Thread: POLL: Would you wear a Modular (flip-up) Helmet?

I'm used to a full-face, and I don't have a purpose for a flip-up. When I stop to eat, I take the helmet off. If I'm hungry, I'm stopping long enough that I'm not just trying to stuff something in my mouth quickly. I don't smoke, so I don't need it to flip up. In other words, one just doesn't serve a purpose for me, personally. I have one helmet that does street and track, and there's no way I'd use a flip-up on the track. In fact, you can't.

I am to pretty to have my face scarred

I'm not a huge fan of them personally, but I see where folks might like them if they commute a lot. Since the stops in my ride are scheduled (eat, fuel, piss, etc) I take the lid off then.

In the early 90s I bought a Levior helmet, I think they're made in Belgium, and it was half flip up. Strange even for today’s standards. It only open about 30 degrees or so. Enough for you to put it on or take if off. The idea was to have the front of the full faced helmet be removable so that first aid could be administered, primarily CPR, without removing the helmet. I don't know if they still sell that kind on helmet now. In hindsight, it was a pain in the butt and it did not feel very secure since it did not have a strap but some kind of a solid latch.
I did "test" it and for that particular crash it worked fine when I hit the car with the top of the helmet and then dragged the side of the helmet on the asphalt for a few feet. In a different kind of crash the outcome might not have been so “benign”.
For police, the flip up helmet, BMW style, is very convenient so they can talk to "customers" without removing it.
Other than that I don't see what the advantage is.

Originally Posted by Repeater

Yea if i was riding a beemer or something similar on a long trip. Not for any sport bike riding though. not that you can't get just as hurt riding a beemer or amything like that.

Tell that to the guy on the Goldwing I saw airlifted out of the Cherohala Skyway last fall. While you are slightly more protected on a wing than a cruiser good gear is a great idea on both. A great helmet will protect your brain.

Ehh, for two up touring maybe. I dress for the ride, so not on my 954.

Originally Posted by Repeater

Yea if i was riding a beemer or something similar on a long trip. Not for any sport bike riding though. not that you can't get just as hurt riding a beemer or amything like that.

Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue

Tell that to the guy on the Goldwing I saw airlifted out of the Cherohala Skyway last fall. While you are slightly more protected on a wing than a cruiser good gear is a great idea on both. A great helmet will protect your brain.

He doesn't have to tell him. He just made the point before you did.
You're not in a position in which someone might tell you not to launch something, are you?


Anyway, to the point.

I wouldn't wear one, unless I was just walking around.

i personally dont like them

Nowadays, I personally dress for the crash not the ride. So even when I'm touring on my harley, I wear a full face lid.

I can't see a scenerio with me wearing anything other than a non-flip traditional full face.

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

He doesn't have to tell him. He just made the point before you did.
You're not in a position in which someone might tell you not to launch something, are you?


Anyway, to the point.

I wouldn't wear one, unless I was just walking around.

Be VERY afraid

He started the sentence saying yes he would if on a beamer for a long trip. Though he added the highlighted part at the end of and I should not. My point was that is the same as the guy that does not wear a helmet because he is "just going a block to the store" or as was illustrated by that porr fellow recently "just in the pits". If it is running and moving have a the best helmet that you can afford. Oh and if anyone catches me not wearing mine feel free to rip me for it (as I would deserve).

Another fad??

Originally Posted by seamus

Weren't you the one debating whether or not to get a new helmet after you banged up your old one?

No I was the one who sent my helmet to the helmet experts to determine if damage had occurred or if had merely been deeply scratched. Based on the evaluation and info they provide I may still not wear it (even if they say OK).

Despite my depleted toy budget it would give me an excuse to get a helmet

They are not for me.

I've worn several over the years. Very convenient. On long rides, I do wear my Arai, but for commuting and running errands the modular is fantastic.

I have a Schuberth and an Arai. I commute and tour in the flip-face. It's comfortable and convient. I also like my Arai, it's lighter and a bit quieter and track approved.

This notion of what type of bike determines what type of helmet seems a bit wacked. Speed is speed. Having a car pull in front of you is not reserved for sport bikes only. (to ride off the road at a high rate of speed, that is! )

My silver Schuberth is out umbered 2 to 1. (see avitar)

If you're not wearing gear that will protect you, why wear it?

Originally Posted by RAH-VFR

This notion of what type of bike determines what type of helmet seems a bit wacked. Speed is speed. Having a car pull in front of you is not reserved for sport bikes only. (to ride off the road at a high rate of speed, that is! )

I'll try to clarify:

30 mph in a straight line is conservative. 30 mph around a 15mph turn with knee down is not conservative. So speed is not speed - Ja Know?

Originally Posted by Scout

I'll try to clarify:
So speed is not speed - Ja Know?

No the speed is the same, it's the application.

So what your saying is that you're happy to induldge in risky behavior as long as your helmet looks cool.

Feel free to flip up more than just your face sheild.

I would bet that there are a few Germans wearing Schuberths who drag ther knees in corners. But what make one the most confident thats the one to wear.

They sound about as practical as flip top Trojans . . .

Originally Posted by RAH-VFR

So what your saying is that you're happy to induldge in risky behavior as long as your helmet looks cool.

Feel free to flip up more than just your face sheild.

No. I don't own a modular, but if I did I wouldn't wear it when riding the 954 for the most part, as my 954 is personally relegated to "sporting" behavior, and I would be at a higher risk on the 954 (due to use) than say commuting on my old Bandit 12.

I would be at ease riding in a modular for touring duties or two up, as personally I ride more conservatively then. Also, the modular would fit the bill for these duties for convenience in communications. When I ride the 954, it's 80% solo, without others.

All my helmets look cool, but it has nothing to do with risky behavior.

YMMV

Originally Posted by Scout

No. I don't own a modular, but if I did I wouldn't wear it when riding the 954 for the most part, as my 954 is personally relegated to "sporting" behavior, and I would be at a higher risk on the 954 (due to use) than say commuting on my old Bandit 12.

I would be at ease riding in a modular for touring duties or two up, as personally I ride more conservatively then. Also, the modular would fit the bill for these duties for convenience in communications. When I ride the 954, it's 80% solo, without others.

All my helmets look cool, but it has nothing to do with risky behavior.

YMMV

I understand your point here Scout, and I tend to feel the same way. But it also seems like a (very) large proportion of motorcycle accidents happen due to other than the rider engaging in "sporting" behaviour. So I don't think it is valid to use a helmet you don't trust completely for any riding.

Has anyone seen any damage data on modulars in actual crashes? I don't know if the common helmet tests really test the area that flips up.

Originally Posted by Leelover

I understand your point here Scout, and I tend to feel the same way. But it also seems like a (very) large proportion of motorcycle accidents happen due to other than the rider engaging in "sporting" behaviour. So I don't think it is valid to use a helmet you don't trust completely for any riding.

I don't ride because I'm "careful in life", but that's another story...

It's cool, to each his own.