Choosing the correct motorcycle helmet could be a matter of life or death. There are some very important issues to consider and we will cover each of the aspects of motorcycle helmet selection as they pertain to particular makes and models but there are also some general considerations which we will cover here.
- FIT
It is very important to make sure that the motorcycle helmet you are purchasing is the correct fit. Don’t simply choose a Harley Davidson motorcycle helmet because it has the Harley Davidson logo on it. A tight, poorly fitted, motocycle helmet will, at the very least, cause headaches through applying pressure to the temples. A motorcycle helmet that fits too loosely can come off during a fall or impact exposing your skull to bone crushing forces which will result in a far more severe headache, or even death. Make sure you get the right fit ! - SCRATCH AND DENT
Some people will continue to wear a motorcycle helmet even after it has suffered some damage. Many years ago, while still a teen, I was riding street bikes (motorcycles). I didn’t “believe” in full-face motorcycle helmets so I bought what I considered to be a very cool, metallic gun-metal blue helmet. I received proper instruction on tying the strap so that it could be quickly removed in the case of an accident. Sure enough, within a year I hit a car that cut me off just behind the driver’s side front wheel. This resulted in a nasty “scratch” in my beautiful motorcycle helmet. Not rolling in cash I continued to wear that helmet until someone pointed out to me that the integrity of the shell had been compromised by the “scratch” and that the very next impact could cause the motorcycle helmet to shatter, not providing the protection I expected. Please don’t wear motorcycle helmets that show any sign of damage. - BEANIES
Beanies are motorcycle helmets that are, to all intents and purposes, ‘skull caps’. They do not, and cannot, provide the level of protection you will get from wearing a full face motorcycle helmet. On the other hand, it may be better to wear a DOT certified “beanie” than an uncertified full face motorcycle helmet manufactured in China.
Sample Beanie Helmet
Sample Full Face Helmet
- LENGTH
The extent to which the helmet comes below your chin is very important because, if it is too long, you run the risk of having it crush your collar bone (clavical) in the event of a mishap.
To summarize, make sure your motorcycle helmet fits correctly, is not damaged, can be properly worn and the strap to hold it onto your noggin is properly fastened to ensure that the motorcycle helmet will not come flying off in the event you and your motorcycle are impacted or inadvertently separated.
We hope you will find our motorcycle reviews of use.
