Locally, Tim Reynolds and his Monday Denton bike nights are gaining momentum. So much momentum that they are now known as "Denton Biker Boys." For more information about the bike night, incredible Texadelphia cheese steaks or scheduled rides, contact him at dentonbikerboys@cs.com
With one group started, he’s quickly gaining membership in another…For all sportbike riders that also Christians, there’s the Denton Christian Sportbike group. No formal name or website, just serious riding. They’ll probably be a chapter of the larger national group which you can get more info on at www.christiansportbike.com Don’t be fooled by the name, they may be Christian, but, this isn’t a milk toast riding group; they are riders looking for exhilarating performance rides.
Our hats-off-award goes to GNCC Racing. Producers of the AMA Grand National Cross Country Series, the GNCC GI Program shows support to racers who are unable to race due to military commitments. GNCC Racing will send memorabilia to racers who follow the series that are currently deployed or called to active duty in any branch of the military service.
Buell Motorcycle Company shares the hats-off-award acknowledging military personnel deployed in support of operation in Afghanistan and Iraq by extending the warranty on their Buell bikes. The program applies to Buell owners who are coalition military personnel and provides an extension of the 12-month factory warranty for the number of days they were deployed.
Mike Hailwood, nine-time World Champion, rode a Ducati 900SS to win the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy twenty-five years ago, this month. To celebrate this important anniversary, the Ducati Museum is pulling that original bike out for Mike’s son, David Hailwood to ride a lap of honor on the TT circuit. Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea about halfway between England and Ireland.
The Class of 2003 will be inducted during October ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. Each year, the MHF recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racings, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. This year’s inductees includes three of today's most widely recognized racing stars, two of yesterday's legendary racing champions, four passionate ambassadors for the sport of motorcycling, two women who defined adventure riding, one tireless race track official and one unforgettable team of winners.
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Have a need for speed? Want to make your SuperBike better and faster? Make yourself a better rider. Don’t try your luck on the street – head for Texas World Speedway in College Station. BG Rider/Racer Greg Fowler is the lead instructor for the Ride Smart System, a motorcycle street riding and road racing school. Learn greater control and gain confidence with personal instruction. "First Timer" classes, too! Coming up the weekend of July 12-13, you get both days for $175 if you sign up by June 30th. Just want to try it out?? One day is only $125. Don’t have leathers and boots? rent them there. It’s your chance to do what you do, better – it’s your call 512/469-9491 or go online at www.ridesmart.info
Did anyone see the 60 Minutes show on motorcycle racing and injuries aired earlier this month? Expectedly, because bad news, the shocking headlines and horror sells, the report focused more on the potential risks of motocross and supercross racing than on the athletic achievements of competitors. As riders, we recognize injuries are a part of any sport, at every level. Unfortunately, the mainstream press has a long history of portraying those involved in motorsports as daredevils, rather than the skilled athletes they are. I’ll raise my glass to the publications that dares to speak above the establishment to discuss the training, conditioning and mental toughness that go into making a champion.
For some positive media, do lay out the green for the August issue of Sport Rider Magazine. I think they saved all the articles for hot summer reading. I wish I could just transfer all the pages to this update…Prep School is a guide to getting your bike (and yourself) prepared for trackdays; Oil is Oil, Right? compares the gooey stuff you pour into your ride; and in between, a head-to-head rematch of the GSXR1000 against the R1 and all the naked bikes you asked for. This issue has it going on.
SportRider had to throw it all in, as CycleWorld took the summer magazine market with their SI equivalent to the swimsuit issue with the "Ten Best Bikes of 2003" issue. And the winners are…Best Superbike: Suzuki GSX-R1000, Best Standard Suzuki SV650, Best Middleweight: Yamaha YZF-R6, Best Sport –Tourer: BMW K1200GT, Best Dual-Purpose: KTM 950 Adventure, Best Enduro: KTM 450 E/XC, Best Motocrosser: Honda CRF450R and for our cruiser crowd, Best Cruiser: Victory Vegas.
My favorite best comes in the description of a bike review from Motorcyclist Magazine, "Suzuki’s latest 988cc monster is the perfect fusion of Godzilla and Lassie: apocalyptic muscle that retrieves the morning paper without teeth marks…" need I say more?
Kudos to Mike, Cathy, Tommy and the guys at TSBA for dealing with the pouring rains to make sure the Rite Ride went into the books. If you missed the drawings, you were the loser. As you had to be present to win and most chose the remote in a dry living room over the drizzly Sunday conditions, the few brave riders were rewarded handsomely as all the prizes were still distributed.
More on the good deed page…seems the guys up at CycleSmart in Frisco put a freeze on a stolen bike brought in for repairs. That bill will be heftier than expected when he comes back to pay the charges.
Checked back with BG Rider Michelle in Carrollton about her missing bike. She did see it around town right after it was stolen, but, nothing since. In case anybody has any leads on her 1997 black, red and white CBR600 F3 you can reach her at 469-222-4653. Identifying marks include: a hole around the turn signal in right upper fairing, minor scrapes on the right upper fairing, silver front wheel and white rear wheel, white tail fairing is zip-tied together. She offers a reward for the return, no questions asked.
Seems the Metroplex has seen more than our fair share of bike thefts lately. To help track your dirt bike, consider registering at www.dirtbikedatabase.com The no-charge service catalogs engine and frame numbers to ensure fret-free second-hand buying. Hopefully, the street bike service is around the corner.
Ever stop at a red light and wait, and wait and finally realize the light isn’t going to change because the sensors that control the lights don’t recognize your bike? It is most likely because the sensors are designed to recognize metal, not aluminum and fiberglass. Beginning July 1, Tennessee motorcyclists can legally run red lights – if they stop first and "exercise due care." Minnesota has passed a similar law. Some Tennessee senators, concerned the measure would give motorcyclists license to run red lights, added an amendment to tighten the law. It says bikers cannot use the law as a defense to run any red light they want by saying they believed the light was controlled by sensors that did not recognize their bikes.
Who says you can’t ride with the police? That Point of Balance Stunt Team is taking it up a level again this time providing the entertainment for the North Texas Police Training Competition in the West End. David Martin, Brandon Patton, Lee Houston and Bethany Star made some new friends and had a much greater appreciation for the skills those guys exhibited in their contests on the big bikes. Look for some of the officers to compete in the Texas National Championships Stunt Competition during the LoneStar Biker Bash at Texas Motor Speedway in September. And yes, that was David Martin on the Fox TV Friday morning show, riding with the police! New Blue Gooser, Eric Hoenshell has moved from Oklahoma City to ride with the POB team. Wish him luck as he competes in the StarBoyz Stunt Contest in Ohio this weekend. You can catch the team this Saturday at the Make-A-Wish Midway Balloon Festival.
Now that your cell phone is back on and friends can reach you again, it’s time to ride. Do you always feel your shelling out a folded wad for new tires? Cyber onto www.cycletire.com for the latest in accessory needs – colored tires. Tomahawk Sport Tires and Desser, the world’s largest airline-tire retreading company bring you blue, green, red and yes, yellow tires for your ride. These colored retread rubbers are FAA certified up to 225 mph and come in a variety of compounds. All are scrutinized with Shearography technology to ensure structural integrity of the carcass and they’re DOT approved for high-speed applications. Best of all, they’ll save you 50-60%.
On the local dealer page, America’s PowerSports acquired BMW of Fort Worth and plans to relocate the dealership to Hurst. The new location will be next door to another APS-owned retailer, Yamaha and Suzuki of Texas, and will expand the dealership’s parts, accessories and apparel offerings as part of the changeover.
We’re just three months out from the Texas’s biggest all-bike party. All local dealerships will be receiving registration flyers for the LoneStar Biker Bash in the next few weeks. You can pre-register at www.lonestarbikerbash.com Don’t forget to use the pull down and choose "Blue Goose Riders" on the club line, so we get credit for the homebase. If you have any questions, e-mail, call or catch up with me at the Goose.
I have over 70 bad e-mail addresses on the list currently and could use your help. If you are reading this story and have not received an e-mail from me within the last month, please let me know. I’ll update the list and keep you current. THANKS!
We are always looking for information, stories, events and anything you think would be of interest to your fellow Blue Goose Riders.
from Blue Goose Riders News
Monday, March 16, 2009
How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet
There is much to know before you select the only piece of apparel that is likely to save your life. Arm yourself before shopping. By Art FriedmanYou can find helmets, like this Nolan, offering all sorts of features, but you may not want or need them all. For a new rider, buying a helmet may be more daunting than choosing a bike. Unless he or she has studied the subject, asked a lot of people for information, and done some window shopping, the matter may be an afterthought at the end of a bike sale or something that you have to rush to get done before riding the used bike you are buying. As a result, you may simply buy a helmet that looks like you want it to or one that the dealer suggests. Doing so can make your riding experience substantially less enjoyable than if you get a helmet that works properly on your head.Even an experienced rider who is just replacing an old helmet may find the process intimidating and difficult. Dealers may not carry the make, model or size you are interested in. You may not even be sure what size to ask for. Friends may offer advice about fit or comfort that isn't true in you case because your head is different. There is a maze of certifications and features that you aren't sure about. You might have specific graphic requirements in mind. And you don't know which ones offer the best protection.Why Bother?The April 2003 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser included a comparison of modular (or flip-up) helmets, including this Arrow. Photo by Jim Brown.Let's stop and discuss the claims that you are more likely to get in an accident if you are wearing a helmet. All studies of the matter from U.S. and other places in the world, indicate that riders who wear helmets crash less frequently and suffer fewer injuries and deaths if they do crash. They are less likely to suffer long-term or permanent disablement caused by head or neck injuries. A helmet that meets the D.O.T. standard offers significant protection if you crash. By cutting down ambient wind noise, helmets can actually help you hear other sounds better. By reducing fatigue from the wind, they keep you more alert. By protecting your eyes from the wind, they allow you to see better. A full-face helmet can keep you from being distracted when a large insect hits your face. And if you bright a bright-colored visible one, you will be more conspicuous in traffic, making it easier for other motorists to see and avoid you.To aid in your quest for the best helmet for you, we have compiled the following guide, organized into ten steps, starting with the most important steps first and moving on to lesser considerations.If you are looking for a modular or flip-face helmet, see the comparison of seven of them in the Accessories and Gear section of MotorcycleCruiser.com.
1. DOT Certification
Helmets are tested in facilities such as the Head Protection Research Labratory shown here. Drop tests with an instrumented head form measure a helmet's ability to absorb energy in a crash. Photo by Art Friedman.A helmet is of no use if it doesn't provide protection, and that D.O.T. (U.S. Department of Transportation) sticker on the back is your assurance that when the day comes, the helmet will perform. The D.O.T. standard (officially designated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 218) requires, among other things, that a helmet soak up a significant amount of impact energy, prevent most penetration, and have a fastening system that will withstand significant force.The D.O.T. standard works like this. If the manufacturer certifies that its helmet passes the D.O.T standard, it can make and sell that helmet with a D.O.T. sticker. The division of the Department responsible for such things periodically buys helmets and send them to independent labs for testing to confirm that they actually do meet the standard. The D.O.T. posts the results on its website in a pass/fail form. A helmet that fails can fail for performance (it allowed too much energy through in the impact testing or the chin strap failed), which the buyer should be concerned with or for labeling (which isn't likely to matter to the buyer). The results may be found at the NHTSA site. Though this Halrey helmet looks like a novelty helmet, it is actually built to DOT standards and will provide significant protection in the area that it covers. With any shorty helmet, it is essential that you perform the roll-off test discussed here.You can make a case that it's worth getting a helmet that meets some of the other standards, notably those of the Snell Foundation. For one thing, when a manufacturer has gone the distance to meet both D.O.T. and Snell, it has usually made the effort to provide other features and benefits. However, the difference between the protection offered by a "novelty" helmet that does not meet any standards and a basic D.O.T. helmet is huge--the difference between life and death or the difference between animal and vegetable--while the difference between a D.O.T. helmet and a Snell helmet (which also meets D.O.T. requirements) is comparativey minor. However, an increasing number of helmet experts say that you are best off with a helmet that meets D.O.T. only, that is, a helmet that doesn't meet any other standards. For a complete discussion of this issue, see thisMotorcyclist Online article discussing head protection and standards by our sister magazine. The Snell Memorial Foundation has useful information for helmet buyers on its website. There are many differences between phony helmets and real D.O.T.-blessed types, but one of the most important is the use of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner (which resembles Styrofoam) inside a real helmet. It is the EPS that actually absorbs the energy of an impact. In doing so, it gets crushed, and unlike the foam-rubber comfort liner, it is non-resilient. Once crushed, it has lost its energy-absorbing capability, which is why a helmet should be replaced once you taken a hit in it. Look for the EPS liner if you have any doubts about the helmet being a genuine D.O.T.-compliant model.
2. Retention
An essential test before buying or using a helmet, is the roll-off test. With the strap securely fastened, grab the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. Don't stop just becuase it hurts a bit. If it comes off, you need a different helmet. Photo by Art FriedmanA helmet is also no good if it doesn't stay on when you get off unexpectedly. You should check if the helmet you are trying on will stay on your head using a simple test. Fasten the strap snugly (you should feel some force on your chin). Then grab the rear of the helmet and try to lift it up and roll it forward off your head. Even when it hurts, you should not be able to get the helmet off. This is more likely to be an issue on half helmets or open-face helmets, but we have seen some full-coverage chinbar-style helmets that failed this roll-off test on some riders. Motorcycle Cruiser's own Andy Cherney has a head shape that many helmets can roll off of, so he needs to be certain that the helmet will stay on his head by using this test whenever he gets new one. On most helmets, the strap will fasten by passing through two D-rings. Though there have been a number of quick-fasten buckles and other ideas introduced over the years, we think this remains the most effective, convenient and comfortable fastening system.The Feds are looking at revising the standards to include standards for roll-off prevention, but the only standard that matters will continue to be whether you can pull a fastened helmet off your own head.
3. Fit
A full-face or open-face helmet should grip the cheeks slightly as well as the rest of the head. This one looks a little large. Photo by Art Friedman.Part of retention is fit. Most helmets come with advice for fit and sizing. Most dealer accessory-sales personnel also have some training in fitting a helmet. Basically, the helmet should fit snugly so that it is stable when you shake your head side-to-side, front-to-back or up and down. A full-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head. A helmet that is too loose may come off in a crash, and one that is too tight will be uncomfortable (see the next section for more detail). If it only contacts the top of your head, that will soon become uncomfortable. Proper fit means that it is snug enough that your skin moves with it when you try to move the helmet on your head.The fact that you wear a Medium in one brand and model does not mean that another model will fit you best in the same size. Though my preferred helmet is size L, I need an XL in another model from the same maker and occasionally find a Medium that fits comfortably too.
4. Comfort
Arai's Renegade is a favorite of some of Motorcycle Cruiser's staff members for its comfort.A helmet ranks with a motorcycle's saddle among the factors that can make a long ride enjoyable or turn it into agony. If you take the time and effort to find the most comfortable helmet for your hear, it will be paind back manifold by making long rides more enjoyable and comfortable (even more conmfortable than riding with no helmet at all). Comfort can be tricky to determine, but might make the difference between loving and hating your helmet, so we will spend some space to discuss it. The buyer should take time to assure that his new helmet is comfortable.Some people claim that there is no such thing as a comfortable helmet. We once experimented with such a rider and were able to make a believer out of him by providing a large (40 models) selection of helmets that he could choose from and letting him try as many as he liked. Although the ones he was initially drawn to confirmed his belief, soon he found some that were comfortable. He begrudgingly admitted that a top-shelf chinbar-type helmet, which not surprisingly was an Arai, was quite comfortable. We sent him out to ride for a couple of weeks with it, and though he initially thought it felt claustrophobic, he soon became a believer. He purchased one (with a color scheme that suited his tastes) soon after and has ridden with the same brand and style since.This Lazer Century modular helmet displays some of the items involved in making a helmet comfortable. The soft-foam comfort liner and the way in colds your head and easrs is vital. Venting plays a part, and features like the chin dam, intended to reduce wind noise, can also help. Photo by Jim Brown.This rider's experiences confirmed several things. First, it shows again that virtually anybody can find a truly comfortable helmet if he or she takes the time to try more than one or two on, but that it often won't be a cheap one. It confirmed that full-face helmets are usually the most comfortable, although some riders may find better comfort in open-face helmets. (We don't know of anybody who has approached the situation with a completely open mind and the opportunity to try a lot of helmets and then said that a shorty (or half helmet is more comfortable on a long ride.) It reinforced that many riders, even experienced ones, simply have never had a chance to try enough helmets to discover one that fits. It may take trips to several dealers to find the size, make and model that works for your head. It also confirmed that the well-known brands are ones most likely to be the most comfortable.From my experience conducting helmet comparisons at sister magazine Motorcyclist, the full-face helmet brand that best suits the most people is Arai. The company makes several models with different shapes that fit different heads. It also offers interchangeable cheek pads in many models to accommodate different cheek shapes. Almost as popular is Shoei (which tends to fit me personally better than Arai or other brands). Other brands that fit most comfortably for some of our riders are AGV, Nolan, FM, HJC, and Bieffe. However, the helmet market is not stagnant. Models are constantly being revised and upgraded. A new version of a helmet that didn't fit comfortably before may change to work perfectly it is updated form. It may also go the other way. For example, I liked the Shoei RF-200 quite well, but the RF-700 was a slight step back in comfort. The next generation, the RF-900, fits better than either of the others. Other makers, some that were once regarded as just budget helmet makers, have made strides and are building very good helmets at the tops of their lines now. The market shifts and the brands that were most comfortable last time you shopped might not be the best any more, while the brands that were not worthy of consideration five years ago have sometimes made great strides.There are an increasing number of unique and thoughtful details being included in helmets recently. This Schuberth Concept, for example, includes a small compartment with first-aid and helmet-removal instructions (which could be important on a modular helmet with its huinged and latched face section. Photo by Jim Brown. General factors that seem to make a comfortable helmet are plenty of comfort padding (the soft foam-rubber padding that touches your head), a good seal around the ear (but not on the ear itself), a neck roll that nestles against the back of your head and neck and an absence of protruding components (most often caused by shield mechanisms or strap attachments) inside. A helmet that fits well might be tight as you pull it on because the foam components that seal out the wind noise should be smaller than the inside of the helmet. If a helmet pulls on too easily without resistance of such padding, it will probably be noisy and may not fit snugly enough to stay put. Slightly snug is better than too loose, since the interior will tend to settle and compress a bit, molding to your head. If it moves around when you nod your head vigorously, it's probably too loose. When trying on a helmet, don't just pull it on and take it right back off. Pull it on and position it properly (which normally means so that you can use the top of the face or eye opening as a small sun visor). The helmet should stay in position even without the strap secured. Fasten the strap and leave the helmet on your head for a while. Fifteen or 20 minutes is a good test. Let it settle in. There should be no pressure points. These usually seem to occur around the crown or in the forehead. The helmet should provide even pressure all the way around with no hard points. Your ears shouldn't be pressed, but if your ears are sealed in a bit and sounds around you diminish, that is fine. This will help block wind noise, which will protect your hearing and actually help you to pick out other more important noises.One of the advantages of developing a relationship with a motorcycle dealer is that he may let you ride with a helmet that you are considering buying. If you have this opportunity, take it. Alternately ask if you can bring the helmet back, say within 30 minutes or an hour for a refund. (Better do it on a day when you skipped the cologne.) A test ride can reveal many things about wind noise, pressure at speeds, how engine noise comes into the helmet, etc. Some helmets may be noisier behind your windshield or have some other issue that only arises when they are on you while you are on your bike. The Arai Renegade, one of the most popular helmets among Motorcycle Cruiser staffers, fit me very well when I tried it on, and looked like it had a shot at becoming my favorite helmet. But when I rode with it, there was some air movement and wind noise that bothered me slightly. Other staffers don't have this issue, so it is just my particular head, but the ride would have provided a critical bit of information if I'd been planning to buy. That DOT sticker is pretty solid assurance that the helmet will provide good protection when you need it. Snell certiifcation involves an added layer of testing and quality. Photo by Art Friedman. Should weight be an issue? A heavy helmet does not seem to have any safety drawbacks (and it may have an advantage if the weight is in extra energy-absorbing EPS padding). Perhaps because I have been wearing helmets since they all were heavy, I have never noticed weight. Even the porky Simpson helmets we tried a few years ago didn't seem weighty to me (but perhaps it was all the other distractions they created). I have noticed that heavy helmets tend to be steadier on bikes where the windshield causes buffeting. For those who want a light helmet, there are some surprisingly light helmets out there, even with full coverage, but I think weight is probably less important than other factors and can actually be an asset. You may hear someone say that heavy helmets (or even all helmets) are likely to cause neck injuries. This is not true. In fact, just the opposite is true. Helmeted riders suffer fewer neck injuries.Before settling on one helmet, try on a lot of different brands and models. If one brand seems to be comfortable, try other models from that range for similar shapes with slightly different interiors.
5. Coverage
Full-coverage helmets, such as this Arai, offer maximum protection and other advantages, such as integrated eye protection.This is definitely a case of more being better. A full-coverage open-face helmet offers better coverage than a shorty (or half helmet) and a full-face helmet (i.e., one with a chinbar) provides more protection than an open-face style.A recent study (January 2003 issue of "Annals of Emergency Medicine") found that motorcyclists with facial injuries are 3.5 times more likely to have a brain injury and those with facial fractures are 6.5 times more likely to have such injuries than those without facial damage. The study, conducted at the UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles, California with Dr. Jess Kraus as lead author looked at 5790 motorcyclists injured in crashes and reported that one in four had facial injuries with 411 sustaining facial fractures. It makes a strong case for getting the most possible coverage from your helmet.Look for a helmet that provides not only more shell coverage but also more coverage from the EPS liner (the hard Styrofoam-type foam) inside, since it's the EPS that actually absorbs the energy of an impact. Some helmets just cover the minimum mandated area with EPS. Others line the entire shell with it. The EPS should extend to the chinbar if the helmet has one.Somewhere between the full-coverage helmets and the open-face helmets are those with flip-up facial sections, called "modular," "system" and flip-face helmets, which offer advantages of both kinds. We tested seven modular helmets for the April 2003 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser.Does facial coverage make any difference? Consider going jaw-first into the back of a car, and remember where your jawbone will end up if it gets pushed up into your head.
6. Faceshield
Open-face helmets, such as this KBC, offer good protection but don't cover the face, which leaves the rider less clautrophobic but more exposed. It includes a vent.If you are buying a helmet with a faceshield, the shield probably has certification info molded into it, as all quality shields that we have seen do. The relevant standards are VESC-8 and ANSI Z-87. Snell-certified helmets also have meet the Sneff Foundation's faceshield standards. The shield should seal all the way around the edges of the helmet opening and be easy to operate and stay in position when raised. While you are trying the helmet on, close the shield and look for signs of optical distortion (such as straight lines that get curvy). If you note distortion anywhere near your normal line of sight, you should probably select a different helmet. Distortion is rare these days but can be quite annoying and tiring on long rides. Unfortunately, quality faceshields have gotten quite expensive, but the good news is that they resist scratching and are much more durable, so that the cost stretched over several years is about the same or perhaps even lower. In any event, the shield should resist scratching. Most offer UV protection. The best shield mechanism designs have provisions to crack the shield open to prevent fogging and to change without tools. I can quickly change shields on my favored Shoei RF900 without taking the helmet off my head. A simple screw pivot, once the standard, is now pretty outdated and inconvenient and is likely to break or back out.An extra faceshield (a tinted one to complement the standard clear) is a nice feature. You might want to buy one if it is not included. And ask about availability of shields.
7. Convenience features
Shoei's quick-change facesgield mechanism allows quick, simple changes. The unique Troy Lee-designed paint scheme adds significantly to the cost. Photo by Jim Brown.An extra shield and a quick-change faceshield mechanism are the best convenience features. A storage bag is useful and some can even help you carry a spare helmet on your bike, though you can purchase bags for this purpose from other sources too.Some helmets have features to help you fasten the strap or to secure the strap's end when it is fastened to prevent the strap from flapping, which can be quite uncomfortable. If your state requires a reflective patch on the helmet, that should be included with the helmet. A variety of other features, such as a breath guard , may make your helmet more convenient. And, as is the case for large-nosed wearers who buy helmets with these breath deflectors, the features should be easy to eliminate if they prove inconvenient. Padding that can be removed and washed is a nice feature, particularly if you live in a humid climate.One not-too-obvious feature we have learned to appreciate is Nolan's scratch-resistant finish. We have seen Nolans dropped from 15 feet onto pavement without a scratch on the shell, and one we lab-tested for our flip-face comparison had only a tiny scratch after multiple impact-test drops. The other helmets in the comparison (See Motorcyle Cruiser, April 2003) showed the results, but not the Nolan. Other helmets with similar polycarbonate shells may be equally scratch-resistant.
8. Comfort features
Vents come in an array of locations and configurations. Top vents tend to cool your scalp, while chinbar vents clear the faceshield and cool your face. Photo by Art Friedman.Venting is the primary issue here. Other riders might put it a bit higher on the list, but I can't feel much difference between vented and unvented helmets. In most cases I can't even tell if the vents are open. The primary advantage I see from vented helmets is that the shields are less likely to fog. However, for those that can tell the difference, this can be an important consideration in hot weather.Vents may have some drawbacks. For one thing, protruding scoops are particularly susceptible to damage if the helmet is dropped or scraped against something while you are carrying it. Because they intercept the wind flow, they may also create some wind noise. Some helmets with top vent scoops stick up just far enough to engage the turbulent air flowing over the top of a cruiser's windshield. With one helmet with no scoop, I didn't notice this turbulence, but it became an issue when I wore a similar helmet with a scoop.Other comfort features you might encounter are padded straps and different, interchangeable padding shapes to fit your head shape.
9. Appearance
The author's orange Shoei RF900 is hard to overlook during the day, which he appreciates in traffic. Henny Ray Abrahms photo.There is a mind-boggling variety of graphics available on top-shelf helmets these days, but you will pay a premium for them, and the more complex they are, the more they tend to cost. If a dealer shows you a helmet you like with complicated graphics and quotes a horrifying price, ask what it would cost in a single color. The difference is usually significant.Before you settle on basic black, however, consider a brighter color. The Shoei RF1000 that I currently wear 97.9 percent of the time is painted a solid bright orange. When I first started wearing this color scheme, I was amazed at how aware other drivers suddenly became of my presence. Over the years I had tried spotlights, headlight modulators, and bright suits and jackets. Nothing ever had the effect that my orange orb created. If orange is a little too, er, individual, for you, other solid bright colors would probably have similar effects. Florescent colors would be good, but solid yellow, red or white will also stand out more than black or another dark color during daytime. I am also convinced that a solid color is more visible than any pattern or graphic. While a checkerboard scheme might make a large surface more eye-catching, I think a helmet is too small for these sorts of treatments to increase conspicuity.If you want to match your bike's paint, you have several options. In some cases the manufacturer of your motorcycle will offer a helmet line color-matched to your model. Browse its website or accessory catalog to see what's available. These are often only available for a year or two after the paint scheme is introduced. Some helmet manufacturers also consciously make colors to match popular models each year. If you plan to have to the helmet custom painted, a solid color, preferably basic white, is probably the best choice.
10. Cost
Chances are that the helmet that fits your head the best, has the most useful features, and feels the best on your head costs substantially more than the cheapest models you tried. If the cheapest helmet you saw fits as well as or better than the pricey model and has a D.O.T. sticker, then go ahead and buy it without qualms. The protection will be comparable. However, if you are shocked by the expense of the helmet that works the best, there are a couple of things that might get the price down. First, heed the note above about the price of graphics. Second, there may be a similar model in the same line with fewer bells and whistles. A model with less elaborate venting may cost substantially less, for example. Yes, you can order it by mail, but if a dealer spent time and made an effort to fit you and find you a helmet, then you have an unspoken contract to buy it from him if he has or can get what you want. The dealership paid for the cost of stocking the helmet and helping you find what you wanted. If the cost is simply out of reach, ask if the price has any room for negotiation. Don't think that your dealer doesn't notice if you come in to try on helmets then show up a week later with a new helmet of the same type that you bought elsewhere. This might be the number-one complaint I hear from dealers about customers. I suspect that customers who pull this deal pay for it somewhere else later. Finding the right helmet may be more time-consuming than buying a bike, but it can be just as rewarding.
From: Motorcycle Cruiser
1. DOT Certification
Helmets are tested in facilities such as the Head Protection Research Labratory shown here. Drop tests with an instrumented head form measure a helmet's ability to absorb energy in a crash. Photo by Art Friedman.A helmet is of no use if it doesn't provide protection, and that D.O.T. (U.S. Department of Transportation) sticker on the back is your assurance that when the day comes, the helmet will perform. The D.O.T. standard (officially designated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 218) requires, among other things, that a helmet soak up a significant amount of impact energy, prevent most penetration, and have a fastening system that will withstand significant force.The D.O.T. standard works like this. If the manufacturer certifies that its helmet passes the D.O.T standard, it can make and sell that helmet with a D.O.T. sticker. The division of the Department responsible for such things periodically buys helmets and send them to independent labs for testing to confirm that they actually do meet the standard. The D.O.T. posts the results on its website in a pass/fail form. A helmet that fails can fail for performance (it allowed too much energy through in the impact testing or the chin strap failed), which the buyer should be concerned with or for labeling (which isn't likely to matter to the buyer). The results may be found at the NHTSA site. Though this Halrey helmet looks like a novelty helmet, it is actually built to DOT standards and will provide significant protection in the area that it covers. With any shorty helmet, it is essential that you perform the roll-off test discussed here.You can make a case that it's worth getting a helmet that meets some of the other standards, notably those of the Snell Foundation. For one thing, when a manufacturer has gone the distance to meet both D.O.T. and Snell, it has usually made the effort to provide other features and benefits. However, the difference between the protection offered by a "novelty" helmet that does not meet any standards and a basic D.O.T. helmet is huge--the difference between life and death or the difference between animal and vegetable--while the difference between a D.O.T. helmet and a Snell helmet (which also meets D.O.T. requirements) is comparativey minor. However, an increasing number of helmet experts say that you are best off with a helmet that meets D.O.T. only, that is, a helmet that doesn't meet any other standards. For a complete discussion of this issue, see thisMotorcyclist Online article discussing head protection and standards by our sister magazine. The Snell Memorial Foundation has useful information for helmet buyers on its website. There are many differences between phony helmets and real D.O.T.-blessed types, but one of the most important is the use of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner (which resembles Styrofoam) inside a real helmet. It is the EPS that actually absorbs the energy of an impact. In doing so, it gets crushed, and unlike the foam-rubber comfort liner, it is non-resilient. Once crushed, it has lost its energy-absorbing capability, which is why a helmet should be replaced once you taken a hit in it. Look for the EPS liner if you have any doubts about the helmet being a genuine D.O.T.-compliant model.
2. Retention
An essential test before buying or using a helmet, is the roll-off test. With the strap securely fastened, grab the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. Don't stop just becuase it hurts a bit. If it comes off, you need a different helmet. Photo by Art FriedmanA helmet is also no good if it doesn't stay on when you get off unexpectedly. You should check if the helmet you are trying on will stay on your head using a simple test. Fasten the strap snugly (you should feel some force on your chin). Then grab the rear of the helmet and try to lift it up and roll it forward off your head. Even when it hurts, you should not be able to get the helmet off. This is more likely to be an issue on half helmets or open-face helmets, but we have seen some full-coverage chinbar-style helmets that failed this roll-off test on some riders. Motorcycle Cruiser's own Andy Cherney has a head shape that many helmets can roll off of, so he needs to be certain that the helmet will stay on his head by using this test whenever he gets new one. On most helmets, the strap will fasten by passing through two D-rings. Though there have been a number of quick-fasten buckles and other ideas introduced over the years, we think this remains the most effective, convenient and comfortable fastening system.The Feds are looking at revising the standards to include standards for roll-off prevention, but the only standard that matters will continue to be whether you can pull a fastened helmet off your own head.
3. Fit
A full-face or open-face helmet should grip the cheeks slightly as well as the rest of the head. This one looks a little large. Photo by Art Friedman.Part of retention is fit. Most helmets come with advice for fit and sizing. Most dealer accessory-sales personnel also have some training in fitting a helmet. Basically, the helmet should fit snugly so that it is stable when you shake your head side-to-side, front-to-back or up and down. A full-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head. A helmet that is too loose may come off in a crash, and one that is too tight will be uncomfortable (see the next section for more detail). If it only contacts the top of your head, that will soon become uncomfortable. Proper fit means that it is snug enough that your skin moves with it when you try to move the helmet on your head.The fact that you wear a Medium in one brand and model does not mean that another model will fit you best in the same size. Though my preferred helmet is size L, I need an XL in another model from the same maker and occasionally find a Medium that fits comfortably too.
4. Comfort
Arai's Renegade is a favorite of some of Motorcycle Cruiser's staff members for its comfort.A helmet ranks with a motorcycle's saddle among the factors that can make a long ride enjoyable or turn it into agony. If you take the time and effort to find the most comfortable helmet for your hear, it will be paind back manifold by making long rides more enjoyable and comfortable (even more conmfortable than riding with no helmet at all). Comfort can be tricky to determine, but might make the difference between loving and hating your helmet, so we will spend some space to discuss it. The buyer should take time to assure that his new helmet is comfortable.Some people claim that there is no such thing as a comfortable helmet. We once experimented with such a rider and were able to make a believer out of him by providing a large (40 models) selection of helmets that he could choose from and letting him try as many as he liked. Although the ones he was initially drawn to confirmed his belief, soon he found some that were comfortable. He begrudgingly admitted that a top-shelf chinbar-type helmet, which not surprisingly was an Arai, was quite comfortable. We sent him out to ride for a couple of weeks with it, and though he initially thought it felt claustrophobic, he soon became a believer. He purchased one (with a color scheme that suited his tastes) soon after and has ridden with the same brand and style since.This Lazer Century modular helmet displays some of the items involved in making a helmet comfortable. The soft-foam comfort liner and the way in colds your head and easrs is vital. Venting plays a part, and features like the chin dam, intended to reduce wind noise, can also help. Photo by Jim Brown.This rider's experiences confirmed several things. First, it shows again that virtually anybody can find a truly comfortable helmet if he or she takes the time to try more than one or two on, but that it often won't be a cheap one. It confirmed that full-face helmets are usually the most comfortable, although some riders may find better comfort in open-face helmets. (We don't know of anybody who has approached the situation with a completely open mind and the opportunity to try a lot of helmets and then said that a shorty (or half helmet is more comfortable on a long ride.) It reinforced that many riders, even experienced ones, simply have never had a chance to try enough helmets to discover one that fits. It may take trips to several dealers to find the size, make and model that works for your head. It also confirmed that the well-known brands are ones most likely to be the most comfortable.From my experience conducting helmet comparisons at sister magazine Motorcyclist, the full-face helmet brand that best suits the most people is Arai. The company makes several models with different shapes that fit different heads. It also offers interchangeable cheek pads in many models to accommodate different cheek shapes. Almost as popular is Shoei (which tends to fit me personally better than Arai or other brands). Other brands that fit most comfortably for some of our riders are AGV, Nolan, FM, HJC, and Bieffe. However, the helmet market is not stagnant. Models are constantly being revised and upgraded. A new version of a helmet that didn't fit comfortably before may change to work perfectly it is updated form. It may also go the other way. For example, I liked the Shoei RF-200 quite well, but the RF-700 was a slight step back in comfort. The next generation, the RF-900, fits better than either of the others. Other makers, some that were once regarded as just budget helmet makers, have made strides and are building very good helmets at the tops of their lines now. The market shifts and the brands that were most comfortable last time you shopped might not be the best any more, while the brands that were not worthy of consideration five years ago have sometimes made great strides.There are an increasing number of unique and thoughtful details being included in helmets recently. This Schuberth Concept, for example, includes a small compartment with first-aid and helmet-removal instructions (which could be important on a modular helmet with its huinged and latched face section. Photo by Jim Brown. General factors that seem to make a comfortable helmet are plenty of comfort padding (the soft foam-rubber padding that touches your head), a good seal around the ear (but not on the ear itself), a neck roll that nestles against the back of your head and neck and an absence of protruding components (most often caused by shield mechanisms or strap attachments) inside. A helmet that fits well might be tight as you pull it on because the foam components that seal out the wind noise should be smaller than the inside of the helmet. If a helmet pulls on too easily without resistance of such padding, it will probably be noisy and may not fit snugly enough to stay put. Slightly snug is better than too loose, since the interior will tend to settle and compress a bit, molding to your head. If it moves around when you nod your head vigorously, it's probably too loose. When trying on a helmet, don't just pull it on and take it right back off. Pull it on and position it properly (which normally means so that you can use the top of the face or eye opening as a small sun visor). The helmet should stay in position even without the strap secured. Fasten the strap and leave the helmet on your head for a while. Fifteen or 20 minutes is a good test. Let it settle in. There should be no pressure points. These usually seem to occur around the crown or in the forehead. The helmet should provide even pressure all the way around with no hard points. Your ears shouldn't be pressed, but if your ears are sealed in a bit and sounds around you diminish, that is fine. This will help block wind noise, which will protect your hearing and actually help you to pick out other more important noises.One of the advantages of developing a relationship with a motorcycle dealer is that he may let you ride with a helmet that you are considering buying. If you have this opportunity, take it. Alternately ask if you can bring the helmet back, say within 30 minutes or an hour for a refund. (Better do it on a day when you skipped the cologne.) A test ride can reveal many things about wind noise, pressure at speeds, how engine noise comes into the helmet, etc. Some helmets may be noisier behind your windshield or have some other issue that only arises when they are on you while you are on your bike. The Arai Renegade, one of the most popular helmets among Motorcycle Cruiser staffers, fit me very well when I tried it on, and looked like it had a shot at becoming my favorite helmet. But when I rode with it, there was some air movement and wind noise that bothered me slightly. Other staffers don't have this issue, so it is just my particular head, but the ride would have provided a critical bit of information if I'd been planning to buy. That DOT sticker is pretty solid assurance that the helmet will provide good protection when you need it. Snell certiifcation involves an added layer of testing and quality. Photo by Art Friedman. Should weight be an issue? A heavy helmet does not seem to have any safety drawbacks (and it may have an advantage if the weight is in extra energy-absorbing EPS padding). Perhaps because I have been wearing helmets since they all were heavy, I have never noticed weight. Even the porky Simpson helmets we tried a few years ago didn't seem weighty to me (but perhaps it was all the other distractions they created). I have noticed that heavy helmets tend to be steadier on bikes where the windshield causes buffeting. For those who want a light helmet, there are some surprisingly light helmets out there, even with full coverage, but I think weight is probably less important than other factors and can actually be an asset. You may hear someone say that heavy helmets (or even all helmets) are likely to cause neck injuries. This is not true. In fact, just the opposite is true. Helmeted riders suffer fewer neck injuries.Before settling on one helmet, try on a lot of different brands and models. If one brand seems to be comfortable, try other models from that range for similar shapes with slightly different interiors.
5. Coverage
Full-coverage helmets, such as this Arai, offer maximum protection and other advantages, such as integrated eye protection.This is definitely a case of more being better. A full-coverage open-face helmet offers better coverage than a shorty (or half helmet) and a full-face helmet (i.e., one with a chinbar) provides more protection than an open-face style.A recent study (January 2003 issue of "Annals of Emergency Medicine") found that motorcyclists with facial injuries are 3.5 times more likely to have a brain injury and those with facial fractures are 6.5 times more likely to have such injuries than those without facial damage. The study, conducted at the UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles, California with Dr. Jess Kraus as lead author looked at 5790 motorcyclists injured in crashes and reported that one in four had facial injuries with 411 sustaining facial fractures. It makes a strong case for getting the most possible coverage from your helmet.Look for a helmet that provides not only more shell coverage but also more coverage from the EPS liner (the hard Styrofoam-type foam) inside, since it's the EPS that actually absorbs the energy of an impact. Some helmets just cover the minimum mandated area with EPS. Others line the entire shell with it. The EPS should extend to the chinbar if the helmet has one.Somewhere between the full-coverage helmets and the open-face helmets are those with flip-up facial sections, called "modular," "system" and flip-face helmets, which offer advantages of both kinds. We tested seven modular helmets for the April 2003 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser.Does facial coverage make any difference? Consider going jaw-first into the back of a car, and remember where your jawbone will end up if it gets pushed up into your head.
6. Faceshield
Open-face helmets, such as this KBC, offer good protection but don't cover the face, which leaves the rider less clautrophobic but more exposed. It includes a vent.If you are buying a helmet with a faceshield, the shield probably has certification info molded into it, as all quality shields that we have seen do. The relevant standards are VESC-8 and ANSI Z-87. Snell-certified helmets also have meet the Sneff Foundation's faceshield standards. The shield should seal all the way around the edges of the helmet opening and be easy to operate and stay in position when raised. While you are trying the helmet on, close the shield and look for signs of optical distortion (such as straight lines that get curvy). If you note distortion anywhere near your normal line of sight, you should probably select a different helmet. Distortion is rare these days but can be quite annoying and tiring on long rides. Unfortunately, quality faceshields have gotten quite expensive, but the good news is that they resist scratching and are much more durable, so that the cost stretched over several years is about the same or perhaps even lower. In any event, the shield should resist scratching. Most offer UV protection. The best shield mechanism designs have provisions to crack the shield open to prevent fogging and to change without tools. I can quickly change shields on my favored Shoei RF900 without taking the helmet off my head. A simple screw pivot, once the standard, is now pretty outdated and inconvenient and is likely to break or back out.An extra faceshield (a tinted one to complement the standard clear) is a nice feature. You might want to buy one if it is not included. And ask about availability of shields.
7. Convenience features
Shoei's quick-change facesgield mechanism allows quick, simple changes. The unique Troy Lee-designed paint scheme adds significantly to the cost. Photo by Jim Brown.An extra shield and a quick-change faceshield mechanism are the best convenience features. A storage bag is useful and some can even help you carry a spare helmet on your bike, though you can purchase bags for this purpose from other sources too.Some helmets have features to help you fasten the strap or to secure the strap's end when it is fastened to prevent the strap from flapping, which can be quite uncomfortable. If your state requires a reflective patch on the helmet, that should be included with the helmet. A variety of other features, such as a breath guard , may make your helmet more convenient. And, as is the case for large-nosed wearers who buy helmets with these breath deflectors, the features should be easy to eliminate if they prove inconvenient. Padding that can be removed and washed is a nice feature, particularly if you live in a humid climate.One not-too-obvious feature we have learned to appreciate is Nolan's scratch-resistant finish. We have seen Nolans dropped from 15 feet onto pavement without a scratch on the shell, and one we lab-tested for our flip-face comparison had only a tiny scratch after multiple impact-test drops. The other helmets in the comparison (See Motorcyle Cruiser, April 2003) showed the results, but not the Nolan. Other helmets with similar polycarbonate shells may be equally scratch-resistant.
8. Comfort features
Vents come in an array of locations and configurations. Top vents tend to cool your scalp, while chinbar vents clear the faceshield and cool your face. Photo by Art Friedman.Venting is the primary issue here. Other riders might put it a bit higher on the list, but I can't feel much difference between vented and unvented helmets. In most cases I can't even tell if the vents are open. The primary advantage I see from vented helmets is that the shields are less likely to fog. However, for those that can tell the difference, this can be an important consideration in hot weather.Vents may have some drawbacks. For one thing, protruding scoops are particularly susceptible to damage if the helmet is dropped or scraped against something while you are carrying it. Because they intercept the wind flow, they may also create some wind noise. Some helmets with top vent scoops stick up just far enough to engage the turbulent air flowing over the top of a cruiser's windshield. With one helmet with no scoop, I didn't notice this turbulence, but it became an issue when I wore a similar helmet with a scoop.Other comfort features you might encounter are padded straps and different, interchangeable padding shapes to fit your head shape.
9. Appearance
The author's orange Shoei RF900 is hard to overlook during the day, which he appreciates in traffic. Henny Ray Abrahms photo.There is a mind-boggling variety of graphics available on top-shelf helmets these days, but you will pay a premium for them, and the more complex they are, the more they tend to cost. If a dealer shows you a helmet you like with complicated graphics and quotes a horrifying price, ask what it would cost in a single color. The difference is usually significant.Before you settle on basic black, however, consider a brighter color. The Shoei RF1000 that I currently wear 97.9 percent of the time is painted a solid bright orange. When I first started wearing this color scheme, I was amazed at how aware other drivers suddenly became of my presence. Over the years I had tried spotlights, headlight modulators, and bright suits and jackets. Nothing ever had the effect that my orange orb created. If orange is a little too, er, individual, for you, other solid bright colors would probably have similar effects. Florescent colors would be good, but solid yellow, red or white will also stand out more than black or another dark color during daytime. I am also convinced that a solid color is more visible than any pattern or graphic. While a checkerboard scheme might make a large surface more eye-catching, I think a helmet is too small for these sorts of treatments to increase conspicuity.If you want to match your bike's paint, you have several options. In some cases the manufacturer of your motorcycle will offer a helmet line color-matched to your model. Browse its website or accessory catalog to see what's available. These are often only available for a year or two after the paint scheme is introduced. Some helmet manufacturers also consciously make colors to match popular models each year. If you plan to have to the helmet custom painted, a solid color, preferably basic white, is probably the best choice.
10. Cost
Chances are that the helmet that fits your head the best, has the most useful features, and feels the best on your head costs substantially more than the cheapest models you tried. If the cheapest helmet you saw fits as well as or better than the pricey model and has a D.O.T. sticker, then go ahead and buy it without qualms. The protection will be comparable. However, if you are shocked by the expense of the helmet that works the best, there are a couple of things that might get the price down. First, heed the note above about the price of graphics. Second, there may be a similar model in the same line with fewer bells and whistles. A model with less elaborate venting may cost substantially less, for example. Yes, you can order it by mail, but if a dealer spent time and made an effort to fit you and find you a helmet, then you have an unspoken contract to buy it from him if he has or can get what you want. The dealership paid for the cost of stocking the helmet and helping you find what you wanted. If the cost is simply out of reach, ask if the price has any room for negotiation. Don't think that your dealer doesn't notice if you come in to try on helmets then show up a week later with a new helmet of the same type that you bought elsewhere. This might be the number-one complaint I hear from dealers about customers. I suspect that customers who pull this deal pay for it somewhere else later. Finding the right helmet may be more time-consuming than buying a bike, but it can be just as rewarding.
From: Motorcycle Cruiser
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