tiberio@seismo.UUCP (01/24/84)
Here is my 2 bits worth on the above subjects. I have been riding for 11 years. 1) Beginners, don't be afraid to get a big bike as a first bike, just make sure you can handle it physically. Also those things said about getting a used bike as a first bike make good sense. Make sure you get someone to check it out though. 2) My Arai Astro (full face, ~$150) is the best helmet I have ever owned as far as wind noise goes. It is not state of the art however, as most new helmets recess the shield into the helmet making for a smooth laminar flow over the shield. The Arai people took the older style (hinge screws on the out side, 1/8" gap between helmet and shield) helmet design and fashioned some wind shields over the pivot area and they also gave it some nice rachet control over shield position. The best thing you can do for wind noise is wear ear plugs (actually make it easier to hear traffic), wear a good full face helmet and get a barndoor fairing. 3) I have owned three Moto Guzzis and two of them had stock from the factory crash bars. One had crash bars front and rear. Good well designed crash bars (from the factory) can only be a blessing in a crash. They make the difference between picking the bike up and riding off with no injury or being left with your palms and knees cut up, headlight broken and clutch and brake levers broken. from the keyboard of Ty..... 8v} seismo!tiberio tiberio@seismo.ARPA