Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9486
BMW does charge a premium for their products. However, to be fair, their design and fit is usually a cut above the rest. If you like the look and want certain features, you usually can't get them elsewhere. The replacement visor for my Shoei Hornet is $199, plus the actual pinlock insert. Not exactly a bargain either. That hornet costs 459 euros in Europe while the BMW Enduro Helmet retails for 415 euros, 475 euros if you want graphics. I have rarely regretted buying good gear. The cheap stuff however reminds you every day of its shortcomings.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9483I've just found a replacement set of pinlock cams with the other helmet parts. They may also be available individually. Being able to replace them if the wear out, could mean that it's okay to leave them of during times where fogging is unlikely to be an issue. I am not too keen on having the pinlock in there all the time. I ride with the visor open quite a bit, so the inside of the visor gets its fair share of contaminants. Although I haven't tried it yet, I wonder if the pinlock insert restricts vision, as it is quite a bit smaller as the rest of the visor.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #94791) The system 5 is not DOT approved, that is it is not approved for motor sport, but no Flip Top is, they are approved and meet or exceed all other standards.
Thanks for the in-depth response, Leigh. I like the system 5 and chance are that I will buy one next, well it's now Gerda's turn for a new helmet.The system 5 is not Snell approved either. However, the ECE-22-05 standard is about reducing the shock to the brain by making the helmet softer. The Snell standard is tougher on helmets, as they have to survive multiple hit on the same spot. However, the Europeans think that your brain would be mush at this stage anyway. They have convinced me and so I prefer the European standard. New Zealand accepts any of the above standards, so you'll have to make that decision for yourself. Most falls are from a relatively low height, unless you spectacularly high-side.The Shoei I have bought was also available on trademe, but with the Snell standard and without a pinlock, but $39 cheaper. I bought mine at motomail.The system 4 upwards used to be the only helmets that past the same standard as the integral helmets. Not sure if this still applies. Look for the P without an N, and a dash with a number after it, on the white patch sewn to the helmet strap. The denotes that it has passes the chin piece impact test.I still love the flip-up helmets for touring and weekend rides. The hornet seems to work well for commuting, it's not too loud at those speeds and has excellent ventilation, almost like having the chin piece flipped up. I have yet to try it in the rain. Hopefully I won't have to while riding down to the CCA ride.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9477I would never have noticed that it's an eccentric fitting, that would have required me to read the instructions. I usually read the instructions only after I have broken something.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9474Thanks for that, Malcolm. I'll give the inside a good clean and will install it.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9472Should I keep the pinlock shield installed, or only add it when needed?
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9470Well, I just bought the Shoei Hornet DS today. The helmet is white, which is my preferred colour for commuting. It will also be great for adventure rides that require a bit of travel, because it has a visor.My System for with the com system will now be used only on weekends, this should allow me to stretch out the replacement until I can afford a new System 5. These are now available with graphics and look quite good. Ideally though, I'd get a white one of those as well.The Shoei is quite a good fit and pretty light, it also has excellent ventilation. It comes with a pin-lock visor, and apparently these are worth having.
in reply to: Some 450 specifications #9494Stainless steel frame puts me off I had a stainless GasGas big probs!
What's wrong with ss? Is it too brittle, or just a pain to weld?
in reply to: Bridgstone BT021 Tyres #9328The K1200 is a heavy and powerful bike and not really comparable to the k100., The pressure you have mentioned seems to be the highest pressure they are comfortable with. Keep in mind that the pressure will rise with use. My little 1150 has a recommended pressure of 33/36. That pressure works well, but doesn't exactly safe tyres.You've got a high performance bike, plus a number of different variables such as weight, ambient temperature, road surface and riding style. It's quite possible that these tyres don't suit your riding style.To be fair, I'd say you are probably doing well with these tyres. Is the front wearing into a V shape? That's often a sign of someone braking into a turn.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9468I have forgotten about the C2. As I understand it's a bit heavier than the System 5. The sun visor is pretty cool, but I ride with UVEX safety sunglasses that do a very good job protecting the eyes from the draft while riding with the visor (not chin piece) up. I do have quite a bit of BMW gear. I have been very happy with the streetguard suit and with the helmet. The pricing in NZ has been a bit steep at times, but I've bought some of the stuff in Germany, thanks to relatives who were prepared to ship it over.I also think it's important to support the local dealer, but I am on a budget, so there are limits. For commuting I would like a white helmet, the Shoei hornet could also do the adventure ride duty. White seems to be the most visible helmet colour. I'll check with Experience on Tuesday to see if they can do a deal that I cannot refuse :-).
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9466I have yet to meet a shop that will let you test ride a helmet but its probably something they should.
I was able to test ride the Shoei Hornet DS at Motomail. They gave me 30 min., but it was rush hour traffic and this put me off riding on the motorway, so I was back after 5 min. I still like the helmet and have not ruled it out yet.Experience BMW will also let you test ride a helmet. There are so many variable that it's almost essential to go for a test ride, especially if you are about to pay big bucks. I have to admit though, that this was the first time ever that I took a helmet for a test ride.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9464Take it with a grain of salt. The people who host these pages are anti-helmet altogether, pretty much a redneck website. If I've read it correctly this report refers to findings from the mid-eighties. I'd like to think that helmets have improved since then.You pays your money and you takes your chances.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #94621600 grams is quite light. From memory that's lighter than the system 5, which I understand weighs 1750g. I also wear size 58. It's definitely worth a look.
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9460Thanks Malcolm. I will also have a look at they Shoei. Do they come in different shell sizes? I am sorry if I came across a bit strong, I'll have to work on that. cheers,Alex
in reply to: System 5 helmet, would you buy it again? #9458This is an excellent article on helmets, well worth reading, even if you have no intention of buying one at the moment.http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html
-
AuthorPosts
