Tom W

Pretty amazing that whenever I have need of some good insight, somebody posts something at the time I need it. Had a low speed laydown last week making a right turn and the ol' helmet took a hit. I'm ok and the bike only has very minor damage (I went over to the gray side about 10 months ago with a Goldwing). There was enough forward motion that I cleared the bike as it went down.

Anyway, I checked out the Gmax helmet Don recommended. Watched a video review of the helmet and was pretty impressed. Thanks for the heads up. I ordered one from Amazon last night for $109. Sweet.

Also, even thought the Wing sustained little damage, the insurance co. (Progressive) said it was totaled! The bike is an 88 - the first year for the 1500's and REVERSE - so long story short, that's how it worked out. Bike rides fine, just a few cosmetic scrapes that can be easily taken care of. Since they considered it totaled though, they cut me a check and the adjuster said I would only be covered for liability from here on out with THIS bike. A new bike = full coverage again. I kept the title and the bike.

Bottom line to all this (other than a hat tip to Don) is that I figure to get another Wing, and will be selling this one. I've posted a Craigslist ad here 1988 Goldwing $3950. I will sell it to a forum member here for $3,500 if anyone is interested. If you've been thinking about a Wing, here's a good opportunity to get into one at a great price. Everything works fine, and it 's still my daily driver. The ad shows the damage - mainly scrapes to the engine and saddlebag guards. The mirror chrome got a little scuffed (but they fold away, so the mirror is fine otherwise) The other plastic stuff basically snapped back into place. If you're interested, shoot me a PM. I'll be glad to answer any question you may have.

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Tom W
Kodak, TN
'03 Silver/White Volusia (sold)
'88 Goldwing GL1500 (sold)
'95 Goldwing GL1500 Aspencade
SCRC Smoky Mountain Chapter 512

donberry

$109 for the GM54S ? Great deal. Motorcycle superstore wanted around $165, I got mine off a store on ebay for $129 with free shipping.
After many more uses, I am still very, very happy with it. Debating if I want the electric shield.....will wait and see if I have any fogging up problems.

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Tom W

Yeah, the Amazon seller had them in gloss black only for that price. That's the same color I had, so I'm good with it. They also had a promo going on for free shipping. Didn't see anything about an electric shield, that would be pretty cool. I did see a remote brake light sensor for the LED light in back of the helmet, but I'm holding off right now. May pick that up later if other riders in my group say the LED flashing bugs em. If it bugs cagers though, all the better

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Tom W
Kodak, TN
'03 Silver/White Volusia (sold)
'88 Goldwing GL1500 (sold)
'95 Goldwing GL1500 Aspencade
SCRC Smoky Mountain Chapter 512

donberry

the helmet is also one of their snow helmets, hence the electric shield.
1st will obviously need to see if I have a fogging problem. It would be a luxury item, unless it did fog up really bad

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C50TinAB

Interesting, I was going to ask you if fogging was an issue. I've been considering this helmet for my highway rides. I've read some reviews but didn't know there's an electric shield available so that's good to know. Do you know how that system work?

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'09 C50T Black/Grey

donberry

well, went for a quick ride tonight. Temp was about 47 and had been raining. Closed up, it fogged up. I could barely open the shield and the fog did clear and surprisingly could not feel any cold air.....
but.........
while I was soooo tempted to get the electric shield, I can see where a wire hanging down from my helmet could be problem - flapping in the wind etc, and I already am pushing my electrical system (I use heated gear), so I just ordered the dual lens clear shield for "snowmobiles".
I searched for info for quite a while on electric shields and dual lens shields and most of what I kept finding was snowmobile use, with a smattering of bike use thrown in on the clear shields.
I believe I read the dual lens are supposedly not made for motorcycle use or night time use.......some said something about it could flare the light, but those who did use them seem to swear by them and have no problems.
Was about $35.00 shipped, so we will see.

I will say I still love this helmet. To be fair, I was using a 3/4 helmet, but it is sooooooo warm. I thought I would get wind coming under the chin guard and would maybe need a scarf....I don't think I will, tho I have only worn it in the mid to high 40's, so maybe I will find out I will - but at these temps, I feel absolutely zero cold air coming under the chin bar. There is a fabric there and it does a great job.......
will see how the dual lens works. I ride pretty much year round and can't have the shield fogging up - tho as mentioned, barely opening it up cleared it pretty much instantly.
Figured it was worth $35 tho to see if it couldn;t even be better

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C50TinAB

I just have a half helmet myself and found even it to be quite warm and since getting the bike it certainly hasn't even been remotely close to be a warm day so I can see it being a problem cooling wise. The reviews I have read say your helmet has good ventilation which I think I'll need. It's good to hear from someone who has actually used the helmet rather than just an observation review from a retailer. I'll likely pick your brain about this one a bit more.

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'09 C50T Black/Grey

donberry

just an observation - one of the things I read a lot of people were very happy with was the ventilation of the helmet - gets very good reviews.
Probably just me, but I am not too sure about that myself.
1st - as mentioned previously, with at least the way my bike is set up (memphis shades shield, no lowers), I can ride with the chin guard up very comfortably and at least with what I am used to, also pretty quiet. So if it is warm/hot out, I will have zero problems basically using it as a 3/4 helmet as I will have the sun shade for a shield......tho night time it may have to come down.
That being said -
again, probably just me, but I really have not felt much ventilation thru the helmet. I have just left them all open. I have ridden it a couple times when it was above 60 degrees and I had the chin guard up, rest of the time it has been in the 50's and mid to high 40's.
Especially when in the 40's, I would have thought I would have felt cool air flowing over my head - I haven't.
I do wear a Nike beanie under my helmet to help keep the liner cleaner longer, but it is a pretty thin stretchy material, I would think I should still feel some air movement.
BUT, I also never felt any in my other helmet and just figured that was why it was a <100 helmet.
I would buy this helmet again in a heartbeat, but just something I thought I would point out.
Must also remember I do not have any experience wearing a modular, so maybe all of them are as good as I think this one is...........I do know I am very happy with it and if I would have paid $200 I would still be happy.

When I purchased this, the main purpose was for cold weather riding as I did not think I would be able to ride with the guard up. I now wear a synergy 2 heated liner, the synergy 2 heated leather gloves (now those were pricey and tho really nice, a not sure if I would buy them again purchase) and a pair of arctix pants - the only thing that ever got chilly was my face. With the addition of the GM54S helmet, I can not envision me ever getting cold.
I figured I would need a scarf or something to keep the air from coming under the chin guard.....nope.I guess it is because of the chin curtain but riding in mid 40 weather, I have not felt any cool air coming in the helmet........I guess it could be a problem when it is hot out, but only time will tell on that. I do know that I can now just throw on my pants and jacket and with the addition of this helmet, take off for a very comfortable ride as far and as long, no matter the weather, as I want

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