The Danger of Flip-up Helmets - real account

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/the-danger-of-flip-up-helmets.htm

Flip-up helmets are very popular amongst motorcycle riders. They offer the ease that a jet helmet offers, and the protection of an integral motorcycle helmet. Or do they?

If you think about it, a flip-up helmet is a jet helmet with a chin protector that is bolted to your helmet, not a single molded piece like with an integral helmet. There are two bolts inserted in the main helmet unit, and on these two bolts is located the chin protector.

If you fall off your motorcycle, on your chin, while riding at low speed, or even parked (yes, it does happen), the chin protector should be able to withstand the impact.

But what happens when you fly off your motorcycle at a reasonable speed, and hit an unmovable object (in this case the tarmac) with your chin first.

Here's the case of UK based Dazco, who had properly locked his flip-up helmet, and thought he was safe. Below are two photos of the final result of what happened when the bolts snapped off the helmet at the first impact.

WARNING: The photos below the "Continue Reading the Article" are NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH !! DO NOT LOOK IF YOU CAN NOT STAND THE SIGHT OF BLOOD !!!

From the photo, it would seem that the chin piece pushed into Dazco's face. So on impact, the bolts snapped, and the chin and visor slammed into his face.

The result is not nice, and will have hurt like hell:


Dazco wrote:

howdo everyone, and thanks for the concern. Everyone did an excellent job on Saturday.(my hat off to you all). i was more pissed off that i spoild a good days ride for everyone else. The Ambulance ride was rougher than the pillion ride on the R80Gs with Mick(top man) Sunday had a plastic surgeon put 40 stiches in the lip,a 3 and a half inch cut ,then Spent most of yesterday in the Dental hospital in Sheffield being prodded and poked(ooo errrrrr missus) and having that broken tooth yanked out by a cak handed student dentist. OUCH The missus has been good about it all so far. shes probably just waiting till i feel better before she sticks the boot in. One thing i have learned though is that ill not be using a flip front helmet in the future.The rest of the body took a battering but stood up pretty well(that extra padding i have worked wonders). Any way hope to be back out on the road by the end of the week on 1100, if i get that drive bearing done. See ya all soon and Thanks Dazco

In many countries, flip-up helmets are rated as jet helmets.  In many cases you're better off with a jet, since you know that there's no chin protection.

This article was not written to dissuade you from using or buying flip-up helmets, but to make sure you understand that you do not have 100% protection as you would have with an integral helmet. I mostly have flip-up helmets, and plan to continue to use them. But... I'm going to make extra sure that it's properly latched, and just be that extra careful out there.

Dazco, hope you get better soon, and back on your motorcycle.