is there a difference between Street Bike Helmets and Automotive Racing helmets? i want to get a Shoei RF-1000 helmet. just wondering if there are differences between an Auto-X helmet and a Motorcycle helmet

Thanks in advance

 

http://www.norcalcrx.org/tyson/helmet.html

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integra type s &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">is there a difference between Street Bike Helmets and Automotive Racing helmets? i want to get a Shoei RF-1000 helmet. just wondering if there are differences between an Auto-X helmet and a Motorcycle helmet</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, absolutely. The standard for car racing (SA) helmets is different from the standard for motorcycle (M) helmets for a reason - the typical kinds of impacts are different in each activity. You can read about the standards here. If you're getting the helmet primarily (or exclusively) for car racing, you owe it to your head to get an SA-rated helmet.

 

Somewhat related question and the thread title seemed appropriate... Do I have to replace my SA95 for the 2005 season or can it wait for the 2006 season (NASA)? I'm sure the answer is out there but figured someone probably already knows the answer.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do I have to replace my SA95 for the 2005 season or can it wait for the 2006 season (NASA)?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I can't speak for NASA, but I suspect they probably don't know the answer yet. Here's why.

As you probably already know, the Snell standards are updated every five years - SA95 for 1995, SA2000 for 2000, etc. However, there is no hard and fast schedule that always applies. Often the standards are late in being issued - as late as a year or more. Once the standards are finalized, the helmet manufacturers then need to design and manufacture and distribute their helmets. And the first year or more helmets with the new standards are available, they are in short supply. As you can see from following this sequence of events, the helmets are often not widely available for as much as a year or two after the date of the standard. For this reason, many sanctioning bodies wait that long before discontinuing the acceptance of the older (10-12 years old) standard. Many groups holding HPDE events typically wouldn't start requiring SA2000 or newer until roughly 2007 or so. I suspect the competition racing events would require them sooner than the HPDE events, but even those probably couldn't tell you when they will start requiring the latest standards at least until the helmets are actually on sale. Which, right now, they aren't. Heck, the SA2005 standard hasn't even been finalized yet, although you can read the latest draft here. Which is why I'm pretty sure that no one can give you an answer yet.

Hope that makes sense.

 

NASA HPDE only requires Snell M90 according to the CCR.

 

SA is impact tested on car roll bar and fire resistance i think.
while M(for bike) is not


Modified by iam7head at 2:07 AM 6/10/2004

 

15.16.3 Helmet
All drivers are required to wear an approved helmet while on track. Helmets must be approved by Snell and carry a sticker of Snell 95 (SA1995) or better. Ratings other than that of “SA” (Special Application), i.e. “M1995, M2000”, are not acceptable.

Looks like SA90 isn't acceptable (as I thought) so it'll probably be required to have a SA00 come 2006 at the latest. If I'm going to replace my SA95 I'd prefer to maximize my time and get a SA05. Hopefully they won't require a replacement before the are available.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">15.16.3 Helmet
All drivers are required to wear an approved helmet while on track. Helmets must be approved by Snell and carry a sticker of Snell 95 (SA1995) or better. Ratings other than that of “SA” (Special Application), i.e. “M1995, M2000”, are not acceptable.

Looks like SA90 isn't acceptable (as I thought) so it'll probably be required to have a SA00 come 2006 at the latest. If I'm going to replace my SA95 I'd prefer to maximize my time and get a SA05. Hopefully they won't require a replacement before the are available.</TD></TR></TABLE>

does anybody know what SCCA wants to see as far as Snell ratings?

 

If you have a SA90 helmet it is time to replace it no matter the SCCA rules.

The materials used to build a helmet break down over time and after five years it is usually a good idea to buy a new one. This will probably generate all of the usual "the safety equipment companies are just trying to rip us off" comments and I used to think the same until I got a good explanation about the why it is a good idea to replace the helmet. I have a SA95 Sport II that still looks good, but the fit isn't as good as it used to be which concerns me and it is time to shop for a new helmet.

 

From what I've heard, Snell 2005 Helmets will not be available until after October 1, 2005.

Most racing organizations will allow you to use the current Snell specification, as well as the previous Snell specification. So, for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Snell M2000 and SA2000 are the current specification, while Snell M95 and SA95 are the previous specification. That being said, Snell M95/SA95 helmets will work just fine for the next two seasons ('04 and '05), but will not meet most requirements after October 1, 2005.

But like Bob said above, sometimes its best not to wait, especially if your helmet has seen better days.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If I'm going to replace my SA95 I'd prefer to maximize my time and get a SA05. Hopefully they won't require a replacement before the are available.</TD></TR></TABLE>

They won't. Just in case it's not clear from Brett's post, they always wait until helmets under the new standard are available before they stop accepting the old one (the standard that's 10-12 years old).

 

I think that you need to determine your overall goals. If you are primarily into bikes then you probably will be OK with that type at some car events. I did a school at Pocono and the M helmets were not allowed at all. Autocross rules seems to be a bit more flexible depending on the group running the event. Ask as many of the groups that you think you will be with what they require and decide from there.

 

yea i kinda wanted to use the helmet for light Auto-X and some dromo1 karting n stuff.

 

So, if SA helmets and M helmets have different impact standards, does that mean that you really shouldn't wear an SA helmet on a motorcycle? SA helmets seem to have a more open neck/throat area than M counterparts for starters.

 

read the standards again, they ARENT that different.

 

i was more interested in a legal interpretation, but it seems that it "depends".

i will have a hard time fighting the ladies off with my plain white, clear visor, big eyeport, Bell M2 anyway, which is really what buying a helmet is about

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">read the standards again, they ARENT that different.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Different enough that NASA requires an SA95 or later for competition. M standard helmets need not apply.... even an M00 won't pass inspection.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GSpeedR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So, if SA helmets and M helmets have different impact standards, does that mean that you really shouldn't wear an SA helmet on a motorcycle? SA helmets seem to have a more open neck/throat area than M counterparts for starters. </TD></TR></TABLE>

As long as your SA rated helmet has a DOT sticker, you can use it on a bike; just be carefull because not all SA rated helmets have DOT approval. The reason why some don't have DOT approval comes down to having to pay for testing and not that they won't pass.

 

for Auto-X

what Brand/Model helmets you guys used ?

what's your reviews ?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda.F1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for Auto-X

what Brand/Model helmets you guys used ?

what's your reviews ?

</TD></TR></TABLE>

good question i would also like to know

 

Do a search in this forum, you'll find WAY more info than what I can tell you.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda.F1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what Brand/Model helmets you guys used ?</TD></TR></TABLE>

You really need to try helmets on for yourself, to find one that is comfortable for your head. For example, when I bought a helmet, I tried on the Bell M2 and it felt like my head was in a vise; I tried on the Bell Sport II (predecessor of the Sport III that is now on the market) in the same size and it was much more comfortable. But I'm sure there are some folks who find the M2 to be comfortable for their heads, and the Sport II/III to be uncomfortable.

Find a good helmet shop, that has a supply of a variety of models, and try them on for yourself. That's the only way to be sure that you're getting one that fits properly. Remember, you're going to be using it for quite a few years, and you really want to make sure you don't regret getting one that turns out to be uncomfortable.

 

thanks

 

is there a Helmet anyone would recommend for Street Bike and Automotive Racing ?

one thats good for both ?