There’s a good reason why many states require riders to wear helmets, even if they don’t require any other protective gear. Our heads are more fragile than we’d like to believe, and a helmet is not where we want to cut corners when it comes to safety. Full-face helmets offer more protection than open-face ones, but they have drawbacks as well. For some riders, modern full-face helmets just don’t mesh with the style of their classic or vintage motorcycles. Sure, we can poke fun at riders who prioritize style over safety, but why not explore some helmets that offer both? Arai is one of the top dogs in the helmet game, and its Classic-V open-face helmet combines the brand’s focus on safety with a classic look that suits many vintage-style bikes and gear combos. I’ve been wearing the Arai Classic-V while testing the 2025 Honda Dax 125, a retro-inspired miniMoto. Not only does the helmet match the aesthetic and style of the bike, but the helmet’s open-face design allows refreshing airflow during slow-speed riding. The Classic-V’s shell features Arai’s proprietary peripherally belted, complex laminate construction. Like other Arai helmets, the shell is round and smooth, which allows it to glance off obstacles upon impact. It has an intermediate-oval interior fit and a one-piece, multi-density liner that offers optimal protection in a thinner profile, resulting in a smaller, lighter helmet. A size-medium Classic-V weighs just 2 lb, 11 oz. On the forehead are three channels for air to flow in. From there, the air follows hidden air channels in the crown before exiting through three holes in the EPS liner in the back. This ventilation system helps keep the top and back of your head cool while the face receives unobstructed fresh air. As I’ve experienced with all the Arai helmets I’ve worn, the Classic-V is very comfortable and pleasant to wear. Because it’s open-faced, it allows more wind noise than you’d get with one of Arai’s full-face helmets, but it’s quieter than I expected and even quieter than some of the budget full-face lids I’ve worn. The helmet’s faux-leather trim, optional snap-on visor ($13.95), and button-closure goggle-strap holder are all functional and useful features that add to the Classic-V’s vintage appeal. My only complaint is that the visor is difficult to fully snap onto the helmet, requiring more effort than should be necessary. For riders who want a vintage-style helmet and reliable head protection, the Arai Classic-V is one of the best options available. It’s kept my head cool and comfortable while riding around on the Dax, and it’s reassuring to know my head is covered by Arai’s safety technology. See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here. The Arai Classic-V is available in sizes XS-XL in four metallic Metashine colors (Red, shown, Green, Brown, or Blue) for $539.95 and four solid colors (Black, Black Frost, Modern Gray, or White) for $519.95. Shop for Arai Classic-V Helmet The post Arai Classic-V Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Super cool side car made into a shark! ??

Indiana Senate Republicans said they do not have the votes needed to redraw the state’s congressional map. Molly Swigart, a spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, said “the votes aren’t there for redistricting.” The news follows conversations state lawmakers had with President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. GOP-Led State Could Soon Launch Congressional Redistricting Effort Prior reports suggested that Indiana Republicans might attempt to increase the odds of adding two GOP-held seats in the state's congressional delegation, creating a 9-0 GOP advantage. ? BREAKING: In an infuriating development, INDIANA's Senate does *NOT* have the votes to pass President Trump's endorsed GOP redistricting map Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray's office said: "The votes aren't there." REALLY? This state went for Trump by 19 POINTS.… pic.twitter.com/SRafaauSNw — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 22, 2025 More from POLITICO: POLITICO spoke to four people close to the sensitive talks, all of whom were granted anonymity to discuss the issue. Indiana state Senate Republicans’ latest move threatens to upend what has been a nationwide push from the White House to force red states to redraw maps ahead of the midterms. Three of those people said Indiana Gov. Mike Braun was inclined to call a special session to redo the state’s maps— a move that could come as early as next week. A spokesperson for Braun told POLITICO that the governor “is still having positive conversations with members of the legislature and is confident the majority of Indiana statehouse Republicans will support efforts to ensure fair representation in congress for every Hoosier.” They said the White House conducted a dial-in poll of lawmakers that revealed the majority of Senate Republicans backed mid-cycle redistricting. But one of the Republicans cautioned that colleagues were confused by the instructions for the survey because the administration did not provide guidance on how to move forward. Two of those Republicans briefed on the poll said the White House believed the poll showed the majority of the holdout caucus supports mid-cycle redistricting. But they said that Bray and his leadership team represent the majority of no-votes. In contrast, North Carolina GOP lawmakers solidified a new congressional map expected to add one House seat for Republicans. MAJOR BREAKING: The full North Carolina legislature has PASSED the Trump-endorsed 2026 Congressional map that eliminates a blue seat and adds a RED seat… …Gov. Josh Stein (D) is POWERLESS to veto it. It’s official. It’s done. Democrats’ cheating is being canceled out,… pic.twitter.com/4fysgc8kY5 — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 22, 2025 Newsweek explained: In North Carolina, GOP lawmakers this week approved a congressional map designed to add another Republican seat and strengthen Trump’s hand in next year’s midterm elections. The new boundaries, passed along party lines in the state House and Senate, would likely give Republicans 11 of the state’s 14 U.S. House seats — up from 10 — in a state Trump carried in 2024. The proposal could threaten the reelection of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, whose northeastern district would be redrawn to favor Republicans.

National parks close as Democrat shutdown continues, families turned away and damage mounts.

The Department of War announced on October 22, 2025, a revamped Pentagon press corps, adding over 60 journalists from conservative-leaning media after traditional media organizations including The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post surrendered credentials in protest against a new access policy. The policy, introduced in early October by Secretary Pete Hegseth, requires […] The post The Press Corps Didn’t Agree to the Rules So There’s a New One appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Far-left Cardinal Cupich says the Catholic Church stands with migrants [illegal aliens]. In the speech below, he says, as our “shepherd” and fellow “pilgrim,” he portrays the migrants as loving mothers and children, ignoring Tren de Aragua, MS-13, terrorists, radical Islamists, deadbeats. They broke our laws. That alone is enough to send them home. I […] The post Cardinal Cupich Says the Church Stands with Migrants [Illegal Aliens] appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.