Do you prefer/ or ride with: a full-face or 3/4 Helmet?

Portland_Rider · Post by **Portland_Rider** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:20 pm

Do you prefer/ or ride with: a full-face or 3/4 Helmet? Or another type of helmet?

I'm shopping around and trying out helmets (I'm new to scooters/cycles) so I have no personal frame of reference from riding experience.

I'm leaning toward either full-face or 3/4. Full-face is obviously safest. I've heard pro/con on flip-ups. For me, 3/4 is the most comfortable but is using one being too risky with safety?

What are your experiences and thoughts on this?

Thanks,

PR

Schwiering · Post by **Schwiering** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:27 pm

I am new to scootering too, but I am a skier and wear a helmet doing that. When I had a skiing accident, the one thing I wish I was wearing was a full face helmet. My half helmet saved me from a serious injury, but my face was pretty scratched up.
After that experience and reading the posts here, a full face was a no brainier for me. This is of course a personal choice.

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:30 pm

For my first helmet, I started out with a 3/4 with a full face shield. I know very well that full face helmets are much safer, and that in accidents, something like 19% of injuries to the head happen in that jaw region. But I was stubborn, and full face made me feel claustrophobic, so I went with the next best thing.

I am already thinking about buying a full face, however, about a month later. For a few reasons.

1. Once you start riding, the helmet becomes less of a big deal, as far as how you feel it affecting your comfort (granted, I am talking about a well-fitted helmet of course). Full face would really not bother me like I thought it would.

2. I have done a few long rides (100mi, 300mi..) and after awhile, the wind starts pushing up at my 3/4. That combined with how it loosens over time resulted in some annoyance for me. The wind was coming up under the shield and pushing my helmet up a little bit, but just enough to make it pretty damn irritating about 4 hours into the ride.

3. The colder weather is coming soon anyways, and full face will rule for that. It was hot as balls and hard to imagine cold when I first got my scoot. Full faces looked like mini ovens at that point. When it starts to chill (and at night, it already has) full face will probably add a lot of comfort.

So there you go - this doesn't count as preaching, because I am a person with a 3/4 talking about why I will probably get a full face soon. Just to avoid Eric's can-o-worms graphic.

farrellcollie · Post by **farrellcollie** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:52 pm

I have both a 3/4 and a FF and I wear the FF most of the time. I have had a couple of crashes on bicycles where I cracked my helmet, broke some bones and really tore up the skin and bruised my jaw I have just been lucky not to have broken jaw ) and it was enough to make me worried about it on scoot. I got the 3/4 for the MSF class because of tales of people passing out on the blacktop in St. louis in July and August and just ot have a spare.

Post by **jmazza** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:56 pm

I ride with a full-face. I chose it because like you said, it's the safest and I figured I'd rather have full protection on my head.

It felt a little funny on me at first but now it's just an extension of my body while riding. Mine (A KBC VR1x) doesn't feel particularly heavy and has great sight lines for riding.

It does provide a fairly quiet ride (and if I spend more $$ I could get a REALLY quiet ride) which actually enhances my ability to hear my surroundings, I believe. If anyone ever gives me crap about wearing a full face on a scooter I just tell them I'm too good looking to risk hurting my face.

Since they can't see most of my face, they have no idea if I'm lying or not!!

I have a black helmet and even though I've seen studies that show that, on long rides, eventually a black helmet will be hotter than a white one, it doesn't bother me at all, heat wise. I always flip up the visor at lights and even sometimes on slower roads.

I'd like my next helmet to be a flip up. I didn't spend the money on one the first go around because I just wanted basic protection. Now that I know I'll be on two wheels for a long time, I'll spend more on a posh helmet the next time. It would be nice to flip the whole chin bar up at times.

There's a great guide here at MB.com that ericalm put together here that has many more tips as well as the diagram betsy q. bramble referenced.

MarsR · Post by **MarsR** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:05 pm

I used a 3/4 with full face shield for most of my first year. I really liked it for the visiblity, but in the winter it was so cold I thought my face would fall off. After finding Modern Buddy and reading about safety issues, I decided to get a FF helmet. I lose a little visibility, but it is definitely better in colder weather. It's the only one I wear now. Even in hot weather it has enough airflow to keep cool.

jonhen · Post by **jonhen** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:29 pm

I wear a full-face (Nolan N-84). The full-face keeps the bugs and the wind out, and has the added advantage (to me) of being able to have a bluetooth cell phone headset. With the enclosed helmet, I can talk on the phone easily without the road noise. Not that I'm encouraging that, of course. Just saying.

Although the Florida heat and humidity sometimes persuade me to drop the jacket and heavy pants, I never ride without the helmet. The full-face enclosure also is great when it rains - I feel nice and cozy inside the helmet, even if the rest of me gets soaked.

Finally - my parents paid thousands of dollars for braces and a whole boatload of other dental work over the years, money that I've added substantially to. One crack to the jaw, and that's all gone. The full-face helps reduce the chances of that.

Post by **illnoise** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:46 pm

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:57 pm

Full face and love it. Quiet, don't have to eat bugs, no rocks in the face and the heat doesn't particularly bother me.

You will probably have to buy a couple of helmets before you really settle on what is right for you. All gear is a compromise. You could always do more or less and only you can decide the level of risk you are willing to accept. Money, comfort and style all play a part in your decision. Some are comfortable with no gear, others wouldn't ride around the block without full body armor that turns them into transformers. Enjoy your shopping!

Protect your eyes! That one is the law in most states, not a choice.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:25 pm

I have a FF, and I love it, my gf wanted something cuter so I bought her a 3/4... now she wants a FF. Esepcially in the Rain and Cold we will get over the winter... you are gonna want the FF to keep your face from freezing off!

UrbanBuddy82 · Post by **UrbanBuddy82** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:26 pm

Red mesh jacket, Red mesh riding pants, riding a Red scooter.

I had no choice....had to complete the whole Red power ranger theme...

Red full face helmet.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:02 pm

Modular (full): Vega Summit II. I also own a nolan N42 3/4 that I don't wear anymore and one of those generic 1/2 helmets that's still in the box. I was going to paint it but never did and after upgrading to the modular, I really don't want to ride in anything else. I've worn the Nolan once since getting the Vega and just didn't feel as safe in it anymore.

I have no problems riding with the modular even in temps in the '90s. I don't ride in triple-digit temps, but that's mostly because I don't have a mesh jacket.

Jessica · Post by **Jessica** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:13 pm

I wear a FF (AFX FX-16 Skull Helmet) and I love it. It's really comfortable and well ventilated. It's my first helmet, so I don't have anything else to base it on....but I really can't complain at all.

creampuff · Post by **creampuff** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:18 pm

I only wear a full face helmet. I'm a chicken about getting hurt, so I do everything I can to avoid it. All the gear; All the time. And the best gear I can find/afford. I can replace the ride eventually. Can't replace the rider or the rider's parts. (my husband loves that I have this attitude since I just got him a shoei fullface helmet for his birthday.) That was before I bought my scooter. Now I want one too!!!

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:52 pm

creampuff wrote: (my husband loves that I have this attitude since I just got him a shoei fullface helmet for his birthday.) That was before I bought my scooter. Now I want one too!!!

I wish I got a Shoei FF for my B-Day! hmmm... maybe Christmas time...

Perkussion · Post by **Perkussion** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:05 am

Full.
My jaw allows me chew food.

Portland_Rider · Post by **Portland_Rider** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:06 am

I really appreciate all the great and thoughtful replies.

Jmazza posted a reply along with a link. This link is to an article posted by Eric Calm called 'Helmet Basics and Buying'. It is VERY informative. I suggest that everyone read this article. Thanks Jmazza.
topic4951.html

Quoting the article: "Consider this: Studies have shown that the most frequently impacted area of a helmet in a crash is the chin (see diagram below). The front of the face is by far the most vulnerable area."

The percentage of riders, for the chin/jawbone area being impacted in an accident, is 35%! That is a large percentage. One that a 3/4 will not protect. Among some of the local riders and dealers that I've spoken with, many seem to claim that a person will fall on their side (to include their head) almost justifying why 3/4 are enough. Apparently the belief that the front of the face is less risky to take impact is more of a myth.

I'm going full-face. I will probably order the Scorpion Series 400 in white. The helmet appears well-built, was very comfortable, and seems to give great value for the money at about $150. If interested, check out their website.

Thanks again everyone. Ride safe.

PR

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:24 am

I have done a few long rides (100mi, 300mi..) and after awhile, the wind starts pushing up at my 3/4. That combined with how it loosens over time resulted in some annoyance for me. The wind was coming up under the shield and pushing my helmet up a little bit, but just enough to make it pretty damn irritating about 4 hours into the ride.

This is no joke. The one time I layed my scoot down was when I was pulling over to the side of the road because of the wind in my helmet. It was actually strong enough to move my helmet around a little and create a very big safety problem. This was amplified when I looked over my shoulder to change lanes.

I want to get a full face for my long ride but I'm hedging on it now because the one I wanted is now backordered at Tulsa Scooters. I've got $30 of GCs there to help out with the cost so I don't really want to go anywhere else if I can help it. But I'm leaning towards getting a FF Mod before the trip regardless....

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:54 am

Wow! I am so impressed at the number of full-face helmet replies! I am new to scootering and also wear a full-face helmet (in addition to red mesh armored MC jacket and gloves). I am now 43 and had a bad motorcycle accident when I was 17 in which a car pulled out in front of me and then stopped. I hit the car and flew over it and landed directly on my chin. I was wearing a full-face helmet but it was pushed upward with the force of the impact. Needless to say, my jaw was destroyed. All is good now but who knows how bad it could have been in any other type of helmet.

One question for the group: Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? It seems like I can't just glance down to see it; I have to tilt my head. This has been pretty annoying for me but maybe I'm just watching it too much since my scooter has less than 200 miles. Sounds silly, but I was just wondering.

bulldog1967 · Post by **bulldog1967** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:05 am

he diagrams above show the impact areas on crash-involved motorcycle helmets. (Source: Dietmar Otte, Hannover Medical University, Dept. of Traffic Accident Research, Germany.) Note that 35% of all crashes showed major impact on the chin-bar area. This means that if you ride with an open-face helmet, you are accepting only 65% of the protection that could be available to your head.

If you ride with a shorty or half helmet, you are accepting only 39% of the protection you could obtain. You are literally throwing away 61% of the protection you would have had had you chosen a full-face helmet.

See those higher numbers on the chin?

Thats where you want SOMETHING to protect you.

Unless you like drinking through a straw for several months.

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/swisher.htm

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:26 am

when I feel the need to wear a helmet - I wear my full face

Portland_Rider · Post by **Portland_Rider** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:36 am

"Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? "

Good Question and it is not silly. While I'm new to scooters/cycles and can't answer it myself, I'm glad that you asked it. I've been shopping recently for FF helmets and some seem to offer a better or broader visual field than others.

The Scorpion 400 Series FF, for me, has offered the best fit, comfort, and broadest field of vision.

PR

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:44 am

Portland_Rider wrote:"Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? "

not difficult, but I do have to tile my head down more to read it

Post by **jmazza** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:45 am

Tocsik wrote: One question for the group: Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? It seems like I can't just glance down to see it; I have to tilt my head. This has been pretty annoying for me but maybe I'm just watching it too much since my scooter has less than 200 miles. Sounds silly, but I was just wondering.

Yes. It does require lowering your head a bit to look at the speedo (at least with my FF helmet).

It was, like you said, a weird issue for me for the first few hundred miles. Now, not at all. Part of it is that I've just gotten used to the move, or I do it while doing other head checks, etc. But another part is that I just don't really need to look at the speedo that much. If I'm in busy traffic where looking down at the speedo too often would be dangerous, I ride with traffic regardless of the speed limit and then if I'm on a more open road, I am able to check out the speed more.

It's pretty easy to "feel" how fast you are going on these little scooters. They aren't like big luxury cars where it's easy to go 90 and feel like you're only going 45. I can gauge pretty easily how fast I'm going, and so after 2500 miles, it's not an issue anymore at all.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:49 am

I can see everything I need to with my FF. Speedo, feet, floorboard etc... I think someone posted up some info about some study that said that x number of motorcyclists involved in crashes none of them said that their FF obstructed anything in their view to lead to the accident.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:54 am

Tocsik wrote:One question for the group: Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? It seems like I can't just glance down to see it; I have to tilt my head. This has been pretty annoying for me but maybe I'm just watching it too much since my scooter has less than 200 miles. Sounds silly, but I was just wondering.

The short answer: yes. I had to get used to looking down. 'Course I don't bother most of the time.

carreybat · Post by **carreybat** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:08 am

i'm new to this scooter riding thing.. though i never rode anything like this i bought a full face..

and thanks for all the pics. you guys have made me happy with my purchase.

as for seeing everything, i think i am already used to it.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:25 am

Fullface.

I bought mine at a Cycle Gear store. The guy there helped me fit it correctly. It should squeeze your cheeks into your teeth, and you should not be able to pull it off by tilting it forward. They get a bit bigger after a few weeks, too, so go as snug as you can at the store.

I feel naked without my helmet, jacket, gloves, and high-tops.

(Nothing wrong with being naked, except when you're on a scooter!)

newslinky · Post by **newslinky** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:08 am

Fullface here and if you haven't bought already I would strongly recommend going to a local shop and trying on before buying. The helmet new should fit snug with no spot where it feels like there is more pressure being applied. Nothing worse than spending that dough getting the helmet in then going for a short ride to find you helmet doesn't fit right or gives you a hadache due to a pressure point.

R.McLeod · Post by **R.McLeod** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:29 am

I think I'm the only one here, so far, that doesn't have a full face. I opted for an open face with a half visor instead.
<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I'll ride with this for as long as I can, but I do think my next helmet will be FF. Finding a FF that had the look I wanted was a problem, but sacrificing safety for style was a bad decision in hindsight. I wish I had found this forum before I purchased my helmet. Oh well.

Post by **jmazza** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:05 am

R.McLeod wrote: Finding a FF that had the look I wanted was a problem, but sacrificing safety for style was a bad decision in hindsight.

That IS a very difficult thing. It seems that most helmets with any of the kind of styling that fits a more "classic" designed scooter (and the Buddy is about 2/3 that, imho) are half lids or maybe 3/4 lids. And many of them are much more show than go.

I was looking for a link to the MOMO Fighter helmet which is a really cool 1/2 lid as an example and I see that MOMO now has a FF helmet (and I guess they have for a while but I've never seen it) called the Devil which is really great looking. I don't know anything about it though, safety-wise.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:49 pm

Tocsik wrote:
One question for the group: Do you find it difficult to keep an eye on your speedo with the full-face? It seems like I can't just glance down to see it; I have to tilt my head. This has been pretty annoying for me but maybe I'm just watching it too much since my scooter has less than 200 miles. Sounds silly, but I was just wondering.

It is not unlike getting used to wearing bifocals. After a while it becomes second nature and you pay it no mind. I've been wearing bifocals and full face for so long it is the new normal. You adjust quickly.

R.McLeod wrote:I think I'm the only one here, so far, that doesn't have a full face. I opted for an open face with a half visor instead.

My wife wears a 3/4 with a face shield and likes it.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:06 pm

R.McLeod wrote: I'll ride with this for as long as I can, but I do think my next helmet will be FF. Finding a FF that had the look I wanted was a problem, but sacrificing safety for style was a bad decision in hindsight. I wish I had found this forum before I purchased my helmet. Oh well.

Does "As long as I can" mean - until my first accident?

I look at it like a one-time thing. I only have one face, one jaw, one chin. How long are you going to gamble with yours? Keep the current helmet for a passenger, and get the full-face. (You already said you were going to upgrade - so don't put it off).

I think all of us felt "silly" at first riding a scoot with a FF....hell, they're not motorcycles....I was thinking more about looking stupid than protecting my body. Glad I started reading "Proficient Motorcycling".

I cannot imagine how or why the no-helmet laws passed! I guess it's a "Darwin" thing...but don't be too proud to protect yourself. I guess our people in government and insurance would rather have us just "die" instead of go to the hospital, which might cost money...

You saw the picture of the helmets with the hit percentages up above...if you don't hear what all of us FF helmet people are saying, look at the B&W picture again, and understand that your bottom jaw is the part with the REAL TARGET on it.

I hope you don't think I'm being mean or nasty, I'm just afraid of dying like most people, and I want to reinforce that it's SMART to do everything you can to protect yourself.

Post by **jmazza** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:29 pm

MarkTur wrote:
R.McLeod wrote: I'll ride with this for as long as I can, but I do think my next helmet will be FF. Finding a FF that had the look I wanted was a problem, but sacrificing safety for style was a bad decision in hindsight. I wish I had found this forum before I purchased my helmet. Oh well.
Does "As long as I can" mean - until my first accident?

I look at it like a one-time thing. I only have one face, one jaw, one chin. How long are you going to gamble with yours? Keep the current helmet for a passenger, and get the full-face. (You already said you were going to upgrade - so don't put it off).

I think all of us felt "silly" at first riding a scoot with a FF....hell, they're not motorcycles....I was thinking more about looking stupid than protecting my body. Glad I started reading "Proficient Motorcycling".

I cannot imagine how or why the no-helmet laws passed! I guess it's a "Darwin" thing...but don't be too proud to protect yourself. I guess our people in government and insurance would rather have us just "die" instead of go to the hospital, which might cost money...

You saw the picture of the helmets with the hit percentages up above...if you don't hear what all of us FF helmet people are saying, look at the B&W picture again, and understand that your bottom jaw is the part with the REAL TARGET on it.

I hope you don't think I'm being mean or nasty, I'm just afraid of dying like most people, and I want to reinforce that it's SMART to do everything you can to protect yourself.

I definitely appreciate your enthusiasm and concern for safe riding, but let's be careful to not opine on someone else's choice of gear- Whether you gear up at all and how much is a personal decision. We've presented some good info in this thread and in others, and that's all we should keep these kinds of threads to. Any more than that and they spiral quickly.

And regarding helmet laws, discussion about them is a strict no-no here, but the reason they exist is the same reason any laws exist- lobbyists (rider groups, not insurance). There are all kinds of contradictory laws on the books of the United States. Let's leave the helmet law discussion at that!!

Thanks!!

Scooter Hoot · Post by **Scooter Hoot** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:36 pm

Full Face. I think I'm the only scooter rider I've seen around town so far wearing a full face helmet - most are wearing 1/2 or nothing at all.

Sure I've gotten a few odd looks, and a question or two about why I bother with all the heavy duty motorcycle gear for a scooter that tops out at 60mph, but I figure physics doesn't really care whether I'm driving a 1000cc crotch rocket or my scooter if soccer mom pulls out in front of me and I go smack into a minivan or skidding down the road, so why should I?

Xena · Post by **Xena** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:39 pm

I love my 3/4 helmets which are what I wear almost all the time...I am now getting ready to buy a full face or modular full face with the colder weather coming up. I want to start scooting longer into the season here and it won't happen without the proper face covering...

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:43 pm

R.McLeod wrote:I think I'm the only one here, so far, that doesn't have a full face. I opted for an open face with a half visor instead.

Well, you're the only one to come out and admit, but I know we have many 3/4 and half helmet wearers on the forum. Many are probably just unwilling to come out and declare it in public because they're not interested in getting the kind of reaction you just got from Mark Tur.

Purely anecdotal, but by far most of the new scooterists I see around here wear 3/4 or half helmets. The Nolan N30 is especially popular (my wife wears one), as are others (Fulmer V2) which have cool, simple graphics like stripes and checkers.

The reason I started out with a half helmet? I didn't really think I needed much more for a scooter and, in all honesty, a big FF helmet clashed with my personal image of scootering. What changed my mind? Facts and stories from people who'd crashed. But like many, I don't like being told what to do or shamed into conforming so every time the ATGATT police came out, I resisted. Then I had a crash.

There's nothing wrong with wearing less of a helmet, as long as you do so knowing the risks and possible repercussions. Against my better judgement, I often wear leather shoes instead of my boots. Occasionally, I forego wearing my jacket, fully knowing what could happen should I crash.

Admin reminder: Discussion of helmet laws is not permitted and we try to enforce a non-judgmental approach to others' opinions and the decisions they make about their gear. See the Posting Guidelines.

R.McLeod · Post by **R.McLeod** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:48 pm

MarkTur wrote:
R.McLeod wrote: I'll ride with this for as long as I can, but I do think my next helmet will be FF. Finding a FF that had the look I wanted was a problem, but sacrificing safety for style was a bad decision in hindsight. I wish I had found this forum before I purchased my helmet. Oh well.
Does "As long as I can" mean - until my first accident?

"As long as I can" means I just bought the helmet and can't afford to throw down $100+ on another brand new helmet, and I don't plan on going 2-up on my scoot at any time soon. Thank you for your concern with my safety, I take no offense to your criticism.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:07 pm

I sincerely apologize if I stepped on anyone's toes.

MarkTur · Post by **MarkTur** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:10 pm

ericalm wrote:
R.McLeod wrote: The reason I started out with a half helmet? I didn't really think I needed much more for a scooter and, in all honesty, a big FF helmet clashed with my personal image of scootering. What changed my mind? Facts and stories from people who'd crashed. But like many, I don't like being told what to do or shamed into conforming so every time the ATGATT police came out, I resisted.
Me, too, and again - sorry about the helmet-law thing. I didn't realize how touchy this subject could be. ....assholes and opinions....everyone's got them!

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:11 pm

I've got an old 3/4 and two FF helmets. Haven't worn the 3/4 in a long, long time and I'm actually considering giving it away. It's not really because of safety issues, it's more about noise and wind intrusion. A FF is just flat out quieter and more comfortable than anything else at speed. There are occasions where I'll go helmetless and/or gearless but they are few and far between. The risk really does increase with speed, so the lower speed of scooters does have an effect. I've had rocks, large bugs and even a couple of birds hit my helmet at high speed. What was a surprise with a helmet would've been far worse without.

A couple of individual comments sort of jumped out at me reading over this thread.

First:

when I feel the need to wear a helmet - I wear my full face

Okay, I know this is semantics, but none of us are really qualified to determine "need". If you assess your ride in advance, weigh the risks and conclude you're probably okay without a helmet, that's fine. That's precisely what I do. But, I'm not fooling myself into thinking I've accounted for every possible action and reaction. Fecal matter really does happen.

Second:

hell, they're not motorcycles

Ugh, semantics again. But in most states, a motorized two wheeled vehicle over 50 cc is, by law, a motorcycle. If you have a license plate on your back fender, the law says you're riding a motorcycle.

I'm all for freedom of choice when it comes to gear, especially if the person making the decisions is informed. Rather than have new laws dictating what I have to wear, I'd much rather have the law address the real problem, which, to me, is driver training and awareness.

Post by **jmazza** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:13 pm

MarkTur wrote:
Me, too, and again - sorry about the helmet-law thing. I didn't realize how touchy this subject could be. ....assholes and opinions....everyone's got them!

thanks for understanding, Mark! Like I said, I think you just have a lot of enthusiasm for safety and responsible riding which is great- many of us here do. We just have to keep certain discussions sort of out of bounds because history has shown that there's just some things you can't talk about without little wars breaking out!

Good luck at your MSF tonight- My wife is at her second day (she did the two day option) today and loving it!

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:36 pm

When I began commuting to work on my bicycle my wife was concerned because I did not wear a helmet. A compromise was in order and I ended up with a what I thought was a completely unnecessary piece of equipment; a truly ugly, cheapest I could find, very lightweight, WalMart yellow helmet, bought strictly for the price. It kept her happy. As the months and the miles rolled on club riding became a regular mid week and weekend activity. I upgraded and began to wear cycling gloves. One day I slipped on railroad tracks and fell, breaking my fall (ha!) with my hands. Tore up the heel of my hand through the gloves and broke three spokes. Buying opportunity!

Better gloves, another helmet. By this time I had bought about three more helmets and had settled on a brand I liked and found I saved money by buying last years model or older and they were of much higher quality.
After quite a few years of cycling including out of town weekend festivals both road and mountain biking I looked back and realized how long the road traveled had been. Over those years I witnessed quite a few accidents (its only a bicycle!) that left riders with split helmets, road rash and broken bikes. No, it was not racing.
Fast forward (too late!) to my return to motorcycles/scooters. One crash, thank goodness I had on a helmet, road rash is road rash, it hurts, itches, gives you something to pick,

and lasts longer than you thought it would.

I guess after all this rambling about the past I should make a point. We all start at the beginning, knowing nothing, but terribly excited about this new found adventure called riding. Newbies will learn at their own pace and choose what they wear or don't wear for their own reasons. Allow them to do so without lecturing to them. Many will end up with more and better gear, some with less or none ever. That is their choice. Time and experience may bring them to different choices.

This was probably all said in a much more concise manner above, but I'm old and decided the younguns had to listen.

Or not. And now, I will make another pot of coffee at my desk.

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:47 pm

Full face.
At first, felt like looking through a submarine port. Now Im used to it.
I can see everything I need to see for safetys sake.

The only thing I don't like is at nighttime, when I don't have a lot of peripheral and I'm at a stoplight in a new town. I went through some dangerous areas and just learned to use my mirrors and look around to make sure no one was coming up on me!

I've seen a lot of crap flying around out there on the roads. Where DO those mysterious rocks fly from?
I can't believe I started off with a little harley half shell hat.

My next want is a modular. I hate trying to talk/listen from my full face. Which happens in group rides, etc.

olhogrider · Post by **olhogrider** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:37 am

Alix B wrote:Full face.

My next want is a modular. I hate trying to talk/listen from my full face. Which happens in group rides, etc.

After 3 modulars I've gone back to a full face. If you rest your modular on the seat with the chinbar open, someone WILL knock it to the ground and break the hinge. Of course, using the helmet lock or the pet carrier or a trunk would prevent that

I am sure the helmet is as strong as a full face when it is latched.

betsy q. bramble · Post by **betsy q. bramble** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:31 pm

olhogrider wrote:
Alix B wrote:Full face.

My next want is a modular. I hate trying to talk/listen from my full face. Which happens in group rides, etc.
After 3 modulars I've gone back to a full face. If you rest your modular on the seat with the chinbar open, someone WILL knock it to the ground and break the hinge. Of course, using the helmet lock or the pet carrier or a trunk would prevent that

I am sure the helmet is as strong as a full face when it is latched.

Did you have metal, or plastic hinges? I've heard that makes a big difference, so I'd be curious to know which you had.

Post by **illnoise** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:11 pm

I'm not a fan of modulars, it's easier to take my glasses off and put them back on than it is to operate the latches on most of those with gloves on. And they're bigger, heavier, and noisier.

As far as looking down, yes, I have to tilt my head a bit, but once you've been riding a lot, you'll realize that you don't pay much attention to the speedo or odometer if you're just going with the flow of traffic. I find myself looking at the digital clock on my Blur more than the speedo.

Actually the mirrors are the bigger problem for me, I can't see them out of the corners of my glasses, but I can't stop buying hipster glasses with narrow frames. But that doesn't have much to do with the helmet.

olhogrider · Post by **olhogrider** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:12 pm

betsy q. bramble wrote:[
Did you have metal, or plastic hinges? I've heard that makes a big difference, so I'd be curious to know which you had.

Each were metal. They just aren't designed for being hit while open. They were a BMW System, Arrow (Italian brand now out of business) and an HJC.

buddyinblack · Post by **buddyinblack** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:42 pm

Modular is the way to go especially if you ride in the heat. Easy to get a sip from your drink.

and that makes me happy.

There is nothing like pulling up next to a harley guy, nodding and then taking a swig!

maribell · Post by **maribell** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:33 pm

R.McLeod wrote:I think I'm the only one here, so far, that doesn't have a full face. I opted for an open face with a half visor instead.
<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I just bought that helmet in Pink. Hopefully Vespa Austin will have it in next week!

And I can't see my speedo either if I wear the full face. And it bothers me very significantly. Also, for us southern urban commuters, it is very helpful to have mouth access while riding. FF helmets require the use of a camelbak or other similar product.

Modern Buddy

Do you prefer/ or ride with: a full-face or 3/4 Helmet?

Do you prefer/ or ride with: a full-face or 3/4 Helmet?

I'm going full-face protection!

Yay full-facers!

Re: Yay full-facers!

Re: Yay full-facers!

Re: Yay full-facers!

Re: Yay full-facers!

Re: Yay full-facers!