Choosing the Best Motorcycle Helmet for You
People often imagine bikers as a death defying culture full of rebels and those who throw caution to the wind. In all reality, the majority of them are more safety conscious than we initially believe. They have to be, motorcycles have the potential to be incredibly dangerous. When moving at high speeds virtually unprotected, it’s incredibly important to protect yourself.
Bikers need to be prepared for the effects of the elements at 60 plus miles an hour, and what can happen if they do get into a wreck. Fortunately, regular drivers are becoming more aware of bikers, and are learning to drive with more caution. This lessens the incidents of motorcycle fatalities, and helps people to recover from injuries much faster.
Anyone who’s ever really ridden a motorcycle can tell you that some clothes simply aren’t appropriate for riding. Regardless of the way that bikers have been portrayed and romanticized in Hollywood, they generally adhere to common sense safety rules when dressing for a ride. Durable clothing, including jeans, leathers, and extremely strong fabrics can help to protect the extremeties from serious scrapes referred to as “road rash”. Long pants and closed toed shoes also help to protect the feet and legs from being burnt on the exhaust, or scuffed up when used to regain balance.
Common sense goes a long way when dressing, but one of the most important parts to remember is the helmet. There are a huge number of styles, varieties, and types of helmets available. It’s very important to only ride while wearing a helmet, and to have a helmet that fits and protects properly. Whether you plan on riding Arizona motorcycle routes or anywhere else in the country, helmets are definitely a safety essential. They’ve saved more lives than any other piece of motorcycle gear, and a helmet needs to be high on the list of important essential to have before riding. Consider some of these helmet types if you’re unsure of what to choose:
These are the motorcycle helmets that cover every part of the head and face. They have an open window that allows you to see, while protecting everything else from the neck up. Full face helmets also cover the chin, which is a huge help in most motorcycle accidents. Fortunately, these helmets come with specifications for almost any riding position. The key is to finding ones that are well-ventilated and easy to clean.
Slightly less safe than the full face version, these helmets have a hinge that allows the chin bar to flip up. These allows for more ventilation, and an ease of access to the face and mouth. Many riders prefer this because it makes it easier to stop and relax or to take a drink or eat when they have a moment.
These helmets are what many of us are familiar with. They protect the sides and back of the head, but do virtually nothing for the face and eyes. They are also lacking a chin bar to help absorb the impact. You may have to invest in goggles or other accessories if you choose this helmet.
Half helmets get their name because they only effectively protect the top half of your head. These provide some protection, but are considered the least safe of all of the models. They are popular with those who enjoy a vintage look, and who require more ventilation as they ride. Again, you’ll be buying quite a few accessories if you plan on trying to use this helmet for longer trips.
