MasterOfPupets

Looking for some advice on a new helmet. I've been using a very budget S&S Helmet that is long overdue for replacement. I'd love a Shoei RF-1200, but it's just out of the budget, and will be for the foreseeable future (new kid coming soon.) Budget is $350 (give or take a few bucks, but definitely can't go over $375) Also needs to work well in upright riding position. I know fit is subjective, but one of my big concerns is noise. Current helmet is insanely loud on the road. Loud to the point I can't hear anything out of my bluetooth speakers at highways speed, even on max volume. I ride with earplugs, so it doesn't have to be silent but I really want it to be comfortable at highway speeds since I commute on the bike. Also, a transitions shield or drop down sun visor would be nice (stop me from carrying a spare shield to work and I hate wearing sunglasses under a clear visor.) Also would like pockets for bluetooth since I use a SENA 3s-W for turn by turn directions and occasionally music. I've tried on the Shoei Qwest, but wasn't very comfortable with the fit. Seamed a little too round for my head. Tried on an Airmada and it seamed to fit comfortably, but I'm not sure about the noise level of the helmets, and it doesn't have the drop down visor or ear cutouts for speakers unless I was seeing things wrong. Plus from what I understand the visor change isn't easy on it. Plus the graphics are insanely cool on them. I've heard good things about the Scorpion T1200, but the noise level of the helmet varies so much from review to review. Does anyone have experience with these helmets, or any advice on others I should look at. Planning on making a run down to State 8 to try on a bunch and see what I like.

I love my fz6, but 2000 is a really tight budget. Even early model fz6s go for closer to 3000 Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I know there are a few other clubs in the area that do it. There is southern Cuyahoga sportsman's association (SCSA) in Medina and there is crooked creek up to the northeast of Cleveland Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Subbed. Been looking to go for a longer day ride. Will see if I'm free that day Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I love my Subaru Legacy. I'm actually on my second one, both 2012s. Had the first for about a year then totaled it in an accident (plowed into a deer at 5am on the turnpike so take a wild guess what speed j was going...) and now I've had my second for a year. Put about 40k on it in the year and it's had no issues whatsoever. Plus the all wheel drive is amazing in the winter with the weather we get around here. Think I paid 14k for the 2012 last year, so you should be able to find a nice used one for under 15k, even with a subroof. Gets about 32mpg highway, 28mpg city for me. I couldn't be happier with it.

I'm probably a little too trusting, but I'd just let them fix it, then if there is an issue deal with it. As long as it's an actual shop and not a guy in his garage they'll have insurance. May take a while of fighting to get it fixed bit at least you'll have the bike to ride in the meantime

I finally go the bike out for a first ride Monday after work. Just a quick ride up Valley Parkway for some easy riding to shake the rust off.

I have a set of the Alpinestars Ablaze Riding Jeans. More expensive than the sliders, but come with Knee/Hip armor. They're comfortable and have their uses, but if I were only buying 1 pair of riding pants again I'd definately go with standard overpants instead of the jeans.

I've already seen the track days at mid-ohio. I'm going to try and swing one this year, just don't know if it will be in the budget (new kid on the way in August.) Plan to try though.

Thanks everyone. I'm hopeful about making it down for the epic ride, but I work a LOT of weekends (not my choice) so I won't know if I can make it until much closer to the date. Here's hoping though. I pulled the bike out of it's storage area and into a spot in the garage I can work on it just today. Going to start prepping it for it's first ride of the year soon. Think the last time I pulled it out was Christmas Eve...

Here's from the day I brought her home. No mods yet besides the battery tender for the winter.

So I've been lurking around here for a while now, figured with the season starting in the next couple of months and my itch to ride getting worse and worse, this is a good time to register and say hello. This will be my second season up here in the Cleveland area. Hopefully I'll be able to meet up with some of the local guys and explore some more of the good roads around Ohio. Last year was pretty much just commuting, so I hope to get in some good miles of fun riding.