. Well, you get the idea. It used to be true that most auto and truck fatalities were the result of head trauma. Possibly we could save more lives by passing laws to require helmets in cages. Why not? It's "logical". It's defendable. Fewer of us would die on the roads. Oh, it wouldn't be as comfortable you say. Couldn't hear as well. Hair problems? Would ruin the experience. I see. I guess that makes sense. Kinda sounds familiar. Can you even imagine the uproar if this were seriously considered? Gee, wouldn't the female congressmen or the wives of male congressmen think this would be a great idea. Then, they could all have the same hair style. Look what we'd save the taxpayers in hair care products / services. If Shoei would build a complete suit of helmet-like armor would you want to wear it. No???? Too hot? Too inconvenient? You hypocrite!!! You would put individual comfort and pleasure over saving society some money. For shame! Does it make you feel better to say that those who choose to not wear a helmet are less intelligent thay you? If it does, enjoy the feeling because "it ain't so" May be just a "personal choice" made for a myriad of reasons. When I go on the road for any distance at highway speeds I wear my helmet and ear plugs for several reasons. Safety, comfort and preservation of hearing. I have made trips without a helmet and it really wears you out. And if it rains.........that really sucks. I really love my helmet. It's over 12 years old and I am going to buy a replacement this season. Probably the RF700 in the new bright yellow color. (safer ya know) Enough rant. I'm goin' for a late nite putt. (with helmet. cool nite) Let me close this by saying: please just take care of your own life. Don't attempt to degrade those that disagree with your positions. I'm really not trying to pick on anyone specific here. Really! My situation may be unique. I live in a city of ~45 thousand. Not near any metro areas. I have the choice of several low-traffic paved roads within 5 minutes of home. Luv it. Nighthorse Campbell (sp?) for president!!!! If you see me at or on the way to a rally: (I'll be the guy in the new yellow Shoei.) Wave. OK? Cal Swallow Quincy, IL From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jun 26 18:29:56 1997 From: MTCollNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 17:55:52 -0400 (EDT) To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Re: Newbie/helmet question. Reply-To: MTCollNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com After months of looking a $400-$700 helmets, I finally settled on an HJC model CL-11. It was $150, is Snell M95 approved, comfortable, and vented better than just about any helmet I've ever seen (and far better than anything I've seen at that price). Ok, maybe it doesn't have the cachet of a $700 Shoei, but in a head-to-head (pun intended) comparison, I'll take my cheap li'l HJC over its upscale brother. They're probably made by the same little worker bees in Taiwan, anyway. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jun 26 20:32:59 1997 Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 17:12:32 -0700 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: dentedplanetNoSpam@NoSpambatnet.com (George Grenley) Subject: BMW: more urban myths Reply-To: dentedplanetNoSpam@NoSpambatnet.com (George Grenley) Sir Roger_the_Believer says: >(Ask a Californian, >that state has seen almost a 60% drop in the number of >licenses and registrations since enacting a helmet law, >despite an increase in population of almost 20% in the same >time.). Care to cite a verifiable source for this? I live in CA; it's wrong. Our DMV reports no such drop. Neither do dealers. Sheesh. Both the HD digest and the BMW digest erupt in idiotic helmet crap again. You'd think it was midwinter cabin fever time again. What, shall we debate gun laws next? 8-) Grumpy George From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jul 6 20:54:38 1997 Date: Sun, 06 Jul 1997 20:35:25 -0400 To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: Charles Sturtevant Subject: Re: BMW: A face full of water Reply-To: Charles Sturtevant "Rain-x" seems to work very well on the visor if applied just before the rain. Otherwise, the constant bug-cleaning reduces it's effectivness. Have no knowledge of the various windshields, never having anything but a cafe bike or no windshield. ************************************** Charles Sturtevant 82R100CS BMW MOA IBMWR ALEA CFI Rotorcraft Springfield, Virginia ************************************** From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Jul 7 01:33:42 1997 From: rwmundayNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: A face full of water X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0-1,6-7,11-16 Date: Mon, 07 Jul 1997 01:17:12 EDT Reply-To: rwmundayNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com Fellow Presidents, For my helmet visor in rain, I use a windshield polish and cleaner that I purchase from my local accessories dealer... something like a Honda brand specifically designed for plastic windshelds which is not supposed to turn the plastic various shades of yellow. Those drops of water just bead up and fly on by. Looks cool, too. Besides, that electric visor wiper looked really neat in the ad, but I found that it does not take into account the curvature of the visor. And that power cord flapping in the breeze was driving me nutty. Oh well, you pays your money and you takes your chances. Robert '89 K100LT(A on the fritz) Village Idiot Rolling Broccoli Rider Montgomery, Alabama From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jul 9 02:42:51 1997 From: "Pat Roddy" To: "bmw list" Cc: "GS List" Subject: BMW: Helmet Cleaning Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 01:36:52 -0400 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Pat Roddy" My Shoei X-9 is over 3 year sold, and I couldn't stand it anymore. The Atlanta area has finally moved into the summer mode, hot and sticky. I had read in MCN about a product that you spray into your helmet, it foams up, removing dirt and debris, in just a matter of minutes. *** Hell, I can't wait to order that stuff, plus if memory serves me correctly, it was about 10 bucks. I had read here on the lists about guys plopping their lids into their dishwashing machines. ***** Hmmmm..... not too sure about that. A fellow pres here in ATL tried a foaming carpet cleaner. He said it grossed him out, watching all the black goo bubble out, but it left a 'slimy' residue in his helmet, so he is the one that gave me the idea to wash it. I had to do something. It was getting pretty rank behind that faceshield. I just filled up the kitchen sink with hot water, poured in some Palmolive (Dawn?) anitbacterial dishsoap, removed the faceshield, and gave my helmet a good washing. It FLOATS too! :-) I scrubbed the hell out of it, pushing the foam down so it would absorb the antibacterial soap, thinking that the liner would have to be full of 3 years of sweat and germs and whatever else. After about 10 minutes, I drained the sink, flipped the helmet up, and filled it with cool water. I squeezed as much soapy water out of it as I could, placed a bath towel on the counter, and used another two bath towels blotting out as much excess water as I could. I then took it outside, with several hours of daylight left, put it in a deck chair, hoping the sun and the Georgia winds would dry it out. After 6 hours, when the sun had faded, the helmet was almost dry inside; but since I had to ride in the morning, I opted for Plan B. I have a floor fan that rotates to the horizontal, so that is what I did, then placed my helmet on it. By morning it was bone dry, and it smelled faintly of dishsoap, not an altogether bad smell. It felt brand new inside too. Since this whole procedure took such a short period of time, I plan on doing it much more often. pr ...scootin' down the road with a CLEAN lid now. ;-) pr Buford, GA. USA 93K1100LT--long Banzai runs 95 R100GS--goes wherever you point it :-) From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jul 10 11:51:03 1997 From: MTCollNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 09:46:37 -0400 (EDT) To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Re: Shoei vs. Arai Reply-To: MTCollNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com << Hi all, went to a local shop lastnight and had the opportunity to check out some helmet's from Shoei and Arai. The Shoei's feel much better than my current AGC helmet, but the Arai was the best (to me) of all. The Arai seemed to be lighter than the Shoei, maybe it's just me? Before you invest mega-bucks in these lids, might I suggest an HJC CL-11? It looks very much like the high-priced helmets, but it's only about $150. It's Snell M95 approved, comfortable, and is vented as well as any helmet I've ever seen. Michael Colloton Atlanta R11RT From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jul 9 23:49:40 1997 From: "Bob Anundson" To: "bmw2" Subject: BMW: Re: Helmets -no BMW Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 20:35:33 -0700 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Bob Anundson" WroteSteve... ================================================= Anyway, I think I have settled on the Arai, but not sure which model. Does anybody know the difference between the Signet and the Quantum. They seemed to feel the same on my head, but there is a small difference (about $30) in price...other than that they seem like the exact same helmet (I am new to this)...Is the Quantum worth the extra money...it sure doesent seem like much of a difference compared to the overall cost of these babies (OUCH!!)...thanks in advance for any info....Steve... ============================================== I talked extensively with the Arai guy at the Seattle Motorcycle Show last January. He said that the Signet and the Quantum are identical except that the Quantum comes with vents in the top of the helmet which are options ($30) in the Signet line. The real difference is the shape of the helmet. One is for round heads and the other for oval heads. Sorry I can't remember which was which. I recently bought the el cheapo Arai the NR which does not have the nose piece which everyone seems to discard and the removable cheek pads. I bought that model only because it was the most comfortable of any helmet I tried on and in retrospect it was an excellent decision. The ventilation appears to be very good and the top of helmet vents seem unnecessary. The cheek pads were tight but not as tight as the Shoei models. Unfortunately I had a ill fitting Shoei Air X-8. Everything but the fit was outstanding. I have apparently an Arai head. Bob Anundson 8768 SW Iroquois Drive Tualatin, OR 97062 v 503 692 2841 f 503 692 7906 From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Thu Jul 10 03:33:49 1997 From: "Jonathan Jefferies" To: Subject: BMW: Helmet Liners Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 23:33:09 -0700 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: "Jonathan Jefferies" At 1:08 PM 7/9/97, rwmundayNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com wrote: >I just use a helmet liner... a big red one. I look cool putting it on >before I put on my helmet. What would be cooler would be a >black-with-white-racing-stripe Snoopy-style liner like the astronauts >used to wear. But it serves two purposes... I don't bend my ears while >installing the helmet on my head, and I only have to wash the liner... >the helmet stays relatively clean and semi-fresh. I've worn a helmet liner for a number of years, usually the Texas Headskin. But this weekend while down in Hollister for the "Return of the Wildones" I picked up that Harley special appurtenance a red bandana sewn into a head piece/helmet liner. Though I usually avoid the patented harley/outlaw look, I found this thing to be quite practical. Usually when I ride with the helmet liner, there's that problem of Helmet Hair as soon as I take off the helmet. Like who's going to wear a helmet liner without a helmet? But with the red bandana head gear it can be either a helmet liner or just a head piece to hide all that roughed up hair, or in my case the lack thereof. So I guess now I can have my very own poseur BMW outlaw look. Jonathan Jefferies P.S. for anyone I may have inadvertently missed in my massssss mailings, please note the change in email addresses. After 4.5 years of posting as jeffNoSpam@NoSpammri.com I am now switching jobs and e-mail addresses. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri Jul 11 13:55:20 1997 Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 17:27:40 -0700 To: myleslewisNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com (myles b lewis) From: Mark Weiss Subject: Re: BMW: Arai helmets Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Reply-To: Mark Weiss >Both are lighter than any Bell or AGV or anything else I've looked at. >The Quantum/e is Arai's top street helmet and it's design is based on >their racing helmets. JMHO, >Myles Have you looked at a Bell M3? It is much lighter than either Shoei and is quieter than a friend's Arai RX7RR. I do wish I had that neato shield changing system though. I got the Bell because it is light, fairly quiet, and the interior is removable for washing or refurbishing. You don't need any tools to replace the shield either. Mark S. Weiss mark_weissNoSpam@NoSpamearthlink.net MSF Certified Instructor Chandler (SE of Phoenix) Arizona R100RS, R90/?!, R75/5, CB400F Ride Well, and Ride Safe. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sat Jul 12 11:59:37 1997 Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 08:44:30 -0700 To: david brick , ron bauman From: Dan Arnold Subject: BMW: Speaking of dopey looking Harley riders (was BOOF Query Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Reply-To: Dan Arnold At 11:09 -0700 7/11/97, David Brick wrote: .... >> I think Harleys make too much noise and their riders all look the >> same. > > Disqualifying. Too accurate. Speaking of dopey looking Harley riders and in particular the beanie helmets many of them prefer: The July issue of MCN has an article on helmets, claiming over 61% of helmet impacts are to areas that are not present on a beanie. The least likely area to suffer an impact: top of the helmet (.8%). Most likely: lower front (chin/jaw - full face helmets only) (34.6%). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dan Arnold * R11GS * BOOF #16 * RW #3 * Kennewick, Washington ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri Jul 18 09:28:13 1997 Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 09:02:43 -0400 To: GLockeNoSpam@NoSpamemail.dot.gov.au, bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com From: "Richard A Barstow" Subject: BMW: BMW Helmet Opinions X-Notes-Logo: StdNotesLtr21 Reply-To: "Richard A Barstow" >1. Due to the design, does the rider experience any great increase of wind >noise, over comparable (priced/quality) non-hinged type helmets? >2. Is durability of the hinges and locking mechanism a problem? I've had mine since last summer, not a lot of miles on it (too much demand for me to be in/on a vehicle w/ a child-seat--and no, SWMBO hasn't ok'ed the sidecar yet!). 1. I find it fairly loud, but I haven't worn a non-hinged lid in many years, besides, I wear earplugs, which do help a lot! I personally haven't found any helmets which are "comparably priced"--this one is most expensive I've ever had. 2. Hasn't ever been an issue for me, and based on two Sys II's, I don't think it will be. Other notes: The venting is pretty good, the ability to pop-out the windshield 1/4" or so is very handy for clearing the faceshield, and for getting a little extra air in. Removing the piece that blocks wind up from under your chin is a PITA to remove--I ended up unscrewing the locking mechanism a bit to release it. In colder weather, the helmet is fairly warm. Good luck. Rich Barstow Warping in from lovely Middletown, CT, USA. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri Jul 18 18:54:13 1997 Date: Sat, 19 Jul 1997 08:25:59 -0700 From: Mick Furchert To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Cc: GLockeNoSpam@NoSpamemail.dot.gov.au Subject: BMW:- Ststems Three Reply-To: Mick Furchert >I am considering getting a BMW System-3 helmet. I like the design, with >the flip front, but have a couple of concerns. Graeme, I have had a systems three for 3 years now and I feel the benifits are good. They can be a bit noisy, but a bit of cotton wool cures that. Just for the benifit of flipping up the chin guard at lights or road works in the Australian summers is a benifit. Same with refuelling. I have had no problems with the hinge, but I have had the Visor in for service as the ratshit got tight, but I feel that was due to dust, from one too many dirt road. That cost $20. The other benifit I found is that you can ride light to light with the chin guard up, just don't do a dragster start or you might break your neck. Riding with the front up to 50-60 KPH is about the limit before wind resistance kick in.then to pull the visor down is a one handed operation. I do not like one piece full helmets any more, because of the restrictions. Cheers Mick 86 K100RS Central Coast of N.S.W From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Aug 11 06:28:10 1997 Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 11:09:31 +0100 From: Nick Horley To: Wayne Dowers Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Re: BMW System 3 Helmet Reply-To: Nick Horley X-No-Archive: yes Re buying one of the above in the UK, Germany or elsewhere: The UK does not get the same helmet range as Germany. Neither does France. Germany gets the most colour schemes, don't ask me why. And the UK is stuck with a D-ring because BMW GB didn't want the expense of getting UK safety certification for the much more convenient seat belt-style buckle. So, despite living in Britain I bought my helmet mail order from a German dealer. They were very courteous and we exchanged faxes in pidgin English. But they wouldn't take a credit card, so I had to get the bank to transfer the money - expensive and full of hassle. I bought the two-tone grey helmet which BMW brought out to match the R80RT Classic (or was it a R100RT?). The bottom half is charcoal, the upper half is the lighter gray, and there's a thin white reflective pinstripe dividing the two colours. And the word "Classic" is spelt out across the back. Mmmm, very tasteful - at least I think so! Paint quality is unbeatable. Functionally, it's a superb helmet. Quieter and more comfortable than my Shoei X-8, and the hinged jawpiece is great when you need more air at a stoplight, or you're wearing specs, or you don't want to look like an armed robber when you stop off at the ATM. No wonder so many police forces use them. I also bought the kit to convert the helmet to open face (not available in the UK either). It's great; on a tour, if I'm in a town for a few days and using the bike for short trips, I'll switch to open face. It's like packing two helmets, but without using any extra luggage space. But it's not as good as a top-flight dedicated open face like the Arai SZ. The buts...when switching visors it's not hard, if you're a little clumsy, to snap off one of the retaining lugs on the visor frame. Naturally the plastic is that special unmendable stuff, so you have to ship out a new frame. Oh, and it's hard to find a space for intercom speakers; but that's probably because of where my ears are. To me, it's a great helmet - but I wouldn't recommend buying any helmet without trying it on first. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Aug 11 12:32:11 1997 To: "Sam Lepore" , "Wayne Dowers" Cc: CRAIGRAOULNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com, "BMW Bikers" From: "Mike Barnett" Subject: Re: BMW: BMW System 3 Helmet Date: Mon, 11 Aug 97 17:15:57 +0100 (BST) Reply-To: "Mike Barnett" X-No-Archive: yes Sam, As one of those "over there" in the UK, I gotta say that "*certified* to = British Standard" no longer means D rings. For some time now the majorit= y of helmets over here have come with Seat Belt fasteners and it's not = easy to find D rings. IMO thats a shame because I prefer the D Rings. = By choice I only ever used to loosen the strap and slip it off which was= a one handed job. So was putting it back on (fingers on outside of chin= bar, strap under thumb held tight against inside of chin bar). I find = my current helmet (Kiwi K200 Eagle) is less convenient because either und= oing or doing up the buckle is easier done with 2 hands. Certainly when I was looking round prior to buying the Kiwi (October 1996= ), the System 3 helmets (*lovely* bit of kit but waaaaayyy outside my pri= ce range) all had clunk-clickers. Its possible that the helmet your friend got was old stock. When I bough= t my current lid, I noticed that the label inside showed it as being made= in 1994! JMO. Mike. ---------- > > Wayne Dowers wrote: > > > > helmet I wanted to try it on. Next time I am over there I am going = to > > check it out. > > Re: _over_there_ Please note, there are different "over there"s. > > I bought a System 3 through a friend in Germany, then my housemate > bought one through a friend in Britain. Those sold in Britain are > labeled "made to British standard" - WHICH MEANS D RINGS for the chin > strap. The German one has a snap buckle connector. And I was told when > my friend was in France that those System 3s had a different face shiel= d > (but I haven't seen one). > > So be careful to look for a "you are here" sign when you are "over > there" ... if these differences matter to you! > > _________________________ > Sam Lepore, San Francisco > From Nick Horley Date: Tue, 12 Aug 1997 14:20:41 +0100 From: Nick Horley Subject: BMW: More System 3 news, inc. one for big heads Some more info about those Germany-only models, supplied by my UK dealer... There used to be a very pretty looking model called the Monaco, which was two tone red and green with some gold detailing. The colours were close to the red and green currently used on the R1100R - they may even have been the same, but we're not sure. This model was the old System 3, as opposed to the current models which are dubbed System 3 Evolution. Some German dealers may still have old stocks of it. There's also a model called the Exclusiv. It uses funkier composites for lighter weight, costs more and comes in black with a splatters of silver on top. As if someone was trying for a Jackson Pollock effect, but got bored halfway through. There was also a pre-Evolution Exclusiv which was black with a lurid purple splatter. The new features on the Evolution were slightly improved ventilation, and a "City" position for the visor. You can pop it forward, without raising it, so it sits about a quarter of an inch proud of the helmet. It works well, but so does raising the visor a notch, which is quicker and easier. There's also a 64/65 size, which is HUGE. I thought my head was big, but I only take a 60/61. From lconleyNoSpam@NoSpamhns.com Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 17:33:37 -0400 From: lconleyNoSpam@NoSpamhns.com Subject: Re: BMW: Fog on the Face Shield Jerry Cook: > I dont have a problem with rain but i did put some > Rain-x stuff on it. Only thing is when I clean the > bugs off the shield the rainx is gone and its a > pain to keep putting back on. Phil Rupp: > What are your suggestions for keeping fog from > forming, and making rain disappear from the > face shield? Try No. 10 plastic polish instead of Rain X for rain dispersement. Works good on car windshields too. Lasts *alot* longer than Rain X and fills minor scratches without any hazing or refraction. Lou Conley Gaithersburg, MD From "r.p.ward" Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:09:54 -0400 Subject: Re: BMW: Polarized lenses too weird for riding? I tried clip on polarized sunglasses. they blanked out my gear indicator and part of the clock. I was freaked until I realized why. A From D&J Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 23:37:48 -0700 (MST) Subject: Re: BMW: Polarized lenses too weird for riding? Aaron sed: >I tried clip on polarized sunglasses. they blanked out my gear indicator >and part of the clock. I was freaked until I realized why. >A Yeah Aaron, they can be a little weird. Great for finding trout though. I ride with a pair of polarized sunglasses with glass lenses as my standard riding glasses. These are actually glacier glasses for bright snow conditions and they have leather side panels on them to keep all that bright snow-reflected light from getting in. I bought them from REI. They are quite dark. I like the glass because I can scrub the bugs off without worrying about scratching them. At first I was a bit nervous about giving up my peripheral vision but then I discovered that the leather shields have little gaps in them which let me see movement to the side, which is about all I can detect with my peripheral vision anyway. Using these glasses makes me nervous and promotes head-turning and head-checking, which is a good thing. As you get older it is harder to turn your head. You may have noticed this problem with blue-haired and old-fart cargers. Anything that makes me turn my head and actually look, rather than letting me *assume* that everything will be OK, is a good thing. I don't have the distortion and color shift problems that (the real) Shibumi mentioned because I don't use a face shield. Nothing to fasten it to. The leather side panels keep the wind from getting behind the glasses and bothering my eyes. I think I'll keep 'em. Dick Taylor - Classy Guy hetchinsNoSpam@NoSpammontana.com SoD #27 Live and lean. From Mark Gensman Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 07:21:44 -0700 Subject: BMW: Polarized Glasses Since 30 years of rock and roll stage lights have wacked my eyes, I have been using polarized sun glasses for years. They are the only type of glasses that cut glare. The glass type are hard to find and quite expensive, however, they hold up much better than the cheap plastic type. I purchased my last pair (I have 3) for around $220.00 and a year later the side bracket fell off. I took them back and they simply traded me a brand new pair. The main problem with polarized lenses is when transitioning between sun and shade on a twisty. The road can look "wet" and it can be difficult to see gravel, etc. on the road. I usually take my glasses off under these conditions. When hooking down the freeway they work very well and I rarely have the "red eye" look of some of my compatriots after a ride. The reason a car window looks so wierd is because it is laminated glass with plastic between the layers and the polarized sunglasses allow you to see the layers. Oh, yeah. You can also point out fish to your friends and it helps to find golf balls if the water is semi-clear. - -- Mark Gensman MgensmanNoSpam@NoSpamix.netcom.com 95 K1100LT "You're never too old to rock and roll" K-Whiner #51 "The Green Hornet" From Geoff Adams Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 22:01:17 -0500 (CDT) Subject: BMW: BMW, Fog City again After all the discussion a few days ago, I decided to install the Fog City Shield I bought last year but never used. Today I rode home in a typical Texas thunderstorm, a real toad floater. Well I am impressed. I was able to keep my visor fully closed and there was not a hint of fogging. I even tried to make it fog up and couldn't. My FC is not the Pro model that is specified for Shoie shields, but so far it is well adhered. Two thumbs up. Geoff Adams, Arlington, TX tbcNoSpam@NoSpamdfw.net TBC NTCOF K100RS MOA22753 IBMWR BMWDFW LSBMWR Superstition: A belief justified neither by reason nor evidence nor by any religious canon. The New Lexicon Webster's Dictionary of the English Language From Mark Gensman To: Phil Rupp Date: 9/8/97 10:56 AM Mark, "The Green Hornet" wrote: >Yeah, and how do I keep my hair from being mussed after wearing a helmet all day long? Enquiring minds want to know... So Phil wrote back and said: I wear a surgical bouffant (a paper shower cap type thing) inside my helmet. This practice was started because I got a new (then) System one helmet, and I wanted to keep it nice. The Bell Star it replaced was... well, disgusting inside. Having a disposable liner seemed just the thing. In hot weather, the moisture wicks off. In cool wx, there seems to be a bit of an insulating quality. The bouffant slips over my coiffure, and then my hair needs just a run through with a comb; no excessive cowlick. Another thing I learned, from this list re: visor fogging: Some one suggested using a mask to keep the breath vented down rather than allowing it to vent via the visor slit. Other than that, Mrs. Kennedy, how was Dallas? All my best, Phil From GMartin928NoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 21:50:24 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: BMW: Smelly Helmet Ken: I just got my can of "Caprilim" helmet mouse from Ryan Young's Trial Store, for $11.95 plus shipping. I haven't used it yet, but you can sniff my Arai in Fontana if you want to see how effective it is. Anyway, MC Consumer News thought it worked the best. RYTSS is at 1-800-607-8742 From jwst1100NoSpam@NoSpamBusProd.Com (Wilson Resources, Inc. ) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:00:03 -0500 Subject: BMW: Re: Rf 700 v X9 v Quantum e Vic: BTDT--with all three of the helmets (full face) and I like the X9 the best. It fits me better than the other two though the Quantum has a more luxurious liner and feels and looks a little more expensive than the X9. The X9 is the more quiet of the three, principally because of how the full face shield is fitted to the helmet. The X9 is quite comfortable for me. The air circulation of the Quantum e and the X9 are both good--better than the RF700. John > . Has anyone out there had > experience with both the RF 700 and the X-9 or the Aria Quantum e? > > VIC WARUSZEWSKI, SoD # 21 VI#1 MOA 85 K100RS > BMW Touring Club of Detroit MOA#1, Motor City Beemers > Team K-Hardona #3 http://pages.prodigy.com/bmwtcd > > From " Ruth Miller" Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 22:04:27 +0100 Subject: BMW: The sweet sound of silence Hi! I don't know if any of you outside of England have anything similar, but I have just tested my new 'made to measure' helmet by Everoak of London. Tried it out on Charlie, the big red 80RT, and I had to listen carefully to hear the engine...even at 70 (honest officer!) no wind or fairing noise at all. The noise reduction (primary reason for purchase) is just amazing. The cost is a very reasonable 235 pounds Sterling. The only drawback is that you have to visit to have your head measured, unless you catch the fitters at one of the motorcycle shows. I really can't recommend them highly enough. Anyone doing this kind of thing/service stateside? or anywhere else? ride safe yours, Colin Cheney......R65 R80RT Norton Commando 850 interstate From Charles Sturtevant Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 14:12:53 -0400 Subject: Re: BMW: The sweet sound of [Quiet Helmets] At 09:09 AM 9/16/97 -0400, David Soine wrote: >I've often wondered about military flight helmets - quite a different >application than we need on motorcycles, but they must have good >noise protection, right? How are those helmets constructed and >fitted? How does the noise protection work? Please let's not >start the "active noise control" thread again! We want passive >in this case. Any presidents have experience in these areas??? > >:) > >Dave > Dave, I've been wearing military flight helmets in noisy helicopters for 34 years and my hearing is excellent. An earphone is mounted in a sound deadening assembly that is surrounded by a soft rubber donut. This fits against the side of the head, around the outside of the ear. A custom-thickness pad is placed between the inside of the helmet and the outside of the earpiece, in order to gently press the earpiece against the head and form a sound barrier. Although ear plugs are recommended by the flight surgeon to augment the helmet, I have never used them and the helmet by itself has protected me from the very loud, high-frequency whine of transmissions and turbine engines. It would be very interesting to see this concept applied to motorcycle helmets. It would probably negate the need for earplugs and could be used with intercoms, two-way radios and stereo FM. I think someone could make a fortune with this idea. ************************************** Charles Sturtevant 82R100CS BMW MOA IBMWR CFI Rotorcraft Springfield, Virginia "Ten fingas on the fenda, boy" ************************************** Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 17:02:28 -0400 (EDT) From: WXPNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com Subject: Re: BMW: RF800's are available (No BMW) OK, I just got off the phone and this friendly lady at SHOEI told me that the RF800's are being shipped as we speak, Retail prices Plain: $268 Graphics $338-349. The new mods include an upper vent which can be an inlet or outlet type. It will have a snugger fit. The bottom lining is now a 1-piece design for more sound insulation. The shield and hardware remain the same. There are 3 new graphics availabale (America, Zen, and Jag). Images are availabale at WWW.ACCWHSE.COM Now I can go around and play let's make a deal and thanx for the responses. Walt.... Date: Wed, 1 Oct 97 02:09:45 From: jeff.jenkinsNoSpam@NoSpamnashville.com Subject: BMW: Helmet's and Speakers >From: Brent Jass >Subject: BMW: Helmets (Was: Re: Painting Helmets) >I've been reading the posts about the Shoei RF700 and RF800 helmets, >and at $215, the RF800 sounds like a good deal. Has anyone compared >either of these helmets to the X-9? Is the X-9 quieter? I have an RF-700, have never used the X-9 so can't be a judge of it... The RF is the best helmet I've ever had so far, I absolutely LOVE it! I have also installed a set of BASS MONSTER'S in it (around $30-US) and they sound fantastic. The installation required NO cutting or mods to the helmet, just carefullt removed the front chin/ear piece and put the speakers behind the fabric liner in the ear wells provided in the helmet. Put the foam piece back in, a spot of hot-glue to hold the cord in place and voila! The only problem I've had with the whole affair is a bad jack on the speakers, something that can be repaired easily with minimal cost. The Normalizer - B.A.N./King Rat #43 BMW-MOA Member #75866 - Airheads Beemer Club #1983 HTTP://WWW.NASHVILLE.COM/~JEFF.JENKINS/TNLBBS.HTM Sysop of The Northern Lights BBS: Modem NoSpam@NoSpam 615-353-9325 ISDN NoSpam@NoSpam 615-353-9367 Don't blame me.... I voted for Harry Browne! Date: Mon, 6 Oct 1997 22:30:27 +0000 From: "Bert Pharis" Subject: Re: BMW: Snell ratings, was something else (not really BMW, butt On Mon, 06 Oct 1997 20:46:20, Don Eilenberger wrote: > > The honorable Ted asks: > > >BTW...I was unaware of differring levels of Snell Approval. Do they approve > >unsafe helmets, albeit with a lower number classification? Is Snell 100 that > >much better then Snell 95, and the same for Snell 95 and Snell 90? > > Nope and yes. The rating levels reflect the year the rating standard went > into place. Unlike DOT - Snell will upgrade the rating standard as better > and more protective helmets appear.. hence a Snell-90 met the standards > set in 1990, and the Snell-95 - ah!ha! 1995 ratings. > > It would appear that Snell does not require manufacturer's to stop using > older stickers - even on helmets which won't meet their latest standards.. > so I'd guess that a 1990 approval helmet doesn't provide all the protection > one meeting the later 1995 standard does. > > Dunno what their latest approval is - anyone have anything past 1995?? > > Best, Don and List, Snell traditionally upgrades their ratings every five years. The last several have been 80, 85, 90, and now 95. I don't know of anything that would prevent a manufacturer from selling helmets that meet the 90 standard after 95 ratings are out. There are no standards later than 95. My experience in sports car racing is that sanctioning bodies use the dated standards to make sure competitors upgrade equipment every five years. One can usually use the previous standard for a year or two after the new standard is released before the newer rating is mandatory. Based upon my experience with helmets rated in each of the above listed years, there has been a significant improvement in the protection afforded by each new standard. The most noticeable difference in the 95 helmets is larger, firmer cheek pads. This is true in both M (motorcycle), and SA (auto racing) ratings. I am a believer in Snell rated helmets, and tend to upgrade within the first year of a new rating's availability. Regards, Bert Pharis, Canfield, Ohio 98 K1200RS 96 R1100RT Porsche SCCA GT2 914-6 Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 21:46:01 -0400 From: Brian Curry Subject: Re: BMW: GEAR: Snell Certification At 03:59 PM 10/6/97 -0400, Harris_Gary/ny_technologyNoSpam@NoSpamexplorer.siny.com wrote: > > >>BTW...I was unaware of differring levels of Snell Approval. Do they approve >>unsafe helmets, albeit with a lower number classification? Is Snell 100 that >>much better then Snell 95, and the same for Snell 95 and Snell 90? > >> Ted Verrill - EsquireTedNoSpam@NoSpamaol.com - TedVNoSpam@NoSpamFool.com - K1100RS (Zephyr) > >I thought the number refers to the year the standard was established. >As in "Snell 90" refers to the Snell standard as of 1990. Snell 100 won't be here until 2000, or maybe they will use 00. Also, they use a suffix of "M" for a helmet that passes the impact test but is not fireproof. Cage helmets need to be fireproof to go with the Nomex. On a bike you should be able to get away from the fire rather than being trapped in it. :(:( Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 08:56:46 -0700 From: Dennis Boyce Subject: Re: BMW: BMW Discoveries Charles Sturtevant asked: > If you have a moment...what is the breath guard? > How does it work? Can it be fitted to a System II > helmet. I don't like the Fog City sheild either, > and I hate fogging. > Does Morton's have any more in stock? > Charles and everyone, The Breath Guard mounts to a Shoei RF-700 on the chin piece, right around the vents. It "plugs in" and is removeable. It is a Shoei product and is available wherever Shoeis are sold. Morton's had one more when I was there yesterday. I don't know if it would fit anything else. Coleman's in Woodbridge has them also. The BG actually covers the nose when installed, sorta like a tent. It really works - I was absolutely amazed! I had less fogging when stopped, shield closed, then I normally would with the shield cracked open and moving at 20-30 mph. Hope this helps. I don't know where you're located, but if you're in NVA, stop by coleman's and try one on your System II. - -- *************************************************************** * Dennis Boyce * * Fredericksburg, VA * *************************************************************** * AMA, IOC * * * * 1996 R1100RT ("BOXXER") Be Siennya Red * * 1994 CHEVY 4X4, 6" Lift, 35" BFG MT,("GO WHERE I WANNA GO") * * * * Life is too short to take it seriously. * *************************************************************** Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 22:26:51 -0500 From: Timothy Graichen Subject: BMW: German BMW dealer and parts For anybody interested in a BMW dealership in Germany, the following has been great for getting me accessories (BMW helmets etc.). They are glad to ship to the U.S. I found them while I was in Munich last spring. NACHTMANN BMW Sabine Nachtmann (owner) Hans-Mielich-Strasse 2 81543 Munchen Germany Phone: 011-49-8965-2093 - -- Billet Aluminum Cam Caps and Oil Fill Caps for Oil-Heads (at link below) Homepage http://w3.gwis.com/~topgun/index.htm E-Mail topgunNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 23:32:28 -0600 From: "Michael M. Cornett" Subject: Re: BMW: FogCity install prep question At 08:52 PM 10/29/97 -0800, Shibumi wrote: > >Gonna try a FogCity ProShield but I'm not sure if I understand the cleaning >prep instructions which read: John, I used Meguiar's #10 for clear plastics on my Shoei shield before putting on the FogCity and I'm starting year 3 with it and no problems. I only put that shield on if I think I'm really gonna need it, but when I do need it, it's great. Downtown (Chicago) Mike Cornett '95 BMW K1100LT, "K Bueno" (Yep, only one bike!) Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 06:25:57 +0000 From: Court Fisher Subject: BMW: Re: BMW System IV >Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 23:35:15 -0500 >From: Timothy Graichen >Subject: BMW: BMW system IV > >Has anyone out there heard a price for the new BMW helmet (sys.. IV). >If you have would you please post it or E-mail me with it please? Also, SNIP >Thanx >Tim > topgunNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com - ------------- Tim & list, System IV metallic gray German dealer retail price is DM 651.30 plus DM 97.70 MwST (15% VAT) = DM 749 total (about $425 at current exchange). White or red colors slightly less; checkered yellow to match K12 slightly more. Plus boxed transatlantic shipping cost (anybody's guess) depending on your choice of sea or airmail. I don't know German dealers' options to sell/ship to non-German address pre-deducting the German VAT; or, if they can't, your options to recover the German VAT from this side after receipt (messy paperwork at the least, even if possible). Court Fisher Princeton NJ all the usual suspect acronyms court.fisherNoSpam@NoSpamworldnet.att.net Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 15:33:08 -0500 From: "John A. Brown" Subject: RE: BMW: TECH: Fog City Just got off the phone with the Fog City folks (they were very nice) and they believe I may have a OLD Pro Shield with the "defective" glue that did not "meet their performance standards for Shoei helmets". They said as soon as I return the two shields they will ship replacements. They don't think I'll have this problem again - hope not! The darn things really DO work. Oh, and if anyone is interested, the glue from the shields can be removed with a little rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. Thanks for the comments/suggestions! John A. Brown '87 K100RT Kalamazoo MI Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 22:18:29 +0000 From: Court Fisher Subject: BMW: Re: BMW System IV >Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 17:28:10 +0100 >From: "Adriano Garcia" >Subject: Re: BMW: BMW system IV > > -----Original Message----- >From: Brian Curry SNIP >>The Sys IV helmet is not approved for use in the US. No DOT sticker. And SNIP >Why is not approved? > >------------------------------ BMW & Schubert, the manufacturer, decided since System III not to market System helmets in the US (hence did not submit to DOT for approval); they believe either helmets generally are too open to litigation and/or that the System hinged design may open them to litigation in the event of a rider's head injury. Court Fisher Princeton NJ all the usual suspect acronyms court.fisherNoSpam@NoSpamworldnet.att.net Date: Mon, 8 Dec 1997 17:36:39 +0000 From: Court Fisher Subject: BMW: RE: Re: System 4 Head & insurance? At 02:59 PM 12/8/97 +0000, John wrote: >Are any of you are familair with the "ABATE" motorcycle organization? SNIP >...they >have done a tremendous amount of research concerning helment >protection (or lack thereof) and the fallacy of DOT approval. Also, the >laws in most states are so ill defined and poorly written, that court >challanges frequently result in the ticket (for wearing a non approved >helment) being thrown out of court. > >The basis of the arguement goes something like this unless I'm mistaken. >DOT doesn't actually TEST any helment. It is the reponsibility of the >manufacturer. And in independent testing, a LARGE majority of the helmets >(75-80) DO NOT meet the legal standards. > >Unless you are buying a helmet specifically designed to be worn in >competition, the DOT standard is a moot point. Any refusal of an >insurance carrier to honor a claim will never stand up in court. >Also, The burden of proof of DOT compliance is not on the wearer, it is >on the manufacturer. > >John Dendy > >> ---------- John, Many thanks for the reminder about the difference between wearer and manufacturer compliance with DOT. An additional 'digression' is that BMW's helmet manufacturer, Schuberth, has _chosen_ not to market System 3/4 in the US, hence has not submitted its helmets for DOT approval. Rumor has it that this decision was/is based on some [unspecified] concern with possible legal liability in the US. Or, [this is pure speculation], it may be a market-driven decision: BMW wants to compete/position itself with other high-end helmets, all of whom in the US conform to Snell, in addition to DOT, standards; and there may be some part of the Snell standard that System helmets do not meet. Nevertheless, System helmets do meet all European, British, and Australian helmet standards, for both competition and on-road use. I think the bottomline remains: no rider should be concerned about wearing a System 3/4 helmet for on-road use in North America, for any 'legal', health insurance, or other reason. Competition use may represent a different issue in the US, depending on how sanctioning organizations enforce on-track compliance with helmet standards. best, Court Fisher Princeton NJ all the usual suspect acronyms court.fisher NoSpam@NoSpamworldnet.att.net - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 18:08:22 +0100 From: "[iso-8859-1] Anders H=F8rtvedt" To: Sidecar News Group , 'Ken Hansen' <73652.2202NoSpam@NoSpamcompuserve.COM> Subject: RE: Heated visor, I try to explain how (quite long and detailed) Regarding the description of heated visors, I feel a little bit uncertain o= n how to describe it, but I'll give it a shot: What I have done, is to take a normal visor, preferrably of the scratch res= istant variant, (since they usually last longer) and drill a series of smal= l holes in the upper and lower region of the visor, approx 10 mm apart, and= each row of holes approx 50 mm apart, or whatever might be suitable. A little ASCII drawing here: Visor:----> __________________________________ | . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | | | | | | | | . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | |__________________________________| Then you ride your rig to an electrical store and buy some resistance wire.= I don't know what the correct english term for this wire is, but it is a k= ind of thin metal wire with pretty high electrical resistance. The point is= that this wire will go red hot when a suitable current is passed thru it. The wire must be passed thru the holes, in a way that makes most of the wir= e stay on the inside of the visor Visor:----> __________________________________ | . . __ . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |__|. |__|. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | |__________________________________| You get the point? or in a zig-zag pattern, outside oand inside every other time like this: Visor:----> __________________________________ | . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | | \ /\ | | \ / \ | | \ / \ / | | \/ \/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | |__________________________________| And so on... What you prefer, is mostly a personal question. In my experience, most of t= he ice bulds up on the inside of the visor, and since visors tend to lead h= eat quite badly, my preferred solution is the first, where all the vertical= wires are on the inside, when all the horizontal (shorter) wires ar on the= outside. When the visor is drilled, and the wire is passed thru the holes, you end u= p with one end of the resistance wire on each side of the visor.=20 Connect each end of the wire to a softer two-lead wire of proper thickness,= e.g. 2x1mm2. This wire should be connected to the bike's 12Volt supply trough a fuse, sw= itch and plug. Personally, I have used a standard 6.3 mm Jack plug, the sam= e type as my son uses on his electric guitar. The reason for selecting this= type of plug, is that it will release from the female plug quite easily in= the event where I leave the bike in a hurry. For the same reason, I have t= he female plug hanging from the end of a 20 cm long wire, not a chassis plu= g in a hole in the fairing or other panel. The reasoning is that if I ever = hit something hard and were thrown off, I'd rather have plug leave the fema= le plug, instead of me getting my neck hurt. One question remains: what resistance should the wire have? In my experienc= e, a place between 10 and 30W is sufficient (or rather: if you heat more, y= our visor will melt). For 12V that should mean some place betwen 6-12 ohms = on the total length of wire. A heated visor does not heat your face, but it meens that you may ride with= the visor closed, even when it is cold. If yu don't have any heat, the vis= or will ice on the inside if you keep it closed below -15 C in my experienc= e. This is the poor-mans solution, I'm aware that there are several helmets th= at may be supplied with heated visors from the factory. Of course, if you have plenty of electrical supply on your rig, the next st= ep is to use more of the same wire to make heated grips, heated soles to pu= t in the boots..... The list goes on. I hope that I made a understandable explanation? If some of you need more i= nfo, I'll try to help. Anders H=F8rtvedt N-3640 Skollenborg 1986 Ducati Mille S2 1975 Guzzi 850T Watsonian Cambridge =20 Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 19:00:43 -0800 From: "ynotfix" Subject: BMW: Re: RF-700 replacement parts Ditto,ditto. They had the new ratchets on my doorstep 4 days later and it's a joy to use the helmet now. ................... Tony Angco - ---------- > From: daniel stephens > To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com > Subject: BMW: RF-700 replacement parts > Called Shoei about replacing the helmut hardware. Never actually spoke to > a person but they sent me the parts. > Face shield goes up and stays up. > Thanks Shoei. > Anyone else who has similar problems with a lose face shield. Call em up! > cheers, > dan Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 12:37:39 -0500 From: William Safford <73760.3533NoSpam@NoSpamcompuserve.com> Subject: Re: BMW: helmets for skiers Norman Solberg: > A doctor made a statement that there is no way in the world > wearing a helmet would have had any effect whatsoever on Sonny's > demise. I don't know if this only applied to this particular > situation or helmet-wearers in general, but if it is generally > true, it blows a hell of hole in the "we're doing this for your > own safety, whether you like it or not" and "helmets save lives" > arguements ! It applied to the specific circumstances. Sonny Bono received other severe injuries, including a severed spine. The thing to remember about helmets--motorcycle, skiing, or otherwise--is that they protect only the head, and even that not perfectly. It is a tool, not a panacea. > In my experience, the injuries are much more likely to occur to > one's lower extremities , like riding (see Hurt Report for m/cs). > I personally think (no data) that head injury risk is pretty low > in normal skiing. I have no idea if the former is valid. However, I can tell you that the only concussion I've received in my life occurred while skiing. I caught an edge and hit my head on ice when I fell down. I saw stars, and was woosy for the next couple days. I wish I had been wearing a helmet that day. I haven't gone skiing for about three years now. Next time I do, I plan to buy a skiing helmet. I've always been a motorcycle helmet supporter, but this was further reinforced when I saw my brother's head bounce off of a rock last fall. The helmet did its job so well that he didn't realize that his head had hit the ground until I told him and showed him the caved-in part of the helmet. - --Will Safford From: R100MGB Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 17:45:10 EST To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Euro Skid Lid X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 16-bit for Windows sub 63 Sender: ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Reply-To: R100MGB X-No-Archive: yes X-Bmw-List: Majordomo 1.94.3 X-Web-Page: http://www.ibmwr.org/ X-Copyright: (c) IBMWR and the original author(s). In a message dated 98-03-23 23:35:41 EST, you write: [re: J.C. Witless helmet in their m/c catalog:] > The strange thing is that the chin bar splits in the center and the > two pieces slide back to either side of the helmet. It also has a shield > that retracts into the helmet, slides up inside like a Nolan. Darn clever concept... In event of crash, both sides retract to avoid expensive damage to the chin bar. Burt Perrault (Houston, TX) (78 BMW R100/7s; 80 Yamaha XS650 Special II; 80 Vespa 200; 78 MGB Roadster; 97 Mustang GT) "Talk may be cheap, but it pays my bills."