Looking for a retro pudding bowl helmet with DOT approval

[reidransom]

One that isn't a giant mushroom.

I'm working on the bike, have some sweet halcyon goggles, but dang it I need to find a good helmet to complete the package. Something like a Davida Classic, but ideally something that offers a bit more peace of mind re: not cracking my walnut. I picked up a cheapo HCI Retro 50 since it looked to fit the bill, but it's massive. Looks ridiculous. They had a recall back in '07 or '08 on them, and it appears they had to add a bunch of thickness to meet DOT criteria. Anyhow, not gonna cut it, so it's going back, but I'd like to find something in that style. Any suggestions?

[lt1]

Since you asked for suggesgtions ..... When you do find it, just use it for a seat ornament when the bike is parked or possibly for parades. Get a full-face helmet for actual riding.

[macmusick]

The newer Davida helmets are DOT, mine in this photo is not. This is the true "puddin bowl".

PeaceDavida.JPG

[1CrazyMoFo]

I like the brick.

[macmusick]

You might like http://www.reflectorart.com The guy who did the brick passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer. He and I shared a shack in Ellensburg in 67/68

He was a great guy.

[hoganJr]

You might like http://www.reflectorart.com The guy who did the brick passed away two years ago from pancreatic cancer. He and I shared a shack in Ellensburg in 67/68

He was a great guy.

thanks for the link macmusick: I have bookmarked this site so I can explore it later. Very cool stuff.

hoganJr

[silvertramp]

heres a start; http://retrobikegear.com/

[macmusick]

Yep those look like cheap knock offs. See warning Note: "This helmet is a novelty helmet. Although our high-quality novelty helmets do contain high-density impact foam and padding, they do not contain enough foam to conform to DOT standards due to the low-profile, close-fitting style. This helmet is not DOT approved."

As far as I know Davida is the only company that makes DOT approved retro helmets. If you look on http://www.alibaba.com/ you can find some nice looking retro helmets for cheap. Plus 1000s of other cool items including classic motorcycles.

Just so you know that they are not DOT. With a pudding bowl I am not sure that it would make much difference.

[reidransom]

May just have to save my pennies and pick up a Davida. And I guess some sort of full-face helmet also for proper rides.

[ole496]

http://www.jpcycles.com/helmets?N=28004480

[macmusick]

Good link Ole496. I am pleased to see that Bell has brought back their vintage style. I crashed in 2005 wearing a Bell Mag 8 and it saved my head.

I also like the HJC vintage styles. See also http://www.jpcycles.com/hjc/helmets?N=28004480 That CL 33 is nice. It gives you the flip up face shield. I take my windshield off for most summer riding and I use an HJC 3/4 with a snap on face shield. Not quite as convenient as the flip up. In the winter I wear a Nolan full face flip up. It is probably 12 years old. No 'blue tooth' back then. I sold my Davida on eBay. It was snatched up quickly. If you ride a British bike Davida seems like a good choice or if you have a cool cafe racer. But those are not real safe as they leave a lot of noggin exposed.

My advice is to go to a dealer and try on the helmets you like. When you get close to what you want wear it around in the shop for 15 minutes and see if you still like it. Some people might think you are weird but hey you do want a comfortable helmet with no hot spots. My Nolan still pushes against my chin which I don't like. I tried to convince myself that it would get better but 12 years later it hasn't changed. I should have had my own advice to follow.

[sunnbobb]

macmusick, Sorry to hear that Dick had passed away. His house in Eburg is one of the coolest things in E. WA.

[macmusick]

Dick was my college roommate at CWSC 67/68. He and Jane contributed a lot to that town. Dick never road a motorcycle. In 2009 he was awarded the Governor's something or another. You can see his art all over WA. Their home and gardens delight 1000s of people evey year. RIP Dick Elliott. He was original and authentic.