Helmet Weirdness

 

Today I picked up a new Shoei 3/4 helmet.

Now, this thing is made in Japan, and I've been to Japan.  I'm 6'4" and
235lbs, and for the most part, folks were shorter and smaller than me.

Here in the US, I rarely wear a Large shirt or hat, most everything else is
X-Large, and a few things are XX.

My KBC full face helmet is X-Large.

This helmet is a Medium.

And it fits perfectly.

First, I can't think of anything on my body being a 'medium' size.

Second, what kind of mutant wears a Large or larger size Shoei helmet?!?

Now that I got that out of my system, I have a serious question.

My KBC full face helmet.  I like it.  It was cheap, it fits, keeps me warm
in the mornings, and offers me a little more protection in the AM when the
maniacs are on their way to work.

I REALLY hate the looks.

I want to paint it.  I don't need or want something fancy.  A plain, shiny
or flat white would suit me nicely.  I just don't like all the little
stripes and whatnot it sports.

I'm not interesting in paying some guy $200 to paint an $89 helmet.  Is
painting a helmet a worthwhile task for a backyard do-it-yourselfer?  I
figure remove the face shield, tape off the cloth/rubber bits, sand, primer,
paint, then maybe a clearcoat of some sort.

Any recommendations, warnings, amusing/filthy insults?

Thanks!

CS

 


maybe they have freakishly large heads at the Shoei factory.


Well that's just begging for a dick joke.


See above

 


hahahhahahaa, +1

 



I doubt it. I'd guess that it simply has a "medium" sticker on it.

-- Larry

 


Most composite helmets that I'm aware of have warnings about using solvents
on the helmet, as they may weaken the composite.

Most paint has toluene and other solvents in it.

Here are some quotes from the MSF's document:

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

QUOTE:  Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your helmet. Use
only
the mildest soap recommended.Avoid any petroleum-based cleaning
fluids, especially if you own a polycarbonate helmet. Exposure to
strong cleaning agents can cause the helmet to decompose and lose
protective value.

QUOTE:  It is not wise to store helmets near gasoline, cleaning fluids,
exhaust
fumes, or excessive heat.These factors can result in the degradation of
helmet materials, and often the damage goes unnoticed by the
wearer. Read the information that comes with the helmet so you
know how to care for it.

QUOTE:  Definitely read the instructions about painting, decorating,
pinstriping, or applying decals to your helmet.

I'm assuming you have some way of knowing that the paint that will be used
won't interact with the helmet in a negative way?


I'd really like to insult you, but nothing comes to mind.

Datesfat.