When riding, among your most essential riding gear is your helmet, and without a proper fit, your helmet can be more of a hindrance than a help. If it’s too tight, it will create pressure on your on your temples and all around your head, causing a headache and an extremely uncomfortable ride. If it’s too big, it’s not only going to create a hazard for you, but you will likely have air between the helmet and your head causing the helmet to feel like a parachute which will give you sever neck pain and a choking sensation.
First, you must decide which style of helmet you prefer. Harley manufactures helmets in three basic styles: full-face, modular, ¾, and half. Each style has particular advantages and benefits.
- For instance, the full-face helmet is the warmest of the four types of helmets, and is naturally going to offer the most comprehensive protection to your entire head, face, and chin. In addition to a flip-up face shield, full-face helmets will typically offer more features such as venting and the necessary compartments for CB and intercom devices.
- ¾ helmets are the next type of helmet produced by Harley. They will often offer many of the same features such as CB and intercom device compartments, but the coverage does not extend to the chin area for riders who prefer not to feel restricted at the bottom of their faces. The anti-fog face shield on Harley’s ¾ helmet lifts, and riders can choose whether they wear protective eyewear in addition to the face shield.
- Modular helmets combine the benefits of full-face and ¾ helmets. Modular helmets offer full-face coverage but has a chin/face modular, which flips up for ease in taking the helmet on and off.
- The final type of helmet is the least restrictive—the half helmet. Although it is the least restrictive, all Harley helmets are DOT approved. Lightweight and cool, Harley helmets come in a variety of styles and colors and can be matched with a variety of accessories such as face shields, CB and intercom components, and even quick-release chin straps.
After you have determined which style of helmet is ideal for you, you should measure your head. Using a standard tape measure, start about an inch above your eyebrows and measure the circumference of your head. This measurement should be compared to the helmet size chart found on each helmet page on our website: http://www.adventureharley.com/Content/uploads/634148698593423E17.pdf
Step three is try on the helmet, being sure to adjust the chin strap so that it fits snugly under the chin and there is no space between the brow line and the lining of the helmet. At this point roll and shake the helmet. The helmet should not be able to move forward or to sideways on your head. Your skin should be moving with the helmet. However, be sure that it is not causing discomfort, because this will lead to headaches and discomfort during riding.
You should also try on your helmet with your eyewear to be sure that your eyewear and helmet in conjunction will not cause any uncomfortable pressure points.
Finally, since all helmets are non-refundable, it is important to know that the helmet that you choose will be comfortable for a long time. Wear the helmet that you are choosing for several minutes in the store to ensure that you will be comfortable while you are riding. You can take advantage of this time to check your range of vision by looking left, right, up and down to ensure that no part of the helmet is obstructing your vision.
If you follow these steps:
1. Choose your style
2. Measure
3. Try it on
4. Wear it
you will be much more likely to choose a helmet that fits you well and keeps you safe and comfortable.
For more information or a personal fitting by one of our trained MotorClothes associates, stop into Adventure Harley-Davidson, just a short ride away off of I-77, Exit 81. Adventure Harley-Davidson. Your Adventure starts here.
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