My first crash helmet was one that was kicking around my bedroom when I was a kid. I’ve no idea where it came from (and no idea where it went!) but it was the type of helmet you’d see someone wearing in a 1970s sit com. It was a cream colour with an integral peak and made of what looked like compressed cardboard! This was one helmet without an ACU Gold sticker! It was the type of dodgy hat you’d see someone like Twiggy wearing in the times before helmets were compulsory. It probably looked good on her but it was a godawful thing and about as safe as wearing a hair net. Crash helmets before the 1980’s really were kinda pointless and thankfully I was too young to need a crash helmet at the time so was saved the embarassment.
I don’t exactly know who made my first proper crash helmet. I can picture it vividly though – firstly in my mate’s bedroom where I coveted it deeply and profoundly. It was a big blighter – this was the mid-80s though so it’s allowed be – and at the time it was a real object of desire. It had browny and reddy airbrushing and then two or three circular areas with German Iron Crosses in them. It also had a brown corduroy interior. Sounds beautiful doesn’t it?!?
It was big, cool and expensive looking and I really wanted it. And when I got my first bike, I bought it off my mate for £10 then peeled the makers name off it which was slapped across the chin guard in thick black stickers.
Having said that, I’ve still no idea who made the helmet but I’d love to know – if it rings a bell with anyone, please comment below.
Update. I eventually found a picture of it online… and here it is:
I used to have a helmet very similar to the Phil Reed replica in the early 80s ,it had the German iron cross on both sides and one on top but it was black and gold, can anyone remember this helmet or have one for sale or even have a picture of this helmet,??
Yes,Kangol Phil Reid replica ,black night ,still have one
My brother had one, it was buried with him when he passed away in 87. I’m spraying one as a tribute to him at the moment, couldn’t remember who made it, but I do now. Rock on.
Its a premier black cross
Interesting. couldn’t find any photos online to confirm tho 🙁
https://i1347.photobucket.com/albums/p717/nudger59/New_1_New_1_img088_zps997a6ced.jpg
Quality. Thanks!
LOL, ffs yeah you dont say, heavy, it was like having a concrete slab on your swede!. Retro lids are back though. I had a black and gold AVG in 1981 and can i remember what it wa, god knows?…Any ideas. I have just bought a ypvs 350 31k 84 reg to have some fun on, not bothered about my sp1 and zx12 i need to some 2stroke fun before its to late and want the hat to go with that era?!.
Hi Billy..
The helmet you owned was a Phil Reed Black Knight. I always wanted one back in the seventies, but alas…….never did!! Hope that helps…..Tim.
Fantastic – thanks Tim! Would never have guessed that’s what it was. Now I know what to search for it seems like it was made by Kangol, not AGV. Still a big, heavy bugger tho!