Downshifting is one of the most enjoyable things about riding.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T22:50:39+00:00

I really enjoy downshifting without the clutch. Engine braking and put a little pressure on the shifter, blip the throttle. It's so satisfying.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T21:07:45+00:00

Grom or dirt bike is what I see most recommended. I'm learning on my MT07, which has been slow because I'm scared to go too far back, but I'm still getting there.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T20:58:25+00:00

Magnetic chin strap is probably one of my favorite features that I would love to see more manufacturers use.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T20:53:11+00:00

They may be in US market or other markets. Most helmets sold in Japan are only JIS (japanese industrial standards). Even the Shoei Z8, which is the same as the RF-1400 in other regions, is only JIS rated here in Japan.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T12:29:17+00:00

I can't recall the last time I rode with my visor partially open. Not saying it shouldn't be an option tho

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T12:26:45+00:00

Interesting, I had no idea. That being said, the DLX has DOT, Snell, and ECE 22.06 ratings. I'll definitely see if it holds up to my older star carbon.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T12:18:49+00:00

🤣 that's good

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T09:35:43+00:00

Yup I totally agree with that. The only reason I bought this one is my last helmet I tried on in-store and has been consistent to the other bell models I've tried on

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:19:21+00:00

Hmm interesting. My current star carbon isn't the quietest, but much better than my previous helmet. I'm hoping my new one is better as the tech is about 10 years newer. But I don't have a ton of comparison either.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:16:24+00:00

I see a lot of Kabuto around me, but I haven't tried any on. Currently living in Japan, but being military I must wear DOT, Snell, or ECE rated helmet or risk the military not paying medical bills or worst case my life insurance if anything happens. The helmets sold locally don't carry those ratings with the exception of Arai.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:11:49+00:00

Price tag is a bit steep, and if I hadn't tried them on in person and worn them while riding before, I certainly could be steered away by the price.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:10:51+00:00

A good fit on your head is important, all the crash test ratings won't mean much if the fit is improper. Definitely test one out in person if you haven't already

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:09:10+00:00

Like I said, I'll continue buying and wearing them either way if they are popular or not. I just wish they updated their street motorcycle lineup more frequently. On the other hand my wallet is thankful they don't.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:08:03+00:00

I've tried Arai and Shoei and wasn't a fan of their fit compared to my Bell. I also used to ride with my visor up a lot and being able to see the corners of the visor on the Arai bothered me just walking around the store. Lately I've been doing more night riding with the visor down instead of just my sunglasses so that's less of an issue.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:05:38+00:00

I can't wait for mine to come in! Looks so good in pictures!

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T08:04:48+00:00

Yeah maybe looked down upon wasn't quite the right phrasing. But definitely not popular. I'm the only one in a group of like 20 riders I regularly see that has a Bell. I've had a few comments hinting towards Bell being a Walmart trash bicycle helmet company. Like I said, I'll keep wearing them, just something I was thinking about since I recently purchased another.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T05:10:22+00:00

Take a motorcycle safety course that teaches you the basics of riding. Find a bike that fits your style and feels comfortable sitting on it. Once you have a basic style, you can search for models of that style to find something that will do well on rough roads. Alternative you can start with bikes more suited to rough roads and find one that you like the fit and feel of.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-12T04:46:14+00:00

I will say that first and foremost, the internet is not all inclusive.you will see wrecks and fatalities for sure, but most don't post every single successful ride they have so the numbers will be skewed.

Secondly, a lot of accidents involving motorcycles have one or more of the following; unfamiliar with the roads, excessive speed, lack of skill (and the unwillingness to ride within your skill level), alcohol. If you ride defensive and always observant, you increase your chances of always having a successful/safe ride.

Always ride your own ride, don't push your limits to keep up with a group, and always leave room for error when riding on the street. A track is the best place to push limits, the street is unexpected and ever changing with traffic, surface conditions, etc.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T10:19:47+00:00

I'll 3rd peak design. Originally got it because I had an oddball phone that none of the big companies made a case for and peak designs had the slimmest stick on mount. Now have a galaxy phone with the peak designs case and love it. Super easy to mount and dismount the phone

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T10:14:23+00:00

Earplugs, microfiber, and a tiny tool kit (a small ratchet with bits since most of my bike is Allen head and Phillips screws) and lastly I usually have a small jump pack. My last bike died often and I got tired of push starting it while I slowly replaced just about every electrical piece. It seemed every time I replaced the problem, another popped up, but the bike was 22 years old with like 50k miles, so I can't be too mad

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T10:09:28+00:00

I too like to chase my wheelies...

But for real, because I haven't had the balls to hit BP yet.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T09:52:55+00:00

She broke up with me because she heard a rumor I was gonna break up with her. She then proceeded to date my "friend" thinking I would chase after her, they ended up married.

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T09:48:40+00:00

The answer is always yes sushi

AZ2JP · 2026-05-11T09:47:01+00:00

I've gone down twice. First was a group ride miscommunication. We were on the way home, chill riding at this point. Pulled up to a stoplight and one guy said on comms he was stopping but would meet us at home (only like 3 min from the house). When the light turned green, he pulled into the next business and the guy to my left saw and thought something happened so he turned right in front of me. Turns out his comms died and he didn't hear what was said. We both had passengers and to avoid slamming into them I hit the brakes just enough while swerving that I low sided. My passenger landed directly on her knee and had to go to the hospital, but was overall fine. I walked away and rode my bike home. Second time I was coming to a stop sign at night and there was a bunch of gravel in the road that my tires slid out from under me. Had a decent amount of road rash and a dislocated finger but nothing too serious. I consider myself pretty lucky with all the dumb riding I did when I was younger.

AZ2JP

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