So, now that I am riding the old slash 2 around I need to think about a new helmet. I believe in wearing one, but I just don't feel right about wearing the Schuberth that I wear on the R1100RS on the slash 2. Has anyone found a decent half/vintage look helmet that is well made? Thanks in advance.
I used to wear the open faced helmets but finally decided to get into a full-face but it's the flip-front type...not as good as the fixed chin bar full faced helmets. It also has the built in sun visor which keeps me from having to wear my sunglasses which was having a weird effect because of the polarization. I wear it on all three of my bikes.
It's obviously personal choice, but safety is kind of high on my list. I would prefer to see either the DOT or Snell standard. I don't think they have those on the half helmets.
About the only thing I can think of is the Davida line...not sure of their ratings.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
My Schuberth is as you described, but for around town I just feel the full face, even with the flip up is a little bulky for the slash 2. I understand the safety issue, but I am coming from a time when I never wore a helmet, so this is definitely a big step toward being a safer fellow.
The Davida Classic Jet is an open-face retro helmet that's DOT-approved. I wear one with a pair of French Aviator goggles when puttering around on my R50/2. Hand-made, somewhat expensive, but the only retro-type helmet I've found with DOT approval. Check out
I too feel the full helmets dont quite do the old bike justice. I have a Davida half shell its not approved for anything really has what i would call an old football helmet suspension system . They look the part ,but not very safe and noisy as hell.
If i were go for retro and safety it would be the open face with googles.
When I'm not using my AGV full face I have a Bell "500 Series" 3/4 helmet.
For me the price vs. the minimum protection of a Davida DOT Pudding style helmet seems very high to me.
Quality looks great. And it looks great as well. I'm just not hip enough to pay and wear one.
mike wex/stagewex
1969 BMW r60/2, US Model, 1995 BMW K75, 2006 Yamaha TW200, 2007 Ural Patrol, 1991 Honda XR250L
I honestly ALWAYS wear my 1950/60's Romer half helm with goggles, leather jacket and gloves and boots. I'm definitely NOT fully DOT protected up top! (but I look cool). I got a couple of them(a lower grade black leather one and a higher grade white leather one) on German Ebay for under $100 each. If this is what you're after make sure you get the higher grade type with the extra foam inner layer and leather lining as on the right side in pic. Ear plugs are highly recommended too because air blows right past the ear flaps. FWIW, I wrecked last summer and broke my back, neck and ribs but my noggin came away clean. Just don't lead with your head. Kidding aside, it's your head and you only have one so use what you're comfortable with.