After reading a number of reviews, and spending hours trying on different helmets within various shops, I chose the AGV GP Tech. Here’s how I’ve been getting on with it over the last six months since learning to ride a motorbike.

I tried on a number of different brands and sizes of motorcycle helmet before deciding on the AGV GP Tech. I had read that it’s important to make sure that there are not any pressure points and shown how helmets should fit you properly. The guys at Hein Gericke in Stockwell and Metropolis Motorcycles in Vauxhall were both very helpful in this respect. I also found Yam Yam Biker’s GP Tech Review very helpful.

Although the Arai X-Spirit 2 was a nice helmet, I was torn between the Shoei XR1100 and the AGV GP Tech initially. These two fit the best, with the AGV GP Tech just winning purely over the tight, but not too tight, feel of the cheek pads. They were both on sale at the time.

Since purchase I have been riding almost every week day for three months on a Honda CB600F Hornet.

Overall the helmet is very comfortable. The cheek pads fit very snugly around the sides with enough space for my ears and possibly headphones (although I haven’t tried it). The rounded inside roof of the AGV GP-Tech fits my narrow shaped head nicely. The air circulation around the inside of the GP-Tech offers a stream of air which constantly circulates around the inside of the visor. The gaps around my ears do cause some unwanted air circulation which can lead to a sort of reverberation type hollow sound. This is easily solved by the use of a neck tube.

The visor is clear, and rarely gets fogged up, unless i’m wearing a neck tube. It’s easily cleaned and using something regularly ensures that the rain slips of well. The AGV GP-Tech visor is easy to take out and could be replaced by a darker one should I need.

Although I can’t compare the GP-Tech to another manufacturer or model, as this is my first one, so far it’s been excellent. It’s not too heavy, keeps in heat in the winter and out in the summer. The surface seems hard wearing enough against a few dents and scratches, although the paint does come off here and there.

I plan to keep this one as long as it will last me. It’s comfortable, light, warm and not too noisy when wearing a neck tube. I would recommend it for a first, second, or any other helmet.

After passing my Direct Access motorcycle test last August, and since moving from the country into London, I recently purchased a Honda CB600F Hornet. It’s not the one above, but slightly older. Over the past month, i’ve been getting to grips with some of the trials and tribulations of riding a motorcycle in London, and commuting to work on it.

Here are some of the lessons i’ve learnt.

1. It always costs more than you think it will

I ended up spending slightly more on the bike than I thought I would. I figured that going for a slightly newer and better model than i was going to, and getting it from a dealer would help the bike last longer, and be a little more modern in terms of the features (it has a clock, which apparently is a real bonus!).

I anticipated buying a few items, but then realised how much more there is. Helmet, boots, gloves, jacket, trousers, scarfs, ear plugs, visor cleaner, bike cleaner, oil, brake fluid and coolant. In comparison to the train, it’s more of a similar cost than I originally anticipated.

2. The Helmet is harder to buy than the bike

The helmet took me several sessions to find, and I was comparing the Shoei XR1100 with the AGV GP-Tech for a while, trying each on quite a few times before deciding. Once you take it out the shop, there’s no taking this sucker back!! They compared well, and the differences were minimal. The tightness of the padding around my face was the main reason I went with the AGV GP-Tech in the end.

3. What feels right, probably is!

I researched for a month or so to find the right bike. It was a battle between getting the bike I wanted, and being able to pay for the insurance. So the trade-off began.

I honed in on the Suzuki SV650, which although I thought looked nice, once I sat on it I realised that the sports style bikes weren’t going to be as comfortable. The dealership had a few naked style Honda’s in too, and once I sat on the Honda CB600F, I realised how nice it could be to ride.

After a test ride, it was mine. And after a month of commuting on it, I feel like I made the right decision. Easy to ride, comfortable and a good riding position. It also has the option to add a topbox onto the back, which would provide additional storage if needed.

4. Noone sees you

The first thing i learnt is that noone sees you, except perhaps other motorcyclists. This is especially true of van drivers without back windows, and frustrated car drivers looking to bypass the traffic. You have to be so mindful that people aren’t expecting you to be there, and be prepared to get out the way if they do something unexpected.

5. I really don’t want it to break!

Unlike any other vehicle I have owned, this is one which I feel I should take more care of, and look after better. I’m quite happy not to check the oil in a car I own for hundreds of miles, but I am trying to keep a regular check on all parts of the CB600F, just to make sure that it’s running in good order.

I’m clocking up the mileage quite quickly, with a combined journey of around 100 miles per week, along with the occasional pleasure trip, and getting to know the area. It’s brought a completely view for me to how London is connected, and opens up so much more in terms of getting around for less.

Keep tuned to find out how I get on with my various motorcycle adventures in the future.

Image by Worldwidemotorcycles