Helmets for Riding Motorcycles
Anytime you hop aboard your motorcycle, you should be wearing a helmet. Helmets protect your head in the event of a collision. Even the most skilled riders can still hit a hidden pothole, a spot of black ice, or be hit by an inattentive driver. A helmet serves as a safeguard in a safety situation. We created a guide to finding the right helmet below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit America’s Motorsports Nashville. You will find us in Nashville, Tennessee.
Types of Helmets
Everyone who rides bikes needs to wear some type of helmet. The specific kind depends on your skill level, the type of riding you gravitate towards, and the amount of protection you are seeking. Once you pick your preferred type, you can start looking at helmets within that category.
Half helmets offer the lowest amount of protection. Without any cover for the face or jawline, it leaves you exposed. People who ride cruiser and chopper bikes tend to like this style as it is more stylish looking. Only the most experienced riders should consider this option.
Open face helmets cover your years and part of your jaw. They offer the middle amount of protection, making them safer than half helmets. Sometimes, they come with a visor to protect your eyes from wind and rain.
Full-face helmets provide the best amount of protection. They cover the most of your face and head. They often come with improved padding for better comfort. They can be heavier and less breathable, which can be an inconvenience on hot days. But they are the safest helmet option out there.
Crash Test Ratings
As you shop for helmets made for riding motorcycles, you may notice crash test ratings on the packaging. These measure how helmets perform in a mock crash scenario to hopefully give the consumer some guidance on the coverage they can expect in a crash. Two types of organizations conduct these tests: government agencies (like the Department of Transportation) and non-profits (like Snell, which was founded after sports car racer Pete Snell died from head injuries).
These tests cover numerous things including:
- Impact (how the helmet absorbs the shock)
- Penetration (how the helmet stands against hitting sharp objects)
- Retention (how well the chin strap stays closed without popping open)
- Peripheral vision (how much you can see on each side)
Make sure you check for crash test ratings. There are too many solid helmets on the market that have undergone these tests to justify buying a helmet without these ratings.
Fit and Comfort
The most important aspect of a helmet is its fit. When the helmet is too loose, it won’t provide as good of protection in a crash. When the helmet is too tight, it becomes uncomfortable to wear (and can even cause headaches). The ideal helmet is slightly snug without too much pressure. It should never be loose!
Sizing charts can help give you direction on what size can fit you. You will want to take into account your head shape as well as your head size. Charts online can help you determine these.
Once you got a few possible options, you can run a few tests. Move your head from side to side. If it wiggles or wobbles, put it back. Roll your head forward. It should not be able to slide off. Wear it for several minutes. If you notice any soreness or redness, it won’t be comfortable on long rides.
Wearing a helmet is just part of riding bikes safely. Your motorcycle also needs to be operating smoothly. Get all your parts replacements and service done with America’s Motorsports Nashville. We also provide a large selection of new and used motorcycles to choose from. We proudly serve those in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Columbia, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Let our friendly staff help you find what you need!
