I received my Shoei GT Air 3 helmet and placed it into service over the weekend. I am pleased to report that it is the best helmet I have ever owned. Here are a few details which you may find helpful as you consider possibilities.

The helmet ships with a

• Pinlock EVO Lens
• Breath Guard
• Chin Curtain

Helmet Specs follow:

• Shell Type: AIM
• Shield Type: CNS-1C Shield & QSV-2 Sun Shield
• Ventilation: Defogger Ventilation System
• Liner: EPS Liner
• Weight: 3.91 lbs
• Certifications: DOT Certified / ECE 22-06

The Faithful consider the GT Air to be the very best sport-touring helmet available. My 25-mile ride over the weekend reinforced that position or bias, depending on your point of view.

Because my prior helmet is over 5 years old, I had to upgrade. Relative to the GT Air 2, here are the following advantages I realized by upgrading to the GT Air 3:

• Stability at Speed: The enhanced rear spoiler makes the GT Air 3 a very stable helmet at speed. At 75 MPH, it felt more stable than the GT Air 2.

• Aerodynamics: The GT Air 3 has a more elongated shape which helps the air flow over and around the helmet. Although it is slightly heavier than the GT Air 2, it felt “lighter.”

• Noise: The GT Air 3 focused on noise reduction with this release. The chin profile is more round than the GT Air 2. The check pads are larger and provide more coverage to the back of the helmet. This design appears to prevent air from entering the helmet from the back of the neck. The venting is also different, which helps pull air through the helmet without it circulating it inside the helmet and making a lot of racket from air currents bouncing around. I do not have the means to take a DB rating while riding, but I believe the GT Air 3 has achieved a 10-15% noise reduction relative to a Gt Air 2.

• Neck Strap: The neck strap is thinner and slightly more comfortable without compromising strength.

• Comms System: The integrated Sena SRL-03 has a lower profile, sleeker design, and most importantly sounds better than the Sena SRL-02. It has more base and the speakers are well positioned. I could hear everything clearly even while wearing my fancy ear plugs.

• Visor: The drop down visor latch is easy to manipulate. It’s position has changed as has the shape of the latch. I found both to be an improvement over an already strong design.

The helmet is made of the finest materials available, as it should because of the expense.

Installing the Comms System required focus, time, patience, and some cursing. However, it is a manageable task. Of note, the Comms System uses a USB C connector, making charging more convenient. The Comms System ships with a charging cable and a wi-fi adapter but you must provide a charger. I used my iPad charger without any problems.

It is possible to push out firmware updates wirelessly after you configure the adapter to connect to your home network. I found it easier than connecting the helmet to my computer for updating firmware. The iPhone App is relatively easy to use and well organized.

I purchased the helmet and comms system from the local CycleGear Store in my neighborhood. The total cost was a staggering $1,195.16 USD:

Shoei GT Air 3 Helmet: $749.99
Sena Mesh Communication System: $359.00
Sales Tax: $113.67

When I began to weep at the counter, the Store Manager gave me a $27.50 coupon to help ease my pain.

I was told that Shoei is quite proud of the GT Air 3 and it is unlikely that a sale or special event will take place any time soon.

Here are a few pictures to help bring things into focus. I will gladly answer any questions, and I welcome your comments. Take care, David

A motogymkhana pro took my bike for a spin.
He ended up loving the bike so much, was asking if i’m selling it.

I suspect many people on the Forum share the exhilaration I feel when I fire up the CB1100 at the start of the day. The gentle, balance pulse of the engine, the throaty exhaust note, and the feel of my hands on the throttle and clutch assure me that at least the minutes or hours spent on the CB1100 will be spectacular regardless of what else lies ahead for the balance of the day.

But any time I ride, there are risks to me and the motorcycle. To help medicate those, I have a adopted a pre-ride ritual that has almost become muscle memory. It enables me to ensure that I am mentally and physically ready to ride, that my protective riding gear will protect me from harm, and that the motorcycle is safe to ride. It takes me approximately 20 minutes, start to finish.

A case can be made that it is a little over the top bordering on excessive, but I am who I am.

I am not a role model for anything, but I do hope there is something you find here that will help you find your own routine. You have friends and family who love you, and you ride a great motorcycle. If you do not want to do it for yourself, perhaps you can do it for them.

Step 1: Wellness Assessment (5 minutes)— Before I ride, I gauge my spiritual, mental, and physical health. I am a devout Catholic, and I pray each day. I want to be in a state of grace for whatever lies ahead. Mentally, I do not ride if I am unduly stressed, agitated, or angry. Those states affect my judgment and can impact how I ride. Finally, I assess my physical well being. I will not ride if I have had less than six hours sleep the night before. I check my blood pressure daily. If it is not in an acceptable range, I do not ride. If I injured myself or if I am physically ill, I do not ride. I find riding a motorcycle requires tremendous situational awareness, coordination, dexterity, and strength. If any of those are compromised, I ride another day.

Step 2: Motorcycle Inspection (5 minutes)—Things can happen when we ride our motorcycles which we may not be aware of while driving 70 miles per hour. For me, I want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that nothing happened on the last ride which could impact the next one. I also like the daily ritual of it all. Before I ride, I focus primarily on chains, tires, and brakes. This task is made easier because when I parked the motorcycle the previous day, I placed it on the center stand. For the daily inspection, I spin the rear tire while focusing intently on the chain and sprocket. I look for a any debris that may have lodged between the chain and sprocket. I also look to ensure there is no kink or damage to the chain or sprocket. (I do not check the tension of the chain because I check it on a regular basis, which I will document later). After I confirm I have a nice, smooth turn of the rear wheel, I clean the rotors and look closely at them. Like the chain, I am looking for damage or unusual wear. Finally, I check the tires and tire pressures to make they look good and have adequate pressure.

I have Bridgestones BT46 on the motorcycle: Front—110/90-18M/C ; Rear—140/70-18M/C. I have left the rims in their OEM setup and use tubes. I run with 36 PSI in the front tire and 42 PSI in the rear (thanks to the Forum for the guidance). The ride is smooth and the handling crisp. Inspection and cleaning pictures follow. Note the staring area where the supplies are readily available:













Step 3: Protective Gear Inspection (10 minutes)—Before I shower, I “stage” my gear and also check the weather. I will ride in the rain and cold, but I make sure I am appropriately attired. I do avoid high winds, ice, and hail.

We are exposed to the elements on a motorcycle when we ride. It is part of the allure. However, if we are cold, wet, heat exhausted, or in general miserable, mistakes can happen. I have found the right gear can make Mother Nature a little less cruel.






I inspect my protective gear: helmet, ear plugs, base layers, shirts, airbag vest, motorcycle jacks, motorcycle jeans, gloves, socks, and motorcycle boots. I have leveraged advances in technology to improve safety and comfort. My helmet has a comm system which links to my iPhone. The jacket and jeans are made of abrasive resistant material and also have body armour which is lightweight, flexible, and incredibly effective despite what Brother Ryan from Fortnite may believe. They are also comfortable to wear. The airbag vest is perhaps the single greatest advancement in safety since the introduction of the helmet and motorcycle boots. Proper motorcycle gloves protect my hands from my natural inclination to reach out if I were to fall. I check everything as I am putting it on. Here is my sequence:

1. Ear Protection: I insert ear plugs and make sure they are snug and comfortable. I place the ear plug tether aground my neck.

2. Torso Comfort: I put my base layer or shirt on next. I make sure I do not dislodge the ear plugs. I check the pockets to make sure there is nothing in them which could stab me in the event of a fall. After I put on the base layer / shirt, I make sure I have range of motion.

3. Leg Protection: I inspect my motorcycle jeans. I make sure I have not removed the armour in the hips and knees. I check the pockets to make sure there is nothing in them which could stab me in the event of a fall. I put on the motorcycle jeans and make sure they are loose enough that I can mount the motorcycle but tight enough to keep the protective armour in place.

4. Angle & Foot Protection: I inspect my motorcycle boots. I check and make sure the socks I have selected are Merino Wool and can protect my feet from blistering. I check my boots to make sure there are no tears and that the laces are in tact. I put both on and make sure they are tight but not biding.

5. Torso Protection: I put on my airbag vest. I check the lights to ensure that it has initialized successfully. I use the App on my iPhone to connect. I check the power level and firmware. The airbag vest will only work if it has power. If it passes the review, I ride. If I forgot to charge it, I connect the charger and ride another day. I put on my motorcycle jacket next. I make sure it is zipped properly and fits well. I also check range of motion.

6. Head Protection: I inspect my helmet and make sure all of the pads are secure and there is no debris inside the helmet. I turn the Comm Unit and make sure it initializes properly. I also connect to it with my phone to make sure it has been charged. Like the airbag vest, the Comm Unit depends on power.









Step 4: Ready to Ride Inspection (1 minute): When I fire up the CB1100, I check the switches to make sure they are fully operational and the mirrors to make sure they provide good line of sight. Then, I ride!



I hope something in this Thread servers you well. If you have suggestions or corrections, please reply. As always, I remain a humble man. Let’s see if I have earned more respect than scorn with this lengthy thread. Enjoy your day and ride safely. David

What do you get when you combine flooding with extremely cold temperatures?

On today's ride I rode down by the Ohio river. We've had a bit of flooding recently and bitter cold temps. The result is a sheet of broken ice hanging in the trees maybe 10 feet in the air. It is a sight to behold.

The white line in these photos above my bike and in other pics is not snow on a ridge, but sheets of ice hanging in the air. Pretty incredible to see.

My new commute has me riding East in the morning, and with the low sun this time of year, it's right in my eyes. I imagine I'll have the same issue coming home riding West once the time change happens.

I had this issue several years and a few jobs ago, and came up with a solution that was cheap and effective. Even with drop-down sun shades on a few of my helmets, the morning and evening sun was way too distracting for safe riding. Since I'm now facing the same issue, I dug into my box of supplies marked "Moto Stuff" in the garage and pulled out what I had used back then, to outfit my newer helmets for the current commute.

Motorcycle-specific sun strips are available to put on the upper edge of your face shield, but those are pricey for what's basically a decal. I didn't want to use something solid like electrical tape.

Here's a cheap and easy solution. Go on Amazon and buy a small roll of shaded or tinted cling vinyl, the type you'd stick in the side window of your car to keep your small child from roasting in the bright sun. Like this:
[url=https://www.amazon.com/KwikShade-Quality-Window-Sunshade-Windshield/dp/B07DNZV68J?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A2YSX3ESRMZEGL&gQT=1&th=1]https://www.amazon.com/KwikShade-Quality...gQT=1&th=1

Just make a pattern with some paper to form a sun strip that will fit across the top of your face shield, then cut out as many as you need for however many helmets you have. I find that a 12" wide piece of cling vinyl is the perfect length for a sun strip. Then, stick the strip to your CLEAN face shield. Since it's cling vinyl, you can remove and reposition it however you need to to put it in the ideal position.

The example I have hear is a dot matrix pattern vinyl that lets some light in, not distracting, but I also have full-see-through tinted vinyl. Both work great to block out the sun.

Works great, and you can cut dozens of them from one piece of vinyl shade. Cheap too! Only bugaboos are to be careful wiping off your face shield not to catch the edges of the strip and pull them up, just wipe from the middle to the sides of the shield. And, have a spare on hand... Once or twice, when I didn't stick them down well enough, they've flown off when I did an extreme head turn at high speed for a head check, but if it's stuck down well enough they don't leave your helmet.

Hey guys, first time posting here but been referencing daily for a few months. Appreciate how thorough everyone is here.

I picked up a 2013 CB1100 recently and have been slowly turning it into a cafe racer. I know that's not everyones cup of tea here, but I had a vision and couldn't get it out of my head.

Last thing on my to do list is to toss the large bulky speedometer cluster for something much smaller and I'm at a loss for options. I haven't seen any recent threads about any new options in the past few years but I've seen some custom builds without their cluster. I know someone mentioned the Daytona Velona gauge but not sure if they ever figured out the programming.

My understanding is the 2013 it is possible to replace but without any plug and play options im not sure which options there are out there.

Anyone replace their speedometer for something sleeker?? TIA

Can somebody please advise the correct part number for a 1100 EX CA K model?

It's the RH front engine cover. The bike has a silver painted finish and not the polished alloy finish.

So is it:

1. 11311-MGC-920
or
2. 11311-MGC-N00
or
3. 11311-MGC-000

What is the difference between the 3, apart form one being polished alloy?

Thanks

I'm really trying to keep a "One thing in, one thing out" mentality with possessions right now, especially motorcycle stuff. With the recent acquisition of my Givi E45 top box, that made four total top boxes in the garage, so I decided that "The Barbecue" V-40 had to go.

Listed it for a bit more than I have into the E-45 and just got a bite. The guy who came to pick it up was nice, and we started chatting about "What do you ride?" Turns out he's using the box in his outfitting of an Elite 150 to run in the upcoming Scooter Cannonball. Oooh, that sounds interesting!

I want to do that now! https://scootercannonball.com/about

Anyone here ever run in this event?

Rlets need company .
I ordered two historical helmet stickers, one will go under the seat near the right hook and the other on its hook as in the photo or nearby.
Advice welcome...

9 January 2025
 
Day 1: Brisbane to Grafton
 

Link to outbound map
 
I can't remember exactly what time it was that I pulled into Grafton. Sometime in the late afternoon. I recall being annoyed by my wet weather onesie again failing to be properly waterproof. I also recall calculating what time I was likely to get to Ebor, always assuming there would be somewhere to stay; and quickly deciding rest would be better than risking encounters with kangaroos.
 
I know it's early in proceedings, but I can't help a quick digression about the bloody onesie. I bought it in Tamworth on a morning after my two-piece wet weather gear had been shredded when I came off the bike. There's more on that in the discussion on day 2. Back to the onesie. You'd think it would be great: a single garment, lots of flouro bits to make you visible in less than perfect conditions, and less gaps and joins and cracks for water to seep in.
 
But it isn't. It's a bastard of a thing. It's hard to get on over boots and jacket. It's equally annoying to take it off. If you aren't careful with the seal over the zipper that runs from neck to the upper left leg water will seep through and collect somewhere until it overflows into your crotch, always at a moment when you could well do without such a distraction. It's often pretty hot where I ride and leaving a waterproof on when the rain's gone and the sun comes out results in being quietly baked. If you undo the zip at the neck — even just a tiny bit — to let some air in, it's like throwing out a parachute.
 
In summary, and being fair to it, even though it keeps the water out well in the unlikely event that I get the zip cover right, I hate it.
 

Ready to set out
 
I was on my way to meet AussieFlyer for yet another crack at a multi-day ride on some of the more appealing roads in his neck of the woods. A couple of other attempts at this venture have not worked out — the last one because his rear shocker popped a seal. This time he assured me the bike was in tip-top shape.
 
Even though I'd got away earlier that I'd hoped, it had taken me longer than I'd wanted to get to Grafton. Mostly because I'd stopped to sit out a shower of rain at Tamrookum. The rain caught up with me again later and I was still in wets when I got to Grafton. I found a motel — noting that the prices had risen sharply since I was last there — checked in remotely, spread my gear all over the room to dry and went in search of dinner.
 
I had a reasonable meal at the Fitzroy Bar and Grill in the Grafton Hotel.
 

That black area to the left is where I was heading
 

I stopped here to put on The Onesie
 
10 January 2025
 
Day 2: Grafton to Mudgee
 

Link to outbound map
 
If the forecast were to be believed, there was rain ahead. Showers may or may not happen and where and when would be determined in the moment. So, with uncharacteristic optimism, I set off into the morning without putting on the onesie.
 
I started with a ride over the relatively new Grafton Bridge. It augmented a wonderful old iron bridge over which cars passed on the top level and trains on the lower level. It had a slight bend in it and there is machinery allowing it to open. heaen knows when it was last opened. You can see the top level in this photo.
 

 
The other side of the bridge leads quickly to the start of a favourite ride: the Grafton to Armidale Road. The first bit is a good, quick ride from Grafton to Coutts Crossing and thence to Nymboida where the bridge is being repaired.
 

 
The road veers to the right immediately after this bridge and from there on it's a gentle climb twisting through attractive Australian bush and some farmland. A good deal of it was badly burned in fires in late 2019 / early 2020 and is now happily regrowing. An old wooden bridge damaged in the same fires has been replaced. There are photos of the aftermath of the fire in this post. A reasonable surface — excellent in parts — combined with not a lot of traffic mean ample opportunity to practice going up and down hills, changing gears and turning corners of varying degrees of sharpness. The most demanding bit of the road comes to an end shortly after Tyringham. At about the point, drops of rain appeared on my visor and I stopped at the Hernani Public School. It was holiday time so I was spared the indignity of being laughed at by children as I struggled with the dreaded onesie.
 
For some reason, lanyard cam disappeared into my top box at about this point in the day and didn't come out again.
 
I stopped in Uralla for coffee. Off came the onesie. After that I rode along the New England Highway to Tamworth which was busily preparing for Australia's major country and western music festival. I skirted around it, stupidly, blindly following the GPS which took me on a route which involved Burgmanns Lane and dirt. I wasn't too concerned about it as I knew roughly where I was, where I was going and that it would therefore not be for long. However, there was a floodway as the road crossed Goonoo Goonoo Creek and it was covered by a shallow flow of water. Slowing down I rode through it only to feel the back wheel slide under me as I reached the other side. Happily the new Angel GT rear tyre I'd fitted a couple of days before leaving seized hold of the dry concrete and all was well.
 
At this point a word on Goonoo Goonoo. Aside from it being a creek, it's also a suburb of Tamworth. What I find curious about it is that it's pronounced "Gunny Gunoo" not Goo-noo Goo-noo.
 
Shortly after this, Burgmanns Lane crossed the New England Highway and I stopped again to peel off a layer or two.
 
Altogether cooler, I set off to stare down a demon.
 
In 2020, riding home from Tasmania, on a wet day that was no fun for a rider but manna from heaven for the locals, I rounded a corner, met an ocean of black, slimy mud and fell off the bike. See here. When I was last vaguely in the area I wanted to revisit the spot, but the road that would most easily get me there was closed so I took another route altogether. This time there was no excuse and, although I approached the spot from the opposite direction, I proceeded around the corner with great care. No mud, the road was dry and I was soon past.
 
I don't remember that there was anything eventful on the rest of the day's ride. At the end of it, I found myself a room at the Federal Hotel. They didn't offer food and so I enjoyed a pleasant enough walk to The Oriental Hotel that did. I had an OK pizza, conferred with AussieFlyer about where we might meet the next day and went to sleep.
 
11 January 2025
 
Day 3: Mudgee to Boorowa
 

Link to outbound map
 
Is it funny or depressing how quickly one's memory fades; I'm not sure. Anyway, I remember it was cool enough to warrant layers and heavy gloves that it was cool as I set out for Boorowa where I was to meet AussieFlyer. I rode the Castlereagh Highway to Bathurst.
 

The cloud to the right looked ominous, but it turned out not to be a problem
 

Lake Windamere south of Mudgee
 
Lanyard cam is a wonderful thing, but it's not always easy to operate when wearing heavier gloves to keep out the cold. Here's an example of the sort of photo I can easily take when fumbling it into position.
 

 
At Blayney I stopped for petrol, coffee and a mediocre croissant. I then decided to trust the GPS and take a different route to the Wyangala Dam. Yet another dumb mistake as, having had to stop and don the onesie, for a brief but unfriendly shower, I ended up on yet another dirt road. Mercifully, it was not unreasonably long and quite soon I joined the Reg Hailstone Way for the final and best bit of it.
 

A glimpse of the blue sky that was to make it very hot indeed after the shower
 
By the time I arrived at Wyaralong, the sun was doing its thing and I was stinking hot inside my wets. So, feeling a little like a slow-change artist, I stopped and took them off.

 
Then it was on to Boorowa where I was due to meet AussieFlyer. There was no sign of him, so I stopped at the local bakery for coffee and a meat pie before deciding to ride on and meet him on the way. I made it to Jugiong where I refuelled and trundled back to the pub where he was enjoying a beer. Of course, it was purely selfish on my part to ride to meet him as I've always really enjoyed the road from Harden to Jugiong. It undulates gently, has fast, well-cambered corners and not a lot of traffic. It's a delight for a quick ride. I then got to ride it the other way and introduce it to AussieFlyer. We overnighted at the Boorowa Hotel, on old favourite on rides down south.