So, I broke down and finally bought a new helmet as my red, ever-faithful Scorpion 400 had gone beyond its expected shelf life. Well, as some of you may recall, I posted a thread several weeks ago about an on-line source I found for a Suomy "Vandal"-series helmet at a terrific price. But the price - while unnaturally reasonable - isn't what finally sold me.
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1000151-1.jpg) (http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1000150-1.jpg)
I think most of you will recognize the paint scheme; it's Troy Bayliss' helmet design from WSBK 2008. What could be better?, I ask myself. At which point Self observes, Well I DO deserve a new helmet... A uniquely affordable one that has presence and authority... YEAH, a kick-ass Bayliss replica! And it's yellow too...Hmmm.
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/farewelltroybayliss.jpg)
Well, after hitting the twisties with it for a couple of hours the other day, I'm sorry to say the helmet is going back; it didn't work. I'm still slow. My Aussie, "G'day mate" is still lame and I'm fairly certain I'll never be any good at grilling shrimp on the barbie. WTF?
Actually, it's a great helmet. I had tried several of the Arais, as many Shoei as I could find, and eventually discovered I've got a head that works better with the Suomys. This one is very light (the helmet, not the head, duh!), flows air extremely well, and is very well made. It's Italian-made, which I didn't know until I started reading the labels stuck all over the inside of the thing (don't tell me you haven't read the labels in your helmet?!?). The paint finish is spectacular in that Glastron boat, sparkly 1970's kinda way [laugh] and looks like it should hold up to routine handling use very well (my Scorpion really showed scuffs. Solid color being the issue more than anything else I suppose).
Anyone else use Suomys?
I am on my second Spec 1R.
Loved the first one on the Buell, got the second one and still love the fit and weight, but I have had cronic 'bug in the helmet' problems ever since on the D675. [bang] I am missing winter now... (too many bugs)
I have started looking around for an alternative.
Very nice lid, Lisa [thumbsup]
Funny--you're putting the Scorpion to rest and I just got one (EXO-700) to replace the Icon. At least now I can remove the liner and wash it after a few hot summer rides unlike the Icon. :P
Very nice new helmet Lisa. 8) I have never owned a Suomy, but I do like their graphics. [thumbsup]
I have an Arai RX-7 Corsair that I LOVE!!! My backup helmet is a Shoei RF-1000. The graphics aren't as cool as the X-11, but at least they fit my head well. The X-11 pads pressed on my temples and gave me a massive headache. [roll]
I also used to own a couple of scorpion EXO700s. Awsome helmet too, but the medium was a tad too tight and the large was way too big. I ended up selling both. I miss the antifog faceshield.
My RX7 fits my tumor just fine. [roll]
Whats up with shelf-life? Foam crushed down?
Oh I know, justification to buy a new lid. ;D
I really like that helmet Lisa. Motorcycle superstore recently had them real cheap too I think. Old model. Its one really great looking paintjob. IMO, Suomy has the best looking helmets out there as far as paint job. I love my Shoei, but am not fond of the paint options. I'm considering either a Suomy or AGV for my next lid. I'm such a huge Rossi fan... I'll probably go with an AGV replica if it fits me ok. If not, Suomy has a few schemes I really dig.
Nice score! I'm jealous!
Quote from: Jester on March 26, 2009, 10:05:35 PM
I really like that helmet Lisa. Motorcycle superstore recently had them real cheap too I think. Old model. Its one really great looking paintjob. IMO, Suomy has the best looking helmets out there as far as paint job. I love my Shoei, but am not fond of the paint options. I'm considering either a Suomy or AGV for my next lid. I'm such a huge Rossi fan... I'll probably go with an AGV replica if it fits me ok. If not, Suomy has a few schemes I really dig.
Nice score! I'm jealous!
I'm with you on the AGV's... They've got three on display over at MotoLiberty and the paint jobs are a work of art. A little too rich for my blood though. I can't see spending more than $500 for a lid.
Nice post Lisa and congrats on the new lid. [thumbsup]
Dude I feel yah. Most the lids I want are 600-700 bucks. It makes you think a minute. Its part of the reason I'm hangin onto my current shoei as long as possible. Its comfy and I'm not looking forward to dropping another chunk of cash. :-\ Its already saved my arse in a slow lowside over a year ago. I went face down, so was only cosmetic damage to the front chin area... but am kinda wanting a fresh lid someday soon.
Quote from: Cher on March 26, 2009, 05:17:16 PM
So, I broke down and finally bought a new helmet Suomy "Vandal"-series helmet at a terrific price. Anyone else use Suomys?
I almost pulled the trigger on the same helmet. You bet me too it [evil]
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-SUOMY-BAYLISS-REPLICA-HELMET-SIZE-LARGE_W0QQitemZ160314000916QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item160314000916&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-SUOMY-BAYLISS-REPLICA-HELMET-SIZE-LARGE_W0QQitemZ160314000916QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApparel_Merchandise?hash=item160314000916&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116)
the wife has a Suomy Vandal "dream" its this one...
(http://www.thehelmetcenter.com/images/D/dreamtry.jpg)
And I've got the Spec 1R Extreme Dragon
(http://www.hardracing.com/images/suomy7.jpg)
As Cher said... finish is top notch, they feel great, and they flow lots of air. I do'nt even mind the extra wind noise i get on my spec1r since it has such better airflow over any helmet i've ever had.
UJ has a couple of Suomy spec 1R's, an orange Biaggi replica, and a Bostrom Replica. Great graphics on them, a little finicky on the shield replacement, but otherwise very nice. Good deals to be had on these if you shop for 1-2 season old designs.
Coolness.
This is the first "big money", big name helmet I've purchased (been savin' my lunch money ;D ). I'm very impressed with it so far. Another thing about the Suomy is the thickness of the side padding around the face - uber thick. Took some getting used to but I actually prefer that level of form-fit than anything else.
That and the supersonic whistle when I turn my head :o Earplugs are good.
I've enjoyed my Scorpions (EXO400 and EXO700); Alan's got an HJC and KBC that he likes, but it's easy to see where a lot of the extra money goes on the higher-end helmets. Structurally, it might be a wash between the other brands mentioned, but I'm enjoying the, "ooo, shineypretty" of the Vandal [evil]
What is it about glitter? [laugh] [laugh]
Lisa
Quote from: Cher on March 27, 2009, 07:23:49 AM
What is it about glitter? [laugh] [laugh]
Lisa
I dunno but I HATE when i come home from a night with the guys and the wife finds glitter on my shirt... [bang]
Quote from: Cher on March 26, 2009, 05:17:16 PM
Well, after hitting the twisties with it for a couple of hours the other day, I'm sorry to say the helmet is going back; it didn't work. I'm still slow. My Aussie, "G'day mate" is still lame and I'm fairly certain I'll never be any good at grilling shrimp on the barbie. WTF?
Damn, I was really looking forward to shrimp on the barbie :P
A coupla good track days will fix the 1st part [thumbsup]
Nice Lid ;D
Anybody with contact lenses have the Suomy? My Aria RX-7 fits great, but I always get junk in my eyes coming from somewhere. Don't know if it's the visor fit or what. If the Suomy can flow that much air but still keep air flow from your eyes, that would be good.
My Shoei X-Eleven flows tons of air and never have issues with my contacts or any kind of "air leakage." Like I said earlier, the paint schemes leave a bit to be desired, but its definately a comfy helmet.
Quote from: Asia1098 on March 26, 2009, 07:59:59 PM
Very nice new helmet Lisa. 8) I have never owned a Suomy, but I do like their graphics. [thumbsup]
I have an Arai RX-7 Corsair that I LOVE!!! My backup helmet is a Shoei RF-1000. The graphics aren't as cool as the X-11, but at least they fit my head well. The X-11 pads pressed on my temples and gave me a massive headache. [roll]
I also used to own a couple of scorpion EXO700s. Awsome helmet too, but the medium was a tad too tight and the large was way too big. I ended up selling both. I miss the antifog faceshield.
Barry - with those helmets, don't you feel a little, um how should I put this, "overdressed" riding that Honda? [laugh]
George