01-14-2022, 12:52 PM
I've had a Helite 2-3 years now....actually had it deploy when I fell over at a dead stop on an incline (that darn K1600 is top heavy LOL).
I was in a “class” at a rally designed for GSs not Ks but at least the Helite people were there at the rally and installed a new free CO2 cartridge for me. Got a free Remus hat to boot!
It does help stabilize your neck when it inflates. I removed the back protector from my jacket as the Helite back protector is superior.
If you fit a tight jacket over it, the deployment would make it hard to breath.
It is heavy and can be hot, but I wear a full mesh jacket under it.
Rode 4 days in a row over 100 degrees last summer…..did OK….just kept pouring water down my back
I did discover why they call it a "turtle vest". When on my back, I was stuck until I un-clipped it.
I hang the tether on my tank bag handle so if I forget to fasten, I can easily find it and fasten while riding.
I made the tether long enough I can still stand up and ride.
If you forget to unclip it, I think it has a 40 lb pull force that will catch you before you just walk away and deploy it.
More expensive tetherless systems like MotoGP riders use have sensors, but the Helite seems better for most touring riders.
I felt better protected in mine, so I bought one for my son too who has my 2014 CB1100 std.
My wife bought me one of those of those expensive BMW/Klim jackets for me for Christmas….it had plenty of armor, but it was heavy, so much so, I felt like I was putting on a fireman’s jacket.
Couldn’t imaging wearing both that jacket and the Helite vest….so I sent it back.
The water down the back felt like AC for about 30 minutes.
It amazed me 100 degree water could make you “cold.” Near 0% humidity helped it evaporate quickly.
Approaching Fort Bragg....temperature dropped 50 degrees in 30 miles.....from 108 to 58...pretty amazing.
It was in the 60s all the way up the coast.
I was in a “class” at a rally designed for GSs not Ks but at least the Helite people were there at the rally and installed a new free CO2 cartridge for me. Got a free Remus hat to boot!
It does help stabilize your neck when it inflates. I removed the back protector from my jacket as the Helite back protector is superior.
If you fit a tight jacket over it, the deployment would make it hard to breath.
It is heavy and can be hot, but I wear a full mesh jacket under it.
Rode 4 days in a row over 100 degrees last summer…..did OK….just kept pouring water down my back
I did discover why they call it a "turtle vest". When on my back, I was stuck until I un-clipped it.
I hang the tether on my tank bag handle so if I forget to fasten, I can easily find it and fasten while riding.
I made the tether long enough I can still stand up and ride.
If you forget to unclip it, I think it has a 40 lb pull force that will catch you before you just walk away and deploy it.
More expensive tetherless systems like MotoGP riders use have sensors, but the Helite seems better for most touring riders.
I felt better protected in mine, so I bought one for my son too who has my 2014 CB1100 std.
My wife bought me one of those of those expensive BMW/Klim jackets for me for Christmas….it had plenty of armor, but it was heavy, so much so, I felt like I was putting on a fireman’s jacket.
Couldn’t imaging wearing both that jacket and the Helite vest….so I sent it back.
The water down the back felt like AC for about 30 minutes.
It amazed me 100 degree water could make you “cold.” Near 0% humidity helped it evaporate quickly.
Approaching Fort Bragg....temperature dropped 50 degrees in 30 miles.....from 108 to 58...pretty amazing.
It was in the 60s all the way up the coast.