Choosing The Right Motorcycle Helmet for Your Ride
When the weather turns warm and inviting you see more and more people riding their motorcycles. If you are one of those people, I hope you wear a helmet. If you don’t currently use one, but are thinking of making this important purchase there are a few thing you should know. While most people use color, design, and price to guide their decision making, there is more to a helmet than that.
Motorcycle helmets come in three different types. They all offer different degrees of comfort and protection. The full-face models are the number one choice when it comes to safety because they cover your entire face. Most times it will have a moveable face shield that protects the eyes when closed. If you race motorcycles this is probably the helmet you’ll want to wear due to the added protection and comfort. A three-quarter, also called an open faced helmet can be a good choice as well. It has the same basic components of the full-face but does not offer the face and chin protection. If you choose to use the open-face helmet it is recommended you use a snap on shield or in the least, a pair of goggles for eye protection. Many riders make the mistake of thinking that their prescription eyewear is suitable but in reality, your glasses would never be able to protect you from stones or other road debris that can get kicked up. Prescription glasses can also move around and fly off while riding. They just aren’t the safe choice. A “shorty” helmet protects even less of your head. If there is an impact, it will probably come off and leave your face and head open for serious injury. These helmets are not recommended for riders of any skill level.
Once you decide on which helmet is right for you, it is important you follow the care instructions. The manufacturers of motorcycle helmets always try to educate the rider on manners of care and when replacement is necessary to ensure optimum safety. Most manufacturers do not recommend keeping your helmet hanging on your gas tank when not in use. This can expose it to fumes. If you store it on your seat make sure it is stable and cannot fall off. If it hits the ground it will probably crack, greatly reducing its effectiveness. It is recommended that you store you helmet on the ground, on a shelf, or on a secure rack. The location should be strong, flat, and secure. You don’t want to damage the piece of equipment that one day may save your life.
Motorcycle helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet if it was involved in a crash because it probably absorbed at least some of the impact. Some companies will inspect your helmet for you if you have any doubts and if necessary, repair it for you. Even without being involved in a crash, it is recommended that you replace your helmet every 2-4 years if not sooner. Over time its protective aspects can deteriorate with time and wear. The chin strap can loosen up and fray and the shell could become chipped or damaged. And since the technology in safety keep changing and improving, the helmet you’ll get in a couple of years will be better than the one you are wearing now. It’ll be stronger, lighter, and more comfortable. It may even cost less!
If you are a rider please protect yourself. There is nothing embarrassing or lame about wearing a motorcycle helmet. In fact, more people would make fun of you if you didn’t.
If you are looking for a writer to guest post on your blog, Jesse Dugan is always looking for new opportunities. Follow him @JesseDugan