MOTORCYCLE HELMET REVIEW

Trying to decide which motorcycle helmet is right for you? Our motorcycle helmet review will help you make the right choice.

If you want to start a heated discussion among Harley-Davidson riders or any motorcycle rider, start talking about helmet laws. There aren't many topics that will stir up more passion than whether or not motorcycle riders have the right to ride without a helmet. It's hard to disagree with the fact that motorcycle helmets help prevent serious head injuries.

Here in Pennsylvania, you could ride without a helmet if you are over 21 years old and have been riding for two years or more or you complete a motorcycle safety course approved by the Pennsylvania DOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

HALF-SHELL
The half-shell helmet covers only the top of your head. They give you the least amount of protection. Many riders like these helmets for comfort reasons. They are probably the next best thing to going without a helmet.

THREE-QUARTER-SHELL
These helmets cover the sides of your head and ears but leave your chin unprotected. Some of these come with face shields. Some of the face shields can be raised or lowered which give you good eye protection.

FULL-FACE
Full-face helmets cover the riders chin and more of the face. These provide the most protection. They come with moveable face shields for eye protection.

MODULAR
Modular helmets are full-face helmets that hinge at about ear level so the entire front of the helmet can be raised or lowered. This can be used to talk or take a drink without removing the helmet.

DOT AND SNELL
Whatever type of helmet you choose, make sure it meets DOT standards. Helmet manufacturers put the DOT sticker on the helmet. Some helmets are also Snell certified, which means they meet the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, which has been testing helmets since the 1950s.

When doing a motorcycle helmet review, you have to look at the pros and cons of the different types of helmets. I like the feel of the half-shell, but I don't like the wind noise you get when riding with this type of helmet. I guess ear plugs are for that.

I like the three-quarter-shell for cutting out wind noise so you can hear that great Harley sound. This type helmet doesn't give you the face protection you might want, but it's cooler on those hot days.

The full-face is great for highway riding because it give you the most protection from bugs, rain, stones and other things that always seem to hit your head on long highway trips.

It probably wouldn't hurt to have a couple of different helmets for the different types of riding you do.


FITTING A MOTORCYCLE HELMET
Getting the right fit is essential when choosing your helmet. The fit should be snug but not tight. You should have a slight feeling of pressure, especially with a new helmet. A helmet that is too loose will not protect proberly. When you have the helmet on, move your head foward and backward. The helmet should move with your head and not flop around.

Remember that size may vary from from one manufacturer to another, or among different styles and models. Always try on a helmet before buying it. If it's possible, wear it around the dealership for a little while to see if you notice any pressure points.

MOTORCYCLE HELMET CARE
The stuff helmets are made of can deteriorate over time. This causes the helmet to become less effective as they age. Helmets should be replaced every few years, even if they still look like new. Follow the manufacturers recommendations to find your helmets optimal lifespan.

CLEANING
Use very mild soap to clean your helmet's outer shell and do not use petroleum-based cleaners. Strong detergents can damage the shell. Clean the face shield with mild soap, water and a soft cloth. If the shield gets more than a few scratches, it should be replaced.

PROTECTING THE HELMET LINER
Helmet liners can be damaged by hanging them on mirrors or sissy bars. This can make small dents in the liner, causing it to become less energy absorbing and shortening the helmets lifespan.

HOW MOTORCYCLE HELMETS WORK

I was going to keep this motorcycle helmet review short but decided to add this section for those who would like to know how motorcycle helmets work.

Motorcycle helmets are constructed of four components, which all work together to protect your head.

RETENTION
This is also known as the chinstrap. If the chinstrap is not fastened securely, the helmet can easly fall off during an accident. The helmet won't do much good to protect the old noggin, if it falls off.

OUTER SHELL
This is the hard outer coating, usually made of flexible material like fiberglass, polycarbonate, or carbon fiber. This layer deflects small objects like sticks, dirt and bugs. This shell flexes during a major impact to help disperse the force to a larger area. The force is then transfered to the impact-absorbing liner.

IMPACT-ABSORBING LINER
Inside the outer shell is the impact-absorbing liner, usually made of styrofoam. The function of this layer is not to deflect the force but to absorb it. The foam compresses during impact, absorbing much of the impact. This system is designed to work one time. That's why a motorcycle helmet should be thrown away after being involved in a crash or significant blow.

COMFORT PADDING
This is the soft layer inside the impact-absorbing liner. This helps the helmet fit more snugly and keeps you comfortable. It absorbs sweat, so some comfort liners can be removed.

Hope this motorcycle helmet review helped you decide which one is right for you.

Thanks for stopping.

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