leanit

Striker Helmet

So I picked this up last weekend to replace my old Shoei 800. I have never owned a Bell helmet so at first I was sceptical.

Fit: The fit is nice and tight but very comfortable. I needed to run a size bigger then my last helmet for the bell so im in an XL but still very good fit. 5 out of 5 for me here.

Vent: Though it has alot of venting on the outside I have not felt a whole lot of air moving in the helmet. I guess this is a good and bad thing but I have ridden with some other helmets that have better venting imop. All in all I would still rate this helmet at a 3.5 out of 5 on venting just may get warm with the face shield down and not moving on a summer day.

Wind Noise: So with this helmet being well designed I was actually surprised by the amount of wind noise that you get. Now don't get me wrong its far less then my old lid and so it is pretty quiet still. Further the padding is so good that with the face shield up or down it really doesnt make that much of a sound difference oddly. I was expecting a little less but am still happy with the outcome. I think once I find some ear plugs that will help a ton. 4 out of 5

Accessories: So with the quick release shield option like most other helmets have gone to the array of shields available is massive. Bell does swear by a transistion lens and well if any one has tried it I would love to hear from you before I run out and grab one. 4 out of 5

Designes: Man there are a ton of options here.

Price: I picked mine up for about 145.00 bucks not bad if you can find it as it normally retails at about 169.00.

Summary: For the price range of this lid you get alot for your money. I think it has got the HJC CL15, CL16, SLP betean hands down but thats just me. i am looking forward to saving up some cash for the Bell Star or Shoei RF model see what the big diff is in a helmet that sells for 400 - 500 US. I will add actual pics highlighting the helmet once I take them this week.

There ya have it please drive through.

If you are considering a Bell Star in the future, be aware that it also suffers fro quite a bit of wind noise from it's rear side exhuast vents. It is the price you pay for the excellent air venting for the helmet that is second to none of the many helmets I have tried through my many years biking, interior airflow-wise. The Star is also much more stable at speed and do not have any lifting tendencies that some helmets still suffer from. Material quality on the exterior finishes is top notch but the interior is not as great as what you might find on a Shoei or an Arai. I got mine at a model graphics clearance sale price that i could not refuse ($199!) so I could not complain too much. I like it enough that I could still recommend it to anyone as long as they remember to wear ear plugs when they use it.....and they find it a a good sale price like I did. Frankly, I think the retail price at aorund $500 is way too much.

Beck

95 VFR

Good reports. I have looked at he Bells recently and with price being a major issue for most riders, I'm glad they have went after the less expensive range. That is a sharp looking lid. As far as wind noise, I have worn ear plugs when riding since the mid 80s. I can't imagine how bad my hearing would be now if I had not. With that being said, they can make a $100.00 helmet as quite as a $800 without plugs.

i think your lucky..

maybe more lucky than me..

i just woke up with a hangover that has me HEARING things..and tossed out a chick that looked 14..thank god the ID that was tattooed on her butt , matched the drivers licence on the dog collar around her neck...she was 23

life is short.. dont crash your bike in to minivans and be careful when being invited to party with a group of "patch holders" after you fix a guys bike on the side of the road.

i am one of those guys who stops and helps people out , no matter what bike they ride.. i think next time i will pass on the party. :laughing6-hehe: :happy:

Guy, you are usually funnier than dog snot but I have to ask WTF are you smoking. A guy shares a near death experience and you compare it to poking some strange that you aren't sure is of legal age. Come on...there are times to joke around but I didn't get that; at all. Ride safe, JD

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Your riding jacket can make a big difference as well. When I wear my all-weather textile gear, I notice a lot more buffeting, as compared to my fitted leathers.

:491: The jacket makes a huge difference, as does the windscreen.

i think your head bearings are a tad loose.. they will turn side to side with not problem.. then clunk when you hit the brakes.

:comp13: My '96 CBR 1KF was having the same issue. I tried to save a buck and took it to a independent service shop with the problem. They called to tell me the bike had been wrecked and needed a new triple tree. I was there so fast...Watched them put the fairings on and rode to my Honda dealer. The rode it, came back and said the head bearings were loose. Picked it up the next day and was told no damage could be found. Since then, no clunks when applying brakes or over bumps.

Does anyone know where I can get the undertail lights on this bike?

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?app=gallery&module=images&section=viewimage&img=41917

Yep, that is one clean VFR.

Thanks for posting your experience. I'm pleased to see it was a good one as I just ordered some NR Baggs and other goodies from them yesterday.

Not the first positive feedback I've heard about NewEnough.com.

Just curious - what bags did you get?

Nelson Riggs Silver Streak. They arrivde about one hour ago and look good.

I know several members as well as myself have told stories of how great NewEnough.com is but my experience with them this week needs to be told. Last July, I ordered a set of Nelson Rigg bags from them for my '96 CBR1000F. They matched perfectly and drew several praises from other riders. Several weeks ago, we went for a all day ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway and we stopped for gas in Boone, NC. While stopped, my wife looked down and pointed out a tear along the top of the saddlebag. Aw hell! Ride back home pissed off and call new Enough to complain. Talk to Nate, explain my deal and hear, "No problem. Send them back and we will send out a new set."

Their prices draw you in but their customer service keeps you coming back! Good people, no doubt - JD :biggrin:

Informative, great pics and great bikes! What more could you ask for? Nice weather? It's a shame you guys were stuck in bad weather for much of your ride but a 5 star report for sure. Thanks, JD

First of all, we're all glad you are okay. I know it only takes a second and then...we're knee deep in poop. Every morning I ride to work, I leave at 5:50am and arrive at work at 6:40am. I see it as a blessing! If I look in my mirror for more than a instant, I begin to curse. Why? A few weeks ago, I had a truck on my arse (heavy traffic was in the right lane)so I could not get over and I kept checking the mirror. Bam! hit the corner of a old blown ot truck tire. 6 inches to the right and let me say that the out come would not have been the same. Good post and good advice from the officer. Ride safe, JD

Sorry for your bad break with no humor intended at all. Yeah you're right, it could be worse. Right now you are making plans to rebuild your bike and in my book you've won the biggest lottery of all - LIFE! Okay, pep talk is over and here is to your speedy recovery! JD

I would have to agree with the above,however I have seen REAL world results,I tend to believe my eyes versus theroy

I'm not beating your dead horse but when people with experience offer sound advice, it seems a no brainer to me. I'd say that no more than 1,000 miles before changing tires. Be careful is all we're saying. Later, JD

Speechless :mellow:

Feel proud brother. That is one sweet deal and the bike looks great! JD :beer:

I'd wear it.

Come on Timmy...we know it is black and that is your color but...Heck I'd wear it too but I know my luck; there would be a NCHP officer out there dressed as the Joker!!! or worse, the Riddler! :fing02:

You can rebuild her but the most important you will be here to do it. Yep, gear saves lives!

With no Honda logos, people always ask me what kind of BMW it is anyway.

I know that would be my first guess Timmy. Either that or a prototype of the new 2012 Moto Guzzi "Darth Vader" edition GV12. :fing02:

The RWB is nice but lacking in a big way w/o the proper WHITE wheels!

AMEN brother BaileyRock! Welcome to the Church of Class and the word has been spread by the wise man who spoke the truth. What he sayth and preach, I strive to live by. :fing02: Thanks BR. So well put - JD

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Good information. Thanks!

On a previous post I had made a comment the stock seat on 06 VFR was a piece of dogsh*t. Would like the confirm that I was correct. Finished 1400 miles, 11 hours straight one particular day, on my Sargent seat with no signs of deadbutt. I know you young guys can ride for days straight without gluteal cramp but those with older posteriors appreciate a good seat. I have owned 2 corbins in the past. Corbins are a little cushier, but not any more comfortable. And the Sargent is much sportier looking particularly with the Techspec tank grips. The tank grips are useful in 2 ways. They really let you grip the tank in the twisties, but more importantly they allow you to grab the tank with your knees and take weight and pressure off of your wrists. I highly recommend both of these new additions.

Good deal and sweet looking bike. :biggrin:

Good deal and sharp bike. :biggrin:

I don't drink. I shop impulsively. I can't imagine what would happen if I mixed the two.

Thats the silver lining, 200 bones shipped.

Good deal! Did they have any others? Thanks, JD

I have a coworker that laid his bike down in rush hour freeway traffic to avoid crashing into a car. He avoided hitting anything, picked up his bike and rode it home. The next day he was back on his bike riding again even before replacing the plastic.

I agree with all the posts and strongly recommend getting new tires. If you are spending time riding and feel the bike is touchy or 'iffy', don't risk another fall;. replace the tires. I have read that when fighter pilots crash a plane, they want the pilot to return to the air quickly so he/she keep their nerve and touch. The more miles you ride, the more comfortable you will become. If you are riding 'stiff' that will cause issues too. Too tight on the grip pressure, rigid posture, tense neck/upper torso muscles will screw your riding up. In summary...

1.) Get new rubber

2.) Relax a little and enjoy the ride

3.) Miles and miles of riding will see you ready for TMac '10

Ride safe, JD

No need for photoshop...real one in person. Later, JD

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And how did you mount it?

I was considering a luggage locker elite seat sak but it's a 3 week wait.

I did not go the Cortech route but I did buy a Cycle Guys Fastpac @ New Enough and love it. It is not overly large but when not in use, it compresses into a very small package. Good luck, JD

Oh I want one! I do want one! Damn!!! That is sweet with a cup of sugar to boot. If duplicated, what would one cost. I have tried not to become a "man of the streets" but... :biggrin: Good job BLS, JD