Mmmm, she said, Nice helmet Nick.

[el-nicko]

In spite of the fact that 'Flip-Front' helmets are, I believe, seen as being somehow, not quite 'the full ticket', I've just bought one of these.....

http://www.helmetcity.co.uk/products/Sh ... White.html

and am really chuffed with it. Also got a 'free' £40:00 seat bag (see pick) with it that turned out to be a lot nicer than I expected it to be.

[Twinspark]

Flip fronts are brilliant.

I have had them for years - but always have a fixed front, too.

[nab 301]

Looks like it has some good features plus it's homologated as an open face also. Good sharp rating too , weight is listed at 1.7kg , how does that feel in use?

[Herb]

I tried one of these on and unfortunately was exactly between sizes. Felt like a nicely made lid, with nice action to the flip.

[el-nicko]

Looks like it has some good features plus it's homologated as an open face also. Good sharp rating too , weight is listed at 1.7kg , how does that feel in use?

Hi Nigel, as I say I really like this new 'Evoline 3' but I haven't done a journey any longer than an hour up to now so I cant say yet if the weight will become an 'issue' over longer distances. I should think, and accept, that a 'flip-front' is going to be inherently heavier because of the more complicated shell/chin bar/integral sun visor design. More of a problem may arise due to (what appears to be) the larger frontal area it presents to airflow and the subsequent pressure on the neck if I indulge in high speed M-way running. I'll find out next spring when the weather's better.
The biggest 'deal makers' for me were 1) It's a 'flip-front' that, due to the fact that the chin-bar folds all the way to the back of the helmet when not in use, doesn't look a bit silly when in the 'open' position, and can be legally used in that 'open' position. 2) It's 'spectacles friendly'. 3) It's got a few degrees more peripheral vision than the hat it replaces, which on my 'blade, with its forward leaning stance (and subsequent restricted lateral head movement) can only be 'a good thing'. 4) The quick-release chin strap is a great improvement on my last helmets fiddly 'D' ring fastening. 5) It's plain white in colour and it's my experience that a bike rider in a white hat, (for obvious reasons) almost always gets a second glance. 6) In-built sun visor. A real life-saver at this time of year when I find myself riding into a low winter sun on my way home.
Downside? 1) Well it does seem a little noisy but I can live with that. 2) The double curvature visor is not 'Pinlok friendly' but I've found that, in the wet, I can ride with the chin-bar folded back and the visor down and this gives enough air circulation to stop my glasses misting-up without getting rain bubbles on the lenses. All in all, I rate this new hat very highly.
One other 'plus', ( and this is only un-researched personal speculation) I think the folk one has to deal with, as a motorcyclist, in shops, garages, police(!) etc, feel less alienated when they can see your face, so, short of having to go through the rigmarole of removing your 'specs' and then a 'full-face' to mollify them, a 'flip front' makes, in most cases, a nice acceptable compromise.

Nick.

[Blackal]

Looks good!

They have come a long way - with a lot of them, less "nose-heavy" than they used to be.

1.7kg isn't perhaps too much heavier than a good FF helmet?

I still like wearing my 950g BMW Integrale helmet on holidays, though

Al

[el-nicko]

Flip fronts are brilliant.

I have had them for years - but always have a fixed front, too.

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

On my third Cajberg flip front. The First one died of old age the second saved my jaw and face in June when it was the first bit of me to hit the ground. The latch stayed firmly shut but still operated perfectly so I bought another one. I suspect that the Schubeth or System BMW flip fronts are quieter but they cost around 3 or 4 times as much as the Cajberg and ear plugs are relatively cheap.

[Neil178]

Why on earth would you miss your R1100S with a bike like that?
Very nice looking speed machine.
Bit off thread but could you tell me what the small bag is?

[el-nicko]

Hi Neil, 'Why on earth would you miss your R1100S with a bike like that?'. In 2 words mate; Shaft-drive. The perfect 'all-rounder' has yet to be built so at this time of year I'm hardly using the Honda because no matter what precautions you take, road-salt/rainwater/grit exact a heavy toll on drive-chains. A 'shafty' just laughs at road filth. Apart from the fact that I couldn't afford nor do I have the room to run and keep two bikes, a load of other practical reasons too.The Honda's a very high-maintenance bike especially my ABS variant. A complete brake fluid change (takes up 22 pages in the workshop manual!) that's required every two years and will generate a £400.00 bill is just one example. A 16,000 mile valve clearance check for a further 400 notes is another. I'm not complaining; just saying. Riding it is such a 'buzz' it justifies the cost.
The 11s is quite a unique bike though and I do miss mine. Easy on the eye, Torque-y(is that a word? lol) and long legged, reliable, easy to work on and I, personally, really like the under-seat exhaust and the single-sided swinging arm that makes rear wheel removal so simple should you get a puncture. It's almost always the back wheel as well isn't it?
If I had the room I'd go out and get a twin-spark Yellow/Silver 1100s with black engine and yellow wheels tomorrow. Not a 1200s mind cos they're a sports bike so why would I want two?
The small bag is a 'Ventura' bag that, unlike the seat bag, is a permanent attachment in which I carry spare bulbs, over-trousers, two aerosol tire inflators, thick water-proof gloves, etc.

Nick.

[Twinspark]

Only just seen the pic of the bike.

Does it really have some DIY fitted wanker lights glued along the top edge of the headlamp?

[Neil178]

Just to keep this off thread ..... thanks for the info on the bag Nick. I have been looking around for something similar and that looks perfect for my needs.
I have always had a shaft drive and take it for granted probably. Even though your bike is high maintenance it must be a joy to ride, just make sure you use it enough mate.
The build quality is supposed to be first class so the winter shouldn't be a problem with regular cleaning? The power though with these damp slippery roads? That's another issue. I'm back on 4 wheels for the time being, the bikes being kept in the garage. Roll on Spring!
Nice to see you still on this forum. All the best for 2014. FWIW I think the led strips look fine!

[dave the german]

Is it only me that finds Schuberths noisy? BTW Nick, bike looks good

[el-nicko]

.

Cheers lads. I do like a bit of 'BLING!' mind. I mean, just look what we've done to the house this year....How tasteful is that then?







Puts a few LEDs in the shade ,eh? (seizes yet another opportunity to post a pic' of the love of me life. )






Seriously, I've been out on the bike over the holiday trying to 'scrub' some new rubber in (probably not possible in the wet ) and so had another opportunity to evaluate my new Shark helmet. It does seem a little noisier than the 'cheapo' lid it replaces but I can live with it. In all other respects, it 'fills the bill'. The in-built visor, at this time of year, is proving to be a real 'boon'. Every time my route had me heading into the low-level sun it was swung into action. Never had one before cos I always thought they were a bit of a gimmick but I've changed my mind on that now.
Dave, your not the first to comment on noisy Schuberths and yet this is a company that claims to make the quietest lid on the market! Helmets are so subjective. Just too many variables. You pays yer money and takes a chance really.

Seasons Greetings and 'All the Best' to everyone in the New Year.

Nick.

[f90x]

You've turned your bike into Dame Edna