Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Most flip ups are much less safe in an accident than a solid one.

In other news I just tester my new boots out. Managed to find the only patch of ice (wasn't a cold night, no ice anywhere else, suspect filthy disgusting shitter of a taxi blew it's load all over the hill) down a steep hill into a fast t junction. Lost traction regained, lost, regained, until I got to point of either going into traffic or ditch the bike.
Managed to do the latter. Two facts....
BMW stock engine/crash bars are utter shite, protect nothing. My new panniers racks did most of the protecting
My new paintwork was coated in a fairly expensive "automotive" lacquer. Obviously only for diesel cars as it's not petrol resistant.

Aside, new boots saved my ankle from being more damaged than it is. Falco avantour, similar to a sidi courier but prob more waterproof, more ankle protection (d3o), vibram sole, and quite rigid, only slightly ridiculous to walk around a lot in but I'm happy them.

Probably best to go full face with an internal visor. If you're on a budget avoid flip ups. I only really know the older brands like Arai & Shoei, I've had a few Roof lids and really liked the fit although you hear the bike a lot more (which is good sometimes).

If your forehead fits in a Schuberth they seem like great helmets, they have just made one with a bit more forehead space. Personally I like Arai for comfort but I've got a Shoei at the moment, it's taken a long time for the cheek pads to give a little. All the other cheaper brands I've bought I've stopped wearing them after a few months, they usually get baggy or the interior cloth doesn't wear well, they are generally a lot noisier too.

I've had to throw out my 10 year old expensive helmets although I'd still have worn them, you shouldn't keep them forever as the material degrades. They've always been the best bang for buck though. First one was the bottom of the range Arai, saw me through all kinds of riding and never bothered me.