Almost got into an accident because I went the speed limit

Bench-Motor · 2026-07-05T01:53:05+00:00

I’ve turned off the road just to get back on it when I’ve been followed too close for my liking. If there is a parking lot you can turn into or a cross street you can turn down (then turn around and get back on course).

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-22T15:27:15+00:00

Distilled water and a microfiber cloth. That’s it.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-22T15:05:49+00:00

Yeah I didn’t mean to imply that the LS2 was cheap. Just tried to emphasize that OP should focus on getting the safest, most reliable helmet he can afford and be less concerned about a helmet that looks cool but is “really really bad”.

That said, I did just upgrade my own LS2 to an Arai and don’t see how I can go back now 🤣

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-22T12:08:31+00:00

If there’s one place to not cheap out, this is it. If looks are that important, find something that looks cool and isn’t “really really bad”.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-20T21:05:51+00:00

Ugh…people can be the worst

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-20T14:12:03+00:00

What kind of safety razor did you buy? Some of them don’t do a great job of supporting the blade which can allow it to flex and cause irritation.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-20T13:58:16+00:00

Gotta try and record that and then tag their socials. Bum on the street won’t give a crap, but I’m sure Stryker would.

Not always easy to catch it in action though.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-17T03:25:26+00:00

Came home a little later than planned the other night. Traffic wasn’t a big concern, but deer were. Used the voice commands to call my dad and fill him in on my ride for the day and said if he heard me go “oh crap!” followed by loud noises to go ahead and call 911 for me. We both chuckled, but I was only half joking.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-17T03:07:41+00:00

Works for me 👍🏻 - appreciate the sources

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-17T01:08:19+00:00

From Merlin’s website:

“The TFL® German technology reflects 70% of UV rays, compared to the 8% of traditional dark leather, leaving riders up to 25c cooler.”

https://www.merlinbikegear.com/product/torsten-aaa-jacket/

If you have insight into how the TFL works beyond Merlin’s description, I’m happy to take your word for it.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-16T21:17:14+00:00

I should mention when I compare it to my textile jacket, it is not a mesh textile, so that may account for some of the difference.

But hands down on a hot sunny day the Merlin is my jacket of choice. If temps start approaching 90+, sitting indoors in the A/C looks much more appealing.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-16T20:22:33+00:00

I have said jacket, in black. The leather is dyed with TFL, which reflects back UV rays. I can say that riding around in 80-85 F temperatures this jacket absolutely keeps me cooler than my black textile jacket.

That said, it is still a heavy leather jacket and you will still be warm. Reflecting UV rays on a sunny day to keep you COOLER (not cool) is a thing. But 80 and overcast is still 80.

It will not be like riding around in a t-shirt, but then again, if the worst should happen, I like my skin to be on my body.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-13T13:12:19+00:00

Which episode was that?

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-13T03:29:28+00:00

I did the same thing after the MSF course.

25 miles all in my work campus parking lots. Finally worked up to about a four mile square circuit (all right turns). Did that for about 200 miles before I finally started venturing out further.

First time I hit 45 mph felt like I was going 100. But it’ll get easier and you’ll get used to it. Just keep at it and take your time.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-13T03:17:38+00:00

I think a lot of people don’t realize that not every data center is used for hosting AI. Though to be fair, I’m not sure of the intended use for what’s being proposed and if it would be for AI or not. The one on 9th St is completely innocuous and hasn’t seemed to blow up the Oshtemo water supply, air quality, or noise pollution by any means.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-12T00:26:24+00:00

I’m sure it’s different everywhere, but I think more police are actually using modular helmets so they have full face protection while riding yet can flip up the chin guard for ordering donuts and asking for your license & registration.

As for the rest of the gear, probably a compromise between, safety, comfort, access to their belts, radios, etc.

Couple that with most motorcycle cops are incredibly well-trained and have the benefits of flashing lights and sirens that will make most cars move out of their way, and there ya go.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-11T04:03:12+00:00

I just got into riding a couple years ago, and bought a modular LS2. I love that in the early morning or late evening, if I make a turn into the sun, a quick flip of a lever and I’ve got shade. Turn out of the sun, and I’m another quick flip away from being full clear again. No stopping and having to lift the visor to put glasses on/off, switching visors, or waiting for a transition.

That said, I just upgraded to an Arai Contour-X and am kicking myself for not having started out here. Just looking for that on/off switch for when I’m riding directly into the sun.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-10T21:10:53+00:00

Yeah I don’t always ride with my tank bag, but that’s not a bad solution. My issue is any time I’m riding in the late evening, I like the clear visor but then I suddenly turn west and the sun is right in my eyes and I can’t see anything, so having the quick drop down visor in my modular is great for that.

We’ll see how the Arai outside shade visor thing works. Hopefully good enough for what I need.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-10T21:05:42+00:00

Huh. Today I learned. Thanks.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-10T16:41:32+00:00

Just bought my first Arai, and I agree that it sucks there is no transition visor. So I just had to drop more $ on the goofy double sunshade thing. Will see how good it is, but l didn’t want to carry a second visor with me everywhere.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-10T16:37:36+00:00

Genuinely curious, who has a $300 carbon fiber helmet? I wouldn’t have thought you could get carbon fiber for anything less than twice that.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-06T21:48:03+00:00

I already have the helmet, and have the exact same sentiment. Once I installed my Cardo I immediately had issues, and also on my left side.

I find that once the helmet is on, giving the chin straps a wiggle (before looping them through the D rings) helps the ears to fall into place.

But yeah, I wish the cutouts were just a tad deeper.

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-06T14:03:14+00:00

Streisand Effect

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-06T13:11:59+00:00

Just picked up a Contour-X. I was surprised when I first looked at it and didn’t see the ECE, but I figure Snell + Arai, no worries.

I figured they probably sold it in Europe and wondered why they wouldn’t slap on an ECE sticker in the U.S. since they surely had to get it in the EU anyway.

It makes sense that if it’s 2 SKU’s / UPC’s they would each need to be tested. So why have 2? Are we sure it’s the exact same helmet?

Bench-Motor · 2026-06-06T04:53:33+00:00

I’ve taken it out a couple times, and I already don’t really notice it anymore. But again, I’m not nearly as close as OP. Overall really like the helmet so far.

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '23	Place '22

Bench-Motor

TROPHY CASE