Wilsons Sandbox

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:59 pm**

Before we get to a tire thread, can we look a a helmet question? Based on extensive test results cost does not effect safety. A $400 Arai is not twice as "safe"as a $200 HJC, or even a $100 Scorpion. Lets call that a given(please). Comfort is somewhat relevant in that a lower cost helmet may be more comfortable than a more expensive one due to fit, although the expensive ones tend to be more comfortable. What about noise. It seems to me that modulars are more noisy (wind noise) than a solid full face, lower cost helmets seem to be noisier than more expensive ones and lighter too. Just does one look to achieve ini using the more expensive helmets?

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:06 pm**

On Mon, 2008-02-04 at 21:59 +0000, mikeypep wrote:

> Just does one look to achieve ini using > the more expensive helmets?

I think you meant: "Just what does one look to achieve by wearing a more expensive helmet?" Trying wearing one for a week for 10 hours a day and you'll find out. Comfort, noise, and weight are all major factors. That, and regardless of how hard I've tried, I've never found a single cheap (

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:56 pm**

Zachariah Mully wrote:

> > On Mon, 2008-02-04 at 21:59 +0000, mikeypep wrote: > > Just does one look to achieve ini using > > the more expensive helmets? >

Of course the salesman will say 'How much is your head worth", well actually they don't make a 5M dollar helmet!

> > > __

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:08 pm**

Mike, IMHO ....;>), When you see a **** for $100, and a **** Hayden Replica for $400 (YOU fill in the blanks), the ONLY difference being the paint job, somebody's doing somebody! I look for a sticker saying "Snell and DOT", then I look at the price, then I try them on, CHEAPEST one first. The one that feels the best at the LOWEST price gets the nod. (I have a Shoei, 2 KBC's, 2 HJC's(?), an O'neal and an Answer Racing. The Shoei was $130 on clearance while the rest AVERAGE about $55 EACH, so I look REALLY hard for, and take advantage of, SALES.) I ALWAYS use ear-plugs, so they're all about equally quiet, though I'm sure they're NOT! Two of them have been to Alaska and back thru days and days of rain and cold, and I was toasty and comfortable. Do I have one I instinctively WON'T choose? NOPE - anyone, anyday! Cheers, Ed

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:15 pm**

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Zachariah Mully wrote: snipp... > "Just what does one look to achieve by wearing a more expensive helmet?" > > Trying wearing one for a week for 10 hours a day and you'll find out. > Comfort, noise, and weight are all major factors. That, and regardless > of how hard I've tried, I've never found a single cheap ( that is anywhere close to being as comfortable as my Art Friedman Orange > Shoei RF800. > > Plus, parts are far easier to find for Shoei/Arai/HJC. > > Z > Good point on the part availability, Z. Here's what I look at. Fit & comfort--does the helmet fit your head snugly but with no pressure points? Is the liner comfy? A helmet with a lousy liner can fit but not be comfortable. Don't confuse a loose fitting helmet for comfortable, as they can come off or twist on your head in a crash. A new helmet should be very snug. A good fitting helmet is likely to be quieter as well. Weight & aerodynamics--a heavier helmet or one with poor aerodynamics will wear you out much sooner that a light one with good aeros. Does is twist your head to the side when you turn your head at speed? Operability--can you work the vent thingies with your gloves on, do the vents ventilate or does the liner block them, does the shield seal well, can you remove it easily, is the liner removable so you can wash it? Durability--do the plastic parts stay on or fall off, does the shield scratch easily, does the chin strap fray, does the liner pill? Color--brighter is better, IMO. AF oranges sounds good. My fave is the Sport Yellow that Arai used to make. Noise--I wear ear plugs. Still, I notice the difference between a full- face, a flip-up, and an XD style dual-sport helmet. I have several helmets from various makers and price points. My daily rider is a Scorpion EXO which I can lock to the bike without worrying about. It's a little heavy for long rides, otherwise I'm quite happy with it. __Arden

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:12 pm**

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mikeypep" wrote:

> Before we get to a tire thread, can we look a a helmet question? Based > on extensive test results cost does not effect safety.

The best helmet is a helmet that fits. For my oddly-shaped head, there is only one helmet that fits, so I'm sorta stuck (it's the Arai Astral/Vector). But I can wear that helmet for days at a time with no (zero) discomfort and without even feeling it up there after a while, which is worth the $$$ for me. The best helmet for you will depend on the shape of your head. If you're lucky enough to have multiple helmets that fit you (do the 15 minute test -- if, after 15 minutes wearing it while looking around the store, you feel *any* pressure points, it ain't the helmet for you), *then* you start thinking about things like noise, convenience, etc. Since I've never been in that situation... (shrug). Sorry, can't help you. -E

Posted: **Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:23 pm**

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "ferrisl" wrote:

> So now I am looking for a do it all, reliable mid size motorcycle to > park in my garage next to my pristine and simple to service 1981 > Yamaha Virago 750. I really like the redesigned KLR 650, but have the > following questions: > > How easy is it to: > > Change the spark plug

Take shroud and tank off (about 5 minutes). Remove and replace.

> change the oil

Pop the drain plug, drain the oil out. Unscrew two bolts on the side of the engine, pull oil filter cover off, pull the filter out. Put new filter in (with the bypass pipe from the old one!), optionally replace the oil filter cover o-ring (it'll last several oil filter changes before it gets flattened to the point I don't like the looks of it and put a new one on),reinstall cover, flip the drain plug washer over (if it hasn't already been done, in which case put a new one on), re-install drain plug, take oil filler plug off and fill with oil. No shroud removal necessary. Can be (and has been) done in a Wal-mart parking lot if necessary.

> check the valves (I know, shims are more work then lock nut adjusters)

A bit more painful in that the cam cover is a PITA to get out. This is the most painful routine maintenance. The good news is that after the first 10,000 miles or so, your valves don't move much so you can widen your interval from once every two oil changes, to something more reasonable.

> remove & replace chain & sprocket

Child's play for a clip-type link or if you have a chain breaking/riveting tool. Only thing you need to take off is the sprocket cover.

> remove front & rear wheels for new tires.

Very easy.

> Basically is there any routinely needed service that is a bitch to do > on this bike? Because after owning the BV 500, I'm all about not > having another stupid bike in my garage.

Take the tank and tank fairings off, and it's a naked bike. The biggest PITA is the valve check/shim change.

Wilsons Sandbox

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