Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Jaxter on May 13, 2013, 09:48:40 PM

Title: Question on Helmets
Post by: Jaxter on May 13, 2013, 09:48:40 PM
Someone once told me that I should buy a white helmet instead of the dark blue I intended to get (I bought the blue anyway)...because the white helmet would be much cooler inside when riding in the sun.
So my question to the collective motorcycle gurus who peruse these pages...do you have any experience which verifies the theory that a white helmet is cooler than a black helmet?
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: just gone on May 13, 2013, 10:21:20 PM
Someone once told me that I should buy a white helmet instead of the dark blue I intended to get (I bought the blue anyway)...because the white helmet would be much cooler inside when riding in the sun.
So my question to the collective motorcycle gurus who peruse these pages...do you have any experience which verifies the theory that a white helmet is cooler than a black helmet?

I don't have any verifying experience, nor am I a guru, but that won't shut me up.  ;D
I suspect that your windshield shape and position would have more effect on temperature than color would (when moving), however a guru over on another forum did some interesting testing: http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?320016-Helmet-color-vs-temperature&s=48d5b0b8b2d2d8fd3abae67d34e4299f (http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?320016-Helmet-color-vs-temperature&s=48d5b0b8b2d2d8fd3abae67d34e4299f)
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 13, 2013, 10:59:50 PM
I will never buy another none white helmet!!  I was hoping my Shoei X12 in the graphite gray would be OK, (MSF sweatheart deal).  Not only is it cooler, it adds conspicuity (white).
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 14, 2013, 04:08:37 AM
One can definitely see a white helmet over the other colors...  Not much on that color.  My helmet is silver.
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: Conrad on May 14, 2013, 04:49:33 AM
One can definitely see a white helmet over the other colors...  Not much on that color.  My helmet is silver.

+1
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: maxtog on May 14, 2013, 05:39:32 AM
It is true that the lighter the color the more visible and the cooler it will be in the sun.  This is true also of all your clothing and also the bike, itself.  Solar power can be powerful.
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: Conrad on May 14, 2013, 08:22:36 AM
Someone once told me that I should buy a white helmet instead of the dark blue I intended to get (I bought the blue anyway)...because the white helmet would be much cooler inside when riding in the sun.
So my question to the collective motorcycle gurus who peruse these pages...do you have any experience which verifies the theory that a white helmet is cooler than a black helmet?

Place a black and a white object in the sun. Let them sit for an hour. At the end of the hour, which is hotter?
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: cablebandit on May 14, 2013, 08:25:51 AM
Place a black and a white object in the sun. Let them sit for an hour. At the end of the hour, which is hotter?

On the surface...sure.  Does the heat make it through the stryrofoam cooler inside the shell?  I doubt it. 
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: Rhino on May 14, 2013, 08:29:18 AM
When just sitting in the sun no doubt the white will be cooler. But when moving with vents open I doubt there is any measurable difference. No actual experience with that just speculation on my part.
Title: Re: Question on Helmets
Post by: Conrad on May 14, 2013, 08:31:46 AM
On the surface...sure.  Does the heat make it through the stryrofoam cooler inside the shell?  I doubt it.

Ok, how about a cooler full of ice keeping your beer cold? Would the ice last longer if the cooler was out in the sunshine or in the shade?

Psi wheel test with Crookes radiometer (light mill) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf0aKxxogSs#)