Article in NZ herald online

[imdying]

lul wot?

[Oscar]

Hi Paul

After 30yrs riding, Im quiet aware of the risks, seen the results first hand and my gears limitations...but I have NEVER seen a top of the line helmet "break" a strap before.
-Hence why AGV are investigating this....because it is NOT meant to happen under any circumstance...especially at this level.

Does anyone know that the helmet strap broke?
Hit at the right angle, the helmet can pop off without breaking the strap (esp. if the strap is not done up properly or the helmet doesn't fit correctly). There was an incidence of this in NZ twenty odd years ago.

It's sad that a long time bike journo like Jacqui feels she has to speculate on this accident based on very little evidence.

[nudemetalz]

I know this is pure speculation, but will it be hurting the AGV helmet sales already?

[oneofsix]

Does anyone know that the helmet strap broke?
Hit at the right angle, the helmet can pop off without breaking the strap (esp. if the strap is not done up properly or the helmet doesn't fit correctly). There was an incidence of this in NZ twenty odd years ago.

It's sad that a long time bike journo like Jacqui feels she has to speculate on this accident based on very little evidence.

Can't imagine that the helmet didn't fit correctly at this level, we aren't talking about some noob street rider buying off the shelf and not knowing about different padding etc.
As for hit angle, this will be why AGV will be investigating. (In)Correct forces, angles etc helmet loss may not be preventable but again this is speculation and that speculation based on the crash being circumstances that are unsurvivable anyhow like the wheel hitting just at the base of the helmet and perhaps dislocating the jaw.
I am now sorry I thought of that. Lets wait for the experts.

[roogazza]

Does anyone know that the helmet strap broke?
Hit at the right angle, the helmet can pop off without breaking the strap (esp. if the strap is not done up properly or the helmet doesn't fit correctly). There was an incidence of this in NZ twenty odd years ago.

It's sad that a long time bike journo like Jacqui feels she has to speculate on this accident based on very little evidence.

Bike journo apprentice more like Oscar. I read another ( aussie this time ) a Jill someone or other, making equally dumb assumptions.

Be better if they stuck to being a life support system for a fanny.

[willytheekid]

[QUOTE=Oscar;1130185769]Does anyone know that the helmet strap broke?
QUOTE]

Still to be confirmed actually, MotoGp online reported the "possible" breakage and several other sites, but some others are saying it was due to his hair and the possibility of him wearing a size to large.

Hence Im rather interested in the final report, as the vid does show the strap flaping around...and it does look very long! (hence the reports of it breaking from the side, not the clip etc)

Only time will tell...Either way its a sad day for the sport ....I thought he was a wonderful rider to watch & full of possibility

[Katman]

Can't imagine that the helmet didn't fit correctly at this level, we aren't talking about some noob street rider buying off the shelf

I don't know for certain whether the strap broke or the helmet just came off.

However, it has been reported that Simoncelli wore a helmet one size too large for him because of the amount of hair he had to fit inside it.

I'm surprised the MotoGP organisation allowed that. That amount of hair between the skull and helmet lining can't make for a particularly secure fitting.

[onearmedbandit]

Looking at the video, it appears there is a long black strap coming out of one side of the helmet, suggesting the retention system within the helmet broke (not forgetting that from the camera facing the front of the accident it appears Rossi's front wheel goes right over Marco's neck area). And I guarantee that an individual body will look at the helmet as well, just sounds more sensational (on a couple of levels) to imply that only the manufacturer is going to look at it.

[nodrog:Me]

I don't know for certain whether the strap broke or the helmet just came off.

there was a photo of the marshalls picking up his helmet, which shows the buckle still fastened, and the end that is fixed to the helmet ripped out.

However, it has been reported that Simoncelli wore a helmet one size too large for him because of the amount of hair he had to fit inside it.

it wasnt too large for him, it would have been had he not had all that hair. ie, if he still had the same size helmet he had when he was bald, it would not have fitted on his nut.

[Katman]

it wasnt too large for him, it would have been had he not had all that hair. ie, if he still had the same size helmet he had when he was bald, it would not have fitted on his nut.

Yes, probably didn't use the best choice of words.

The point I'm making is the size differential between the size of his skull and the size of the helmet. I'd imagine (because I've never had a head of hair like that to be able to be certain) that that amount of hair would have allowed a fair degree of movement of the helmet.

I know the powers that be can't dictate to us how we should style our hair but I'm surprised that Dorna didn't question the sensibility of squeezing that amount of hair between head and helmet lining.

[nodrog:Me]

Yes, probably didn't use the best choice of words.

The point I'm making is the size differential between the size of his skull and the size of the helmet. I'd imagine (because I've never had a head of hair like that to be able to be certain) that that amount of hair would have allowed a fair degree of movement of the helmet.

I know the powers that be can't dictate to us how we should style our hair but I'm surprised that Dorna didn't question the sensibility of squeezing that amount of hair between head and helmet lining.

You are forgiven.

surely its still going to be as tight as it has to be, i mean if abit of compressed hair is going to make a difference, maybe we should all buy xtra small helmets and rip the sponge liners out and jamb them on our heads so there is no movement?

Fucked if I know anyway, I cant even grow hair.

[Maha]

The poor bastard.

[oneofsix]

You are forgiven.

surely its still going to be as tight as it has to be, i mean if abit of compressed hair is going to make a difference, maybe we should all buy xtra small helmets and rip the sponge liners out and jamb them on our heads so there is no movement?

Fucked if I know anyway, I cant even grow hair.

As they have some variation in padding to allow for different head shapes and the padding also compresses I don't think the hair would have been a big factor. I don't don't it could be a factor but suspect the foam compresses more than the hair once the hair has been compressed by putting the helmet on.
The comments regarding the strap are a concern. I haven't seen the video of the marshals picking the helmet up but presume the black strap couldn't be his hydration system. I admit I would expect the water line to detach at the bladder. Not sure GP riders even use a hydration system

[Paul in NZ]

I would doubt that any helmet strap is designed to take that much impact from that direction. It was a very very unusual accident after all.

I have no problem with the maker looking at the helmet and I suspect that they will be just one group looking.

[Paul in NZ]

Hi Paul

After 30yrs riding, Im quiet aware of the risks, seen the results first hand and my gears limitations...but I have NEVER seen a top of the line helmet "break" a strap before.
-Hence why AGV are investigating this....because it is NOT meant to happen under any circumstance...especially at this level.

Mate - given your recent experiences I suspect you are more knowing than many about what gear can and cannot do.... These are experiments I avoid like the plague.