New Helmet Shopping

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Since my primo, Biaggi-autographed Shark helmet was crash-tested, I am in the market for a new helmet.

I always said that I wanted a Shoei, but since they revised their mainstream helmet they got to be as expensive as all the other mid-range lids, so now I am kind of up in the air.

First of all, let me just say/ask:  what happened to Cycle Gear?  Their Lomita store, as well as their catalog, basically features this "Bilt" crap - helmets, jackets, pants and gloves.  Bilt and something called "Sedici" which to me sounds like trying to ride on the popularity of Ducati.  I presume that both of these brands are cheap Chinese-made house brands, yes?

Anyway CG doesn't carry a lot of different lids like they used to so they are of limited value when shopping.

Do any of you guys know about the AGV K3?  WebBikeWorkd likes it:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/33705/ITEM/AGV-K3-Celebr8-Helmet.aspx

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/agv-k3/

An AGV helmet for $220, that's what I'm talking about!

[wlk12]

Mark, if you wear a Medium (at least in a Shoei), I may be able to help your pocketbook. I have a Medium RF1100 that I've only worn about a dozen times. It's essentially brand new and you can have it for $150.

As you know, I'm not riding the bike much, and when I do I've been using my old RF900 (God, I hope Cammie doesn't read this). As I wrote in a review I posted here a while back, it still needed some break-in, especially in the area where my eyeglass temples fit. So I got lazy, put the RF1100 on the shelf, and wear my comfy bug stained RF900 (I REALLY hope Cammie doesn't read this). If I were taking longer rides, I'd definitely be using the RF1100 - far superior. But I'm not, and it's not doing anybody any good sitting on a shelf.

Anyway, if you're interested, just give a shout.

Bill 

[JimT]

I haven't been to cycle gear in ages, I heard on the Aprilia forum they have gone downhill. I would never wear any gear that was called "sedici", I agree with you Mark, it just sounds like they are ripping off Ducati.

I think Pro Italia carries AGV, I don't know what models they have though.

How is the Shoulder doing Mark?

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Hello Bill!  That is so nice of you to offer - I may be a Medium, I'll have to try to find an 1100 to try on and see.  What color/pattern is it?  I am a stickler when it comes to the "look" of the helmet, it's one of the few fashion things I give a damn about!    As those of you who have seen my "sense of style" can probably attest to! 

For these three, I am really digging these (yes I love the VR stuff!):







Man, what a tough decision!  I may just order a Medium and see how it fits.  For $220, I wouldn't mind shipping it back once if I had to get another size ...

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Wow seeing them all together makes it *harder* to decide which I like best, not easier!

Jim - my shoulder/arm/collarbone are getting better, slowly and surely.  I can't tell you how great the scar looks, I should take a picture and put it up.  For being such a long scar it is very thin, my surgeon did a great job.  I honestly have nearly recovered my full range of motion, though I am still taking it very easy and not putting weight on that arm yet.  We are still in bone-healing mode.  I will begin physical therapy in a couple or few weeks, and from there I should hopefully be good. 

I think I won't know how well I am adapting to the plate and screws until I really start swimming (freestyle) again.  To me, that will be the real test - that and like doing push-ups and lifting weights again. 

My shoulder is kind of permanently low-grade sore right now but as I said it is now very slowly improving.  My ribs and side *still* hurt!  It hurts a bit to get up from lying down, like getting out of bed. It's not excruciating any more thank God, and it doesn't kill me to sneeze, but it hurts a bit there still.

Looking forward to getting back on the horse, as it were. 

[rwalterk]

New helmet time is always fun! Pro Italia and the D Store both carry AGV if you can make it to one of them to try lids on.

[wlk12]

Hello Bill!  That is so nice of you to offer - I may be a Medium, I'll have to try to find an 1100 to try on and see.  What color/pattern is it?  I am a stickler when it comes to the "look" of the helmet, it's one of the few fashion things I give a damn about!    As those of you who have seen my "sense of style" can probably attest to! 

Probably won't work then - it's basic white

[JimT]

Cool, I'm glad you are doing better!

Personally, I like the black one...

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Oh Lord, I got another one altogether:

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Got the helmet in today, it far exceeded my expectations both in terms of fit and finish and in terms of looks.  The colors are super vibrant, way brighter than the pictures suggest. 

Can't wait to be cleared for takeoff sometime in the relatively near future, to take it for a test ride.   

[rwalterk]

Where's the Like button on this thing... Nice pickup!