Full-Face Vintage, anyone?

[AgentX]

Biltwell has their vintage style full faces for sale on their website.

Is it just me, or does the helmet look bizarrely misplaced in every picture where it's being worn?

The riders' chins stick out below the chin bar, while it covers most of the tips of their noses...

 

[Salty_Cafe_801]

Is it just me, or does the helmet look bizarrely misplaced in every picture where it's being worn?

The riders' chins stick out below the chin bar, while it covers most of the tips of their noses...

Looks ok from this angle on the website. The price is not too shabby.
http://www.biltwellinc.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=84

 

[crazypj]

A helmet is a helmet, if it fits and meets standards thats all you need.
It's starting to look like a bunch of yuppie helmet snobs on here

 

[teazer]

What does this mean for a vintage helmet? Well, if its NOS then it should offer simillar protection to when the helmet was produced. I don't think anyone accepts that NOS vintage helmets are equal to modern helmets but they aren't like wearing a baseball cap either. Modern helmets offer better protection because they use thicker EPS layers.


Scott

Beautiful yellow Dunstall in your avatar BTW, but an older NOS helmet with have started to deteriorate and will not offer anywhere close to the same level of protection as it did when new AFAIK. For sure, modern helmets are much better than old ones and full face are safer in 99.9% of situations than open face.

Did anyone check out the new HJC FG-17 yet. Sub $200 full face with Snell 2010 and DOT in a fiberglass/kevlar shell. Amazing value for money.

 

[DrJ]

A helmet is a helmet, if it fits and meets standards thats all you need.
It's starting to look like a bunch of yuppie helmet snobs on here

Gonna cash in my Starbucks shares for one of these.

 

[AgentX]

Looks ok from this angle on the website. The price is not too shabby.
http://www.biltwellinc.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=84

Probably just a matter of fit on particular people, but obviously it's not for everyone.

 

[AgentX]

A helmet is a helmet, if it fits and meets standards thats all you need.
It's starting to look like a bunch of yuppie helmet snobs on here

To be fair, it's a thread about a helmet which exists pretty much for fashion's sake. Can't offer much beyond looks compared to a fullface with a flip visor, venting, and other modern standards.

Edit: Sorry, forgot this was about vintage helmets in general and not just the Gringo...that changes things.

 

[The Jed]

Looks like a ladies' unmentionables.

and i would totally paint it that way.....

 

[LazloH]

A NOS vintage helmet will offer the same amount of protection or close to it that it did when new.

I have to disagree. DOT and SNELL have progressed in their testing and standards and have forced helmet MFG to move along with it. Sure.. some of SNELL testing looks a little archaic.. (I wonder if they still shoot the face mask).. yup..

its an air rifle.. regardless..... Is it really worth it to risk your head for a few hundred bucks?

 

[crazypj]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/snell-2010-standard.htm
Pretty sure the European ECE22.05 is a much better test than Snell (from a user viewpoint) although the 2010 Snell is better in some respects (except transmitted force), 400G is going to turn your brain to mush but Snell seem to think that's a good thing?

 

[JohnnySomersett]

I have one of the new Biltwell Gringo helmets (silver) and it is exceptionally comfortable and feels surprisingly well made. My chin also sticks out a bit from the bottom but it doesn't bother me..its looks rad and is safe - unlike my Biltwell Hustler which looks great but offers about as much protection as a gimp mask!

 

[lipuid]

Update anyone? I wish the new biltwell had a flip down face mask.

 

[JustinLonghorn]

http://www.amazon.com/3-snap-Bubble-Shield-Vintage-Motorcycle/dp/B0070YDBGE

Flip up adapter for bubble shields. Problem solved, Bubonic.

 

[Tim]

http://www.amazon.com/3-snap-Bubble-Shield-Vintage-Motorcycle/dp/B0070YDBGE

Flip up adapter for bubble shields. Problem solved, Bubonic.

Until you flip it open and it catches the wind

Ask Kiley what happens when your helmet catches the wind when you're doing the ton on a CB400

 

[JustinLonghorn]

HA!

 

[lipuid]

I think I'll stick to sunglasses or find some vintage goggles.

 

[TheChild]

Checkmate. Ima be havin one a dees.

 

[Djfob]

Checkmate. Ima be havin one a dees.

It's mine as soon as its released. Was going to get a gringo but this one is worth the extra dollars to me.

 

[lipuid]

The bell bullit is sweet but $400. Built in visor and vintage look is hard to come by.

 

[bananas]

I've always felt weird wearing my Shoei Qwest on a vintage bike.. Tried on the Gringo and it was definitely hilarious but I'm not willing to risk safety for style points. A friend of mine who does own a Gringo regularly complains about the heat (from lack of vents). I'll definitely be purchasing one of those Bullitt helmets ASAP!

BTW, RevZilla did a review on it

http://youtu.be/Jftl8Nbz7-4