Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

,,' Belrs new AeroStar features a three-stage Force-Flow air conduit that Bell has named the Aero Vent System, Bell's new AeroStar By Paul Carruthers Bell Helmets introduced their new AeroStar helmet to the press recently at Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California. The AeroStar premiers Bell's new Aero Vent System, a three-stage Force-Flow air conduit and Ih h h od I ' d b a t. aug tern e s teste. y edItors were part of a pIlot prod uction run, the system seemed to work well. Bell claims it has never before offered the features of the AeroStar in what is a lower priced helmet; a onecolor AeroStarretails for $149.95 while multi-color models sell for $169.95. How does the Aero Vent System work? The first stage of the three-stage air flow system takes air from the front vents, draws it up along the interior of the faceshield to help prevent fogging while allowing air flow to the face. Breath fog on the shield disappeared in seconds when riding. The econd stage consists of the Force-Flow channels in the helmet liner for head cooling. The third and final stage is made up of venturi tOP vents that pull air through the Force- Flow channels and exhaust air from the helmet. . The helmet also uses a new shIeld ratchet mechanism that incorporates only two moving parts and no tools are required to remove or replace the faceshield. The visor also features a sun shade strip that is standard on the AeroStar; the only problem we had with the helmet (in its pre-production phase) was with the hade strip. The strip seemed to be a little thick and· was noticeable when riding. Also featured on the new AeroStar is the chin strap design. The strap incorporates a nylon webbing and a larger, lighter rectangular aluminum D-ring. The strap is foam padded and cloth covered. The new design works well and the foam padded strap proved to be comfortable. Bell has started production on the new helmet and it will be a few weeks before distribution is underway, according to Burroughs and Associates' (Bell's ad agency) Dick Hamer.. Touring tires hot for 1987 A major emphasis is being placed on the touring motorcycle tire for 1987 as Jtwo companies have introduced tread life warranties, a third is offering what they call a radial touring tire and a fourth has added five sizes to its lineup. Avon was the first to announce its 18,000 mile limited tread life warranty to the press, but Continental followed with theannouncementofa 16,000 mile warranty. A third manufacturer, Bridgestone, has stayed away from the warranty business, but has chosen a "radial" tire as its weapon for the touring tire war. The Bridgestone is not a pure radial, but has a two-ply nylon radial casing under bias-ply belts. Michelin, whose High Tour sales are part of the reason for the French firm's doubling in sales in 1986 from its 1985 figures, have added five sizes to complement the existing four sizes in its line. Avon Roadrunner AM20 and AM21 are H-rated tires that the company claims have a softer compound than its V-rated Super Venom sport tire on a Shore Hardness Scale. Because of faster wear in the central area of a rear tire's pattern, Avon's AM21 rear has more surface rubber with less grooves in the center. The AM21 's casing profile is of a single arc and Avon claims that this provides a higher angle of lean with a progressively increasing contact patch, and gives maximum contact area at the highest angle of lean. The front tire is also undirectional and also feature a single, rounded arc. Avon claims a 963 pound load rating at H speed ratings of 130 mph. Avon's 18,000 mile or 18 month limited tread life warranty is strictly limited to the following touring motorcycles: Honda's Goldwing, Aspencade, Interstate, SE-i and LTD; Suzuki's Cavalcade; Yamaha's Venture and Venture Royale; Kawasaki's Voyager and Voyager 12. Because the company couldn't gather any field inforrrtation on the BMW and HarleyDavidson line of tourers, those brands

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