I own a 2008 Gmax GM68S helmet (original ADV thread, my personal review, and Web Bike World’s write-up). It is an inexpensive, DOT-only helmet with two main product highlights: a ton of vents and an LED light system in the back.

I fell for the vent hype and thought the LED system was bogus, but the opposite turned out to be true. I have fogging problems with the GM68S, but the LEDs can be seen from far away in the middle of a rainstorm. Funny how expectations work out that way.

Anyway, my major gripe with the helmet (venting aside) is that it was only available in flat, “rubatone” black or various patterns like a snake, a dragon, or a cross. I’m not an old fogey yet, but I’m not an 18 year old squid either. I had to settle for black, even though I was giving up visibility from my silver helmet predecessor.

This year the GM68S has some improvements, and they were convincing enough for me to order one.
Read the rest of this entry »

Ever since I read Motorcycle Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off expose on motorcycle safety standards by Motorcyclist magazine in 2005, I have been on the hunt for the most safe, comfortable, and feature-filled DOT-only helmet I could find. Thanks to Web Bike World’s continual reviews, I have tried out three budget helmets. I first tried the Z1R Strike helmet (my review), the top-performer in the Motorcyclist article. I found it a little uncomfortable, so I moved on to the Zox Azuma R (my review). The Azuma R fit me great, but the visor still needed improvement, and I was always wishing I had more airflow through the helmet.

Web Bike World reviewed the Gmax GM68S helmet, and I started searching for one. The helmet had a ton of nifty features, was DOT-only, and $109.00 shipped. I was willing to try it out.
Read the rest of this entry »

My friend Ghost Rider passed away on July 4th, 2007. The following fall his mother and family put together a benefit ride to Yorktown, Virginia. We did it again this year, this time heading up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The weather called for rain for most of the day. I was not deterred for a moment — I’ve ridden in the rain plenty of times and have specialized gear that goes on top of my protective clothing — but I was afraid the event would be postponed until the next day. I already had plans for Sunday, and didn’t want to miss out. I put on wicking bottoms and top, my Motoport mesh kevlar pants and my Teknic perforated leather jacket. I stuffed my waterproof gear in the side case and motored off to the rallying point: the Starbucks where Ghost Rider used to work, and where we met for the first time.
Read the rest of this entry »