Triumph Motorcycle?

[TresCrows]

I noticed you mentioned Bell Helemts--unfortunately the Bell Helmets of today are not the Bell of old. Yeppers, that company outsourced, downsized and high fived and lean operated it's way into extinction and the name was purchased by HJC (?), a maker of functional but cheap helmets. The top helmets today are Shoei pronounced "shoey" and AGV. I recommend a full face but it may not look right on a Bonneville rider but they make cruiser styles as well that have an open face more like what you probably remember from 20 years ago when your leathers actually did slip right on /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I got several old Bell Helmets sitting in my garage. I recommend a Shoei if it were my head. The Shoei full face types have scratch resistent shields, are very quiet at speed. Some have removable liners for cleaning etc.
Another warning, any cell phone carrying blonde chick under 30 is a danger to you as well as every Soccer mom with a car load of disgusting progeny. Best to ride with groups of people and steer clear of those sorts /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. J

 

[8561]

996 - Judging from the photo, I believe you are referring to the Kancamaugus Highway, aka Rte 112 between Lincoln and Conway, NH. That is about an hour north of me and I have ridden it many times. That's a nice looking biposta you have there. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I hope you didn't ride it up from NY!! My wrists are falling asleep just thinking about it. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[8561]

I would add another brand to consider to J's list - Arai. I personally use a Shoei XSP-II and I bought an AGV for my wife, even though I couldn't get her on my bike at gunpoint. The only other brand I would consider is a Suomy, but they are not very common. In the end, buy the one that fits your head best. Do NOT buy a brain bucket that is not Snell Foundation approved (safety rating). Make sure the fit is snug to very snug as it will loosen a little and if it is too loose, the helmet will likely feel like it is lifting off your head at speed.

 

[5030]

J:

I'll take your and everyone else's advice on the lid. Being away from bikes for about 22 years left me in a void concerning helmets and leathers.

I have a full bucket with heated shield for the snowmachines, but I want an open face with a flat shield or goggles for the Triumph. We do have to look the retro type don't we??

As far as the leathers, I was really surprised that they fit me. I must have bought them in one of my fatter periods. When I put on the jacket and I just happen to have 2 of them, I felt just like Fonda and I don't mean Jane!!

I think I will buy a pair of Triumph leather pants. My old Brooks are a little tight in the rear!!

This weekend, I'll put on the leathers and model them for the camera and have my wife take a picture. I'll post it for all to see!!

Actually, maybe I should sell the Brooks on e-bay and buy new leathers. I didn't realize Brooks were so collectable and chic.

I looked at Shoei helmets as well as Bell. I was wondering why Bell was so much cheaper than 20 years ago. You guys answered my question.

One question I do have is...All the Shoei and Arai Helmets I see on the internet are full face with flip shields. Does anyone know of a site that lists open face??

The one thing that Triumph dosen't sell is helmets. Must be a liability issue.

 

[ducati996]

8561,
I knew you would guess it, I made it too easy!! That is a real nice ride for sure...I use Arai Helmets only,
full leathers with the 996 (Dainese) and at Loudon track...
I trailer my bikes every year (see link) and use the Vmax for two up riding with the wife...I have relatives in NH so I'm lucky....I love bikes in general...tractors are a close second

http://jplan.com/cgi-bin/tractor/viewPhoto.pl?userid=ducati996

 

[8561]

5030 - try doing a google search for shoei rj-air. That is their open face model. As far as Arai, I think you'll have a lot of trouble finding an online retailer who carries them. Arai really cracked down about a year or 18 months ago in an effort to protect their regular shop retailers. Even the regular shops around here were having some issues with them as they were instituting minimums to remain an authorized dealer, etc. Nonetheless, a great helmet. Good luck with the helmet and the Triumph.

 

[8561]

996 - I wear full Dainese leathers as well, Alpinestars boots, etc. Do you do track days at Loudon?
By the way, I have ridden mad-Max, its quite a rush. I am used to the big power, having ridden an FZR1000 for many years, but the Max makes power so much differently. I love how the whole thing kind of rises up when you lay on the power. What kind of times are you turning at the strip? We used to fool around at street night at the local dragway - a short wheelbase 1000cc sport bike can be a handful when it gets hooked up. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[ducati996]

I was running pretty good times since the bike was basically riden to and from the track...best that day was 10.92
The GSXR was alot faster that day 10.6 in that area...I wasnt really attempting to race him, just dial the bike in...I use it more these days as my best 2 up rider. Long all day rides is what it is great for. The Dale Walker exhuast 4-2 sounds like a big block Chevy...it's a sweet sound.
Loudon I've been on twice-both for the schools -Penquin...
My 996 was on it once....rented their bike the other time..

 

[EastTexFrank]

Thanks, I really needed that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[TresCrows]

"I would add another brand to consider to J's list - Arai."

Yes, sorry, I was trying to think on them and could not remember, it was probably the "whale in black" that was causing my brain to misfunction /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, uh, huh. J