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Showing posts with label Motorcycle Protective Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motorcycle Protective Gear. Show all posts

Motorcycle Helmets

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Motorcycle Helmets is a protective head gear worn by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle safety is the primary goal of the helmet. The helmet will help protect, prevent or reduce a head injury that can save the riders life. Many helmets provide additional conveniences such as face shield, ear protection and ventilation There are two component that are protective: a thin, hard, outer shell made from polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass or Kevlar and a thick, soft inner liner made of polystyrene or polypropylene "EPS" foam. The purpose of the outer shell is to prevent the head from being punctured by a pointed object that may hit the helmet. It is also to provide structure to the inner liner so it does not disintegrate upon abrasive contact with pavement.. There are many basic types of helmets; Motocross, Modular and Half Helmets to name a few.

Motor Cross Helmets
Motocross Helmet has visor portions and a extended chin. The visor on The Motocross helmet allows the rider to dip his head providing further protection flying debris during off road riding. It will also block the sun during jumps. The partial open face on the Motocross Helmet gives the rider extra protection with goggles and allows air to flow under during the physical action of riding.

Modular Helmets
Modular helmets, also know and "flip-helmets" or "convertible" is a hybrid between full face and open face for street use. The chin bar of the Modular helmet has a chin bar pivoted by a special lever to allow access to most of the face, as in an open face helmet. Most modular helmets are designed to be worn in the close position when riding, however some modular helmets are dual certified as full face and open face helmet. Anyone wearing the Modular Helmet will find it convenient to eat, drink or have a conversation without removing the helmet or unfastening the chinstrap, making them popular among many riders.

Half Helmets
Half Helmets, also known as Shorty helmets have the same front design as an open face but without a lowered rear I the shape of a bowl. The Half-Helmet provides the minimum coverage allowed by law in the US and some British standards. Half Helmets are made with snaps on the front that can be used for a shield or visor. They have a zip put neck liner that is removable, which is great for warm days to take off and cools days to put on. Because this helmet does not cover the whole face it is not uncommon for riders to wear glasses, shades, or goggles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Temeka_S_Madison


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Motorcycle Helmets - How to Make Sure Your Motorcycle Helmet Fits You Properly

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The key to knowing your motorcycle helmet fits you properly is to make sure it feels snug and solid but not uncomfortable when you put it on.
If your helmet is loose, it could come off or twist around on your head in a serious crash. And wind flowing from underneath when you ride can force it up and strain your neck.
A tight helmet will pinch your ears and press against your forehead. It will cause headaches and distract you from your ride and from surrounding traffic.
When you try on helmets before you buy, remember these key points...

  • A helmet that fits you properly will require some force to put on. It may seem tight as it slides over your head because of the inside padding causing resistance.
  • If a helmet slides too easily over your head, it will not be snug enough to remain properly positioned or to prevent annoying wind noise from filling the helmet.
  • You will know a helmet fits properly when all of its interior padding makes solid contact with your head. A helmet will become uncomfortable and not protect you adequately if it only makes contact on the top of your head.
  • When you put on a full-face helmet, it should hold your cheeks and jaw firmly. It should make solid contact with the top and sides of your head. Many full-face helmets offer removable/interchangeable cheek pads. Different size pads can create the best helmet fit.
  • Your helmet should surround and "hug" your head with even pressure throughout. It shouldn't create "hot spots" due to uneven pressure points. It should not press uncomfortably against your temples, forehead or cheeks.
  • The padding inside a helmet that is comfortably snug will compress and remain firm as it molds to your head.
  • A helmet with padding that creates a seal around your ears will block wind noise and protect your hearing. It will not block out important sounds such a voices or car horns.
  • Your helmet should not move when you shake your head forcefully up and down or from side-to-side.
  • Your nose or chin should not touch the faceshield.
  • A full-face helmet's faceshield should seal the eye port.
  • A faceshield should move smoothly and easily and stay up when you raise it.
  • A faceshield should not distort your view -- anywhere.

Do the "roll-ff" test to make sure a helmet will stay on when you need it
No helmet can protect you if will not stay on in an accident. So try this simple "roll-off" test before you buy or use a particular helmet. Pull on the helmet and snug down the chin strap. Grab the helmet's rear edge where it contacts the back of your neck. Then try to lift and roll the helmet forward off your head. Give it a good tug, even if the pressure is uncomfortable. If the helmet slides forward and off, you know you should continue to look for one that stays on through this test.
Does the helmet you are considering give you the features you want most?
When you know a helmet fits comfortably and passes the "roll-off" test, see that it has all other features you want.
Such comfort features include...

  • Lots of snug padding around your head
  • A snug seal surrounding -- but not touching -- your ears
  • A thick, padded roll hugging the back of your head and neck
  • No protrusions poking or pressing against your head or face

One final test before you take it home...

  • Put on the helmet, tighten the chinstrap and keep it on for it for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Get used to how it feels and let it settle in.

After a while, if the helmet makes you uncomfortable by -- for example -- pressing against your forehead or the top of your head or pinching an ear, try cheek-pads that are sized differently. If that does not do the trick, let that particular helmet go. Continue the procedure with another "perfect prospect" until you find the one that satisfies you completely.
Here's more info to help you select a motorcycle helmet and other riding gear, and to help you get the most enjoyment out of motorcycle riding...
Whether you're a veteran motorcycle rider or a beginner, go to http://www.Motorcycle-Gear-And-Riding-Info.com for a wealth of information to help you evaluate and select riding gear and motorcycle accessories that will work best for you, your motorcycle and your riding style.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_R._Salisbury


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How To Choose Motorcycle Protective Gear

By: Jay Gaulard

Riding a motorcycle is one of the more exhilarating methods of traveling, but it's also more dangerous than being in a car, especially if you don't have the right protective gear. You can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury if you take the time to pick out some safety gear to wear while on your motorcycle.

There are a lot of different options in protective gear, so it's a good idea to know what you're looking at. Here, we'll go over some of the more popular types of protective gear to help you make the right choices and get the gear that will best protect you.

Helmets

The variety of motorcycle helmets on the market is staggering. Aside from the visual factor, choosing a helmet that you like the looks of, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Size is very important. Your head should fit snugly within the helmet. If you can slip it over your head, then it's too big, it should need to be pulled on. The soft foam inside will form to fit your head as you wear it, to provide greater protection.

Look for a helmet that starts right above the eyebrows when on. Anything higher up will not give adequate protection. You have a choice between a full face helmet, which offers the best protection, a three quarters helmet and a flip up helmet, which allows you to move the faceplate up to expose the face. This last one may be more expensive, but it does offer the advantage of being able to simply lift the faceplate rather than remove the entire helmet to speak or drink something.

Gloves

There are two main reasons to wear gloves while riding. The first is to keep your hands warm, particularly while riding during winter, when the icy wind can quickly numb them and prevent the proper sensations needed to control the motorcycle. The second is protection should you take a tumble. Fingers and the flesh on the hands are very fragile and you need as much protection as possible.

The best gloves for motorcycle riding include Kevlar pads on the backs, with extra grip on the palms for maximum control. You will probably need a lighter pair for summer use and heavier ones for winter, or opt to wear a light pair of cotton gloves under the Kevlar ones.

Boots

When shopping for boots to use on your motorcycle, keep in mind whether you'll need to walk or not. The best protection comes at a price, limited mobility. If you'll be walking as well as riding, then look for heavy duty boots that are built for cross-country endurance. These will give strong ankle support and have thick, resistant soles to protect your feet should an accident occur.

For motocross riding, consider using specialized boots that protect as much of the leg as possible, with rigidity. These are definitely not practical for walking in, however, so keep that in mind.

Pants

There is much more to your body than simply head, hands and feet and it pays to protect the rest of it as well. Your legs will be at risk, as they are so close to the bike, so proper pants can help protect them.

Finding a pair of pants that looks good, is comfortable to wear in summer and still provides enough protection for sliding across the road is next to impossible. It really all comes down to what type of riding you'll be doing. For the riskier rides, Kevlar padded pants are probably your best bet. These usually come with extra pads on exposed areas like the knees which aren't exactly visually pleasing, but do offer extra protection.

For more formal rides, there are now jeans with Kevlar fibers woven into them that provide extra protection should you be dumped off the bike. Other options include leather pants and motocross pants, both of which tend to be quite hot in warmer weather. You may also opt for leather chaps, which cover and protect the legs, but allow for maximum movement.

Jackets

Choosing a good jacket is also very important. This is what will keep your torso and arms protected. You'll find that there are two main options, synthetic and leather. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Leather jackets tend to be well built and last for a long time, decades, even. They are the classic protective wear associated with motorcycles, so many more traditional motorcyclists prefer leather. These tend to be quite protective and are made more so by protective pads sewn to the inside of the jackets. However, they aren't very reliable under rain and tend not to protect as well as synthetic from the cold. The darker colors of leather tend to prevent visibility, which can be an added danger, particularly in the evening.

Synthetic jackets are usually more expensive, but offer better protection. Unfortunately, despite the higher protective rate, they tend to wear out faster than leather. Synthetic fibers make these jackets warmer in the winter and ensure that they are completely waterproof, which is a major bonus if you are planning on a long trip. The brighter colors of synthetic jackets also mean that you will be more visible on the road.

Choosing your protective gear for motorcycle riding is one of the most important steps you can take toward staying safe. Make sure that you take the time to research and try the various types of protective gear. Everything should fit well and be comfortable, but still offer the highest level of protection possible.

No one wants to think about having an accident, but these things do happen and with a motorcycle, you simply don't have the same protection around you as you would in a more substantial vehicle. That doesn't mean taking unnecessary risks is required, however. There is plenty of gear that can be used to keep your body and skin intact as you enjoy riding.


Author Resource:->  Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of MyCycleMarket, a popular motorcycle parts and accessories website.

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