Two Tips For Buying Your First Motorcycle Helmet
Posted on: 29 October 2015
The first thing you should do after you buy your first motorcycle from a dealer like Canyon Honda is to buy your first helmet. All but two states have some kind of helmet law. Aside from the legal reasons, the best reason that you should wear a helmet is that wearing a helmet can save you from serious injury or death. But what should you look for when you are buying your first helmet?
DOT Certification
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regularly tests brands and models of motorcycle helmets and certifies those that meet their rigorous standards. There are several things that those tests are looking for. One of those things is how well the helmet absorbs the energy that is generated during an impact. That energy is generally absorbed by some kind of foam inside the hard shell of the helmet. The helmet's shell will help to disperse the impact along the shell, while the foam inside absorbs the energy, keeping it from being transferred to your head and then to your brain.
Fit
Not all helmets will fit all heads the same way. If the helmet doesn't fit you correctly, it won't work right. For example, a helmet that is too loose will let the helmet slide from where it should be, and negate the protection you should be getting. The way it should fit depends on what kind of helmet you want to get. A full face helmet should fit snugly around your cheeks and jaw. Whether or not you go a full face helmet, the helmet should fit snugly, but comfortably, on the top and sides of your head as well. You want the helmet to be comfortable, if it feels uncomfortably tight, the fit is wrong. The best way to test if you have the fit of the helmet right is to shake and nod your head while it is strapped on. If the helmet moves at all, then the fit is wrong. One thing to check before you try another helmet is whether or not the strap is snug. If the strap is tight and the helmet still moves, you need to try on a new helmet.
Buying your first motorcycle is very exciting. You can't wait to get out there and try it. But you want to make sure that you are as safe as possible when you are out riding, and having a good helmet is one way to do that.
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