If not, here is some info on it for you.

For those looking for an alternative to the full face motorcycle helmet, the Shoei Multitech is a great way to get into the modular helmets.  Modular helmets, unlike full face motorcycle helmets have a quick release front portion that raises the chin and shield at the flip of a button.  While you cannot ride in the open position…at least it is not advised due to the wind sheer…it allows a lot of air circulation while you are at a set of lights or stuck in traffic.

The Shoei Multitech is part of the modular line up of motorcycle helmets.  As you would expect from Shoei is a quality product with plush interior and a great fiberglass protective exterior.  It comes with removable cheek pads for easy cleaning and a tool free face shield for a quick change of the visor.  The standard visor is both 100% UVA and UVB protection…but you can easily pick up a tinted visor for bright day time riding.

The front chin and shield can be locked closed for those times you are travelling at highway speeds or just want some good acceleration.  There are also side cheek channels for either your glasses or sunglasses to easily fit without rubbing against your face.  All this with a five year warranty from the purchase date in solid, matte and metallic finishes for your styling preference….and don’t forget…the DOT safety certification.

However, probably the biggest downfall of this modular motorcycle helmet is the price point…which is at the top end of $400 for an MSRP…just be sure to look for some of the major retailers or online store sales when you do decide to pick this up for some discounts….as that will keep some bucks in your pocket.

Technorati Tags: Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, Modular Motorcycle Helmet, Shoei Multitech

Well, look no further…as we have a full review of this helmet’s specs.

As with all ARAI helmets, you are purchasing a quality product that has the end user in mind from inception to design.  This fibreglass shell helmet is built with a smaller profile allowing the wearer to minimize wind buffeting because of its close shape to the wearers head.  It also has exhaust vents allowing a clean flow of air to pass through the helmet, which further helps to reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds.  

There are two settings for the chin air vent…the first one allowing air to get to your face…with the second position providing a defogging feature on the face shield.  The face shield is also a tool free operation for quick removal in case you want to swap it out for a tinted shield during the day and a clear shield for night riding.  

As with other ARAI helmets, they have a fully removable and washable liner allowing you to keep your head clean from dirt and grime.  However, I also suggest to all riders to wear a do-rag or bandana…as those can easily be thrown in the wash and lessen the number of times you will have to remove the liner…over time the clips that snap back into the helmet can get worn out from excessive washing and removal.

So, if you are looking for an ARAI helmet…check out the Profile Helmet line as there are quite a few styles to choose from for your next Full Face Motorcylce Helmet.  Happy Shopping!

Technorati Tags: ARAI Profile Helmet, Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Colour

If so, a change in colour may be more to your liking!  There are some crazy colours out there that are definitely not in your typical motorcycle helmet palette.  Your typical solid colours are silver, black, gray, white, blue, red and yellow.  Most helmet manufacturers will mix up these colours to make some unique designs….such as barbed wire, skulls, butterflies and flames.

However, if you are looking for something more unique than just a design change using “typical” helmet colours…try changing up the colour palette…then you’ll be looking at something that is really unique!

So, what are some of the different colours that are out there?

Well, for the ladies….pink has been really HOT!  There are a ton of ladies solid and designer pink full face, modular and beanie style of motorcycle helmets.  Not only are these helmets stylish…they also offer great visibility.  You will definitely notice one of these helmets going down the road….I know I always take a second look!  They are much more visible than your traditional grey or black helmets.

Then, there is also bright sunrise orange…not that I’ve seen a lot of sunrises…I do like to sleep in ya know….purple and bright green.  All of these colours will definitely get you noticed as you cruise on down the highway.

Decals/Stickers

Another way to make your DOT motorcycle helmet more unique is adding some decals or stickers…and there are a ton out there.  They can add flare, colour and also give others a bit of insight into your personality…such as “All The Gear All The Time”…meaning you wear your gear `cause you want to be riding for the rest of your life.  Just be sure when you do put one of these stickers or decals on that you are comfortable with what they say or represent…you’d hate to have just cut off a driver and then have your helmet say something that will fuel some one else’s road rage!

Mohawks

Finally, mohawks are another attention grabber when personalizing your DOT motorcycle helmet.  You can pick these up in various colours, such as hot pink, purple, green and blue.  These will again get the attention of others on the road and display your own personal style.

So, these are but a few ways to make your DOT motorcycle helmet more personalized as well as get you more visibility while on the road….and more visibility on the road means you are less likely to get into an accident….not to mention some additional attention while on your ride!  Enjoy personalizing your DOT motorcycle helmet today and safe riding!

Technorati Tags: Colourful Helmets, Decals for Helmets, DOT Motorcycle Helmet, Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, German/Beanie Motorcycle Helmet, Modular Motorcycle Helmet, Mohawk Helmets

Well, these are definitely not your traditional German motorcycle helmets…but they do fall within the German helmet category.  They are the chrome dome (as I like to call it), flames and the butterfly beanie.

The Chrome Dome

For obvious reasons, I call this one the chrome dome as it is in the traditional styling of German motorcycle helmets…but has a full exterior shell made of chrome.  Now be careful wearing this one in the sunshine states…as you’ll likely blind quite a few drivers…not to mention fellow riders in your pack!  This helmet is DOT certified, so you do have the protection of a certified helmet with additional styrofoam (in most models…but double check the specs on one’s you are looking at) to soak up any impact…as well as a soft inner liner.  This will keep you comfortable and safe on those hauls around town or on the road.

Flat Flames

This is a flat base German motorcycle helmet with an accent of flames…again, won’t see this worn in the German army.  This one is not as bright as the Chrome Dome…but does give you some extra flare in the German category of helmets.  It also has the DOT certification…but be sure to look for the DOT label as there are still quite a few novelty helmets out there that are not certified.  It alo comes with the styrofoam padding and soft inner liner.

Butterfly Beanie

Here is one for the ladies in particular…it’s a beanie (which falls within the category of German motorcycle helmets) with purple, white and blue butterflies on it…the graphics are provided by Daytona Helmets.  It is a clear finish and comes without a visor.  This is another DOT motorcycle helmet and is actually stated to exceed the DOT standards.  If you shop around, some of these helmets also come with a free head wrap or do rag…which is a $5.95 value.

So there you have it…some of the latest entries into the German Motorcycle Helmet category.  Enjoy and safe riding!  :)

Technorati Tags: Butterfly Beanie, Chrome Dome, DOT Motorcycle Helmet, Flat Flame, German Motorcycle Helmet

The answer to that question is a resounding…..YES! 

When I first saw this helmet, I was quite amazed at the functionality that it provides…it is being touted as a 7-in-1 motorcycle helmet.  

Modular - It has some of the capabilities of a modular motorcycle helmet in that the chin and mouth guard can be quickly removed at the flip of two buttons on the side.  Once removed, the helmet is in an open or 3/4 face motorcycle helmet.  However, it is not what you would consider a true modular…in that the quick release removes the chin and mouth guard…rather than flipping it up out of the way.  

Full Face – This has to be one of the best full face helmets for visibility on the market as the chin and mouth guard hang low on the front of the helmet.  This gives the wearer excellent visibility compared to other full face helmets.  

Open Face – once the chin and mouth guard are removed, you would not recognize this helmet from other open or 3/4 face helmets.  It has the same type of shield and openness that typical open face helmets have.

Off Road/Touring – there are two adaptations that can be added to make this look like a mean off road or touring helmet.  There is a visor that can be put in place of the shield with some minor adjustments and unscrewing of the shield.  It can be an open or full face off road/touring helmet.  If you keep the chin and mouth guard in and replace the front portion of the guard with an additional breather adaptor, it will look like your typical off road helmet…but again, this helmet will provide you with excellent visibility with the large open front.

Now comes the real question….do you really need all these types of helmets in one?

If you don’t own an off road bike, that will eliminate a couple of reasons to buy this helmet.  If you like a modular motorcycle helmet with a quick flip of the front portion, that will also eliminate this helmet.  However, if you do have multiple rides…want a fixed full face or open face helmet with a great view of the road…this just may be what you’re looking for.  

Technorati Tags: Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, HJC IS Multi Helmet, Modular Motorcycle Helmet, Off Road/Touring Motorcycle Helmet, Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

• POLYCARBONATE composite shell
• SPEEDSHIFT quick change
  shield system
• EVERCLEAR face shield locking
  device
• KWIKWICK washable moisture
  wicking liner
• AERO-TUNED ventilation system
• BREATH nose shield
• SNELL / DOT

  

Technorati Tags: Full Face Motorcycle Helmets, Scorpion EXO-400 Rapture, Scorpion Helmet

Well, first off carbon fibre is an extremely light weight material compared to fibreglass and plastic.  Carbon fibre helmets are made with a 100% carbon fibre shell, with some styrofoam as a spacer (in case of an accident, this will lessen the impact of your head hitting the exterior of the shell) and then lined with plush cloth….and the best part?!?  These helmets are also DOT safety approved!

Technorati Tags: Beanie Helmet, Carbon Fibre, Carbon FIbre German Motorcycle Helmet, DOT Motorcycle Helmet, German Motorcycle Helmet, Half Helmet

Why a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is different than other helmets…

A full face helmet covers the entire head from below the chin in front to the base of the skull in the back.  There is an opening in front for you to see…with a clear or sometimes tinted visor or shield that can be raised or lowered, allowing additional air to come in.  There are usually vents on the front, top and sides of the helmet to also allow additional air ventilation when riding.

Now what differs the most between a full face helmet and all other helmets is the protection for the chin and mouth.  Even the modular motorcycle helmet is inferior to the full face helmet for protective purposes, as the chin guard on a modular helmet are not as sturdy as the full face helmet.  This is why the Snell Memorial Foundation, which has developed even stricter requirements than DOT, certifies helmets with racing in mind.  The Snell certification looks at the chin and mouth protection and performs additional testing on that portion of the helmet, while DOT does not take the chin and mouth guard into consideration in their analysis.  

Why is the chin and mouth guard important you ask?

It is estimated that 35% of accidents on a motorcycle involve an impact to the chin and mouth area.  So if one out of three accidents are prone to occur in that area….wouldn’t you want the best protection available to you?  So even though there tends to be a movement away from full face helmets towards modular or 3/4 face helmets due to decreased ventilation a full face provides.  A full face helmet will give you the most protection while you are on the road.

Some disadvantages of the full face motorcycle helmet.

Several disadvantages of the full face helmet have been noted, one of which has already been mentioned is the decreased amount of ventilation compared to other types of motorcycle helmets.  Also, there is a significantly reduced amount of wind blowing through your face and hair…so some don’t like the feel of the ride…after all you are on a motorcycle!?!  Some have even found the full face helmet to be little bit isolating and noticed a reduction in hearing.  

The final analysis…

Overall, the full face helmet is an ideal motorcycle helmet to buy, especially if you are a first time rider and are looking for the best protection you can get.  There will be less ventilation, wind and potentially reduced hearing as well.  If you do end up leaning towards a full face helmet, do look for the Snell certification in addition to the DOT certification….just to be sure you’re covered.

Technorati Tags: DOT certification, Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, Snell certification

Here are some basics you should know about Modular Motorcycle Helmets…

Modular motorcycle helmets look very similar to full face helmets, however, the main difference between them is the flip up front of the helmet.  The front of the helmet flips up underneath the visor allowing a significant amount of ventilation…which is a huge benefit when it is extremely hot out and just putting up the visor doesn`t help.  However, you really can`t ride with the front portion of the helmet flipped up.  This is something you can typically do at a stop sign or at a set of lights.  If you do ride with the helmet flipped up, you will experience a lot of wind buffeting on your helmet and can even brake the flip up portion.  

Combination of Full Face and 3/4 Face Helmet

This helmet is a great compromise between a full face and a 3/4 face helmet.  It has the advantages of the protection of a full face helmet and the ventilation of a 3/4 face helmet.  It can also be adapted to use a communication system…just be sure you bring your helmet in when you purchase your communication system for the best fit…not all communication systems are alike or will fit a modular helmet.  One disadvantage to the modular motorcycle helmet is the that it is weaker than a full face.  Since the front of the helmet flips up, there is a hinge on the side of the helmet which creates a weak point.  This weak point allows the front of the helmet to flex significantly more than a full face.  So for this reason alone a modular helmet will not pass a Snell certification…which is higher then the DOT certification.  However, most if not all modular helmets have at least the DOT certification…but as always look for the DOT stamp on the helmet to be sure.

Shark Evoline Modular

Ok, so now I will contradict an earlier statement where I said you cannot ride with the front of the helmet flipped up on a modular helmet….until now!  Shark has introduced a Modular helmet in the Evoline.  The front of this helmet not only opens up to expose your face…it also flips all the way to the back of the helmet allowing you to ride with the helmet in the fully open position!  This is truly a great benefit as now this helmet will fully act as a 3/4 and full face helmet….rather than just at the stop lights.  It also has a really mean look to it in the fully open position (see the pictures below) which can provide great ventilation and protection with the flip of the switch…literally.

So there is some basic info on the modular helmet….to summarize it has benefits of both a full face and a 3/4 face helmet with protection and ventilation.  However, the Shark Evoline adds an additional benefit of being able to ride in the fully open position.  

Technorati Tags: Modular Motorcycle Helmets, Shark Evoline

Motorcycle helmets have their earliest beginnings with T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawence of Arabia.  In 1935, as T.E. Lawrence was riding his motorcycle, he was coming up over a hill where two boys were riding their bicycles on the other side. In an effort to try to avoid them, he swerved and ended up going head first over the handle bars.  That accident left him in a coma where six days later he died.  One of the doctors who was treating him started a long study into cases of head injuries due to riding motorcycles and his research led to the use of protective wear.  

Shortly after this, the motorcycle helmet was born.  Motorcycle helmets were first widely used in the military…the German military to be exact.  Thus the German motorcycle helmet fascination was born and is a traditional helmet for the hardcore cruiser rider to this day.  They still have a mean look to them as they did when German soldiers wore them back in WWII.  Also, there are others that imitate them…you can find them as beanies or shorties.  

One thing you will have to be careful of, is to ensure if you do purchase one of these (either the German style, beanie or shorty), that they are DOT safety approved.  There are many out there that are only cosmetic or novelty wear….so you will have to watch out.  These novelty helmets can still be quite sturdy….but ultimately you want your head to be safe.  DOT approved German helmets come in various colours ranging from black in both matte and glossy finish, chrome, Captain America colours and even with a leather finish.  They also come in the usual polycarbonate (plastic), fiberglass and even carbon fiber for a light yet sturdy and unique look.  

Whichever you choose, be sure you see the DOT seal of approval so you know you`re covered.  Either way you cut it…there’s nothing that looks meaner on the road than a rider wearing a German motorcycle helmet.  

….This is an example of a chrome beanie.

Here is an example of a black matte finish German motorcycle helmet…. 

Technorati Tags: beanie or shorty helmets, DOT approved German helmets, German Motorcycle Helmets