It feels like we've beaten this horse to death, but there are still enough redundant questions surfacing in social media about our first DOT-approved full-face helmet that a blog about the Gringo seems necessary. In no particular order, here are some short, sweet answers to the questions we hear most often:
What colors does the Gringo come in?
That's easy: Gloss Black, Flat Black, Gloss Orange, Gloss Antique White and Flat Titanium Is the Gringo helmet DOT approved?
Yes, The Gringo is DOT approved.
Are you going to introduce a novelty version of the Gringo helmet?
No, and here's why: Novelty helmets exist to help style-conscious bikeriders avoid the astronaut look so common with open-face helmets. Because full-face helmets have a chin bar that obscures the rider's face, the astronaut factor is greatly minimized. People who buy full-face helmets are doing so for safety, so a novelty full face doesn't make sense.
Will Biltwell goggles and bubble shields work with the Gringo helmet?
Yes. See photos for proof. Peripheral vision in the Gringo meets or exceeds DOT standards, but motocross goggles have a tendency to reduce the rider's peripheral vision do to limitations inherent in their design. If you like the look of a retro-inspired full face like the Gringo with MX goggles, please keep this in mind. Peripheral vision is more important on a street bike than it is on the motocross track, where most of the action happens in the rider's line of sight. On a street bike, shit's going down everywhere, and you need to see it. If safety is your number one priority, there are few safer or better-looking setups than our bubble shield on a Gringo.
How many sizes? Do the different sizes employ different-sized outer shells?
The Gringo comes in six sizes: XS through XXL. There are two different outer shell sizes: One for XS through M, and a second slightly larger one for L, XL and XXL.
Can I wash the Gringo's cheek pads and inside comfort liner?
Both the interior comfort liner and cheek pads in the Gringo are removable and washable, but you must use care in doing so. NEVER throw the liner or cheek pads in a washer or dryer—hand wash only with mild soapy water and allow to air dry before reinstalling. We will offer replacement cheek pads and comfort liners for Gringos in the future, probably in the early fall of 2013.
If I order a Gringo online, can I exchange it if it doesn't fit?
Yes, but please see our sizing chart for Gringo helmets here before placing your order. Sorry, we will not accept returns on improperly sized Gringo helmets that show visible signs of excessive wear and tear. If it doesn't fit, put it into its original packaging and email Erik at Biltwell customer service for instructions on returning helmets.
If you have questions not answered here, please visit the Gringo helmet section on our website.
Clamp the metal with a sacrifical board to my drill press table. Then go to work with my circle cutter. Outside diameter first.
Pretty decent. I think slowing the drill speed will help with that hang-up spot.
I also figured out that clamping more like this would help reduce the amount of flex that happened as I cut the sheet metal.
Here are a couple of good starts.
I was at a lose as to how to clamp the circles down to cut out the donut holes. Luckily my cousin Paul was helping and he had the idea to use screws and washers to clamp the circles to board and then clamp the board to the drill press table.
That worked well.
So all that's left to dp are the bolt holes. The true position of the holes is not critical, so I used a screw and washer through one hole to attach it to a board and then used the spacer as a drill guide.
Not real pretty and not perfect, but they should function fine. De-burr the edges for safety sake.
"Who says harley dealers don't work on anything but new bikes? Gettin ready for race day. #aermacchi #costamesaspeedway" (taken at Harley Davidson of Westminster)
So it was Jasons Birthday yesterday and he has these tickets for some game (Kings v. Sharks Game 2 Playoffs with Ambassador Room VIP passes... are you kidding me?) and one thing let to another, and BAM!!! Lady Hump got to see the glory of a 4-3 win from the tenth row! Super THANKS TO WEE MAN and everyone else who had their hands in getting us there!!! Chuck, Mikey, Rosey, Nikki. The after party... at (where else?) The Gasser Lounge ... Dudes will be Dudes... can't deny it.