I went to a local distributor to check out the "Rola" a coupla days ago, as it is claimed to be the lowest profile helmet on the market.

I didn't buy it, as what I actually found was the Rola is identical in profile to the Nex I already own, and to the XRH.........all compliant and all carrying the AS sticker, I would also expect they are all the same helmet and manufactured in the same place.

What I did find while I was at the distributor, is that THIS is the look we are all going for: http://www.zorros.net.au/clothing-c40/crash-helmets-c42/a-highwayman-novelty-helmet-p1429

It's called the Highwayman, claimed as "ultra" low profile, it's $150,  it's not compliant with Australian safety standards, it doesn't carry the AS sticker.

I tried one on, I liked the look, and I did find that even though I take an XS helmet, it was a medium which fitted, so I'd be very wary about ordering one from the net.

Did I buy one?.......................I aint telling!

Each to their own, but the whole idea of a 'uniform' - you've got to wear a black open face because you're on a Harley - is faintly ridiculous ('We're all individuals'; 'I'm not'). An open face does allow a greater sense of freedom. But then, have you ever ridden in the rain at 110 kmh? Less than comfortable. Or copped a hard-shelled bug in the face at high speed? As for no helmets, again, each to their own. But knowing a little more than I ever wanted to about brain injury, how easy it is to get and the average crash ratio of motorcyclists over a lifetime of riding, you'd basically be running a higher than even chance of ending up in an ABI ward. It's a very long way from being pretty and no-one ever fully recovers.

I've been in North Shores Neuro intensive care from a bus hitting me while riding a Bicycle.
Cracked my skull open that far they didnt have to drill.
Saved my life really, I was in Peak hour traffic.
That said, riding round Sydney, I always use an open face as I can see round me better.
Long trips, I take both.

Wimbo,

Hope you are okay. If you are anything like the majority, your memory is not quite so good and perhaps there are other issues. I'm with you, brother.

As for helmets, we all make out choices.

Best wishes,

Damien

Hey there, your Xl may need some TLC, but it's a good bike. I picked up a low k XL11 because I reckon they're the best bike HD ever made, and I love it. Nice to have choices.

Better get a good one because we only have one head (except for Tasmanian's )

Cue a retort from Bahl..................Speaking of which, where is Poppa Smurf lately?.

well said Hilly and I personally like both. For around town and in traffic I get much better vision with my Bell 500 open face, but on a long ride a full face is more comfortable. Lets face it most of us check out what you are riding more than what you are wearing.

I have a bell shorty and for long trips I just today bought a shoei j.o with flip down visor. I haven't been able to wear a full face since the mid 70's due to going home one morning after a big night I threw up in the full face and almost chocked when it hit the front bar and backed up very quickly, everytime I put one on now I get the dry reaches ??