Buying a Motorcycle Helmet
Protecting your noggin' is the highest priority when riding a motorcycle. After all, you won't have an airbag to give you a cushion if you end up in a crash. With so many styles of motorcycle helmet on the market, how is one supposed to choose? The answer is comfort, fit, style, and performance are all considerations you should take into account, but at the end of the day, you'll just need to try on a bunch of helmets! At Cycles Of Jacksonville, we want our customers to stay safe by finding the perfect helmet, which is why we designed this brief guide. Read on to learn about how you can choose the ideal helmet for your needs. If you live near St. Augustine or Orlando and are in the market for a new bike, stop by our Jacksonville showroom and dealership.
Style
Choosing the right style of motorcycle helmet is crucial. Style doesn't mean stylish, but rather, designed with the features needed for the type of riding you enjoy. Riders in cool weather might prefer a full faced helmet that shields the rider from the rain and keeps the head warm. On the other hand, warm climate riders might prefer a half helmet which gives more breathability and reduces perspiration. If you have a dual sport or a street legal dirt bike, a motocross-style helmet can be a comfortable, lightweight alternative to bulkier street model helmets. Whatever type of helmet you choose, you'll want to make sure you take into account whether it should be worn with goggles, sunglasses, or a face shield.
Fit and Comfort
No matter what type of helmet you end up with, it better fit correctly. Poorly fitted helmets can slide around and fall off when you need them most, which changes them from being a crucial safety device to just another piece of debris on the road. A helmet shouldn't pinch in or feel overly tight in any given place. Instead, your helmet should offer an even, snug fit around your entire head. If the helmet is too loose, you'll be able to push it around your head easily. The ideal fit is as close the entire head as possible with the least amount of movement, without being actively uncomfortable. Putting on helmets can be somewhat uncomfortable, especially for those with more prominent ears. But it shouldn't cause noticeable pain. The strap should secure snugly under the chin and shouldn't dig or cut at the skin of the neck.
Crash Test Rating
You might be inclined to think all helmet will perform basically the same in a crash as long as they fit right. It turns out that helmets can vary greatly in their performance during a crash and certain institutions have been created to test how tough helmets truly are. One of the most common certifications a helmet can receive is DOT. The acronym DOT stands for Department of Transportation and refers to the government body that regulates helmet standards. A DOT certification is a good sign that the helmet can safely absorb energy, won't get punctured or cracked, and will perform well in most on-road crash scenarios. Snell is another common certification, and as an independent testing agency, their sticker has become one of the most trusted signifiers of a helmet's quality.
Road Performance
Everything becomes very clear when you take a helmet for a ride. If the fit is a little bit off, you'll start to feel it with headaches or chafing. If the style is wrong, you might get have to battle against sweat and perspiration. You might also realize that the helmet limits your ability to see the road. When you trust your safety to a helmet, you'll quickly realize whether or not you've chosen the right one.
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, it's irresponsible to simply guess or by the first helmet that looks cool. Make sure to try on a number of different helmets in different style from different manufacturers. The upside is that if you put in the work, you can be confident that you've found the perfect helmet for your needs. If you want to make sure bike is safe and in proper working order, bring it into Cycles Of Jacksonville. We'll take a look and make sure everything is ready for the road. If you live in the St. Augustine or Orlando area, stop by our Jacksonville location today!