The Honda PCX / Forza / ADV150 / SH Forums

I love my Nolan N43, but I wasn't able to get it in the color I want. I want one with a lot of white for higher visibility, but mine is pretty dark. Also, the paint on mine got scratched up a bit due to a little carelessness when I first got it (no accident impacts or anything like that, just scuffs from not setting it down carefully). I'm thinking of repainting it. I know there's a culture of having colorful designs on helmets, but I don't see why I should pay for someone else's design when I can paint it myself (was a fine-arts major in undergrad with a focus in painting, so this won't be new for me).

Assuming I mask off parts properly (and remove the face shield!) and seal it all up properly after I'm done, is there anything I need to take care of not to damage the helmet? Also, the DOT sticker on the back... is that for my benefit or do I need to keep it (without painting over it) for some reason (maybe to show to police if I get stopped)?

Should be fine as long as the shell isn't polycarbonate. Not familiar with Nolan so I don't know

According to a quick Google it's made of Lexan polycarbonate.
So you can't paint or put stickers on it.

Thanks for the quick answers-

Why does it being Lexan polycarbonate matter?

EDIT: I just read that the fear is solvents in the paint might damage the polycarbonate. If that's what you were meaning then never mind.

Because if you paint polycarbonate you will seriously weaken it.
Lexan is a brand name.

gn2 wrote:Because if you paint polycarbonate you will seriously weaken it.
Lexan is a brand name.

Tis true. Paint it and it'll look ok but most of its impact protection can be lost

Keebler Dwarf wrote:EDIT: I just read that the fear is solvents in the paint might damage the polycarbonate. If that's what you were meaning then never mind.

There's no "might", painting it it does major structural damage.

You may be OK using water based paints but you will have to do some research. I wouldnt do it myself.

I won't bother if even water-based paints are up to chance, as I'd have to seal it with something that would likely be just as bad as the paints. It's a pity, but I'm glad I asked.

Can anyone answer my question about the DOT sticker? Who is that there for?

You should check your local laws on that one. California requires the DOT sticker stay in place.

The DOT sticker is there for the cops -- in every state that helmets are required, the helmets have to be DOT approved. Without that, they're "offroad only," and not legal for roadway use.

Technically speaking, removing the DOT sticker is a bad idea because the cops can't tell if it is DOT approved or not at a glance, and could make issue of it. That's just could -- the cops would have to be trying to cite you for ANYTHING to do that, and even then, you could go to court and argue against that easily. If you don't want to deal with it and are willing to deal with a minimal probability of hassling with that, remove it. Otherwise, leave it.

maddiedog wrote:The DOT sticker is there for the cops -- in every state that helmets are required, the helmets have to be DOT approved. Without that, they're "offroad only," and not legal for roadway use.

Technically speaking, removing the DOT sticker is a bad idea because the cops can't tell if it is DOT approved or not at a glance, and could make issue of it. That's just could -- the cops would have to be trying to cite you for ANYTHING to do that, and even then, you could go to court and argue against that easily. If you don't want to deal with it and are willing to deal with a minimal probability of hassling with that, remove it. Otherwise, leave it.

The dot sticker woulnt change the life or behaviour of any policeman

Tbh most grunts couldn't spell dot

Apologies gn2, I know you've now discover google. And boy do we know it

I would look into the Plasti Dip. It is removeable and I doesn't damage the original pant. There are plenty of videos on YouTube. This is also the website for it. http://www.plastidip.com/

Or just get another helmet the colour you want.