Helmets ?

[Vitesse39]

Over the past while I've noticed alot of riders with helmets with the swing up chin bar.
Fine, not a problem there, but why do so many of them ride along on the open road (50/60ish) with the helmet open ? :scratchchin:

Around town or just slow moving I can understand but 60 mph or more ?

I'm not saying you have to have it closed, but to my mind you've spent money on a helmet to give you full face protection, stone chips can hurt through your leathers at that speed never mind straight on to your face, it makes your head as aerodynamic as a sail and IMHO doesn't look so great. ;)

So what am I missing, surely if you want the open face experience you buy an open face helmet :confused:

[small]No offence meant, please read with suitable size pinch of salt/humour[/small]

[m1spw]

Maybe its just because its the rare event of being hot in the UK for a few days and so they need a bit of a cooling breeze on their face?

I'm riding with my visor open most of the time...

...just hurts when you get hit in the face by a fly or bloody huge piece of corn!

[stu 9-5]

I think you'll find that there are only a couple of lids that permit riding with the chinbar raised. The flip up helmets passed type approval with the chinbar locked down, so will only offer their protective qualities in that state.

As to why riders choose to ride with the chinbar raised, perhaps they're just a little hot and enjoy the breeze. It's their face, let them take the risk. I wear a flip up for convenience when teaching, for the practicalities of addressing people they really are good (think - plod, instructors, couriers). But I won't wear mine at all if riding 'enthusiastically' and NEVER ride in excess of 5 mph with the chinbar raised when teaching.