Fly Racing Tourist ReviewFly Racing Tourist Motorcycle Helmet TestJackets have long been rider-customizable for changing conditions, with zip-in vests to help brave the cold, while keeping the jacket light enough for warmer days. Helmets do their best to emulate this with vents, though that function has its limits.
The new Tourist helmet from Fly Racing, which is taking the plunge from dirt-only products to a wide variety of street offerings, takes the adjustability of a helmet to a new level.In its standard mode, the Tourist is a traditional three-quarters open face helmet with a drop down face shield. Set up in this way, the Tourist is simple, but works well. The visor is easily replaced without tools for changing lighting conditions.Everyone has different fit and feel preferences, and the Tourist appeals to the rider who likes a bicycle-helmet style head/liner interface, where there are plenty of air channels to go with the generous closeable vents on the plastic outer shell. The standard D-ring chinstrap is nicely padded, and a button collects the loose end.If you like a full plush liner, this is not your helmet. The Coolmax liner is removable for washing, though an array of tabs, rather than snaps, makes it a bit of a pain. Optional cheek pads are available for a personalized fit.Without any doubt, it is the slip-in jaw protector that makes the Fly Tourist especially appealing to the rider who is in a variety of weather situations. Installation requires no tools; it snaps right in and a release lever simplifies removal. Keep in mind that Fly considers the jaw piece to be a protector from the environment, not crashes – this is not a full-face or modular helmet.Built into the protector is a permanently installed chin curtain that also encloses the mouth and nose, with hook-and-loop tabs allowing a bit of personalization in fit. Still, it sits on your nose and close to your mouth, which some may find annoying. I wasn’t thrilled at first, but started to like it as soon as it did its job of keeping my face warm and the visor fog-free.The Fly Tourist helmet is something different, as well as something practical. Touring riders who have a place to store the jaw piece will find it handy when the weather turns. The rest of the time, they will simply have a comfortable helmet to wear.For additional information, visit Fly Racing.This story is featured in the May/June 2013 issue of Ultimate MotorCycling magazine — available on newsstands and good bookstores everywhere. The issue is also available free to readers on Apple Newsstand (for iOS devices) and Google Play (Android). To subscribe to the print edition, please visit our Subscriber Services page.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
——————–
The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
——————–
In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.