A Basin, The Right Stuff !

The crash helmet, which is definitely the most important accessory to wear on a bike. Although mandatory in most countries since the mid 70s, there are still many places where it is not the case. So, either you have to or you are willing to wear one, very quickly surfaces the question to have “the” helmet matching your classic bike style.

The “Basin” is the natural choice as being genuinely contemporary and this is my choice for 35 years now, although I acknowledge that for a safety perspective, I always wear a “Jet” when I ride a modern bike (1). If you own an old “basin” today, it might be either an original CROMWELL or similar and you are certainly very much attached to its patina. However these are rare and expensive, so the question to buy a replica such a DAVIDA (2) is likely to become the only affordable alternative if you want one. Remain the question of the safety, as the basin is not compliant anymore to the latest EU and DOT standards, and you need to know that.

Alternatively there are many alternative brands Jets from the affordable Bell Custom 500 (3) to the very high-end Ruby (4). Starting from scratch, you have numerous choices to make your new helmet your own. Personally it took me some time to mature my design and I will stick to it forever. What about you? Does racing style inspire you? How did you age your “Basin” over the rides? Post a picture and I will add the most creative to the album. As a starting point, here are a few themes largely inspired by the Continental Circus pilots and some other gathered on the web. But remember, there was only one Mike-the-Bike!

The Goggles are not only essential to ride; they also complete the look of your basin. The CLIMAX (5) are still available but in limited choice. If the 500 remains “the” classic choice, you might want something a bit more specific. In that case, the two main brands of choice are HALCYON (made in UK) and BARUFFALDI (made in Italy) beside NANNINI , AVIATOR GOGGLES and numerous Chinese imports. However bear in mind that the lenses will be one inch away from your eyes, so polycarbonate mandatory.

HALCYON (6) proposes a wide choice of 23 models in a wide variety of colors. Once you got that there are two styles, with bevel lenses or curve lenses and that the finish is either synthetic or leather, you have only the pad color and the frame color to determine! BARUFFALDI (7) proposes also a wide range of products. Although they propose an entry level (Vintaco), the rest of the line-up is in the upper tier of the market. The “259” is a quite unconventional design for motorcycle. Very light and available in 3 variants they fit well the face. However the Supercompetition is closer to the standards define by the Climax 500.

Philippe Guyony © 2013

More pictures on:

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