Tag Archives: Motorcycle helmet

How to Choose the Safest Helmets 

(CONTRIBUTED POST FOR NORTH AMERICAN READERS)

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most exciting things you can do in your life. Nothing can compare with the feeling of the road under your wheels and the wind gliding around your body. When you think about the acronym ATGATT, which stands for All The Gear All The Time, the first thing that you would think about is the helmet as your most important piece of motorcycle safety gear. According to statistics from 2015, 740 people would still be alive today if they were wearing a helmet. The good news is that as many as 1,772 people are still alive today because they practiced safe riding habits and wore their helmet. So, the importance of wearing a helmet should not be understated. Are all helmets safe? When buying the safest helmet, keep these things in mind. 

Different Styles of Helmets

There are three main designs of helmets. The full face, ¾ face, and the ½ face helmets. The full-face design helmet is, without a doubt, the safest choice. 

Although the full face helmet seems bulky and heavy, it gives you complete protection from debris, bugs, and inclement weather. This type of helmet is also proven to absorb 50% of severe impacts in case of an accident. The chin bar will also protect your jaw from an unfortunate accident. 

Always go for a shell-built design when you are out to buy a new helmet. It protects your head and avoids direct contact with the road as its first line of defense. The next feature to consider is the impact-absorbing liner. The inner lining of the helmet provides comfort for the head and also cushions against impact in crashes. The last feature is the helmet’s chin strap. Helmets should be firmly strapped on so they can serve their purpose.

Manufacturers follow specific standards to ensure that they only produce top quality products. 

Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards

One of the frequently used helmet standards in the US is the Snell Foundation certification, as they do a thorough test for helmets in all sports, most notably in professional motorsports. Here are some of the criteria they follow:

  • Impact Testing – This calculates the gravitational force or acceleration. The helmet is unacceptable if the maximum acceleration is more than the allowed value. 
  • Chin Bar Test – With the chin bar facing upward, the test helmet is attached to a base. A maximum downward deflection of the chin bar must not go over the required distance.
  • Shell Penetration Test – This test allows a striker to hit the helmet, but the helmet should withstand the impact of a sharp-pointed 3-kg object. No penetration or momentary contact should occur inside the helmet.
  • Positional Stability (Roll-Off) Test – This test requires a head form, mounted with straps and buckles, to obtain the best possible fit for the wearer. During the trial, slight movements of the helmet is acceptable. It, however, must not roll off the head form.
  • Dynamic Retention Test – Again, with a head form and with the chin strap securely placed under a device as a jaw. The ability to retain is measured by concurrently eliminating the 23 kg weight and replacing it with a 38 kg mass in a sudden fall. The test is considered failed if the helmet is not capable of holding up the applied mass.
  • Face Shield Penetration Test – Also known as a visor, the face shield is placed on to a test helmet and is shot along the midline. The face shield must have sufficient durability that can withstand the pellets. If these pellets manage to pass through the face shield, then it is not acceptable. 

Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet

Presuming you have not replaced your helmet for five years and have not had any direct impacts that would affect the integrity of the helmet, it still might be time to shop for a new one. If an unfortunate accident happens and the helmet fails, you will likely need the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer. Manufacturers who fail to produce high-quality helmets that meet standards can be liable for accidents. 

When you’re out riding your motorcycle, always keep the acronym ATGATT in mind. Make sure that all your senses are heightened, and above all, wear a trustworthy helmet.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Slim Cambox gives eye-level view

Cambox V4 Pro is a slim action camera that fits around a helmet’s visor aperture to give a more accurate viewpoint of what you see when riding.

Unlike the many bulky helmet cameras that fit on top, below or beside the helmet, this curved unit fits close to your eyes for a more “normal” viewpoint. It will also fit any type of helmet or even a hat.

It easily fits to your helmet with a self-adhesive velcro system.

The Cambox V4 Pro is the latest development of their slimline Cambox cameras.

This new model is claimed to be up to three times lighter than most other cameras at 65g.

It should also have less wind resistance and less likelihood of damaging rotational forces on your neck in a crash.

Since it is so small, you can fit it inside the visor aperture (so long as there is room) so it does not protrude outside the helmet.

We know South Australian and Victorian police don’t approve of cameras on helmets, but let’s see how they deal with this!Cambox V4 Pro action camera

Cambox crowd funding

The French developers have launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding program to go into production with the Cambox V4 Pro available in January 2020 for €499 (about $A810).

Early supporters of the crowd-funding campaign can order one for a 38% discount at €309 (about $A500) in black, blue, red or green.

Apart from its slimline design, it still does most of the things other action cameras provide.

It has 4K/60fps, 12 megapixels video with a 150-degree lens and slow motion option at 240fps.Cambox V4 Pro action camera

They also claim it has stereo sound from two mics at either end, although we are not sure how much that will separate the sound.

It has wifi/bluetooth connectivity to your phone so you can view your videos or share them straight away on social media.

Cambox V4 Pro is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that has more than twice the power of their V3 model.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Narrate your video while you ride

Sena’s new 10C Evo helmet intercom arrives this week with a slimmer profile and an integrated 4K camera that allows you to narrate and include background music.

Tracey Pola of Sena Australia says the $589 unit will arrive this week and the entire shipment is pre-sold.

The popularity of both intercoms and cameras to record rides for entertainment and evidence in the case of accidents is increasing.

So units that combine the two should be winners, especially in such a compact unit as this Sena 10C Evo.

Be warned that police in Victoria and South Australia still believe cameras attached to helmets render the helmet non-compliant.

However, since we have not heard of any police fining a rider for having an intercom on a helmet, you may be able to fool the cops by telling them it’s just an intercom!

Sena 10C Evo

The new 10C Evo intercom will pair with four other units with range up to 1.6km (1 mile).

It includes all the usual intercom functions, as well as FM and pairing with a device up to 15m away.

Despite also including a 4K (30 frames per second ) camera, the unit is now 10% slimmer at 95mm long, 59mm tall and only 31mm wide. That’s only about 5mm wider than their 30K unit.

Narrate videoSena 10C Evo allows you to narrate over your video

However, the big attraction with this integrated unit is that you can easily narrate over the video.

You can even add background music with their Smart Audio Mix tech – all on the fly!

No need for editing all this into the video later on.

You can start recording at the touch of a button and voice prompts will keep you updated on your videoing.

There is also a video tagging function to save important events from a continuous loop of video to create highlights.

Apart from video, it will also take photos in still shot, burst, or time-lapse mode (one shot every second or every 2, 5 or 10 seconds).

A full battery charge will provide about 20 hours of talk time and 90 minutes of video recording.

The 10C EVO accepts MicroSD cards up to 128 GB.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW heritage fashion suits R 18 cruiser

BMW Motorrad has launched a 2020 heritage collection of rider gear to appeal to riders of their R nineT models as well as the upcoming R 18 cruiser.

“BMW Motorrad has announced the launch of a serial-production motorcycle for the second half of 2020, which will mark its entry into the cruiser segment,” their press release says.

BMW Concept R8 cruiser r 18 heritage
BMW R 18 cruiser concept

R 18 cruiser

While BMW Motorrad Australia can’t confirm pricing or arrival of the cruiser nor the heritage gear, they have incorporated a website page for the cool cruiser collection. It should start arriving in shops next year.

It’s obviously designed to appeal to younger riders with its casual look and feel rather than sports riders.

Their heritage clothing segment was started in 2014 to coincide with the launch of the R nineT models.

The return to cruiser models will give the company a new market niche.

We expect to see the R 18 cruiser unveiled at the ECMA Motorcycle Show in Milan next month.

BMW Motorrad Australia recently confirmed they are already taking orders for the big, 1800cc, retro cruiser.

Heritage styleBMW R 18 heritage

The BMW Motorrad Heritage Collection 2020 features a wide range of new items, from leather jackets to denim outfits, as well as motorcycle gloves and signature boots.

BMW says their early classic motorcycle colours and graphics are incorporated into the designs, such as black metal parts with fine white “TwinStripes” and the original BMW metal emblem.BMW R 18 heritage

“The copper-coloured details and visual accents displayed in these garments hark back to the materials used in classic BMW motorcycles,” they say.

There are also old-style engineer boots and open-face cruiser helmets in the heritage collection.

The first BMW motorcycle was the 1923 R32 with an air-cooled, two-cylinder flat-twin boxer engine.

In 1978, BMW Motorrad was one of the first serial-production manufacturers in the world to introduce a rider equipment range.

SafetyBMW R 18 heritage

“All the materials and textiles used are robust and long-lasting and they fulfil the highest standards of safety and functionality,” BMW says.

All items will be European-approved.

None of the gear has yet been tested by Australia’s MotoCAP, the world’s first rider gear safety and comfort rating system.

However, other BMW jackets, pants and gloves have been rated. Click here for more details.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aussie Forcite helmet sells to USA, Europe

Australia’s first smart helmet has already sold 1000 to be delivered around Christmas and is launching in the USA and Europe next year.

Forcite CEO and co-founder Alfred Boyadgis says their MK1 smart helmet has been a huge success since its unveiling at roadshows around Australia over the past couple of months.

It costs $949 but there is a “special $549 limited pricing in early 2020”.

The company will launch in the USA and Europe in the second quarter of 2020.

Forcite smart helmet delivered in December
Alfred with some early design helmets

Vapourware

Meanwhile, Alfred says other promised “smart helmets” are just “vapourware” which means they have been advertised but are not yet available, because they are just concepts or are still being developed.

“Up until now, the promise of a smart motorcycle helmet has been underwhelming, to say the least,” Alfred says.

“Much of the tech out there is vapourware, over-promising and under-delivering.”

He says their helmet will keep riders “fully informed of what is going on around them”.

“Forcite is here to wage war with the big brands and fly the flag high as the leader in smart helmet tech globally,” he says.

Forcite MK1 features

The MK1 features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining Formula 1 LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.

Here is the official Forcite press release providing technical information about the MK1:

RAYDAR

Forcite’s patented RAYDAR system connects motorcyclists to roads, communities and cities like never before. The server-based software system leverages AI to gather information from the millions of data points being communicated through mobile applications, GPS and cameras around the world that are currently inaccessible to motorcycle riders. RAYDAR then transmits that information to riders via a unique LED display that delivers colored visual cues similar to high-tech Formula 1 steering wheels. This enables riders to receive relevant information such as directions, hazards and alerts without dangerous HUD distractions, and without having to take their eyes off the road.

HD Camera

The MK1 features a Sony HD Camera with near infrared sensitivity, super-wide 166° diagonal field of vision lens, and up to five hours of continuous recording time.

Superior Audio

Ultra-thin speakers and dual microphones provide crisp, clear audio in surround sound without road noise. Riders can take phone calls, listen to music or communicate with other MK1 users via Forcite’s voice-over-internet comms system. 

Intuitive Controller

Handlebar-mounted controller puts control at a rider’s fingertips without unnecessary distractions. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Another win on incorrect helmet fine

Police continue to hand out incorrect  fines for helmet non-compliance and riders continue to challenge and win against the erroneous fines.

In this latest win, not only did the copper get it wrong, NSW Revenue “clearly did not bother reading the Road Rules either”, says Australian Motorcycle Council chairman Guy Stanford.

It follows a similar win for Queensland rider Ian Joice over an external sticker that had the word “Void” across it.

Void helmet Ian Joice
Ian with his “void” sticker

NSW helmet fine

The NSW rider, whose name has been suppressed, was issued a $337 fine on 10 June 2019 for wearing a helmet that did not have an external compliance sticker.

He contacted NSW Revenue which upheld the penalty saying:

There is no sticker on the helmet to show the helmet meets the minimum Australian standards. The helmet must contain a sticker from an approved body stating the helmet meets Australian standards and or has been tested and passed to meet the minimum Australian standards.

Yet the helmet is European and has the ECE22.05 certification sewn into the chain strap as required in the Australian Road Rules since November 2015.Helmet fine win

Guy says the “obvious and glaring injustice” was taken up by the *Motorcycle Council of NSW who made representations to NSW Treasurer Scott Farlow on the rider’s behalf.

Fine win

The Treasurer advised the rider that the matter had been passed back to police for review.

“NSW Police considered your submission and decided to cancel the penalty notice. The issuing officer apologises for any inconvenience,” the Treasurer said.

Guy praised the Treasurer: “It seems that at least one Minister is capable of comprehending. 

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void incorrect win
Guy Stanford

“We are pleased that the NSW Minister was able to resolve this matter.

“However, it seems unbelievable that both the NSW Police officer and Revenue NSW are not familiar with a Road Rule that has been in place for nearly five years.

“It would be easy to draw a conclusion that Infringement Notices are for generating revenue from the powerless.

“In this case, the rider was innocent of any wrongdoing, yet the review process failed to recognise this.” 

* The MCC of NSW is a member of the Australian Motorcycle Council and shares its expertise with other state and territory based rider organisations

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

French motorcycle helmet company Roof is releasing a new helmet, the RO200 Carbon, which is expected to be the lightest full-face helmet in the world.

At just 1090g, it beats the previous lightest helmet, the Nolan-made X-Lite X-803 Ultra Carbon at 1249g.

The 1090g weight is for their small shell size to fit XS to M sized heads, while their ML to XXL helmets weigh 1150g which is still lighter than the X-Lite.

Roof helmets have been around since 1993 and have ECE22.05 certification, so they are legal here.

They are imported to Australia through Cassons, now owned by Motorcycle Holdings which also owns TeamMoto dealerships.Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

There is no word yet from Cassons about price and arrival.

In Europe they start at €699 (about $A1130), depending on colour and graphics.

Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

Features include UV and anti-scratch visor with Pinlock anti-fog insert, removable and adjustable lining, intercom compatible, glasses channels, six air intakes and two extractors, and a double-D ring chin strap clasp. 

Despite its light weight, Roof says the helmet is suitable for race-standard protection with “advanced technologies and innovative solutions” including “Evolutive EPS protection with five densities”.

They claim the face aperture provides 210° of horizontal vision and 100° vertical.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Arai Regent-X easier to pull on/off

The next-generation Arai Regent-X helmet will address the problem of tight-fitting helmets being difficult to pull on and off.

It will be released late this year with the latest version of Arai’s Facial Contour System.

This system includes a 5mm adjustment in the jawline and cheek pads that “articulate up and down” as you pull on and take off the helmet.Arai Regent-X motorcycle helmet

They say this makes it easier to pull on and take off.

When the helmet is on, Arai claim the cheek pads will wrap around your face for a snug fit.

This is important as brain injuries can occur if your helmet does not fit tightly around your head.

Although it has a snug fit, the cheek pads have bigger speaker recesses and they say it is now easier to fit an intercom.

And, as usual, the cheek pads are adjustable and come in multiple sizes to fit your head.

It also comes with their usual multi-density one-piece liner.

However, some people with round heads (like me) can’t wear Arai helmets as they have an oval shell shape.

Arai Regent-X

Arai has also fitted a lighter weight neck roll, although they don’t say how much lighter it makes the helmet.

But Arai does claim it reduces wind noise seeping in from the bottom of the helmet.Arai Regent-X motorcycle helmet

Protection is claimed to be the same as their race helmets even though it uses a new less-expensive resin.

We don’t have confirmation yet of its arrival time or prices in Australia.

Aussie prices for Arai helmets range from about $550  for the Acces-III to $1339.95 for the RX-7V graphic.

It will be available in sizes XS-XXL in solid colours and graphics.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Klim helmet cooler, safer, longer lasting

A new Koroyd helmet liner being used by Klim is claimed to be safer, cooler and last longer than the industry standard polystyrene or polypropylene “EPS” foam.

Koroyd is basically hundreds of tiny tubes of plastic polymer that form a honeycomb around your head, absorbing more impact and allowing cooling air to circulate.

It is also not affected by heat and sweat like EPS which limits helmet life to about five years.Klim Koroyd helmet

And it can be reused after small crashes as the liner material “bounces back”.

The Koroyd liner has been used in bicycle helmets.

Now American company Klim features the material in their F5 adventure helmet. It adds about 40% to the price.

Australia currently only gets the Klim Krios adventure helmet ($A750-$950). There is no word yet on whether the F5 with Koroyd will be coming here, but it is being Euro approved which means it would be legal.

How Koroyd liner works

While EPS is the industry standard in helmet lining, there are other helmet inventions that also claim to be cooler and increase impact absorption.

For example, Italian manufacturer Momo has a fan in the helmet that activates at low speed and American inventor Jason Kirshon has developed his Kirsh helmet with a lightweight silicone liner that helps reduce impact by up to 60% over EPS.

By the Koroyd liner puts these two elements together as well as improving the life of your helmet.

Koroyd tubes are designed to deform on impact to absorb the energy like EPS liners, but at a higher rate of 84% compared with 60%.

Not only does it absorb more impact, but it decreases the risk of a fracture, reacts better to direct or angled impacts and reduces rotational forces.Klim Koroyd helmet

The impact is also absorbed at a smoother rate of deceleration, reducing shock to the brain.

Once a conventional EPS-lined helmet has been in a crash, even at low speed, the helmet is usually a write-off.

However, the material in a Koroyd liner is able to bounce back from minor impacts.

Since it is made up of hollow tubes, it also allows more air to circulate around your head which is claimed to reduce heat by 30%.Klim Koroyd helmet

Klim

The technology seems to have been bought by Ohio company Klim (pronounced “climb”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries which makes Indian motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Neckmike intercom headset for riders

Neckmike intercom is similar to those tactical headsets you’ve seen the good guys using in Hollywood blockbusters.

It’s the product of a two-person Swedish company that produces headsets for military and first responders.

But co-founder Carl Franzén says they don’t just make them for use in combat or special ops, so they sent me their civilian version suitable for active use such as motorcycling, skiing and cycling.

The Neckmike M4+ bluetooth intercom bundle includes a handlebar controller and costs $US219.99 (about $A320) from Tactical Headsets.

Neckmike from Tactical headsets
Neckmike and handlebar control come in handy zipped container

 

Advantages

Most helmet intercom microphones are useless against wind noise, even when they have those little foam “socks” over them or have active noise cancellation.

As the name suggests, Neckmike uses a neck microphone that straps around your throat with two different collar sizes.

The mic is positioned right up against the skin of your throat so it doesn’t get any wind noise at all.

People I have spoken to on the phone, even when wearing an open-face helmet, say the voice quality is superb.

They couldn’t even tell I was on a motorcycle travelling at highway speeds.

Surprisingly the nec mic isn’t uncomfortable on a trip.

Neckmike from Tactical headsets
Neck mic

Another advantage of this unit is that it uses earbuds rather than speakers.

These silicon earbuds won’t irritate your ears and are passive noise cancellers if you shove them in far enough.

There are three different sizes of earbuds included to match your ear size.

They are comfortable for all-day use sop long and your helmet has ear recesses.

They also reduce damaging wind noise which can lead to rider fatigue, tinnitus and permanent hearing loss.Neckmike Case

Pairing is quick and easy and re-pairing when you power on is foolproof every time.

They don’t advise what bluetooth level it is and I couldn’t connect to other brands of intercom.

You can also download their free Zello app that turns your smartphone into a “push to talk” (PTT) device, using the 3G and 4G network.

So you can simply add other Neckmike users to your app channel and you’re connected at the touch of a button, although it only works if you have phone signal.

Disadvantages

Neckmike from Tactical headsetsOur main concern with the Neckmike is that they take ages to fit each time you put your helmet on or take it off.

There are too many messy wires as well as a velcro strap to hold the neck mic in place. It all gets in the way of the helmet strap.

The waterproof controller has seven buttons — way too many — and they are all so small you can’t discern which is which when trying to find them with gloved fingertips.

And the volume controls are upside down with the down volume button on top and vice versa. Very strange.

However, the handlebar control does make controls easier to access and operate.

We also don’t like the fact that you have to hold the power button for up to six seconds to switch on and off.

Carl says the earbud speakers are made with hi-fi elements from a “renowned Danish company” and we found the audio quality very clear for speech.

However, it is a bit shrill and high-frequency-oriented for playing music.

Uses

Neckmike Case
Bundle comes with M4 intercom and handlebar controls

We acknowledge that some riders are critical about intercom communication and audio entertainment while riding.

However, there are other riders who love music and being able to stay in touch. It’s also a safety device on group rides.

Plus there are professionals who need to be in contact for work while riding such as couriers and moto-journos like me!

For the latter, this Neckmike is ideal as the microphone and earbuds are perfect for making and receiving calls and intercom communication.

If you are a courier or tourer who won’t be taking off your helmet frequently, this unit would be suitable.

They are also ideal for use with open-face helmets thanks to their noise-cancelling microphone and earbuds.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com