Helmet Check Up and Running
13. Feb, 2009 
5 Comments
The Motorcycle industry Council announced that its new website www.HelmetCheck.org is now up and running. This website contains data which allows riders to find out whether the helmet they are using or are planning to purchase complies with safety standards. All of the leading helmet makers and distributors have provided information about their lines of helmets to the site. Most states with helmet laws require the helmets to be DOT approved and have a DOT sticker attached to them. I’ve always said that if you’re going to wear a helmet wear a good one. The novelty will wear off if your head hits the pavement.
The famous “Hurt Report” showed that any DOT rated helmet was pretty good. Even the DOT legal $60 specials are way better than nothing. But this study preceeded many of the modern Full Face lids. Some of the flip face helmets are pretty inexpensive yet do a great job.
I wonder if the new line of helmets coming out this year nick-named the HELRAG is DOT approved? Some say it is a cross between a do-rag and helmet with no chin strap, and stronger than most helmets on the market.
Marketing the HELRAG will of course take place in the states that don’t require helmets. Half helmet, full helmet or a football helmet is better than no helmet the HELRAG may be argumentative with DOT, so stay tuned for the rest of the story!
Mark Lipski/ Inventor
I choose not to wear a helmet because it is so uncomfortable and bulky and ruins the “motorcycle experience.” I would be interested in finding out about this “heavy duty” do-rag if it is not too heavy!
I’ve never rode without a helmet. My mom wouldn’t approve.
Two Wheel Safety with Traction Controlled Braking
My name is Scott Sauder and I’m compelled to tell you about a product I just tested. First, let me tell you that I am an automotive/motorcycle technician, NOT a journalist or a columnist. I’m a wrench, and have been for over 35 years, with factory training and certifications through G.M. Ford, Chrysler, and Audi, on the automotive side, as well as, numerous ASE certifications. On the two wheel side, I have had the pleasure of working with and gaining factory recognition from Kawasaki, BMW, and Harley Davidson. With that said, it’s probably safe to say I’ve been around the block a time or two. I have currently spent more than the last decade testing, servicing, maintaining, and outfitting motorcycles with the Los Angeles Police Department, possibly one of the largest and most demanding fleets in the United States. I believe them to be a pioneer in the safety, outfitting, and equipping of their motor fleet.
I’ve seen and tested a LOT of products through out the years and truth be told, I’m a sucker for snake oil with a good sales pitch. But this product is different, it WORKS and it works remarkably well. The product is called T.C.B. which stands for Traction Control Braking. The unit is installed into the brake system and acts as an accumulator, causing a pulsation effect which in turns helps control wheel lock up and allowing for greater steering stability during severe braking conditions. And yes, it is similar to an ABS effect, although not ABS. It is however a VERY effective alterative when so many of us ride pre-abs manufactured bikes.
I became acquainted with Mark Lipski the founder and inventor of the T.C.B. units through a mutual friend, Mark approached me with his product and it’s claims, in hopes that I might test it and give an opinion. Mark explained the units and how they worked, along with the theory behind them. It seemed hard to believe that something this relatively simple and inexpensive could actually simulate an ABS type braking system, but it does! Mark was kind enough to supply me with three units for my personal bike, a 1995 Road King mildly built and my second love. I’ve been a rider since I was 12 and in relation to my age now? Let’s just say I have a fair amount of time in the saddle and consider myself an experienced and somewhat seasoned rider with enough experience to give a fair and accurate judgment.
I installed one unit at the rear master cylinder and the other two directly into the front calipers. I also had just installed a new front tire and as I’m sure most of you know am extremely “slippery” and prone to washing out, so needless to say I was more then a bit apprehensive to attempt a full force brake with the possibility of a wheel lock. But on the same token, what a great test for traction control and stability. I headed up the street and at approximately 55 mph I grabbed a hand full for front brake, lightly at first to the point of what should have been a front wheel lock up to full pressure, and to my surprise the front end maintained complete control with out locking up. Now feeling a bit more confidant and “test pilot” like I did several more passes at high speeds with full brake pressure, as if to simulate a panic situation and I have to say “incredible.” I believe this simple add -on unit provides better braking and quicker stops while still maintaining front end control and maneuverability away from or around an obstacle or situation that could otherwise create a dangerous or even fatal situation. In other words, this T.C.B. unit could save your butt.
Safe Riding
S. Sauder