New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Lodgin' for your Noggin'

Helmets have come a long way since the 60's and 70's when some of us were starting to ride. The materials used both inside and outside of the helmet, due to technology advances, have made them much better. The new interior Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam liner is one of the main reason your noggin' can withstand the licking and keep on ticking. The exterior materials are much lighter, stronger and even more attractive for the racer boy look if needed.

How old is your helmet?

If your helmet is over 5 years old, it may be time to replace it as the interior foam has broken down to a point that it will not withstand the impact needed in a crash. Time, exposure to chemicals, improper storage and excessive heat reduces the effectiveness of the foam. Take a long hard look at your helmet and decide if it is gone beyond its life expectancy.

Have you ever dropped your helmet?

If you have ever dropped your helmet, the integrity has been compromised. Even a slight drop may be sufficient to cause an exterior hairline crack. This will cause the helmet to be useless if you need it in a real crash situation. It may have crushed the foam interior, which is the main potion of the helmet that protects your head.

Is your helmet DOT or Snell approved?

The DOT and Snell are the two safety standards by which helmets are measured. DO NOT purchase a bargain helmet to save a couple of dollars if they are not DOT or Snell approved. These standards have been established to protect your head, so use your head and get the best helmet you can afford. You may want to pass up some needed chrome, but chrome don't get you home, your head does!

Full face or 3/4 helmet

Some riders feel the full-face helmet is restrictive for peripheral vision. This is for the most part is a fallacy. Your vision will not be restricted and you will have more protection from a full-face helmet. If you were to crash, seldom do you choose a preferred way to skid on the pavement. The Laws of Physics tend to override your preferences. Chances are good that you will skid on your face at some point, and knowing that, you may want a full coverage helmet to protect your face. Unless you plan on a face-lift in the future, the full face may be a better choice.

Function over style

Don't buy a helmet because it looks cool or you always had "one of those in the past". Your helmet should fit snug, but not too tight. When you put it on, move your head from side to side and your face should move with the helmet. Tighten the strap and move your head front to back and make sure it does not move around. The best thing to do is to visit your local dealer and get the proper fit. Then walk around for a while to make sure it feels good after a period of time. Any helmet can feel good short term, you need to wear it for a while to make sure your head is right for that helmet. Most of the better helmets also offer some type of ventilation, which is a benefit in warmer climates, and helps to lessen the fog factor.

Find a high quality helmet that fits your head and your wallet. You may want to skip the racer boy look and get a better quality helmet for the additional money. Don't skip quality and functionality to save a couple of bucks. Your helmet should be one of the most important purchases you make. Shop for your helmet as if your life depends on it, it just may! Take a long look in the mirror and decide if your head deserves the best. If so, then buy the best lodgin' for your noggin' in the event you take a floggin'.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter W Educator