Got my head in it...

We went helmet shopping today.

I think I am embarrassing Joan. "No way!" you say.  Hard to believe, I know.  She suggested I get a new helmet... seems that the HJC that I have been wearing for a couple years is leaving a deep mark (more like a dent) in my less-than-youthful forehead (and giving me a headache).   I refer to it as my lobotomy scar. I have another modular helmet that is comfortable, but the peripheral vision sucks; and the downward vision is obstructed to where I have to tilt my head down to see the speedometer.

In doing some research, the Nolan N44 seemed like a good solution: a removable chin bar and a face shield that goes to the bottom of that narrow chin bar - great views side-to-side and down. We went to my favorite motorcycle shop in the Black Hills; they are not a Nolan dealer, but can get it through another vendor. Then, found out the N44 (and N44 Evo) have been discontinued. The updated version is the N72, and they can't get that until October. Plus, I really didn't want to order one without being able to try it on.

We stopped at another MC dealer on the way home, and a lady working there said the Harley dealer (Black Hills Harley Davidson, a HUGE dealer, with dozens and dozens of other vendors setting up there for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) had a couple Nolan reps selling their helmets there. We drove over there - the number of vendors already set up (the Rally starts next weekend) was impressive... it is almost like its own separate rally. Inside, we were directed to the Nolan folks and I was able to try on an N72-GT2. Their stock was already dwindling, but they said they'd have more in a couple days. On the bright side, they had the size and color I wanted, and I was able to take one home today.

It is a different helmet from my 3/4 or my modular - seems a bit heavier, but really well made. And, the visibility and comfort seem very good... I wore it there for a half hour or so before committing to buy. The reps were helpful in determining fit and showing me all the features of the N72.

Rain and thunderstorms moving in when we got home, so a real road try-out will have to wait until tomorrow.

Before going out and about today, I saw outside with Rufus.  He is not as gruff as he looks...

I think the slightly squinted eyes are from the sun.  He's a sweet boy.

I guess I am embarrassing the Blonde.  "No way!" you say.  Hard to believe, I know.  She suggested I get a new helmet... seems that the HJC that I have been wearing for a couple years is leaving a deep mark (more like a dent) in my less-than-youthful forehead.  She does not appreciate it when I refer to it (in public) as my lobotomy scar.  I have another modular helmet that is comfortable, but the peripheral vision sucks; and the downward vision is obstructed to where I have to tilt my head down to see the speedometer.

In doing some research, the Nolan N44 seemed like a good solution: a removable chin bar and a face shield that goes to the bottom of that narrow chin bar - great views side-to-side and down.  We went to my favorite motorcycle shop in the Black Hills; they are not a Nolan dealer, but can get it through another vendor.  Then, found out the N44 (and N44 Evo) have been discontinued.  The updated version is the N72, and they can't get that until October.  Plus, I really didn't want to order one without being able to try it on.

We stopped at another MC dealer on the way home, and a lady working there said the Harley dealer (Black Hills Harley Davidson, a HUGE dealer, with dozens and dozens of other vendors setting up there for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) had a couple Nolan reps selling their helmets there.  We drove over there - the number of vendors already set up (the Rally starts next weekend) was impressive... it is almost like its own separate rally.  Inside, we were directed to the Nolan folks and I was able to try on an N72-GT2.  Their stock was already dwindling, but they said they'd have more in a couple days.  On the bright side, they had the size and color I wanted, and I was able to take one home today.

It is a different helmet from my 3/4 or my modular - seems a bit heavier, but really well made.  And, the visibility and comfort seem very good... I wore it there for a half hour or so before committing to buy.  The reps were helpful in determining fit and showing me all the features of the N72.

Rain and thunderstorms moving in when we got home, so a real road try-out will have to wait until tomorrow.

I guess I am embarrassing the Blonde.  "No way!" you say.  Hard to believe, I know.  She suggested I get a new helmet... seems that the HJC that I have been wearing for a couple years is leaving a deep mark (more like a dent) in my less-than-youthful forehead.  She does not appreciate it when I refer to it (in public) as my lobotomy scar.  I have another modular helmet that is comfortable, but the peripheral vision sucks; and the downward vision is obstructed to where I have to tilt my head down to see the speedometer.

In doing some research, the Nolan N44 seemed like a good solution: a removable chin bar and a face shield that goes to the bottom of that narrow chin bar - great views side-to-side and down.  We went to my favorite motorcycle shop in the Black Hills; they are not a Nolan dealer, but can get it through another vendor.  Then, found out the N44 (and N44 Evo) have been discontinued.  The updated version is the N72, and they can't get that until October.  Plus, I really didn't want to order one without being able to try it on.

We stopped at another MC dealer on the way home, and a lady working there said the Harley dealer (Black Hills Harley Davidson, a HUGE dealer, with dozens and dozens of other vendors setting up there for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) had a couple Nolan reps selling their helmets there.  We drove over there - the number of vendors already set up (the Rally starts next weekend) was impressive... it is almost like its own separate rally.  Inside, we were directed to the Nolan folks and I was able to try on an N72-GT2.  Their stock was already dwindling, but they said they'd have more in a couple days.  On the bright side, they had the size and color I wanted, and I was able to take one home today.

It is a different helmet from my 3/4 or my modular - seems a bit heavier, but really well made.  And, the visibility and comfort seem very good... I wore it there for a half hour or so before committing to buy.  The reps were helpful in determining fit and showing me all the features of the N72.

Rain and thunderstorms moving in when we got home, so a real road try-out will have to wait until tomorrow.