Adventure Harley-Davidson: April is Check Your Helmet Month

It is time to check your Helmet. Do you know how to check yours?

Harley-Davidson® lets us know the following technical info:

A helmet is designed for only ONE impact. If a helmet is dropped or suffers any impact, it should be replaced immediately. Any impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner. This damage may not be visible and could compromise the helmets ability to perform.

Helmet materials can break down over time as well as from hair, sweat, cosmetics and the sun’s UV rays.

It’s recommended that helmet be replaced at least every 3-5 years.

A motorcycle helmet is not a novelty. Your helmet is a serious piece of safety gear, and should be carefully selected. While Harley-Davidson helmets are great looking, their primary concern is the protection they provide riders. Whether you’ve always worn a helmet or wearing one is new to you, here are some basics you need to know in
order to optimize your safety and comfort on the road.
All helmets have four major components: a rigid outer shell, an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) impact-absorbing liner, padding for fit and comfort, and a retention system. All Harley-Davidson helmets meet DOT requirements, and some are SNELL approved.

Half Helmets They’re small, light and cool in hot weather. Because they cover the least amount of head area, they offer basic protection.

Three-Quarter Helmets A step up in coverage, providing more protection for the sides of the head. Warmer to wear than a half helmet, however most are equipped with venting systems for added comfort. Some three-quarter helmets come equipped with a face shield or snap-on visor.

Full-Face Helmets Full coverage of head and face, for optimal protection. Equipped with a flip-up face shield. Warm in the winter and, with a flow-through ventilation system, comfortable in warm weather, too.

Modular Helmets A combination of the benefits of full-face and three-quarter helmets. Flip up the face/chin module for ease in taking on and off and for full face exposure. Always ride with the module in the closed position.

Hints on How to Fit A Helmet

Position a standard tape measure approximately one inch above your eyebrows. The tape measure will indicate the size of helmet you should start with. If your measurement falls between two sizes, try the larger size first. Place helmet on head and fasten the chin straps securely so that there is no space between your brow-line and the inner lining.

To test the fit and the retention system, move your head from side to side and front to back. You should feel the skin on your head move with the helmet. The helmet should fit as tightly as you can comfortably wear it, because the helmet's inner liner will compress with use.

With the chin strap securely fastened, you should not be able to roll the helmet forward, off your head. If you can, the helmet is too large. You should try on the next smaller size.

Wear the helmet for at least fifteen consecutive minutes prior to purchase, to ensure that there are no uncomfortable pressure points. If you do experience uncomfortable pressure points, try on a helmet that is one size larger.

If you typically wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, bring them along to ensure that they will fit without causing pressure points at your ears and the bridge of your nose.

Once you have found a proper fitting helmet, remember to check your range of vision to the left, to the right, up and down, to insure that no part of the helmet obstructs your field of vision.

Helmet Tips to get the most life out of your helmet.

Never expose a helmet to chemicals or excessive heat. These may degrade the protective properties, even if damage is not visible. Never hang a helmet on a motorcycle's mirror, turn signal or sissy bar. The EPS impact-absorbing liner can be easily damaged. Before riding, make sure chin straps are tightened properly and not frayed, make sure visor screws and face shield are tightly affixed. If a helmet is dropped or suffers any impact, it should be replaced immediately. Impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner, and the damage may not be visible. Over time, a helmet’s protective impact liner compacts with use, leading to improper fit. In addition, glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and hair oils, sweat, cosmetics – even the sun’s UV rays can add to helmet deterioration. Helmet manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend replacing your helmet every 3 to 5 years, depending on use, to ensure optimal helmet performance.
Use a mild soap and water to wash the outer shell and clean the shield with warm water and a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as possible after dirt accumulates. Hand wash the internal liners with mild soap and allow to air dry. Use compressed air to clear helmet air vents and channels. DON'T use solvents or chemicals to clean any part of the helmet or shield, as they can destroy protective coatings and compromise the structural integrity of the helmet. DON'T use a dry cloth to clean debris from a face shield or you might scratch the shield.

Components of a Helmet

While it may seem like there are as many helmets to choose from, all helmets have four major components: a rigid outer shell, an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) impact-absorbing liner, padding for fit and comfort, and a retention system. All Harley-Davidson® helmets meet DOT requirements, and some are SNELL approved.
Rigid Outer Shell:
Distributes the force of an impact while resisting penetration.
EPS Impact-Absorbing Liner
The foam liner crushes to absorb the energy of an impact.
Comfort Padding
Along with the retention system, helps keep the helmet in place and aides in proper fit.
Retention System
Should be snug, yet comfortable. Always fasten while riding.