OP
@caschnd1 avatar
UTC

Grumpy Biker
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
 
Grumpy Biker
@caschnd1 avatar
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
UTC quote
I've been a Bell helmet guy for most of the 45 years I've been riding. Always worn a large. Recently my Bell Bullit just doesn't fit right. It's fine around town, but at highway speed it vibrates bad enough to blur my vision. This was a real head scratcher since I've been wearing the helmets for years (almost 11 years wearing 2 different Bullits). Well I've lost about 30# since July last year and some of that is in my cheeks (the face cheeks). The Bullit cheek pads don't fit snugly anymore and this has led to the helmet vibrating a lot at speed. This Bullit is already 5 years old, so it's about time to retire it.

I've always wanted to try a Simpson Bandit helmet. So what better opportunity? The Ghost Bandit it Simpson's best "touring" helmet. They come from the drag racing world so most of their helmets are very safe, but no frills. The Ghost Bandit has very good adjustable ventilation. Vents specifically blowing on the inside of the visor to prevent fogging. It's PinLock ready. And it has an internal sun visor you raise/lower with a button on the left side of the helmet. I ordered the carbon fiber version of the helmet (size medium because Simpson helmets run slightly large). The fit is good, I definitely won't have vibration issues with this one. Cheek pads fit very snug. The weight is amazing at 2 lbs, 7 oz. It's probably a pound lighter than the Bullit I'm used to. I'll take it for a nice long test ride tomorrow. Don't worry. I'll remove the labels from the shields before riding. 😂
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7561
Location: Tega Cay, SC
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7561
Location: Tega Cay, SC
UTC quote
Looking forward to your review as I also wore nothing but Bells for most of my riding life along with a few Shoeis. I picked up a Nolan about 5 years ago as - 1) is was on sale, 2) it fit really nice 3) is modular type with an internal sun shield and I have been wanting to try one for a while. Anyhoo, I really like it, especially have the option of opening up more at stoplights when it's hot. But I really need to shop for something new.
@crazycarl avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3522
Location: Springboro, OH
 
Ossessionato
@crazycarl avatar
2007 250 GTS, 1980 P200E, 2010 ThunderFly 190 (SOLD) 2015 Yamaha SMax (SOLD)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3522
Location: Springboro, OH
UTC quote
Using Carbon Fiber (or fibre) for the outer shell is definitely going to shave some weight.

I'll be interested to hear your review. At $700 for the Carbon Fiber model, you're into seriously premium helmet territory.
OP
@caschnd1 avatar
UTC

Grumpy Biker
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
 
Grumpy Biker
@caschnd1 avatar
1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5573
Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA
UTC quote
Ok, the fit is much better on this helmet. No annoying vibration at highway speeds. The face shield locks in 4 different positions and doesn't move at any (reasonable) speed. There is also a "LOCK" feature when the face shield is all the way down. It pulls the shield tight against the seal. This is probably for rain conditions to keep it water tight.

The interior sun visor is very easy to raise and lower w/ gloved hands. No interference at all with my glasses (mid-to-large size Rayban Wayfarer frames). The sun visor can be used as a shield at surface street speeds to keep wind out of the eyes. At highway speed you really need the main shield closed to keep wind out of the eyes.

The helmet is not particularly quiet. I think this is due to the carbon fiber construction. Carbon fiber does not deaden wind noise as well as a plastic/fiberglass shell does. But I wear ear plugs regardless.
CrazyCarl wrote:
Using Carbon Fiber (or fibre) for the outer shell is definitely going to shave some weight.

I'll be interested to hear your review. At $700 for the Carbon Fiber model, you're into seriously premium helmet territory.
I wouldn't have paid the MSRP of $700. Summit Racing was having a sale. I paid $480. Still, a premium price, but more tolerable.
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0105s ][ Queries: 4 (0.0033s) ][ live ][ 323 ][ ThingOne ]