Helmet Review - HJC IS-17

This post is a review of my helmet, a fluorescent yellow HJC model IS-17.  I got this helmet as a replacement for my Box helmet after an impact.  I couldn't fault the Box helmet - it was my first, and I had nothing to compare it to.  It fit, it was easy to put on, and it allowed me to keep all my teeth.

The moment of impact

That's my helmet in the bottom right corner of the screen.  My chin scraped the floor after my bike went out from underneath me - see my earlier post about it.  So, I needed to go and get a new helmet.

I went back to visit my friends at Helmet City - a great shop in Tatsfield.  I cannot recommend this place enough - they have helped me enormously every time I've been.  One of the reasons I went here was because they could sell me a helmet that they were confident hadn't been dropped or worn by someone test fitting.  A brand new, undamaged helmet is a great way to protect your head.

My wife, being the nervous type, insisted I get a bright hi-vis helmet.  I could see no reason not to - as a new rider, I could use every advantage possible to be more visible to other road users. So, I settled on the HJC IS-17.

I didn't get it just because of the colour.  The helmet is a good 250g lighter that my Box.  That may not sound like much, but after half an hour of riding, it makes a big difference.  I also found the field of vision to be streets ahead of the Box.  I can actually see my gauges without having to nod.  It makes for a tremendously more comfortable and confident ride, knowing I can see more of what's around me.

The breath guard works well, and there is a removable chin curtain.  I find the ventilation on the helmet to be acceptable, but sometimes I wish it would 'breathe' more.  The Pinlock Max visor attachment is very good at keeping the fog at bay.  Another nod to the chaps at Helmet City - my Pinlock insert wasn't quite seating properly, so they replaced it for me!  I haven't had any problems since.  The visor is easy to remove for cleaning, and snaps easily back into place.  I do notice that the internal sun visor does fog up, but I think that's an issue on virtually every helmet.  The controls for the internal sun visor are a bit difficult to use; I found myself needing the visor down, but it had been weeks since I had last used it, so I couldn't figure out how to get it to drop down.  By the time I got it, I didn't need it anymore.

The wind noise is quite low;  the Box helmet was a modular, or flip-front design, which likely contributed to the wind noise.  Riding in the HJC is much quieter, but I'm still able to hear everything around me.

I do need to wear prescription glasses when I ride, so its a pain every time I put my helmet on or take it off - I have to find a place to prop my glasses for a quick moment.  The extra steps involved can be a bit of a pain, but I suppose its worth it in the end.  Certainly not the helmet's fault.

The D-Ring fitting for the chip strap is easy to use, and keeps the lid on tight.  At speeds up to 50mph (haven't gone faster than that yet!), the helmet doesn't try to pull my head off, so there's some good aerodynamic efficiency going on there.

I have fitted my Drift Ghost camera to the right jaw area, and it sits very well.  I don't really notice its there, and it provides a good view of my experience.

After a few months of use, it remains comfortable, and easy to use.  My commute can take up to 80 minutes (if I take a scenic route), and I have not noticed any ill effects on my neck or anything.

Overall, I would recommend this helmet; the price was very reasonable, it meets the tough safety standards, it functions well, and is comfortable.  It also keeps me visible to all those cars out there that wouldn't otherwise see me.

Hank vs MOT

For those readers who are not familiar with how things are done in the UK, every vehicle on the road is required to pass an annual safety test - commonly referred to as an MOT.  They check bulbs, braking efficiency tyre condition, general stuff like that.  It's a pretty good system, it keeps dangerous cars and bikes off the road.
My bike's MOT was due to expire at the end of March, so I brought it in for a test.  I've never been through the MOT process with a motorcycle before, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  My hope was that the bike would pass the test, and I could be on my way.
I went to Frank Dunstall, a motorcycle shop and garage based in Elmers End, in London.  I had been in the shop a few times in the past to buy some gear, and I found the chap to be helpful and knowledgeable.  They offer a test viewing area, which I was keen to use.
Russ helped me out, testing the bike.  He was happy to answer any questions I had as he went.  The test took about half an hour, and we went back into his office.
He told me the bike had a few advisories; these are things on the bike that aren't dangerous yet but if ignored, they could become dangerous.  My front tyre is running low on tread, and the chain was worn.
I knew I had recently replaced the chain, so I asked about it.  We went and had a look, and noticed that the rear sprocket was loose in its spot - Russ decided this was dangerous, and marked the test as failed.
:(
So, we worked out a deal where he would order the parts and I would do the repairs on Saturday - it was my only day off, and I wanted the bike re-tested as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, the parts didn't arrive in time, so I had to drop the bike off, and leave it for him to repair.  His job was to replace the rear sprocket, the chain, the cush bearings and their studs, and the rear wheel, where the hub had cracked.
Keen readers will remember I had replaced the cush bearings the same time I did the chain.  My error at the time was not installing new cush studs and also I cracked the hub when removing the worn bushes.  The result was that there was play in the drivetrain, which just got worse and worse, to the point where it was dangerous.  I had also neglected to oil the chain properly (entirely my fault), so it was looking quite rough and rusted - riding through a winter takes its toll for sure.
I like to do my own work, however my work commitments required me to leave it to someone else.  I was a bit trepidatious, but I knew it had to be done.

I left work early on the day I was to collect my bike.  I had to ride in one of those big noisy red double-decker things that are always in my bus lane, but I made it.
When I arrived, I was very pleased to see that it was all ready for me!  The new wheel was on, the new chain and sprocket were fitted, and I was very happy.  The cost for the repairs was ridiculously low - about £100 all in.  And then came the test - the ride home....
I got on Hank, fired him up, and strutted off.  Oh, man, it was like I had bought a new bike!  I have only ever ridden this bike (except for the one I used for by CBT, which was also a CG 125), so I can't really compare it, but it felt so.... happy.  Russ had adjusted my clutch cable, so it no longer went CLUNK when ever I engaged first gear at a stop.  Accelerating away from junctions was a smooth, relaxing affair.  Cruising at a steady pace was no longer like going to the chiropractor - getting all hammered out of shape.  It was, in short, glorious.

So I got him home, and spent some time with him; he got a much needed bath, an a good once-over.  Once again, my life was complete.  My bike was back where it belonged.