Approved Helmets

[Corpulent Tosser]

Today I went to a local motorcycle dealer to buy a shiney new helmet for the coming season, some cracking designs, one with a saltire which I liked, unfortunately not one of the many on display are approved for motorsport - OK for bike sport, ACU gold labels attached - all had EC approvals but not one had BS6658 or Snell approval.

So the main option seems to be a mail order purchase, however I have not seen any helmets with a design that I like, most are plain white., additionally I would prefer to try on a helmet before I buy but it seems that is not possible in Aberdeen.

The guy in the shop said that helmets used to have BS stickers ( I know because I bought my last one there) but now all have the EC sticker, he questioned why the MSA have not accepted the EC approval, I did wonder the same thing myself, presumably there are some differences in the testing process.

So what have others done, is there a stockist in Edinburgh or Glasgow where I can see and try a few helmets or is mail order and a small choice of designs/colours my only option ?

Murray

[dycecooper]

I have always found it stupid that a helmet designed to save you when falling off a bike is not deamed good enough to use in a car.

I could lend you a lid until you get one if it fits, I have a full face and an open face.
The open face is almost new and I have sold my race car.

[Corpulent Tosser]

Thanks for the offer, I can share my sons if need be but I will probably just order one from Demon Tweeks and hope it fits OK, they offer a free exchange including postage if it doesn't.

I will probably just buy a white one and get it painted, at least I will have something unique.

Offer of a helmet is appreciated though.

Murray

[SportsLibre]

Apparently the difference is that the ACU approved bike helmets are only type approved, whereas the BS approved ones are batch tested.

I also suspect the the bike helmets are more worried about abraision rather than impact similar to bike and karting race suits not needing to be so fire proof but offer skid protection.

[puckrup]

Good point. I need to buy one for SIDC track day at Knockhill and TVRCC event at Zolder. How stringent are they, do they check to see if helmet has BS approval?

There are sites on web that sell with 14 day moneyback g'tee, may try this option.

Question - what is your preference for track days - full or open face? (Sagaris)

N

[Corpulent Tosser]

SportsLibre said:

Apparently the difference is that the ACU approved bike helmets are only type approved, whereas the BS approved ones are batch tested.

Probably correct but until recently many had both approvals, my old helmet certainly does.

[Corpulent Tosser]

puckrup said:

Good point. I need to buy one for SIDC track day at Knockhill and TVRCC event at Zolder. How stringent are they, do they check to see if helmet has BS approval?

There are sites on web that sell with 14 day moneyback g'tee, may try this option.

Question - what is your preference for track days - full or open face? (Sagaris)

N

For trackdays I am sure a bike helmet would do but I would check with the organiser, I always used a fullface at trackdays, it was my bike helmet, but in an enclosed car an open helmet would do, however if you get pax laps in a westie or similar, or end up with an open car later a fullface might be more flexible. Also it could save your jaw if things went seriously wrong.

[dycecooper]

Corpulent Tosser said:

Thanks for the offer, I can share my sons if need be but I will probably just order one from Demon Tweeks and hope it fits OK, they offer a free exchange including postage if it doesn't.

I will probably just buy a white one and get it painted, at least I will have something unique.

Offer of a helmet is appreciated though.

Murray

I bought my white one from them, Im in Aberdeen if you want to try for size too.

I went to their shop, worth the trip as they did not have te helmet I wanted and I got a difernt type and a new race suit, boots too, all in all an expensive day.

[luggit]

Murray,

Mark and I bought new Arai GP-5 helmets last year. I have a large one which you are welcome to try for size (not implying you have a big head). Just let me know if you want a go and I will bring it into town for you.

Lovat

[RDM]

puckrup said:

Good point. I need to buy one for SIDC track day at Knockhill and TVRCC event at Zolder. How stringent are they, do they check to see if helmet has BS approval?
N

I just use a bike helmet at Knockhill, don't know about Zolder.

[gdr]

I have never seen helmet type approvals actually checked at any trackday (KH, MSV, Javelin, Goldtrack). Although I think Javelin stipulated BS6658 Type A (bike helmets are generally Type B I think) or ACU Gold, no one checked.
I bought a motor sport helmet from the Demon Tweeks to be on the safe side, OMP full face, FIA and Snell approved. Fortunately it fitted OK and is comfortable which is most important. White does look a bit Stig-like, but could always get it painted.
If you happen to be at Oulton, worth a trip into Wrexham to the DT shop which has loads of stuff.

[D_T_W]

Corpulent Tosser said:

So the main option seems to be a mail order purchase, however I have not seen any helmets with a design that I like, most are plain white., additionally I would prefer to try on a helmet before I buy but it seems that is not possible in Aberdeen.

Where did you go? When i was looking for my motorbike helmet, I tried on almost every make and model in all 3 of the bike dealers, as well as the Hein Gericke shop in Aberdeen. Just asked the salesman and started trying on helmets

[Corpulent Tosser]

I could have tried on helmets (Shirlaws) but none were approved for motorsport so were no use to me, all were EC approved, and most had ACU gold labels but none had BS6658 or Snell stickers.

I have just ordered a helmet from GPR so I just have to hope it fits OK.

[gdr]

Doesn't the beer in Baku cause your head to shrink?

[D_T_W]

Corpulent Tosser said:

I could have tried on helmets (Shirlaws) but none were approved for motorsport so were no use to me, all were EC approved, and most had ACU gold labels but none had BS6658 or Snell stickers.

I have just ordered a helmet from GPR so I just have to hope it fits OK.

Ah, sorry, misread what you had said!!

[Corpulent Tosser]

gdr said:

Doesn't the beer in Baku cause your head to shrink?

No it doesn't shrink it, just gets it sore, usually on a sunday morning, but a visit to the Camel's Toe soon sorts it out

[Corpulent Tosser]

[gdr]

Will need to look out for the Camel's Toe if ever I am there!

[Reidy10_0]

RDM said:

puckrup said:

Good point. I need to buy one for SIDC track day at Knockhill and TVRCC event at Zolder. How stringent are they, do they check to see if helmet has BS approval?
N

I just use a bike helmet at Knockhill, don't know about Zolder.

When i have been around knockhill on track days or even legends, no one has ever inspected my bike helmet for kite marks or damage.
They can also provide helmets if you ask.