Friday, 29 March 2013

Safety First Then Comfort & Style When Choosing A Motorcycle Helmet

By Bob Hugan


It's hard to resist going for a ride when the weather's nice. So, you put on your boots and leather jacket, and then top off your outfit by putting on your helmet. Your goal is to look sharp but be comfortable while you're on your bike. However, you shouldn't forget about your safety. If you make safety your top priority, you'll choose your motorcycle helmet and other accessories based on how well they protect you. Comfort will come second and style/look will be your last consideration.

For casual riding, your shopping should be based on the assumption that you'll eventually have an accident and need the best head protection. Visit the websites operated by various helmet manufacturers and read up on their helmet testing procedures. Look for the brands that test their helmets more stringently than just fulfilling the bare requirements. Extra safety testing is a sign that a manufacturer cares about providing the best protection.

When you see a helmet that looks promising, try it on. You want it to fit tightly on your head but not be uncomfortable on your face or chin. When you move your head, the helmet shouldn't shift in position. Basically, your motorcycle helmet should feel like part of your body. Experiment with different sizes and shapes to determine which works best for you.

Once you've determined the best size and shape, it's time to start looking at different designs and colors. The helmet that's best for you might not give you exactly the look you want, but it will protect your head if you do happen to get in a wreck.

For racing, your helmet should do a lot more than just give you a great look. Focus on shopping for helmets that are specifically designed for motorcycle racing. A lot of racers buy helmets that have actually been designed for car racing - either they can't tell the difference between car and motorcycle racing helmets, or they mistakenly think they're the same. The designs are slightly different because motorcycle racers need to turn their heads in ways that car racers do not.

A racing helmet should feel light on your head. That way, you'll be able to turn your head whenever necessary. It should have an extremely hard outer shell with softer materials inside. The correct ratio between hard and soft materials is very important because this is what enables a racing helmet to stand up to a forceful impact during a wreck. The helmet, not your head, absorbs the force.

No matter what type of riding you do - for casual pleasure or racing - your safety should always come first. Look for a motorcycle helmet that balances safety and style.




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