Motorcycle Helmets

Choosing a DOT Approved Helmet

By: Beth Guide

I doubt the first motorcycle helmet that came out which was invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885 was dot approved. Well back in his day a bike was not capable of the speeds that today's bikes are. So there was likely not a need for helmets that were approved for a high impact crash. the department of transportation which is what DOT stands for did not start approving helmets until 1974 by introducing a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for motorcycle helmets.

When you buy motorcycle helmets for yourself or for a biker you know make sure that the helmet has been DOT approved. What this means is basically that the manufacturer of the helmet has submitted their product for testing and approval with the Department of transportations. Once the motorcycle helmet bears the mark DOT Approved you can rest assured that it meets the standards for safety as set forth by the department of transportation. Snell is another entity that can approve a motorcycle helmet for safety, however they are not an official government agency and therefore do not carry the weight that dot has. So next time you buy helmets make sure its dot helmet.

DOT motorcycle helmets come in thousands of variations and are made by many manufacturers, so choosing one that fits your personality and riding style should be quite easy. Helmets come in some basic styles. You have full face, half face, skull caps or beanies and flip up which are also called modular motorcycle helmets. Each have some advantages and disadvantages. For example the full face helmet is most popular with your sport bike riders however some guys that ride a cruiser will also wear these, however the cruiser crowd tends to lean towards half face of beanie type skull caps also affectionately called brain buckets.

The Full face helmet probably offers the greatest protection as well as most of these helmets come with a face shield which makes it un necessary to wear goggles. the first time you get caught in the rain wearing one of these you will be thankful you have it on. Also most of your full face models allow you to change out the face shield so you can get a tinted one for day time riding and a clear one for nights. This is really nice especially when your riding straight in to the sun.

Half face motor cycle helmets are more popular with the cruiser and chopper crowd because they allow you to get that wind in your face type feeling which the full face does not allow. generally a half face will require you to get some goggles or some sort of eye protection, however their are some models that have a built in flip up face shield.

Now the Beanie or skull cap type of helmet is especially popular with your custom chopper and cruiser crowd. I think this is mainly because they are just more suited too their bikes when it comes to looks. Even a DOT skull cap or beanie isn't going to give you the protection that a full face helmet will. However I know it looks kind of goofy to be on an outlaw looking chopper in a full face motor cycle helmet, that is why most of these riders prefer a beanie or skull cap.

Whatever type of helmet you prefer just remember it is important to at least wear some sort of helmet when you are out tearing up the streets. Also most states have helmet laws which require you to wear some sort of helmet or you get a hefty ticket.


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Selecting the Right Motorcycle Helmet

By: Nick Dinic

Having the proper safety equipment is very important when you are operating or riding on a motorcycle. While a helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, it will only protect you if it the right type of helmet and it fits properly. Have you ever seen a young child riding on a motorcycle wearing an adult size helmet? In the event of an accident, the helmet would offer no protection to the child's skull at all.

It is very important that you try on any motorcycle helmet to ensure a proper fit. If you decide to make a purchase over the internet or from a catalog, make sure you are able to return it for a refund if it doesn't fit well. Keep in mind that each manufacturer sizes their helmets differently. Just because you currently own a size large doesn't mean that is what you will wear in a different brand. For best results through the mail or internet, measure the circumference of your head and ask them to give you the helmet dimensions. Never purchase a used motorcycle helmet because it may have been involved in an accident and it won't protect you as it was designed to.

For the best results, try on motorcycle helmets with any accessories you will generally have while riding. For example, many women like to have their hair in a ponytail but may have it straight while trying on a helmet. If you wear prescription glasses while operating your motorcycle, then make sure you take them with you when you are trying on helmets.

A motorcycle helmet needs to fit very securely. Make sure it surrounds your entire head. The chin straps are adjustable but put them in place to ensure you can get them tight enough to fit your face shape. You should also try on the same brand of helmet in one size larger and one size smaller just to make sure you do in fact have the best fitting helmet for your head. For added comfort, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that offers air vents. You can easily slide them opened or closed to allow more air to circulate while wearing it.

You will find motorcycle helmets made from a variety of materials. For the best in safety and quality, choose one that is made from organic fiberglass and layers of carbon fibers. This combination creates a very powerful shock absorbent shell. You also want to make sure the liner features a three layer system. This will offer you additional shock absorption.

If you plan to ride your motorcycle a great deal, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that allows you to easily change the visor. This is a great option for riding during the day and the night. Make sure the visors are fog resistant and offer impact resistance.

Investing in a quality helmet that offers the protection you need while riding a motorcycle isn't going to be cheap, but it may well be one of the most important investments you make in your life. Statistics show that motorcycle riders who wear a helmet have a 35% less chance of suffering from a head injury. You can fit a helmet that fits well and even have it custom painted to match your motorcycle.


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Five Styles of Motorcycle Helmet and Customization Ideas

By: Brian Benko

Now that you have your motorcycle, it's time to start shopping for the perfect motorcycle helmet. Several different styles exist, so why not check them all out before making a final choice? The helmet you choose goes a long way in showing off your personal sense of style.

Full Helmet

Full face motorcycle helmets cover the entire head. In the back, they cover down to the base of the skull and wrap around to protect the jaw and chin in the front. A plastic face shield rests over the eye and nose area and generally can be lifted to expose the rider's face.

Most full helmets come with built in airflow vents, but they can still be warm inside. They may also reduce hearing because the padding and shell covers the ears. Full helmets are the most protective type of motorcycle helmet available.

Full helmets are also one of the most popular styles for people with whom safety is the main concern. Since they cover more area, they are also the heaviest, and the most likely to cause neck fatigue.

Three-Quarters Helmet

Open face, or three-quarter (three-fourths) motorcycle helmets cover the back of the skull and the ears, but do not surround the lower chin or include a face shield. This type allows increased air flow, hearing and improves peripheral vision. Some open face helmets include a visor in various tints and colors to block out the sun.

Even with a partial visor, goggles or wraparound sunglasses may be necessary to protect the rider's eyes. Open face motorcycle helmets are as affective in rear protection as full face helmets, but not as effective in face coverage.

Half Helmet

Half helmets are similar to three quarter helmets, with the main difference being a cropped back. This type provides the minimum amount of coverage that is allowed by law in many areas of the US. Most half helmets will require the use of goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and debris when riding.

Women's Helmet

Female riders have tons of options for head protection. In addition to traditional helmets, there are specially designed women's helmets for riders who want to look chic, polished and feminine. Women's motorcycle helmets combine style, color and flair with safety for a tough elegance. Choosing a helmet that fits your style is a great way to ride in comfort while still expressing your personality.

Children's Helmets

If your child will be a passenger on a motorcycle, it is a good idea to buy them their own motorcycle helmet. Helmets come in a variety of youth sizes, and proper fit and sizing are important for keeping your child safe from harm. It's best to visit a local helmet dealer to have an expert help you find the youth motorcycle helmet that will perfectly fit your child's head. Before buying a helmet for your child, make sure to check your local motorcycle laws to ensure that your child is allowed and properly outfitted to ride.

Custom Helmets

Any type of helmet you choose can be customized to fit your personal style. Vintage and personally commissioned motorcycle helmets are available, as well as different trends in style. Off the shelf helmets are easily customizable with decals, motorcycle stickers or airbrushing.

No matter what type of helmet you decide to purchase, make sure to check local laws before making a purchase, and always go to the store to try helmets on. If possible, wear it for a few minutes to make sure it's comfortable and the fit is right. If it is too loose, wind can enter the helmet while you're riding and pull it off your head. If the helmet is too tight, it can be very uncomfortable for extended wear.


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