This entry was posted on Friday, March 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pm and is filed under Helmets, Motorcycle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
March 13, 2009
People who ride motorcycles make a statement, and the right look is important. The bike, the clothes, the sound and the motorcycle helmet (or not) help to define who you are as a motorcycle rider. Motorcyclist who ride cruiser style motorcycles almost unanimously opt for a half helmet style to make their statement.
In the interests of practicality here is what you need to know about motorcycle half helmets.
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Make sure you buy one with decent quality, DOT approved, and not a Novelty / Non-DOT version. Note: There are now DOT-approved Novelty Style helmets available. The reason should be obvious but I’ll elaborate anyway. Non DOT-approved motorcycle helment do not have adequate protective suspension and are like wearing nothing at all.
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Be aware that you are sacrificing a level of protection by opting for a half helmet 3/4 and full face helmet offer more protection and obviously the full face helmets are optimal but sometimes the give a false sense of security and may prompt some to ride beyond their abilities. Cruiser style motorcycle riders are usually, but not always, ride more sedately.
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Make sure the motorcycle half helmet fits properly. Motorcycle Helmets should fit snuggly but not so tight as to be uncomfortable (The padding will compact with use and passage of time to conform to your head) and check that the straps are comfortable when fastened. Just as with any other style of helmet you should try to roll the motorcycle helmet forward and back with the strap secured. It should not come off.
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Check any accessories (snap on visor, ear muffs) are usable. Why pay money for something you can’t or will never use?
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If you get very hot and sweaty in a helmet, look for motorcycle half helmets that have air vents, though I’m not sure vents are effective on any style motorcycle helmet and probably not necessary on a half helmet they are available.
If you opt for the Motorcycle half helmet style wear every time you ride. Case ande Point: Last Sunday’sl ocal obituary about a 40-year old motorcycle rider who was rear ended while waiting to turn into a gas station at 3 am. He was not wearing a motorcycle helmet. The time you decide to take a ride down the block to the gas station for something may well be the time you have the same experience. With a helmet you may stand a chance.
Disclaimer: www.motorcycle-leather-gear.com and www.openroadcyclegear.com are wholly owned by RobyCo, Inc. of Reading Pennsylvania. Excerpt articles do not represent RobyCo, Inc or its holdings management opinions. Selected information is provided for discussion purposes.