One year review of the LS2 FF385 FT2 fiber Helmet

About a year ago I was contacted by LS2 Helmets about using one of there helmets and to help get the word out about this product. Well ya! I have to say while agreeing  I knew I'd have reservations and doubt's about wearing a budget prices helmet. I was currently wearing a Arai Quantum 2 helmet and was more than happy with it's fit, finish and comfort.

My doubt's?
I thought, that the fit and finish would be sub par. Wrong. The fit and finish of this helmet is completely on par with the Arai, maybe even better.  Ok, so it looks good, now the fit.
I was amazed at the comfort and subtleness of the liner not to mention the cool factor of the cheek pads.

On to the gadgets or what I thought to be gadgets.
The internal sun shield is one thing I thought would be a novelty at best and if it did truly work, how long would it last before mechanisms start to fall apart? Would it be rattling in there? the answer, NO.
It works flawlessly and effectively. I don't think I could own a helmet with out this feature from now on. Gone are the days of changing shield's at dawn and dusk fumbling around wasting time and managing wind and rain. It's like magic. I was at a motorcycle function in California a few years back and at night I had to change the shield on my Arai. In the dark and along side of the road, the left side of the helmet shield hinge exploded sending pieces and parts every where. Damn, one piece went into a storm drain. Luckily I carry duct tape and all was...............working, but NOT WELL!

Air pump cheek pads?  I definitely thought that this was a gimmick. Wrong again.

Helmet fit in all weather conditions can change the fit of a helmet and become a compromise in comfort. Cheek pads are so important not only in comfort but safety. Having the cheek pads fit consistent is of great importance. I love the fact that on a cold day I can pump a little more pressure into the cheek pads and release some in the heat.  I'm a believer that, if you feel good, you do good.

Venting?  Well, the venting works better than my Arai and the nose shield does a good job of keeping my breath off the screen. If your a cold weather rider, you'll appreciate not having to direct your breath down and away from the shield or breathing shallow.

Noise?  Noise seems to be on par with the Arai which really isn't a quiet helmet. I thought it would be a little quieter but it's not bad.

Wear?  I am amazed that it still looks like I unboxed it. No lens scratches and this may be crazy but I have yet to clean the internal visor. The cheek pads do show a slight bit of wear but nothing compared to the Arai. The nice thing about the chin strap is that id doesn't get all frayed after wind has beat on it. 

Chin strap?  Oh Thank God this was invented!
Gone are the day's of fumbling with gloves and D-rings to secure my chin strap.
Push the adjustable latch together and go! pull the tether and release. Simple.  Simple is my best friend when riding as I don't have a multitude of things to do when I want to go.

So, am I happy with this helmet?

So very happy and look foreword to another year of perfect fit and functionality.

If your interested in a premium Helmet and a budget price......

http://ls2helmets.us/_live/

 

 

Motorcycle Minimalist or FuddyDuddy?

I have been asked countless times why I don't have bike to bike communications on my helmet? Why don't you listen to music while riding? Why don't you care for ABS?

I ride a motorcycle for various reasons but the biggest reason is fun.. Listening to music? The sound of an engine beneath me, air rushing past my helmet and all the mechanical sounds that the bike makes, is the music. Glorious music. I can't imagine talking to someone while riding, it would detract from all that a motorcycle takes me away from.

Some of my best thoughts, memories and Ideas come from the solitude that being on the bike gives. I often wonder how someone can be yacking on the phone or talking with there riding buddies on a road trip. For me, talking is for before and after. My wife and I communicate really well just by gestures and body movement.

ABS? I have a 2010 triumph Tiger 1050 with ABS and I'm really on the fence regarding this peculiar braking function. I know it's proven and safe in the right straight line stopping situation.........or is it? Shortly after buying the tiger, I was on a trip in southern Utah riding through the picturesque Bryce Canyon national park area when something caught my eye. I executed a quick mirror and head check followed by a quick exit on to the gravel next to the road. OH NO!, where did the brakes go???, I really need to stop as there is a parked car closing fast with no other exit.
Nothing but pulsations from the rear brake pedal and front brake lever.

I finally came to a stop just an inch or two from hitting the car and I exited the road at about 10 mph. I know without a doubt that had I not had abs I could have stopped well short of the car and at least been able to steer used a locked up rear tire. The look from the poor woman who was in front of her car painting was priceless.  I looked at her and said, ABS......Ain't Been Stoppin!

The Tiger is no raw sport bike but plenty capable of riding fast and precise. Well.........abs does limit it's ability to deliver. Sometimes I like to ride very aggressive and while diving fast and deep into the apex of a corner the last thing I want is for anything to upset the smooth flow of a great corner......but, on comes the abs!  What?, not now! really? This has happened more times than I can count. I'd probably be happier with out it thank you.

Traction control?, Power modes?, Slipper clutch?, (well, maybe a slipper clutch) Do I need all that? Again, It's just more techno gadgetry that I don't think I need. I would much prefer to be technical on my own merits rather than to rely on all this magic.

The only real magical device I use is a GPS, and of course the mother of all devices, the Smart Phone.

Maybe I'm a Geezer or a Motorcycle minimalist. What ever I am, I'm happy.