Motorcycle Helmet Checklist: 5 Things Every Rider Should Know
April is when many motorcyclists begin their riding season. April is also Helmet Safety month, and a good time for every rider to ensure they’re properly protected with a few vital inspections. These 5 tips will help you save your life with your Motorcycle Helmet.
- Fit is Very Important
A helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A well-fitting open face helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze too tightly, wear a helmet for 20 minutes before making a final buying decision.
- Helmets Do Not Last Forever
Over time, exposure to heat and the aging of adhesives and components will damage a helmet’s protective qualities. That’s why manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend that helmets be replaced every 2 to 4 years, depending on use. Every new helmet comes with a manufactured date sticker that is placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.
- Keep it Clean
A clean and well-cared-for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings. Consult the manufacturers recommended care instructions before cleaning.
- One Drop is All it Takes
A helmet is designed for only one impact. Even a small impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner despite no visible damage. If a helmet has been dropped or suffers an impact, it should be replaced immediately. You do not want to test your luck in an accident.
- You Should Ask Questions?
Riders can learn more about helmet fit and care with the help of a helmet dealer. Most Motorcycle Helmet dealers carry a wide range of helmet styles, including half-, three-quarter, full-face and modular designs.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Just pointing out that “one drop is all it takes” is a common fallacy.
If your head’s in it yes it will compress the lining.
But a light drop from waist height will normally just scratch/chip the helmet, and not significantly decrease the helmet’s ability to absorb impact in case of an accident.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:15 am
I love the tips on this site, they are always to the point and just the information I was looking for. Its hard to find good content these days in the world of spam and garbage sites.