KEY POINTS:
Readers will be well aware that I'm a stickler for fitting the correct tyres to your car to maximise the chances of it staying on the road. Your $100,000-plus sports might handle like the vehicle it is but, if fitted with the wrong tyres, will drive like an East German Trabant.
Not only does the same philosophy work for the relationship between a motorcycle and its tyres, but also for the rider and his or her choice of helmet. After more than 30 years of riding and racing motorcycles, I have been unfortunate to witness what happens when a head comes into contact with an immovable object.
There's no such thing as the best helmet. There are too many variables to make such a bold statement, as factors to be considered are head size, fitting, safety certificates, weight, noise and so on.
You've only got one head and the idea is to protect it in the best possible way, so it's not a clever idea to spend tens of thousands on a bike but only a couple of dollars on a helmet. Spend as much as you possible can on a helmet with the best safety rating.
For those struggling with this concept, just think about what it would be like to dive head-first into an empty swimming pool wearing nothing but a water polo cap on your head.
For the moment, ignore size and colour - shape is the important factor and the only way to get the right internal helmet shape for your head is to try as many as possible.
Helmets are expensive and, if you can only own one, it should be the highest quality, best-fitting helmet you can find.
Safety is the primary reason for wearing a motorcycle helmet but one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new helmet is comfort. A helmet that feels great in the shop may turn out to be a complete pain after a couple of hours, so look to a dealer who knows how a helmet should fit and can talk you through the fitting process.
Comfort is influenced by several factors and chief among them is the internal lining which should feel comfortable against the skin. The internal padding and liner should be the same shape as your head without any bumps or lumps that will eventually rub against your scalp causing pain and headaches.
The chin strap should be a comfortable fit that doesn't feel as if it's strangling you and be smooth enough to avoid rashes. There should be room for a little movement and your chin should touch the inside of the bar. Air vents will allow you to keep your head at a comfortable temperature; not too hot and not too cold.
No standard for vent shapes exists and the most common air flow methods used are variations on chin bar vents, top vents and exhaust vents in the back of the helmet.
Unfortunately, the efficacy of a helmet's venting system can only be judged during a ride. Some features to consider include simple opening and closing mechanisms that can be easily and smoothly operated with gloved hands and that positively shut off air flow, and direct paths for the air to flow on to the rider's face or head.
The visor has to rise enough to allow you to see without your vision being impaired and, when closed, fit snugly into the helmet to avoid wind noise at speed.
Helmet colours are a personal choice but remember that the ability to be seen in traffic is one of the most important safety issues to consider. A rider's helmet is usually the highest point on the motorcycle, so a bright colour that is visible to traffic has the potential of going a long way towards increasing visibility.
Look after your helmet well as in an accident it'll be your best friend. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your helmet. Use only the mildest soap recommended. Avoid any petroleum-based cleaning fluids, especially if you own a polycarbonate helmet. Exposure to strong cleaning agents can cause the helmet to decompose and lose protective value. Definitely read the instructions about painting, decorating, pin striping or applying decals to your helmet.
Keep your helmet's face shield clean. Normally, mild soap and water with a soft cloth will do the job. If it gets scratched, replace it. A scratched face shield can be difficult to see through, especially at night.
Don't drop your helmet on to hard surfaces or place it top down, always lie it flat on its opening.
Never hang your helmet on the motorcycle's mirrors, turn signals or backrest. In fact, avoid carrying a spare helmet on your motorcycle, unless it's well protected or on your passenger's head. Even the bumps and jarring from normal riding can damage a spare.
Replace your helmet if it has been involved in a crash; it probably absorbed some impact shock. If you drop your helmet and think it might be damaged replace it.
Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every two to four years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it sooner.
When it comes to safety certificates, there are three main players DOT, Snell and ECE 22.05.
To get a DOT sticker on the back of a helmet, the manufacturer must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) known as FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218). Helmets that do not meet the minimal DOT certification standards may not be sold as motorcycle helmets in the United States.
The Snell Memorial Foundation is an additional certification source that provides testing and "Snell" certification to a different standard than FMVSS 218. This doesn't replace DOT certification and is a voluntary standard. All motorcycle helmets sold in the US must be DOT certified but are not required to be Snell certified. A helmet that carries DOT and Snell certification may have gone through different testing schemes but may not necessarily be superior to those with only DOT certification, although many motorcyclists look for both.
One more certification that you may also come across is the British Standards Institute (BSI) standard BSI 6658:1985. This classification may be superseded by ECE 22.05.
* Additional information WebBikeWorld.
