Anything coming in from outside the EU if less than £32 (including the postage) there are no import taxes/fees to pay.

As for Chinese helmets I bought a Simpsons Bandit replica (really should stay off of ebay after being on the beers) and you can flex the shell with your hands easily, really wouldn't want to crash in it

Surely as safety equipment it has to pass the SHARP test for impact resistance, cheap or not?

2wheelover51 wrote:Surely as safety equipment it has to pass the SHARP test for impact resistance, cheap or not?

No, Sharp tests are purely for info. Helmets have to meet EU standard ECE2205 to be sold legally here - though I guess if you buy something from China via Fleabay, it may sidestep that - or maybe its described as a rain protection, not crash protection!!
Presumably if it isn't ECE2205 certified, it wouldn't count as a crash helmet, so if you wore one on the road, the Police could charge you with not wearing a helmet.

I'm really touched by everyone's concern about my noggin

I've no doubt it will NOT have any EC or British kite Mark standard (perhaps a fake like the "road legal" race cans)

However I have no intention riding with it in the UK (it's purely a travel lid for other lands). Also if there is duty I won't be stumping up.

It was a cheap curiosity buy that doesn't get here till November because the bamboo sap has to harden once its moulded into a head shape

I will keep folk updated though

so does hitting your head not hurt as much in other countries then ?


I would have thought a better helmet would be way forward as they tend to have shitter driving tests so not as good at driving

andyscooter wrote:so does hitting your head not hurt as much in other countries then ?
I would have thought a better helmet would be way forward as they tend to have shitter driving tests so not as good at driving

Freedom of choice fortunately & when in Rome.

As for the driving standards I would seriously question that one as an M25 user on a regular basis not to mention the myopic in London

I actually feel safer riding in Asia than here

Now this is a good subject to discuss, Im always wearing protective clothing, but on my annual trip to Goa , its t-shirts and normal jeans!
Yep, shame on me, but I just couldnt handle the heat over there with bike gear on, I know its wrong but I take me chances and accept any consequences. On my trip this year my tuppaware helmet blew off and ended up under a car coming the other way!! I only just avoided a fine on the way back by police ,I made a quick turn not to be seen.
I risk this for 2 weeks a year , the other 50 weeks I'm captain sensible.
Scooter puff,, I agree, much more relaxed riding in India, just use more forward planning.(and occasional arse clenching).

I always weare appropriate clothing but we all have different levels of risk that we are
prepared to accept, and wile I do cringe at the way some dress as long at they are not
endangering anyone else then it's OK by me, too many people trying to run others lives
as it is.

You can get protective gear that is good in hot weather - whilst normal bike gear is designed to be wind proof, there is stuff that lets air through like mesh so is wearable in the heat. I have a Draggin' Jeans ultralight jacket (no idea if they still make them) that has a kevlar (part) lining and armour yet lets air go straight through. As you can imagine, I don't get to wear it that often in NE England! OK I haven't ridden it in Goa-like conditions, but it might be worth a try if you regularly ride in hot countries.