Modular helmets and Mirage paint

[Wildkat]

It's a 2 fer question...

1.) I've been looking at helmets and decided I rather like the modular helmets... Anybody have one or know somebody who does? If so, do you (they) like it? Are there any disadvantages to them?

2.) I'm getting ready to paint my FJ and was wondering about the Mirage paint kits. (chameleon paint) Is the paint durable and does it apply evenly?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

[iamphotog]

I looked at the modular helmets and decided against. I decided to go with a full face. I just felt like the hinges are a weak point that could break and then be the same as an open face. Of course this is all just IMO. No engineering basis or anything to back up my thoughts. I did find this article that helped me.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/acc...r/fliphelmets/

I finally decided on one of the new Scorpion EXO-700 Helmets. It has been really comfortable.

As for the paint someone else will have to answer that one.

[Hobbit]

paint

I did the Mirage paint on my xs. It's alright, but I won't do it again.
One thing I did learn is that if you put on too many color coats you lose some of the Mirage affect.

[Wildkat]

Thanks!

iamphotog

That was a GREAT article and had a lot of the information I wanted to see. It certainly covered a great deal and dealt with most of what I was wondering about. I wondered about the hinges on those and also the comfort when the face is up... I would think the extra weight on the head, and not at the chin, would be awkward. I still have a little time to research before my full face falls completely apart. Thanks a bunch!

Hobbit

I thought I had remembered reading in here that someone had done this. Not real certain I could pull off the right effect and I don't want to spend the money to practice that one just yet. I think I'll stick with my original idea instead of trying to get too tricky with the Mirage kit. Thanks for the input, MUCH appreciated!

[Czekus21]

I bought a Zeus a couple of years ago. I like the idea of being able to flip up the chin gaurd. Mainly to put my shades on or burn one but I don't like the comfort. I let the bike wear it till I get to a state that require a helmet or incliment weather hits. I guess you get what you pay for. I thought I was getting a good deal. Normal price was $250.00 on sale for $69.00 clearance. I shoulda took that as a sign.

[don07tncav]

I picked up an EXL brand off of E-bay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT

(Hope the link is good.)
These folks had excellent customer service and quick shipping in the US.

The helmet is fairly good quality but in XXL it was hitting the sides of my jaws when I flipped it down. I took the ear modules out and apart then trimmed the styrofoam with my dremel tool.

Now the fit is excellent.

[randy]

Hey, Don

Noticed you got a dipstick from gaffer over in England. I sold him 9 of them last week for $6 each. Had I known he was going to turn them around and gouge us board members, I would have offered them here instead.

DUH!

Sorry, When I get more, I'll post for everyone.

[don07tncav]

Randy,
Now ya tell me!!

Arrrg!!

The only ones that I see go through e-bay are all from the UK.

Well at least he made a few bucks on the sale!

[randy]

Well, I had two on e-bay last week and he took one, then ate all the rest I had in one shot. I'll get more.

[bikerhawk]

Re: Helmets -- I bought a Nolan a little more than a year ago and am VERY happy with it. The "extra weight" of the hinges is hardly noticeable, and the convenience of the flip-up is awesome. I wore it for a week-long, 2600-mile trip, and it performed flawlessly. It did have a few spots around the forehead that took some work to get to fit w/o pressure points, but it's well broken in now and fits like a glove.

I highly recommend that, as with all helmets, you try it on before buying. Different brands fit differently--for example, some, like my Nolan, work for a rounder head, while others (Shoei in particular, IIRC) are for more of an oval shape.

As far as flip-ups are concerned, if the Nolan fits you, I recommend it; if it doesn't fit well, I would try the HJC Sy-Max. I was between those two, and the Nolan fit me better.

Good luck--let us know what you find.

[ratbyk]

Nolan Helmets

I am also very pleased with my Nolan flip face helmet. Have owned 2 years, use for every day riding plus have been on 4 extended trips with it.
I purchased it because I wear glasses and the flip feature means I can leave my glasses on when I R&R the helmet. No more struggling trying to fit the glasses through the small opening of a normal full face.
Also on really hot days (like 95-100 in Montana or eastern Oregon) I leave the front flipped up unless on an interstate. It becomes an open face at that point. Cooler and more livable in extreme temps.
Also handy for smokers. Don't have to struggle the helmet off and on for a quick puff.
I have had one problem. While riding for extended periods at high speed with the front flipped up it developed a crack in the visor. I believe a vibration set up in the plastic visor when in the open position because of the angle the edge of the visor penetrated the oncoming air rush.
Also just remembered. When I first purchased the cheek pads fit to tight against my cheek bones. I removed the pads (just snap out) and opened up the lining/cover and removed some padding. It took a couple of tries but worked out OK and now fits my dome just fine.
Ken/Sooke

[bikerhawk]

Re: Nolan Helmets

Originally posted by ratbyk
Also just remembered. When I first purchased the cheek pads fit to tight against my cheek bones. I removed the pads (just snap out) and opened up the lining/cover and removed some padding. It took a couple of tries but worked out OK and now fits my dome just fine.

That's intersting that you mentioned that...after my week-long deal and having the helmet on for several hours every day, the inside of my mouth on the right side was sore from the pad pushing my cheek in too far. I haven't modified it yet, but I'll remember your experience and your fix if I have that problem again. Thanks!

[chevy45412001]

sorry Kat

sorry to cut on post but i saw the commenets about dip sticks here. THEY are still available from dealers for i believe 4.95 american. they do have to be ordered but i just got one late last season.i just can't see paying 6-14 dollars when you can get for 5. And now back to your regular schedual post about flip helmets.

[Wildkat]

ratbyk and bikerhawk -

Thanks for the 411 on the Nolan. I'll check it out. The article that iamphotog suggested, rated them pretty well too.
I would probably have never thought about removing some of the padding for comfort and will keep that in mind. In the article, it had been given a low rating by one of the testors due to lack of comfort, that probably would fix the problem. Thanks for the tip!

Thank you both for your help!

chevy45412001 -
No problem... I can share