Yam-XT.com

black dog

OK - I've just looked inside my Shoei full-face for the model number. I wanted to check if spare visors were still available (answer: no). There was a little sticker in there with the build date. Er ... 1990. That makes the helmet 16-17 years old. But it's almost new!!! I remember buying it!!!

I don't know if helmets have a working life, but I would guess the Shoei is past it, even though it has been stored in dry and dark conditions for the last 10 years. So - any recommendations for a replacement?

The most important thing is misting up. I seem to breathe a lot whilst riding (I always reckoned it was quite a Good Idea) and I've always had a problem with misting - I normally ride with the visor slighly open, which give me watery eyes but lets me see through the visor. One of the Bike mag road Testers claimed recently that his Arai (race-style FF) didn't mist up - ever. I like the sound of that. I've seen the Arai Tour-X - can anyone who owns one comment?

Can anyone with any helmet recommendations comment? All advice appreciated.

And before you ask, mine is white, not purple.
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XT owner again - it's just an older one, that's all

golis · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 16:13 pm Post subject:

Omfg !
16 years old ? Are you sure ?
I thought that helmets have a life time of aprox. 5-6 years...
No matter if its been used or not.Something like the tyres.
The materials that where used to make it, wear off as time goes by.
Confused

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Carbon-aramid

black dog · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 17:02 pm Post subject:

Yup, I'm certain Cool

There's no doubt about the age - I bought it 90/91 when I got my second XT350. I'm not surprised at what you say - I've read somewhere that the service life of a helmet is as little as three years, but I reckon that's probably a helmet manufacturer talking! Still, 16/17 years is probably pushing it a bit. And with a thing like a helmet, you don't want to find out it's U/S the hard way.

Better start saving up.
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XT owner again - it's just an older one, that's all

strat · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 19:25 pm Post subject:

I've got a modern Shoei and it is very light, but very noisey you need to wear ear plugs unlike old Shoeis Confused

It also mists up a lot and you need to ride in town with the visor up, ok out of town though.
I would get a MX lid with goggles but I need glasses for riding/driving these days Rolling Eyes

Arai helmets are ok if you have an Arai shaped head Shocked

If you find a Shoei comfortable I dought you will find an Arai comfy, probably be tight across the forehead Exclamation

strat.

black dog · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 21:55 pm Post subject:

Theo · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 23:47 pm Post subject:

http://www.motocard.com/

very good prices for Shoei helmets.
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THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE XT

black dog · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 14:26 pm Post subject:

OK, bit the bullet and went for a new one. I couldn't afford an Arai (and was told the Tour-X was noisy) and in the end I had to get whatever they had in my size (I gotta big 'un, you know). I ended up with a Caberg full-face. It's quite comfy and a little more draughty than the old Shoei, but the visor has not misted up, and I have been riding in the rain for 40 minutes with it shut tight down. I have NEVER been able to do that with a helmet before, so I am well pleased. Plus it has a dinky little lever that drops a Buzz Aldrin-stylee black visor down inside the main one. I reckon that's well cool. All for under a ton, which I am quite pleased with. A girl at work who rides an XV has bought one on the strength of seeing mine. Thanks for the advice guys.
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XT owner again - it's just an older one, that's all

Lady P · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 17:08 pm Post subject:

Hello BD, sorry I never noticed your original post and have just got up to speed on it, great news you have a helmet to fit and you like it but when there is good news you know there is going to be bad news, Caberg are not very good helmets yes I know they pass all the regs (to be honest they are crap anyway) but they are made out of plastic and your shelf life is only 12 months. I am sorry I didnt notice your post otherwise I would have said stay away from Caberg and go for ones like Shoei, AGV, Suomy or Arai. Well you have something for 12 months anyway, I know Caberg are bringing out a new helmet at some point this year and they are made of ish the same compound as the big boy helmets and they are going to retail at about £170. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.... Crying or Very sad

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Dont blame me I am still new at all this......

Manami Akimoto

black dog · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 21:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info! To be honest, I'm not too bothered. At £99, it's not the end of the world if it needs to be replaced in a year or so, and even if it's plastic (do you mean polycarbonate?) it has to be better protection than a 17-year-old fibreglass one. Just the fact that the visor is mist-free makes it safer overall, I reckon.

What I will do is use the time between now and then to do a bit of research and if I see one that suits, I'll get it. This one was a bit of a distress purchase, which is never a good idea. Over the next 12 months I am sure to be near a bigger supplier who can find me something better which will suit my strange cranium.

I also quite fancy an open face one for the summer ...

We'll see. Thanks for replying. Do I take it (shows ignorance) that you work in the trade?
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XT owner again - it's just an older one, that's all

Lady P · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:35 am Post subject:

Hello BD, yes I used to work in the trade (motorbikes) but now work for a major high street bank.... But still remembered all the info.....
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Dont blame me I am still new at all this......

Manami Akimoto