Tired of looking over my shoulders...

[BajaRon]

One more thing to consider. A number of helmet manufacturers have filed suit against this helmet maker.

All of the suits were eventually dropped. My feeling is that it was understood from the beginning that they had no case. The purpose being to drain funds from the small guy till he couldn't produce the product.

This is a typical approach when the big guns want to keep a new product from being launched.

Especially when they fear the new product (which means it works) and when the new innovation is patented so they can't make something to compete with it.

Of course the patent runs out after so many years and the suit process gives the new product a smaller exclusive window.

So you have to ask yourself, if this rear view mirror system doesn't work well, then why are other big helmet companies spending money to keep it off the market?

 

[irish2themax]

Taken from a Lexus site

When you wear a Reevu Motorbike helmet your view of the road ahead is not affected in any way. The view behind, however, is so dramatically transformed – you can see the road behind you with your peripheral vision.

Our customers have commented that after a short period of time, you are able to maintain awareness of the road ahead and behind without making a conscious effort. This means no more shaky steering when you are looking over your shoulder and no loss of vision of the road ahead when you are looking behind you!

 

[Motza]

One more thing to consider. A number of helmet manufacturers have filed suit against this helmet maker.

All of the suits were eventually dropped. My feeling is that it was understood from the beginning that they had no case. The purpose being to drain funds from the small guy till he couldn't produce the product.

This is a typical approach when the big guns want to keep a new product from being launched.

Especially when they fear the new product (which means it works) and when the new innovation is patented so they can't make something to compete with it.

Of course the patent runs out after so many years and the suit process gives the new product a smaller exclusive window.

So you have to ask yourself, if this rear view mirror system doesn't work well, then why are other big helmet companies spending money to keep it off the market?

Bottom line... I will purchase the helmet when it becomes available and give a detailed report. If you haven't noticed Im into that safety stuff.

Regards,
Motza

 

[jarhd3]

handy mirror gadget

If you dont like the mirror extensions(I didnt),there is a simple add on avail by Shadetreepowersports.They are mirror extensions that velcro on the ends of the handle bars and give a WIDE view of the hind sight.The cost is 15.00ea.,worth it and go on and off easy.The velcro strap can take alot of wind and speed and dont hurt aerodynamics too much.I like mine.

 

[bone crusher]

Bottom line... I will purchase the helmet when it becomes available and give a detailed report. If you haven't noticed Im into that safety stuff.

Regards,
Motza

I don't know what the process is for it to become DOT approved...but you could be looking at a good amount of time, I presume.

Figure it has to get DOT approved, then the company has to get the ability to sell it in the states, then they have to find distributors...also, the price is about what, $500? It has to have a good market to get a distributor to pay for inventory...

It could take a looooong time to get this to the states....then again, you never know...

I think it's a neat concept. As far as a need for it, I prefer to have an integrated sunshield in the helmet...this is a little more practical for my needs. Also, the kewlmetal mirror extensions give me enough of a field of view while I ride...I highly highly highly recommend the extensions to all Spyder owners who have shoulders...can't see behind you without them...

 

[Motza]

I'll try the extenstion also as for the $$$ i think you can pick one up under $400 on the web when they come out.

 

[Recluze]

They aren't glass mirrors, It is a thin, highly polished stainless steel plate. I don't think this is going to give anyone a problem in a crash.

One of the few complaints I've heard about this helmet is the added weight (though not that much). Problem is, the weight is in the worst spot, the top of the helmet.

A camera would certainly add much more weight to the helmet than this design (not to mention cost). Ok, maybe, for short trips, but not good for a long haul.



I don't think this "Fix" is likely to show up on future Spyders. BRP knew full well that these mirrors were a problem from the start. They tried to put them where they needed to be but our illustrious, all knowing government pencil pushers would not allow it.

Seems there is a maximum mirror stalk lenght in the US. This limited BRP to the current design.

Of course you would think our ever vidulent government would take into consideration mundane things like SAFETY. But I guess not.

There is a process by which a manufacturer can apply for a variance (in this case a stalk about 2" longer). BRP began this process long before the Spyder was released.

But they discovered that not only is the process LONG and VERY EXPENSIVE, but the outcome was far from certain. So, after all the time and effort it was likely that the US government agency in charge would say NO anyway.

I think BRP realized that someone like Kewl Metal would come up with a fix. Isn't it amazing that BRP engineers can't get permission to do the mirrors right, but there is no government restriction against the Good Old Boys at Kewl Metal doing exactly that?

Not to take anything away from Big Joe or Matt. They are great guys making great stuff. It's just the stupid way we have to arrive at a solution. (not that the Kewl Metal guys are complaining)

Thanks for clearing up the mirror thing. After I thought about it a bit I figured they had come up with something other than glass to get the job done. Don't get me wrong-if I could buy one I would. I checked on UK e bay but could not get a hit on this helmet.

As for the mirror extension-"the best government is the one that governs the least." Thanks to Kewl Metal for fixing it.

And as for my idea of a rear view camera- I would mount the camera under the rear of the seat and the screen up on the dash next to the speedo. I believe you can buy these off-the shelf. Of course the glare would make it practically useless at times. I am sure there are other issues.

 

[BajaRon]

Thanks for clearing up the mirror thing. After I thought about it a bit I figured they had come up with something other than glass to get the job done. Don't get me wrong-if I could buy one I would. I checked on UK e bay but could not get a hit on this helmet.

After doing more research it seems the production model is using mirrored plastic instead of stainless for the mirror. That makes good sense on several levels.

As for the mirror extension-"the best government is the one that governs the least." Thanks to Kewl Metal for fixing it.

Amen to both! I know a lot of people think BRP just blew it on the mirrors. I hate to see them take the hit on that issue.

Since I didn't research this I'm sure someone is going to tell me you can already get this product!

And as for my idea of a rear view camera- I would mount the camera under the rear of the seat and the screen up on the dash next to the speedo. I believe you can buy these off-the shelf. Of course the glare would make it practically useless at times. I am sure there are other issues.

Sounds like a good approach to me. I'm wondering if Garmin or another company could incorporate a Digicam display in their GPS. That would be the cats meow!

 

[Twodog185]

Just a thought...riding two up...can see how the wind blows "her" top around....I'm just saying

 

[8LEGS]

Found this on webBikeWorld

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/reevu/

 

[BajaRon]

Found this on webBikeWorld

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/reevu/

I think that review was done in 2005 when the helmet was still in the development stage. I think it was about this time that other manufacturers started coming out of the woodwork with their phony lawsuits.

They were so tied up in court that the helmet didn't get produced for several years. The plan was to bankrupt the company with lawsuits but somehow they were able to go to court and survive.

I'd really like to try one. It's got to have +'s and -'s. But I'd like to give it a whirl.

I LOVE distractions!

 

[8LEGS]

I'd really like to try one. It's got to have +'s and -'s. But I'd like to give it a whirl.

I LOVE distractions!

:agree: