Motorcycle helmet questions... (long, probably too long for most)

[(vikm)]

Am in the process of acquiring a vintage Vespa scooter and one of the things I need to do is also get a helmet. I've questions regarding such as well as looking for suggestions from experienced forumites (just made that up, I think).

First, a little info... as stated it is only a scooter and not a full on motorcycle with no intentions of getting one anytime soon. Said scooter is not going to be a daily rider or ridden on freeways, etc. It will however get up to 60-65mph but I don't anticipate doing so (see previous sentence). It will mostly be for around town (40mph zones max).

Ok, on to the helmets. I know everyone that is very safety conscious says "full face only" and has numerous examples of stories where someone ate pavement (or would have had they not had a full helmet on). I totally get it. That said, I'm considering the possibility of getting a full face and maybe an open face 3/4 as well for just the short, slow run down to the 7-11 or whatever.

My first question is, are the modular/flip up helmets relatively as safe as a regular full face? I really like the flip up aspect and am leaning towards one of those unless convinced otherwise. I've read where some listings say not to ride with the face flipped up. Is that because it defeats the purpose of the full face or because it weakens the overall design of the helmet, etc.? I'm mostly curious about that and not asking because I'm planning to do it.

Another aspect is cost/brands. I'm familiar with the big name brands and have spent much time looking over their product lines. I'm familiar with the "$50 helmet for a $50 head" mantra. Well, I'm not a moron (shut up ) but I'm not a rocket scientist, either so I won't be dropping $400+ on a helmet. Some of the helmets I've seen are anywhere from $150- $250 that I like and I'd be comfortable with from a safety standpoint. I've even seen some stuff on closeouts that are a little less just to move product. All are Snell rated or at least DOT.

A specific brand I've come across that is new (out of Canada) is Zox. They sponsor racers and meet DOT standards. They are among the low end pricewise (between $100 and $150-ish). They make a couple of good looking designs and like I said, the price is nice. What I don't know is, are they junk? I'm looking for some designs that don't look all "Darth Vader" or too outlandish. Just a nice solid color, basic design that will match the aspects of a vintage scooter but also is a bit more stylish than an old school Bell.

If you've read this far, you are either an enthusiast or are possibly just bored enough to have nothing better to do. In either case, your opinions/suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

[earache]

Congrats on the vintage Vespa. I've got two modern day scoots, but have always wanted a vintage. I'm a proponent of full face helmets and wouldn't wear anything but. I own a Nolan 100E flip up and love it. I never ride with it flipped up, but have seen people do it. I think it defeats the purpose since you're not fully protecting your face. The rest of the helment should work as designed, but your chin will be hamburger.

All helmets need to be DOT or Snell rated in the US, including flip ups. Most are DOT. If I were to buy a new one today it would probably be a Nolan 102E. I think they run for about $250. Small price to pay to save your face/head. Check out this thread on modernvespa.com http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/topic4717.html

[D-Rod]

I posted a similar request a little while ago and received some good advice and links.

http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/128...msg-128035

[(vikm)]

Thanks for the input (and yeah, I'm looking forward the getting the scoot). I like the new Vespa PX 150 but you can't get them in CA. I think i like them mostly because they resemble the old stuff the most. What do you have? Just curious.

I actually came across that thread you mentioned at that forum during my extensive search. I looked up the Nolans you mentioned and I actually like the styling of the one you have. I could do that. The updated 102e is starting to get a little too "pointy" in the chin for me. Personal preference... LOL!

I did read a review however about the 100e and a guy mentioned that the strap hit his Adam's Apple and eventually became irritating. I do plan on going and trying some stuff on but just haven't had the time and thought I'd ask here while I had a chance.

[(vikm)]

Ahh, Dennis. That "search" feature that everyone is always suggesting woulda come in handy on this, eh? oops. Thanks for the link.

[BigGuynRusty]

It is the little runs to the 7-11 where folks crash the most.

BGnR
Hate to lose you, hate for relatives have to visit a drooling idiot in the hospital.

[davester]

If you want full face protection, then you need it all the time. 30 mph vs 60 mph does not mean that you will hit the pavement (or a fast moving vehicle) with your face any less hard. Oftentimes it is the velocity of the vehicle hitting you which is the deciding factor. I was on a bike ride a couple of years ago and one of the guys who was riding with the group slammed into a runner from behind while going 40 mph downhill. The runner's cheek and chin was totally hamburgered and he required significant plastic surgery to reconstruct his face. His velocity was approximately 10 mph before the crash. Also, several years previously I was hit from behind while standing still on my bike by a car going about 40 mph. I fortunately avoided face/head injuries, but the differential impact velocity was on the order of 40 mph, sufficient to completely destroy my bike and tear tendons and ligaments.

[(vikm)]

I appreciate the safety concerns fellas. Really, I do.

I suppose what I meant when I related the specifics behind the interest in the open face was that on the shorter, putting around town at considerably slower speed type rides there is considerably more reaction time to avoid a potential accident. I also realize that there are new problems like people blowing through intersections, etc. but I'm comfortable in my awareness as a driver/rider to compensate for it. I'm an ultra-aware driver in a car and that will translate to the scoot as well. Another thing that will be less of a concern around town is the lesser likelihood of rocks (or insects) flying into my face from either myself or someone else driving at higher rates of speed.

In reality, I'll probably use the full face at least 75% of the time and that is my primary focus (for the reasons you all and others have mentioned). I'd eventually still like to pick up a 3/4 open face, though.

Thanks again for the input.

[earache]

You definitely want to try the helmets on. Unfortunately, local shops don't usually have a good selection. In my area, all the big cycle shops had Shoei, but no Nolans. Took me some time to find someone who had Nolans in the style and size I wanted. I don't have any trouble with the strap and think it's extremely comfortable.

I ride an Aprilia Mojito Custom 150, kitted to 190cc with a Scorpion pipe. My wife has a stock Vespa LX 150. We love them.

[Gareth]

One reason not to ride around with a flip helmet up is wind buffeting. I can feel the wind push my head around more sometimes with just the visor up on my full face helmet. I've never ridden my flip helmet flipped up (although I have seen people do it).