For most new riders, buying a helmet is more of an afterthought.
A helmet is something they rush out to buy just before they ride their bikes in the first burst of unbridled enthusiasm.
Since the purchase is casual, it often happens that the buyer purchases a helmet that the dealer suggested or they feel looks good on their head.
But, purchasing a motorcycle helmet on these terms could make your ride a lot bumpier than is good for your safety.
Even if you have been wearing a helmet for a long time and simply want to replace the old one, finding a good replacement could be difficult as you may not find the same make or model that you had before.
As times change, you are also bewildered by new certifications and features.
Here are a few tips to help you buy the right motorcycle helmet: Full face or open: A most difficult decision to make, indeed.
Personal preferences apart, there can be no doubt that a full face helmet offers maximum protection to the head and face.
Some argue that open helmets allow greater air flow but the purpose of the helmet is to keep the rider?s head safe.
There are also claims that full helmets make people feel claustrophobic or that it limits peripheral vision.
However, a comfortable full face helmet is the best way to protect oneself completely and you get used to the helmet in due course.
Good fit: When buying a motorcycle helmet, proper fit is the most essential element.
It is also the least understood.
If the helmet is uncomfortable, the rider will never be at ease.
Safety is also compromised.
Shape and size: Shape and size are two elements that contribute to the right fit.
It is easy to find the right size as most shops have sizing charts and instructions for measuring for the right size.
If these instructions are followed, you can easily buy the right size of the helmet.
After you identify the right size, you will need to decide on the right shape for the helmet.
Finding the right shape is somewhat confusing as different manufacturers have different specifications regarding shape.
Therefore, a particular model may fit one rider perfectly and may not suit another rider.
Once the right shape is found, you can easily find other helmets of the same shape and fit.
Snug: Helmets must sit snugly on the head.
New riders may be a little uncomfortable with this sensation.
However, you will soon get used to this.
Retention is an important characteristic of a helmet.
If the helmet is unable to stay in place, it is of no good.
It is important to test this feature before you buy the motor cycle helmet.
Certification: Certification plays an important role in buying the right helmet.
In the US, the Dept of Tourism endorses helmets that have been manufactured with the right specifications.
These helmets carry the DOT sticker.
This department also buys helmets randomly and sends them for inspection.
If the motorcycle helmet fails the inspection, the results are posted on their website.
A helmet is something they rush out to buy just before they ride their bikes in the first burst of unbridled enthusiasm.
Since the purchase is casual, it often happens that the buyer purchases a helmet that the dealer suggested or they feel looks good on their head.
But, purchasing a motorcycle helmet on these terms could make your ride a lot bumpier than is good for your safety.
Even if you have been wearing a helmet for a long time and simply want to replace the old one, finding a good replacement could be difficult as you may not find the same make or model that you had before.
As times change, you are also bewildered by new certifications and features.
Here are a few tips to help you buy the right motorcycle helmet: Full face or open: A most difficult decision to make, indeed.
Personal preferences apart, there can be no doubt that a full face helmet offers maximum protection to the head and face.
Some argue that open helmets allow greater air flow but the purpose of the helmet is to keep the rider?s head safe.
There are also claims that full helmets make people feel claustrophobic or that it limits peripheral vision.
However, a comfortable full face helmet is the best way to protect oneself completely and you get used to the helmet in due course.
Good fit: When buying a motorcycle helmet, proper fit is the most essential element.
It is also the least understood.
If the helmet is uncomfortable, the rider will never be at ease.
Safety is also compromised.
Shape and size: Shape and size are two elements that contribute to the right fit.
It is easy to find the right size as most shops have sizing charts and instructions for measuring for the right size.
If these instructions are followed, you can easily buy the right size of the helmet.
After you identify the right size, you will need to decide on the right shape for the helmet.
Finding the right shape is somewhat confusing as different manufacturers have different specifications regarding shape.
Therefore, a particular model may fit one rider perfectly and may not suit another rider.
Once the right shape is found, you can easily find other helmets of the same shape and fit.
Snug: Helmets must sit snugly on the head.
New riders may be a little uncomfortable with this sensation.
However, you will soon get used to this.
Retention is an important characteristic of a helmet.
If the helmet is unable to stay in place, it is of no good.
It is important to test this feature before you buy the motor cycle helmet.
Certification: Certification plays an important role in buying the right helmet.
In the US, the Dept of Tourism endorses helmets that have been manufactured with the right specifications.
These helmets carry the DOT sticker.
This department also buys helmets randomly and sends them for inspection.
If the motorcycle helmet fails the inspection, the results are posted on their website.
Source...