THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOTORBIKE HELMETS

Your motorbike helmet is one of the most prominent and identifiable objects that tells the world you’re a rider: other than your motorcycle.

And nowadays, how your helmet looks offers much more variance than in days gone by.

The selection of helmet styles, designs and colors have continued to expand year after year.

Better yet, helmet construction and its protective qualities have also improved, while simultaneously getting lighter and more comfortable. This is one of those areas that technology has improved to serve riders better. (However, cell phones that can ring within your helmet are a technological advancement that is debatable as to whether it offers a real improvement to the quality of riding or not).

Motorcycle helmets can be categorized as follows.

TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

A) HALF HELMETS

B) 3/4 or OPEN FACE HELMETS

C) FULL FACE HELMETS

D) MOTOCROSS HELMETS(A Variation of Full-Face Helmets)

E) MODULAR “FLIP UP” HELMETS (Hybrid between 3/4 and Full Face)

HALF HELMETS

As the name implies, these types of helmets cover 1/2 your head. They are the lightest, the least expensive and offer the least protection. Proponents of this style argue that this has the advantage of offering better hearing since the rider’s ears are less obstructed. (Your ears may have a leather covering, instead of a helmet covering them).

Their main use is among riders who consider it a fashionable fashionable choice, particularly on certain bikes, such as “Cruisers” or “Classic” bikes.

However, do not confuse 1/2 helmets with “Novelty Helmets” which look similar to 1/2 Helmets, although they offer practically no actual crash protection and are not certified as a legal safety protective device for a rider’s head. (Stated differently, they are illegal to use in U.S. states that require helmet use by law).

3/4 or OPEN FACE HELMETS

Open Face helmets have been around a very long time and are an alternative helmet for riders who want to have a “traditional” look to go along with their “classic” motorbikes. Having said that, this style is also used by plenty of other riders who prefer the 3/4 design since it has not chin section (as a full face helmet) that, to some, may seem restrictive.

FULL FACE HELMETS

Full Face Helmets offer the greatest head protection in the event of a crash. They evolved from the design of the Open Face Helmet with the addition of a frontal chin section that protects the face when a rider takes a fall and started becoming more prominent in the 1980’s.

For those who prefer to have electronic communication or audio systems in their helmet, it used to be that an open face helmet was the best choice. However, with the continued miniaturization of electronic components, as well as the design improvements in full face helmets to accommodate electronics, that distinction is much less relevant nowadays.

MOTOCROSS HELMETS

Off-road helmets are very similar to full face helmets, however they feature an elongated chin section and also have a visor portions, somewhat like the visor of a baseball hat which helps to keep the sun out of the rider’s eyes. (However the visors are not as aerodynamic at the higher speeds a full face helmet is designed for).

Additionally, Motocross Helmets are usually not worn with a face shield, which is common with Open Face and Full Face helmets. Instead, motocross riders wear goggles. a chin bar, and partially open face to give the rider extra protection while wearing goggles.

MODULAR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

This helmet design is the new kid on the block.  A Modular or “Flip Up” Helmet (pictured above) is a hybrid between Open Face and Full Face helmets. Modular Helmets are like a Full Face Helmet in that they offer full head and face crash protection.  However, they allow the frontal part (the chin area) to be rotated up and out of the way, when a rider is stopped.  Typically, the rider pivots the frontal chin bar section of a modular helmet out of the way by a lever on the helmet.

The advantage is that a rider can easily engage in conversation or have a drink or a snack, without removing the whole helmet. In this way, when the Modular Helmet is in the open position, it is somewhat similar to an open face helmet.

In this way, modular motorcycle helmets provide some compelling advantages to motorbike riders seeking the best compromise between rider safety and rider convenience.

MODULAR MOTORCYCLE HELMET CAUTIONS

It should be emphasized that modular helmets are designed to be worn in the “closed” position while riding. Stated another way, a modular helmet is not designed as a substitute for an Open Face helmet.

In fact, if the modular helmet were left open while riding, it could be argued that this helmet would reduce rider safety.

If the helmet were left open while riding, the chin bar section which protrudes higher above the rider’s forehead, would act like its own sail, directing wind pressure against the helmet and putting stress on the rider’s neck.

Further, if the rider were to crash with the helmet open, not only would he/she not have the face protection benefit, but the protruding chin section would increase the risk of rider neck injury due to the additional leveraged pressure exerted om the rider’s neck, if that section were to hit something.

Anyway, the point is that a modular helmet should be worn in the CLOSED position while actually riding.

As a further note regarding biker safety, since modular helmets are a relative newcomer to the motorcycle helmet industry, they have not been subject to the scientific tests and scrutiny as the other well-established helmet categories.

Without such testing, it’s somewhat presumed that the modular helmet (when worn in the “closed” position) offers greater protection than an open face helmet, but may not meet the safety standards of a standard (non modular) full face helmet.

MOTORBIKE HELMET “FUN” STUFF

Eghad! Now you more about motorcycle helmets than you probably every cared to know! The “Fun” stuff about motorcycle helmets includes:

• All the Different Colors
• The Varied Designs
• Various Features, Such as Removable Padding (for cleaning) and Ventilation (for warm weather comfort)

COMPARE ALL MOTORCYCLE HELMETS:

Click for MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

DO YOU HAVE A CHEAP MOTORCYCLE TOOK KIT?

As any motorcycle owner knows, the MOTORCYCLE TOOL KIT that came with their bike is not exceptional. In fact, that’s being kind. The Motorcycle Tool Kits that come with almost every motorbike are VERY cheap. (BMW’s motorcycle tools are at least “better” than the rest).

Now, unlike the BIG tool sets you can buy for an auto enthusiast, a motorcycle tool kit, out of necessity, must be small enough to carry on a bike – otherwise it defeats the purpose of having one if it end up being kept at home.

Most of the commercially available tool sets, specifically made for motorcycles, do an adequate job of providing a good mix of tools. Even so, for a true mechanically inclined biker, whatever tool kit he or she begins with, will likely be amended, which can include adding a few specialty tools for their particular machine.

So, the difficulty for a manufacturer of motorcycle tool sets is to make one small enough to easily carry, but that also includes the necessary tools for conducting roadside maintenance.

METRIC or SAE TOOLS?

From the perspective of buying a motorcycle tool kit as a gift for someone, the most important factor is to buying the correct measurement standard for the tools, which are these:

• A METRIC Tool Kit which uses the metric measuring system which is required for most European and Japanese motorcycles. (This includes wrench sizes expressed in millimeters).
• A Tool Kit using the US MEASURE or SAE Measure (Society of Automotive Engineers), which includes wrench sizes based on inches, such as 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 7/8 inch, 1 inch, etc). This measure is so thoroughly aligned with Harley Davidson, that many motorcycle tool kits that use SAE measurements simply designate themselves as Harley Davidson tool kits.

Of course the next issue is knowing if the intended recipient knows anything about how to use a tool….

COMPARE THESE MOTORCYCLE TOOL KITS:

Click Here For MOTORCYCLE TOOL KITS

BIKE BATTERIES “MAY” LAST 3-5 YEARS

Similar to other relationships in life, the more care and attention you give your battery, the more longevity and enjoyment you can expect from it.

Most motorcycle batteries will last about 3-5 years (max), even when you take very good care of it. But also like other relationships, your battery can definitely lose its zest and cease to perform, well before 3 years.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE: OR NOT?

Now, it is true that the technology for battery relationships has surpassed the technology for romantic type relationships. For example, if you have a “maintenance free” battery, you’re pretty good to go without too much heartache while the battery is still hot.

At least you won’t have to periodically check the electrolyte level of your beloved throughout the year. On the other hand, if you do have a relationship with a more traditional style of battery, it will occasionally need a little more juice. And when the time is right, use only distilled or deionized water. More specifically do NOT fill her up with tap water – which includes other stuff that will not endear your battery to you. It would be like bringing flowers to your wife or girlfriend and failing to notice they were covered with bugs.

A longer-lasting relationship starts right at the beginning. In other words, the most critical time for a battery’s life is dependent upon whether it’s set up correctly when you buy it, either with a brand-new bike, or as a brand-new battery after your last love lost its charge. There is a very specific procedure for establishing that spark in a new battery, and if it’s rushed, as some dealers might be apt to do to get a new bike out the door, well, it’s not too unlike rushing a relationship – you just won’t get as far.

WARM AND COZY ENVIRONMENTS

Regardless of whether you have a maintenance free model or more traditional battery, they both like to be held in warm and cozy environments. Motorcycle batteries don’t like temperatures below 32 degrees; in fact, even new batteries could get quite frigid and break things off, even though your relationship may still be in its early stages. Additionally, even on relatively smooth motorbikes, batteries are subject to considerable vibration, which, although in other relationships may prove beneficial at times, they are never good for your battery. The solution is to keep your battery securely fastened in its proper place to minimize such vibration.

And if you are not going to be riding your bike in the winter, remove the battery and bring it inside.

Note: Even if you think you are proactively working to ensure the longevity of your relationship, realize that, like some women, batteries can be finicky. Just bringing your battery out of the cold isn’t quite enough. For example, do not store your beloved on metal or concrete. Your battery should reside on a wooden or other non-conductive surface; otherwise, it will discharge in time.

BATTERY CHARGERS AND TENDERS

Of course, you still need to show even more affection by placing a charger on your battery. A battery that is fully charged will have a longer life and is less likely to freeze, even when it might be outside in the cold.

So, whether your battery was love at first sight, or merely a relationship of convenience, with a little bit of care and attention, your battery will love you much longer.

COMPARE MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS:

Click For BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

IS ANY “ONE” PIECE OF GEAR MORE IMPORTANT?

Stated differently, if you were going to ride a motorcycle naked, except for one selection of motorcycle protective gear, which would it be?

Well, if we presume it’s warm and dry enough to ride a motorcycle naked in the first place, we really can isolate which is the most vital piece of gear:

Motorcycle Boots. Surprised?

ALTHOUGH “ALL” PROTECTIVE GEAR IS IMPORTANT…

Certainly motorcycle jackets offer the broadest area of protection.  Helmets are broadly known for their ability to save lives, as well as the controversy about whether one should be forced to wear one or not.  Good biker gloves are immensely practical in their immediate connection to controlling the motorbike.  Adequate leg protection, in the form of motorcycle pants and/or chaps, are certainly on this short list of most-needed items for biker protection.  And for many motorcyclists, who are more adventurous than the “Sunny Weekend Rider,” good rain gear is almost as important as one’s motorcycle choice.

All the aforementioned selections of riders’ protective gear have an important role in keeping us safer and enjoying the unique and incomparable experience that motorcycle riding has to offer (on and off the road) for years to come.

THE “ONE” ITEM THAT WOULD HELP YOU THE MOST IF YOU WERE A NAKED RIDER

But when you isolate just ONE piece of gear, particularly if you were riding with nothing else, good boots are the most elemental.  Presuming you didn’t crash while reflecting the pleasant day ambiance against all your natural and personal glory while riding sans any apparel, you will need to put at least one foot down whenever you stop, particularly if you get pulled over by a peace officer who may question your choice of protective gear.

In other words, hypothetically, you could get on a bike, go for a ride, and without any untoward mishaps, have no contact with anything potentially discomforting – other than the ground.  Although this naked riding example is a bit extreme, consider that your feet and ankles are the most exposed parts of your body when it comes to routine and potential risks, such as rocks, branches, curbs that are too close, or even the necessity to re-assert your footing very quickly when you are stopped and inadvertently slip on some loose sand or road oil.  And if you are an aggressive rider you may occasionally experience your boots brushing the pavement in a high-lean-angle turn.  (That would be unfriendly with a naked foot).

SHOES ARE “NOT” BOOTS

And speaking of ankles, it’s worth emphasizing that good shoes are NOT a substitute for good motorcycle boots.  If your ankles are not protected, those critical little junctures of your body are liable to getting twisted, mangled or otherwise broken, even in a minor motorcycle mishap, where you might have otherwise only suffered very minor or no injuries, had you been wearing boots.  (NOTE: “minor” or “no” injuries would be an unlikely end result of a naked-riding motorcycle mishap).

GOOD MOTORCYCLE BOOTS ARE A VITAL PART OF MOTORBIKE SAFETY

There’s certainly more to know about good riding boots, but the point of this naked riding analogy is to highlight the importance that good motorcycle boots provide as part of your safe riding experience.  (By the way, riding a motorcycle naked, even with good boots, is probably not the most sensible thing you could be accused of doing as a biker).

Safe riding!

COMPARE MOTORCYCLE BOOTS:

Click for MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

WHAT MAKES A MOTORCYCLE WARDROBE?

For some women, one of the best things about the world of motorcycling is a new wardrobe.

Women make up the fastest growing sector for the motorcycle industry. Manufacturers of street and off-road motorcycle apparel have grown just as fast in recent years to serve that expanding market of “what women want” that will go along with their motorcycle passion.

For old-time riders like myself, it’s amazing to see the tremendous selection of motorcycle gear in general, not even including the biker apparel targeted specifically for women. But it seems the choices for women are bound to surpass what is already an abundant selection available to men.

♥ MOTORCYCLE HELMETS FOR WOMEN

♥ SHIRTS FOR WOMEN MOTORCYCLISTS

♥ WOMEN JERSEYS FOR OFF-ROAD RIDING

♥ WOMEN BIKER JACKETS

♥ GLOVES FOR WOMEN MOTORBIKE RIDERS

♥ MOTORCYCLE PANTS FOR WOMEN

♥ WOMEN’S BIKER BOOTS

♥ BIKER JEWELRY

It makes sense that there would be different sizes and cuts specifically for women. But it’s the tremendous increase in colors and styles – for women only – that have really leveraged what motorcycle gear makers can provide. Although “pink” is a prominent color (Pink helmets. Pink leather. Pink gloves, pink boots, etc.), women’s motorcycle apparel is far richer than any one color.

How about high-heeled biker boots? I don’t recall noticing them a number of years ago, but they are available now!

What women motorcycle riders want is CHOICE. Although the selection possibilities for women motorcycle riders has never been as high as right now, my bet is that the trend will continue for motorbike apparel makers to provide more and more and more of what women motorcycle bikers really want.

COMPARE WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLE GEAR:

Click For WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLE GEAR