In Austria the MTW is classified as a 3wheel motor bike. Here wearing a helmet is mandatory for bikes...
Other countries, other regulations: I'm interested if MTW owners drive with helmets or just use goggles and maybe other headgear. What's your best experience?
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
1. Full face helmet in cold weather/rain. 2. Open face with pop up visor, spring and autumn. 3. RayBans/ no helmet, summer. Safety glasses are also a good alternative.
1 & 2 are for comfort with an added safety element built in.
With my 4/4 & +4 with aeros I always used either goggles or safety glasses. A bee in the eye at 20 mph on a bike in the 70s taught me not to risk no protection.
JohnV6 2022 CX Plus Four 2025 Renault Scenic Alpine etech "Yvette"
mine is on order, but I'm not planning on wearing any helmets. just motorcycle glasses and goggles. Im in South Carolina in the states, with the roll hoops and sitting in it, you don't need a helmet. But it is a grey area in motorcycle law . it runs like a cycle but drives like car. your in it with seat belts,and roll hoops.
I've got Schuberth flip up C3 helmets with bluetooth intercom form my bikers time. Do I need special car racing helmets or will the bike version to the trick? Most likely there is more air ventilation on the MTW than on my Honda GoldWing. I have Arai jet helmets too but without integrated eye protection and sunshield.
Pilot goggles are available...
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
Shoei j-cruise is my helmet. I recommend it. Fully water proof Flip up perspex face visor. Also available is a double glaxed section for cold days. Pop down solar lens . There are variable cooling ducts too.
My wife and I each use a Caberg "Downtown" open face helmet with flip up visor. These provide good warmth and weather protection in winter without being too hot in the summer. They also make the bark of the exhaust bearable on a long journey and have the added advantage of having a built-in tinted sun visor that can be swung down in front of glasses if needed.
My request was based on a 5speeder, actually for long distance trips. For a fun trip to the next city I use a traditional pilot cap and stylish goggles
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
Would never wear a helmet under any circumstance in the M3W except when forced to by ACU regs for hill climbs etc.
+1 Sheepskin flying helmet in the winter, bare head with Factor 50 in the summer when warm (surprisingly often) or leather flying helmet when a bit cooler. I wear glasses so goggles tend to go on once speed gets above about 30 or 40mph. Would consider wearing a helmet where required to by law!
Which raises a thought; could we do with a list (sticky post?) of which countries require a helmet by law in the three wheeler and actually might enforce it for a visitor or indeed a resident?
+2 Like nippymog and Calum , I can't think of any reason for wearing a helmet , I have a selection of hats and flying helmets and put a waterproof balaclava underneath when needed .
Most of the time I wear a leather helmet & googles. In rain or a long winter journey a Caberg Trip full face helmet. In summer if it is really warm no helmet just goggles. I always use moulded ear plugs.
I wear an open face quarter helmet that is leather covered; because I rather not sustain a closed head injury as the result of some asshat not seeing me, or not paying attention to the road and trying to photo/video me while driving. I have a nice full face helmet as well for cold and highway driving.
Charlie, Former Editor Morgan Owners Group - Great Lakes
I don't wear a helmet unless the weather looks like it's going to be atrocious. Just goggles and either a wool flat-hat in anything over 5degC and dry, or one of those Barber fleece trapper hats that were mentioned a couple of months back and which now seem to be sold out....
So what happens if I drive my car into Austria or Italy with just my normal headgear - assume I'd be stopped by the Feds?
So what happens if I drive my car into Austria or Italy with just my normal headgear - assume I'd be stopped by the Feds?
In Austria I'm doing my testruns: I've been stopped twice so far: all they wanted was info on the M3W, no question regarding the helmet or the seat belt... In case of an accident insurance companies will be more picky!
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
So what happens if I drive my car into Austria or Italy with just my normal headgear - assume I'd be stopped by the Feds?
A helmet is definitely required and it gets worse than that. Strictly speaking you have to have a motorcycle licence too, ridiculous though that may seem. There would however be some confusion because Italians who had a car licence up to about 15 years ago could ride a bike without having a specific bike licence. You could also probably get away with explainining that you are not required to have a bike licence for this type of vehicle in your home state and that under international agreements you only have to comply with your home state rules for licences to drive a vehicle registered in your home state whilst visiting another EU state.
I am not sure if that is entirely true for road vehicles but you would probably get away with it.
Recently the Swiss police have taken great delight in confiscating bikes of Italian riders who do not have an endorsement for bikes on their licences. The recomendation is that holders of the old paper licences get their licences updated to the new plastic type and request the motorcycle endorsement.
Peter, thank you for your detailed comment on Italy and Suisse! Bikers licence and helmet is no problem for me as I've got both but important to know for others!
The experience I had with Italian police was very positive so far but a friend of mine - lawyer in Milano - got his scooter confiscated when he rode without helmet. Better to be careful....
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
Thanks too for those explanations. I guess that makes sense, as for example a US chap visiting the UK and hiring a Harley would not be allowed to ride helmetless over here without being quickly busted at the roadside.....
I too have a full bike license as well and I may now stuff a compact helmet on the rack next time I go on a Euro tour (or maybe my future trip to M3W Treffen....)!
In Portugal tricycles with an "outer" structure or safety structure and seat belts do not require the use of helmets. Here the "google translation" to English, with a few "add ons" by me, of #3 and #4 of article 82 from our "Código da Estrada" (Road Code I guess)
3 - Drivers and passengers of mopeds, motorcycles with or without sidecar, tricycles and quadricycles, must protect the head using officially approved type of helmet, properly adjusted and tight. 4 - Exempt from the provisions of the preceding paragraph are the drivers and passangers of vehicles with a rigid outer closed structure or vehicles with both rigid protective structure and seat belts.
Here the original, in case anyone wants to learn portuguese
Quote:
3 - Os condutores e passageiros de ciclomotores, motociclos com ou sem carro lateral, triciclos e quadriciclos, devem proteger a cabeça usando capacete de modelo oficialmente aprovado, devidamente ajustado e apertado. 4 - Excetuam-se do disposto no número anterior os condutores e passageiros de veículos providos de caixa rígida ou de veículos que possuam, simultaneamente, estrutura de proteção rígida e cintos de segurança.
Australia, if I understand correctly, has decided that if the vehicle has two wheels in front (reverse trike) and car type controls it is a car. If it has two wheels behind and bike type controls it is a bike. End of story and no confusion.
I would imagine that a helmet is not therefore a legal requirement for an Australian M3W when they are eventually approved. The latest news on the Morgan Australia web site is that they are still working on it.
The eventual price is expected to be over AUD$70,000. The base price for a Morgan 4/4 in Australia is AUD$79,990 (about EUR€54,000 or GBP£43,000) plus delivery charges etc.
The costs of Australian homologation must be huge and the price will also be effected by the special variations required for Australia. All this has to be recovered by the importer.
Originally Posted By morgancars.com.au
In summary, the changes from the UK 3 Wheeler include:
Different steering column Different steering wheel Dash padding added Higher roll-over hoops designed and added Padded head rests designed and added Repositioned front indicators Side repeater indicators added Side reflector added Reversing light added Third brake light added New wiring harness Wind deflectors, rather than screens Different mirrors
In addition to these changes, three separate crash tests have been conducted on the Australian version of the 3 Wheeler and it passed all tests to satisfy ADR requirements. It has also passed the unique ADR stability test criteria.
PS. Note the "Higher roll-over hoops designed and added. Padded head rests designed and added"
This was to provide adequate roll over protection and whiplash protection in the case of a hit from the rear.
I use a colour matched Bell Pit Boss half helmet - it looks just the part and doesn't overstate the helmet against the car - It's pretty cool and provides a somewhat Fangio look to the drive. It comes with a neck piece and a flip down visor absolutely fantastic. - Other half has a matching one also.
I got this Pilot Helmet - black version. Fits good, but the whining from the bevel box/drive belt makes it very noisy. Additional earplugs are recommended.
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
I'm from Italy and i have a 3W It's classified as L5E vehicle so: registration: as a bike helmet: not required ( art 171 comma 1bis CDS )
Would be great. Italy is so much more fun without a helmet when it's not raining.
Not correct according to Borghi. The clause quoted specifies a 3 wheeler with a cabin or a crash protection safety cell. The roll bars on the European M3W are too low to be classified as a safety cell.
Drive without a helmet and you risk not being able to drive it home again.
The situation is more complex. The italian road code ( codice della strada) does not define the safety cell In Italy it is invoking the judicial practice:
This definition includes the simple roll hoop present in a 3 wheeler ( like a Caterham ) I have a Caterham with fia roll bar but the original one was anchored like the morgan one. remember that in Italy the microcars (which you can drive without a license) does not have the obligation of the helmet ( but you have to use the safety belts ) and the roof has no load-bearing function
The second lecture ( B ) from art 171 CDS is the correct one for Morgan according to Peter ...I use a lightweight helmet anyway :):)
Last edited by drk; 19/01/1506:52 PM.
Morgan 4/4, Caterham Seven, Ginetta G27, TVR Chimaera
An interesting article to read. In simple terms however, in order to qualify for helmet exemption, the security cell and seat belts must be such that the head can not make contact with the road in a roll over.
Why the same rule does not apply to a 4 wheeled vehicle I do not know. Some sports cars from major manufacturers are fitted with reinforced windscreen pillars and roll over hoops in the bodywork behind the seats etc. but it does not seem to be obligatory.
I have just imported a bell vortex flying tiger motorcycle helmet. It's that good a match to my m3w graphics you would think it was a custom paint job. Even so ideally I prefer to not wear it. I like the open to the elements feel. What is true of the helmet. I can drive In quite cold English weather and stay warm and if I'm driving a long distance on the motorway it cuts out a lot of wind noise and adds a little sense of safety.
Morgan 3 wheeler (little spit) 911s VW Amarok Kris@clearfirst.co.uk HAVE A GREAT LIFE. I AM
I use a Zox Nano Custom Open Face Helmet along with a pair of bug-eyed goggles. It's a "shorty" helmet. The ZOX are very thin and still US DOT approved. They come in a very wide array of sizes up to 5xl.
New experience: today I had my first trip on the copilot's seat. It is still winter here and the wind was blowing... A completely different feeling to drive or to get driven. I felt much more wind when not driving myself. As a driver I concentrate on the road, as a copilot I recognize the exposure to the environment much more. As a result of this trip my wife will definitely wear a full face helmet when we cross the Grandes Alpes later this year. Schuberth C3 is the solution for us. Several seasons experience on the motorbike and felt very comfortable all time.
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
New experience: today I had my first trip on the copilot's seat. It is still winter here and the wind was blowing... A completely different feeling to drive or to get driven. I felt much more wind when not driving myself. As a driver I concentrate on the road, as a copilot I recognize the exposure to the environment much more. As a result of this trip my wife will definitely wear a full face helmet when we cross the Grandes Alpes later this year. Schuberth C3 is the solution for us. Several seasons experience on the motorbike and felt very comfortable all time.
I did this recently too (when the dealer was testing my car to experience a problem I had). I also noticed the wind. The biggest thing though was the lack of footrest. There is too much space in the passenger footwell and nothing to brace yourself on. Could be quite dangerous if you submarine under the seatbelt on heavy braking I think
Just finished to customize 2 helmets to fit with my Super Dry edition
The Helmets where without an CE homologation but a great quality and made in the exact way like in the 50ies. That sayed there is no helmet obligation for the 3 Wheeler in Luxembourg
Last edited by Smaug; 23/04/1501:32 PM.
Cheers, Georges
M3W, Super Dry edition, sep. 2013 ...called 'DogNose'
Wow, Mol! ...okay you beat me, have to hide my two Helmets Thats a nice work Flying Tiger theme on the Helmet and I love the Tiger on your 3W. Superb work!!!
Cheers, Georges
M3W, Super Dry edition, sep. 2013 ...called 'DogNose'
I think if you paint or put stickers on a helmet it invalidates the CE homologation. So perhaps not a good idea for your bike lid. Fine for M3W where its not compulsory wear & is more for looks & weather protection.
I bought that BELL, DOT approved, helmet that way. It's 100% legal. It took a lot of searching to find it, and it was a no brainer to purchase it when I found it. (I painted the car)
Wow, Mol! ...okay you beat me, have to hide my two Helmets Thats a nice work Flying Tiger theme on the Helmet and I love the Tiger on your 3W. Superb work!!!
No, No you deserve more credit than I. I just did a lot of footwork to find my helmet, you created yours.
I think if you paint or put stickers on a helmet it invalidates the CE homologation. So perhaps not a good idea for your bike lid. Fine for M3W where its not compulsory wear & is more for looks & weather protection.
Actually race car drivers have their helmets painted all the time, and I see stickers a lot. I don't think it influences the safety qualification, but then I am in the US, so it might be differnet eleswhere.
I think it depends on what the helmet is made of Mol. The cheaper polycarbonate helmets can be damaged due to the solvents in some paints and stickers, the composite helmets don't have the same problem.
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
Mol the glue on stickers or the paint can adversely affect the shell. Perhaps race drivers use an approved paint. Working offshore years ago guys used to compete to see who could get most service company stickers on their safety helmet. These days that is not allowed, you may see a name marker nothing more & companys don't give out stickers.
I think if you paint or put stickers on a helmet it invalidates the CE homologation. So perhaps not a good idea for your bike lid. Fine for M3W where its not compulsory wear & is more for looks & weather protection.
Actually race car drivers have their helmets painted all the time, and I see stickers a lot. I don't think it influences the safety qualification, but then I am in the US, so it might be differnet eleswhere.
Right about the paint Tim, you can not use acrilic paint for example, it penetrates the Helmet and abuses the Fiberglas shell. The trick is to use Lexan paint which is used for RC-cars...that paint is not penetrating the underneat laquer either Fiberglas. it just stick on and admits to do some vintage scratchings in the painted object
Cheers, Georges
M3W, Super Dry edition, sep. 2013 ...called 'DogNose'
Out of the blue the other day austrian police invited me to several checks (in a quiet suburban street): - a "sound check" of the M3W: passed (3dB too much) - a check of registration type, all that threewheeler stuff: passed - check of wearing a motorcycle helmet: passed - check of all lights etc.: passed - check for no alcohol (the always do this): passed
Today a stone sized like a cherry hit my head at 90kmh, tarmac street, must have been from another car coming the other way - I was very grateful to wear a helmet.
That's why I prefer to wear a helmet, no matter how I look.
Karl Life is hard in the mountains
2009 silver +4, 2013 red C4P, 2014 yellow M3W gone to a new owner
I have been stopped once by the police here, but they don't seem to really know what rules apply. They had their discussions about helmets and seatbelts and front license plates and drivers license requirements but they soon realized I was ahead of them in the knowledge of the rarely needed to know rules and regulations about ... tricycles! So I was off on my way with them still scratching their heads.
One thing worries me though, with my particular car. I remember as if it was today, my heart fell for the Brooklands in the same exact second Nick Baker (MMC) started one up. That exhaust noise was wonderful.
And this short conversation took place:
Me - Is that (noise) even legal???? NB - Well, the homologation was with the regular exhausts ... Me - I see ...
May is here and warming up. Will be donning the helmet soon in anticipation of June bug strikes. One of those at 60 mph will make your day.
On the legal side, it is registered as a motorcycle, inspected as a motorcycle (lightly as in wheels are attached lights and blinkers work) but treated like a car. Helmet not required but wear the seatbelt. Emissions are not tested. VIN # checked.
On the practical side, it is ignored. Most of the time I don't bother with the belt as, in all truthiness, if I hit something hard or something hits me hard, it is probably all over. Modifications to the engine and drivetrain can be all over the place and no one cares. That is a big business in the states.
What's your mileage? Who cares. Is it practical? See #1. What happens when it rains? You get wet.
Discussions with police e.g. at half an hour past midnight in one of our wine-growing regions in the +4 normally ended in long discussions about how old the car is and how it drives, how it compares to new cars etc., nothing else.
But last time the two policemen were really fit, they seemed to know quite a lot about vehicles registered as motorcycles and everything that seems mandatory. I was very surprised they had a noise-meter on board (what is the real name of these things?) and knew that the result of the measurement is very much dependent on the way the measurement is done (e.g. absorbing/reflecting walls in the vicinity).
Karl Life is hard in the mountains
2009 silver +4, 2013 red C4P, 2014 yellow M3W gone to a new owner
I had a discussion with Borghi the other day on the subject of helmets in the M3W in Italy.
He confirmed that by law both a helmet and seatbelts must be used. The M3W is not homologated to comply with the requirements of a safety cage in Italy. The authority was specifically asked if the fitting of a higher roll bar (as for Australia) would suffice: the reply was no because there was no proof (as in crash tests etc) that the rest of the frame was sufficiently strong to ensure that the roll bar would not collapse. I can well imagine that the Australian homologation testing would not be accepted by the Italian bureaucracy.
If a two or three wheeler is fitted with a passenger safety cage and seatbelts the obligation of wearing a helmet is waved, however in the case of a three wheeler in which a helmet must be used there is no obligation for seat belts unless the three wheeler has been homologated with seat belts fitted.
All this means that when driving an M3W in Italy both driver and passenger must use both a helmet and seatbelts.
If you do not use a helmet you risk not only a fine but having the car towed away. Depends a bit on how nasty the police feel like being. If you do get stopped it is more likely to satisfy the curiosity of the cop but I would not take the risk.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was recommended not to use a seat belt while wearing a helmet , as the extra weight could result in neck injuries in the event of an accident .
The risk of getting hurt is much greater without the belt.
Certainly. The law (that does not require a seatbelt on trikes) was made for three wheelers where the rider/driver is not enclosed in a cockpit and more likely to go rolling down the road in the event of an accident. In the case of the M3W I would always wear the seatbelt for safety and I also think a helmet is a good idea whatever the law may say.
Is there a list somewhere of countries vs M3W regulations? i.e. if I were to drive an M3W to France or Spain or Germany would I need a motorbike license, helmet, etc?
Is there a list somewhere of countries vs M3W regulations? i.e. if I were to drive an M3W to France or Spain or Germany would I need a motorbike license, helmet, etc?
Well lets do a list by our own....I will begin a new topic so everybody can participate
Cheers, Georges
M3W, Super Dry edition, sep. 2013 ...called 'DogNose'
I didn't wear a helmet in France and wasn't pull, although I do tend to wear an open faced helmet for comfort unless its very warm. If no helmet at least safety glasses.
We never wore any helmets during our French trip & no-one bothered.
Have to say I'm not a lover of crash helmets when belted in. It's not much different from a four wheeled Morgan, with just a higher glass panel to look through, so sunnies or safety specs/goggles suffice quite adequately.
Insects bounce off the forehead at times & grit can be felt at times, but it's never anything much and nothing to be concerned about. It's so much nicer to be able to smile at people when you catch their glances, and a bobble hat is fine for colder drives.
Vintage Bentley drivers don't wear crash helmets or seatbelts, so if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me!
If it's safety you're after, you've bought the wrong vehicle..
Last edited by Stringers Best Mate; 01/07/1510:34 PM.
Most of the time I do not wear a helmet in Austria and most of the cops do not know (or do not care) how to classify the M3W. So far they were rather interested on the age, technical specs and the price. Besides of that: a Helmet is mandatory and a motorcycle license is required too.
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
Luis Avedo who runs the business is a lovely guy and very helpful. He forgot to include the extra lenses with my hat (smoked and yellow), so immediately sent them off priority airmail to me.
I bought from the Morgan Shop a breeze breaker, beanie, leather helmet and Davida Jet helmet. So far I've only worn the Davida once and none of the others in almost 1000km. Most of my driving has been inner city and the occasional blast on the motorway. I wore the Davida once to test for future open road touring and it is very snug, quiet and comforting. But for most of my driving, safety sunglasses and the occasional driving hat suffices.
I also bought the Morgan Shop leather Spada jackets which are really nice and I wear quite a bit. The most important thing is some good shoes and most of the time I wear a pair of OMP's. I can wear my work shoes but they do catch on the outside edge andI have to be careful.
With my 4/4 & +4 with aeros I always used either goggles or safety glasses. A bee in the eye at 20 mph on a bike in the 70s taught me not to risk no protection.
I had a mate who, during out teenage biking years, had a bee or wasp hit him, drop in his lap and stung him on his testicle..!! Honestly. We hoofed him down to the local A&E on pillion. Still laugh now.. and then say a silent thank you..
I've now worn the Davida helmet a few times and it certainly makes the longer/night trips more pleasant. Our BoysRanFast hats get a lot of use too but the leather helmets will forever remain in the bag.
Picked up a Shoei J-cruise lid to pick up my new M3W today. Cold but sunny ride back, very impressed by the clarity of the visor. Quite pricey but combined with a fleece snood and scarf kept my head and face warm! Quite noisy* though - will consider earplugs too next time.
* probably a function of the car and speed rather than a helmet complaint!
In Switzerland, I could drive around the M3W without helmet. But from my motorcycling I know, little objects (stones, branches) CAN actually hit you and leave serious injuries!
For me personlly, some head protection is a must. But please no helmet. And please not one of those leather caps.
I have found the "Ribcap". Ribcaps protect - not as good as a helmet maybe, but a lot more than an ordinary cap. Thanks to sewn-in protectors. Soft, viscoelastic protectors instead of a hard shell. They reshape themselves and so absorb the impact energy. The products are mainly sold to cyclists and for any winter sport. They come in various shapes, colours and in summer as well as winter qualities.
ich kenne die dinger...hab se mal anprobiert. ziemlich bequem! aber irgendwie nicht mein ding. ich fahr mit ner massgeschneiderten fliegerkappe. leder natürlich. unglaublich komfortabel und leicht. bei jedem wetter...und meine jedes wetter!!! aber eben, die geschmäcker sind verschieden und über geschmack lässt sich bekanntlich ja nicht streiten!
We wore our leather helmets the other day in a Christmas parade. They were surprisingly comfortable and quiet. I might rethink using them. My wife looked gorgeous, I still looked silly
We wore our leather helmets the other day in a Christmas parade. They were surprisingly comfortable and quiet. I might rethink using them. My wife looked gorgeous, I still looked silly
We wore our leather helmets the other day in a Christmas parade. They were surprisingly comfortable and quiet. I might rethink using them. My wife looked gorgeous, I still looked silly
Drove Morgan 3 Wheelers (1928 Aero, then 2013 M3W) in NY state from 1998 until this fall without a helmet, stopped by state trooper in October who said MC license plate, must wear helmet. I've learned to pick my battles, so now wear a DOT half helmet and goggles. Safer, I guess, not as much fun, but not too restrictive. Drove once on public roads with a full face Bell helmet, I felt my vision was too restricted knowing the kinds of drivers on the road today!
Excuse slight drift. Wearing a helmet in a car can give you a split personality, I remember many years back,on a stage rally. When we came to the start of a timed stage we felt like macho heros as we strapped the helmets on. After finishing the stage, we had about one mile across town to the next stage, so we left the helmets on. I have never felt a bigger PRATT than sitting at a zebra crossing with Saturday shoppers pointing and laughing as they carried the shopping home...Car was a mk2 escort,
.+8 Now gone for a 1800 4/4. Duratec in bright yellow.
I recommend the Caberg Rivera V2 open face, although so far only used on my bike.
The image tag will take you to the on-line German supplier I bought it from, arriving in just a few days and beating UK supplier prices despite VAT.
Very light and comfortable, easy to use strap and flip-up visor, plus additional internal sun visor operated by lever on the top. Think it looks great too in matt black.
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7 1966 Land Rover S2a 88 2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 1945 Guzzi Airone
Richard I have a Rivera V2 for winter use on my M3W. The blue version is very close to Sport Blue on my car. Its a good helmet, I chose for deep visor which protects all your face. The built in dark drop down visor is useful in low sun. Its not prone to misting on the move & you can lift visor one notch if it is. I have a Caberg full face flip front which does mist in heavy rain. I would not wear an open face on a bike.
I wasn't offering it as mere opinion...it DOES look like a NASA approved helmet, and to my eye, far too modern a look for an M3W.
It's funny to me to wear a helmet at all, we all know we're worm food in the most unwelcome event of any crash where blunt force is involved..which is just about anything more than a parking lot tap..
...in which case, it should at least be sympathetic to the overall style of the car..
Sneezing is a problem. Had a couple of 'white outs' during cold weather. Standing in line to pay for petrol feels awkward. Not type approved as far as I know. Needs extra long headband for GoPro but otherwise if you feel safer in a helmet, recommended. I have had a Morgan M3W badge fitted since this was taken
Last edited by Grockle; 05/04/1603:49 PM. Reason: Typo
Sneezing is a problem. Had a couple of 'white outs' during cold weather. Standing in line to pay for petrol feels awkward. Not type approved as far as I know. Needs extra long headband for GoPro but otherwise if you feel safer in a helmet, recommended. I have had a Morgan M3W badge fitted since this was taken
Flippin' brilliant. Love it. I did LOL
2008 XXVII Platform, Bugatti Blue Roadster 4 Seater
Sneezing is a problem. Had a couple of 'white outs' during cold weather. Standing in line to pay for petrol feels awkward. Not type approved as far as I know. Needs extra long headband for GoPro but otherwise if you feel safer in a helmet, recommended. I have had a Morgan M3W badge fitted since this was taken
Sneezing is a problem. Had a couple of 'white outs' during cold weather. Standing in line to pay for petrol feels awkward. Not type approved as far as I know. Needs extra long headband for GoPro but otherwise if you feel safer in a helmet, recommended. I have had a Morgan M3W badge fitted since this was taken
LOOOOOOL ....Steampunk meets M3W ....terrific
Cheers, Georges
M3W, Super Dry edition, sep. 2013 ...called 'DogNose'
Helmet - yes, most of the time, great sun/weather protection, especially as I get older. My Snell open face helmets have a problem with wind uplift, don't like a closed helmet in the 3 wheeler, bad visibility. Just ordered a Biltwell roundy looking open face with smoothly faired in visor, should be better, although I prefer Snell construction to the Biltwell polycarbonate plastic. I will let you know how it works out. Hopefully never have to test the plastic like I did with my MGA years ago.
We have 2 Morgan Davida Jets for longer trips. No visors, just goggles. They make it very quiet yet still able to talk at 100k. And we only have the superlow wow-rare-collectable screens
Question regarding Davida helmets: From my motorbike times I am used to select a helmet that really fist my head. I tried Davida because of the perfect design but was very disappointed on the poor fit. Do other people have similar limitations when it comes to helmets? (Schuberth and Shoei helmets fit me nicely, most others don't)
Hannes once: Green M3W; 2013 now: Red 4/4 Sport; 2011 and some practical cars for use in real life
I wonder if you could take a regular open-faced helmet and have a leather shop cover it in a nice, antiqued leather for not too much. The net might be significantly less than some of the custom helmets.
On a 150 mile motorway trip the other day I proved beyond doubt that earplugs and a motorcycle helmet offer by far the greatest reduction in bevel box noise
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7 1966 Land Rover S2a 88 2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 1945 Guzzi Airone
I've noticed that with a half helmet by the time the bevel box starts to get noisy, the wind noise overpowers it, and it ends up being tied with engine noise with ear plugs in. May try with a 3/4 helmet
Pulled over and ticketed for speeding. Sheriff was almost apologetic about handing me the ticket. Said he did not even wish to deal with the fact that I was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet. He was very interested in the car. He and I both agreed that if you hit something at speed or if something hits you you are probably done.
What's your mileage? Who cares. Is it practical? See #1. What happens when it rains? You get wet.
Have been testing different helmets to see how they change the driving experience.
Took the M3W on a longer highway drive with a full-face Shoei RF helmet. It was the most quiet and might be the choice for longer drives in cold Pacific Northwest weather--especially if it might be in the rain.
This particular helmet has a Bluetooth hub that let's me use ear buds and link to the GPS and/or a cell phone (music & calls). Positive: Most quiet experience & best protection from the elements and any impact. The downside is that it removes me from the very experience I bought the M3W for.
Tried my open face HJC. Again, quiet. The open face brings back some of the experience. But better in good weather/moderate temperatures. Not so good for cold/wet weather.
Since I used to fly an open cockpit airplane (www.rf5b.com), I have goggles and a leather flying helmet. Tried those on a longer highway ride. They seem to provide the most access to the open roadster experience while providing enough protection from the elements to make traffic noise and colder weather less distracting. Downside -- I feel a bit theatrical wearing them. Could be worse.
JamesB when I was feeling a bit self-conscious about my headwear , one of my sons laughed and pointed out that if you are driving a motorised tricycle, what you wear on your head is irrelevant.!
Btw I agree about flying helmets being far preferable to any type of crash helmet .
Fixed visor? I don't think I even need to see the inside of that thing to guess no.
You're probably correct.
I still have my first helmet. It's a McHal full face from '66. It's Snell approved, but there were no DOT ratings back then.
So how many people replace their helmets if they drop it or if it's over 5 years old? These are the new guideline recommendations by DOT and other safety organizations.
I have a Shoei flip up full face that I bought back in '95. I saw it in the movie True Lies. The young daughter's boy friend rides up on his crotch rocket and flips up his lower portion of the helmet; I was sold right then and there.
I paid over $500 for that helmet and still use it today. It's in excellent shape without any degrading of the foam or liner. I cannot see dumping a $500 helmet because it's over 5 years old.
Now my old McHal full face I bought in '66 has the liner crumbling and the foam is gooie. I keep it because it was my first helmet. I was 15 when I bought it and I actually slept in it the first night. What a nerd I was back then. Now I only take naps in my helmets...
There is probably more risk when wearing a helmet than when not. In the event of hitting something at anything much more than 30 - the additional weight of the helmet is more likely to break your neck. This is why HANS or R3 was invented, it limits the neck extension in the event of s crash. its not the same as a bike where the whole body is free to move, in the car if you wear a seatbelt and a helmet the risk just moves somewhere else. I remember reading that a car with a spike in the centre of the steering wheel is safer than an airbag because it makes you drive very carefully!
guys - with the retro-wave spilling over the planet, I feel like the choice for jet helmets has never been bigger before.
but when I take a closer look, most don't seem to be equipped with a goggle strap holder in the back/beck area of the helmet.
how do you guys handle this? I get get a lot of comfort from such a strap holder. and I don't risk my goggle fly away on a traffic light stop, after putting them "up".
While I agree smart to wear a helmet at speed, came across this today while researching state law ... if I'm reading this correctly, don't need to wear a helmet in a M3W in CA (USA):
California Vehicle Code 27803 (f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed (define fully enclosed??) three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length (M3W = 10.58 ft long) and not less than four feet in width (M3W = 5.64 ft wide), and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more (M3W = 1157 lbs), if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
We have M3W logo'd Davida Jets from the Morgan shop for the open road trips and love them. Only for the reasons of cutting down noise and protection from stones. In a crash we know we're screwed anyway
yep, we have half helmets for trips (learnt my lesson years ago when i had my leather jacket partially unzipped on a hot day while riding a motorbike, hit a bumble bee that pile drove through the t-shirt i was wearing and into my chest) ... just making sure I was legal if I don't feel like wearing one while pootling around town.
After 4 months of ownership I have bought a helmet for fast roads and motorways. I set out to buy a Davida Jet for the quality and leather, but needing glasses for driving concluded that goggles were too much trouble. I was shown a Shoei J-O which has a built-in visor, it fits me better than the Davida and is lighter. The visor disappears up into the helmet and is super clear, replacements are about £38. Shoei J-O - Matt Brown Multi-composite contemporary yet classic look.
I think buying helmets for the Morgan is addictive. I am less than 1 month in and now have 4 different helmets. If it was not for helmets being required in VA and the fact the roll hoop is right behind your head I probably would not wear a helmet. The latest purchase is a Voss carbon fiber half shell with a pull down visor. The visor is nice for when there is a lot of sun. I have never been a half shell kind of guy but it gives the best ride experience for me and is dot approved and should protect your head in the event it hits the hoop in an accident. The built in visor types are really cool but had a hard time finding a DOT approved and light (i.e. Carbon fiber). I also like the bell 500 so will use that for the kids.
I bought a pair of Bell Pit Boss 1/2 helmets to use on the "open road". I really like them - they help with a bit of noise reduction, they are light, DOT approved, built-in tinted flip-up hidden visor (a clear one is available also), and comfortable. Also, two of them will fit under the boot if you don't want to wear them, but want to bring them along.
While I agree smart to wear a helmet at speed, came across this today while researching state law ... if I'm reading this correctly, don't need to wear a helmet in a M3W in CA (USA):
California Vehicle Code 27803 (f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed (define fully enclosed??) three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length (M3W = 10.58 ft long) and not less than four feet in width (M3W = 5.64 ft wide), and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more (M3W = 1157 lbs), if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This is the new law that Elio got passed in many states so that people don't need a helmet in their fully enclosed vehicle. The M3W is not fully enclosed and therefore unfortunately this won't apply to us.
2017 Morgan 3 Wheeler -BRG Shark 2008 Lotus Elise California Edition -Red 2009 Land Rover LR2 -Black
While I agree smart to wear a helmet at speed, came across this today while researching state law ... if I'm reading this correctly, don't need to wear a helmet in a M3W in CA (USA):
California Vehicle Code 27803 (f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed (define fully enclosed??) three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length (M3W = 10.58 ft long) and not less than four feet in width (M3W = 5.64 ft wide), and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more (M3W = 1157 lbs), if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This is the new law that Elio got passed in many states so that people don't need a helmet in their fully enclosed vehicle. The M3W is not fully enclosed and therefore unfortunately this won't apply to us.
Well, as "fully enclosed" isn't defined anywhere that I know of, a reasonable view is that if you sit IN it rather than ON it, and it has sides and seat belts, you're OK w/o a helmet. My M3W is at least as fully enclosed as my '55 MG TF...
After 4 months of ownership I have bought a helmet for fast roads and motorways. I set out to buy a Davida Jet for the quality and leather, but needing glasses for driving concluded that goggles were too much trouble. I was shown a Shoei J-O which has a built-in visor, it fits me better than the Davida and is lighter. The visor disappears up into the helmet and is super clear, replacements are about £38. Shoei J-O - Matt Brown Multi-composite contemporary yet classic look.
Caberg produce the similar Riviera & Uptown. Both have a flip up visor on the outside of the shell & a flip down smoke visor inside the shell. I have the Riviera which is almost mist free in rain just lift it a bit when stopped.
We have M3W logo'd Davida Jets from the Morgan shop for the open road trips and love them. Only for the reasons of cutting down noise and protection from stones. In a crash we know we're screwed anyway
Maybe it doesn't do anything in accidents at highway speeds. Might save your life if you're T-Boned at 20mph. I look at it like one of those flimsy helmets they give you when you parachute. Can't save you if the chute doesn't open, but it might save you if your head hits the plane on the way out.
Shoei j-cruise is my helmet. I recommend it. Fully water proof Flip up perspex face visor. Also available is a double glaxed section for cold days. Pop down solar lens . There are variable cooling ducts too.
Been riding bikes almost 50 years. Love my J-Cruise. Never wear a helmet in my Morgan though.
"Helments must be worn, unless the vehicle has an enclosed cab."
I doubt a cop pulling you over would know though.
It's no longer a motorcycle in Maryland... it's an auto cycle. No helmet. And before that, it past muster as an "enclosed cab", no different than a Miata.
"Helments must be worn, unless the vehicle has an enclosed cab."
I doubt a cop pulling you over would know though.
It's no longer a motorcycle in Maryland... it's an auto cycle. No helmet. And before that, it past muster as an "enclosed cab", no different than a Miata.
Those are the autocycle laws I linked to and quoted from. I would not have counted it as an enclosed cab though. Is there somewhere in writing where it specifically spells out what an enclosed cab is?
Being someone who lacks any protective pigmentation aside from the occasional freckle, a helmet is as much for protection from the environment as it is for the unforeseen bump on the noggin.
"Helments must be worn, unless the vehicle has an enclosed cab."
I doubt a cop pulling you over would know though.
It's no longer a motorcycle in Maryland... it's an auto cycle. No helmet. And before that, it past muster as an "enclosed cab", no different than a Miata.
Those are the autocycle laws I linked to and quoted from. I would not have counted it as an enclosed cab though. Is there somewhere in writing where it specifically spells out what an enclosed cab is?
Just my daughter the Baltimore County police officer.
And I think the general description of "enclosed" would be "sit in" rather than "sit on" like a motorcycle. I would argue that my M3W is t least as "enclosed" as my '55 MG TF.
Just my daughter the Baltimore County police officer.
I think I found some enlightening guidelines. Throughout the nhtsa guidelines there are references to enclosed cabs and full body-enclosed cabs. No definition of either: https://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811458.pdf
With the pertinent part: "98 The requirement to use a safety helmet does not apply if the motorcycle has three wheels, is powered by an electric motor, has a full bodyâ€enclosed cab or has a seat belt assembly or a child restraint system which must be used when the vehicle is in motion. HI ST § 286â€81(c). Persons Under 7 Years Old: A motorcycle operator shall not carry a child younger than 7 years old on a motorcycle unless such vehicle: (1) has three wheels; (2) is powered by an electric motor; (3) has a full bodyâ€enclosed cab or (4) has a seat belt assembly or a child restraint system which must be used when the vehicle is in motion"
Full body-enclosed cab the M3W certainly is not, but the Maryland autocycle law doesn't use the term full body-enclosed cab. I think it can be ridden without the helmet.
![[Linked Image]](http://bradley.it/public_images/drive.jpg)
apart from keeping the chin warm 
...okay you beat me, have to hide my two Helmets 
