New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Guarding Your Gourd

Since we have more time in the winter to evaluate our riding gear, one of the most important safety items is your helmet. While most of us look for a helmet that we have had in the past, what the color it should be, and does it match our clothing and bike? What we really should focus on are the fit, rating and visibility. Helmets are constantly being upgraded with high tech materials that will make the helmet safer and lighter. The following are considerations to look for on your next helmet.

Need vs. Want

If your helmet is more than five years old it will begin to deteriorate from fumes and heat. If you have dropped it, you may not see cracks, but the helmet integrity has been compromised therefore, not suitable for a crash. Also the expanded polystyrene (the interior) will break down from perspiration, age or heat. Consider the condition of the strap, if it is frayed, it may break if stressed. If any of these sounds familiar, you NEED a new helmet OR did you purchase a new bike and your helmet does not match, you may WANT a new helmet. The choice is yours.

Type

Should you get a ½, ¾, or a full face helmet? This is a personal preference which we feel most comfortable in, however the full face helmet offers the most protection that the other types.

Fit

Get a tape measure and measure your head just above your ears at eyebrow level. Using a centimeter measurement tape will be more accurate. You may want someone to assist you in this measurement; it will be more accurate and easier to do, but not as much fun to watch! Once you measure your head, do it again to make sure you have an accurate measurement. Next, go to a motorcycle shop where you can try the helmet on and find one that fits snug, not tight. You should not have any spots that feel too tight. The best way is to leave it on for several minutes to make sure that it is the correct size and does not cause excessive pressure. Don't assume that IF you wore a XL in the past that you wear the same size now. Different helmets and models will change in sizing. Buying on the internet may save you money in the short run, however, if you order the wrong size and have to send it back, you may have lost money on the deal.

Graphics

The last things to look for are the graphics and how good you are going to look on your bike. Stick with a color that will be highly visible while riding on the road, not standing in the parking lot. Sometimes wild graphics color combinations get lost in the surroundings. Find the correct helmet, THEN look for the correct look.

Safety Rating

Get a helmet that is DOT or Snell rated. This is the means the helmet meets the safety test standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Each organization has rigid procedures for testing each manufacturer and includes the following:

Impact - the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet.

Penetration - the helmet's ability to withstand a blow from a sharp object.

Retention - the chin strap's ability to stay fastened without stretching or breaking.

Peripheral vision - the helmet must provide a minimum side vision of 105 degrees to each side. (Most people's usable peripheral vision is about 90 degrees to each side.) Since 1980, ALL adult-sized helmets for on-highway use must meet DOT standards. Helmet dealers and distributors must ensure that all the helmets they sell have the DOT or Snell rating sticker. If you find a helmet without a sticker, avoid it at all costs, your head deserves more, I hope.

Cost

Get a helmet that fits correctly and is within your price range. Sometimes riders feel that if they pay more, the helmet MUST be better. That may not necessarily be the case. As long as it has a DOT or Snell rating sticker, the helmets are equal in terms of safety. The difference usually is with the type of material (composite thermoplastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar) and how much they weigh. The more expensive the material the lighter the helmet usually is. However, sometimes you are paying for the racer boy look and not the quality of the helmet. If bling is your thing, get ready for a sting!

Purchasing a helmet will not make you a better rider but it will keep you in better condition if you have to take a slide in it. Whatever gourd guard you get, use your head and forget saving bread!

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak