Getting A motorcycle helmet that is DOT approved &
Choosing a Model.
I doubt the first motorcycle helmet that came out which
was invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885 was dot approved. Well back in his day
a bike was not capable of the speeds that today's bikes are. So there was likely
not a need for helmets that were approved for a high impact crash. the
department of transportation which is what DOT stands for did not start
approving helmets until 1974 by introducing a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard for motorcycle helmets. When you buy motorcycle helmets for yourself or
for a biker you know make sure that the helmet has been DOT approved. What this
means is basically that the manufacturer of the helmet has submitted their
product for testing and approval with the Department of transportations. Once
the motorcycle helmet bears the mark DOT Approved you can rest assured that it
meets the standards for safety as set forth by the department of transportation.
Snell is another entity that can approve a motorcycle helmet for safety, however
they are not an official government agency and therefore do not carry the weight
that dot has. So next time you buy helmets make sure its dot helmet.
DOT
motorcycle helmetscome in thousands of variations and are made by many
manufacturers, so choosing one that fits your personality and riding style
should be quite easy. Helmets come in some basic styles. You have full face,
half face, skull caps or beanies and flip up which are also called modular
motorcycle helmets. Each have some advantages and disadvantages. For example the
full face helmet is most popular with your sport bike riders however some guys
that ride a cruiser will also wear these, however the cruiser crowd tends to
lean towards half face of beanie type skull caps also affectionately called
brain buckets.
The Full face helmet probably offers the greatest protection as
well as most of these helmets come with a face shield which makes it un
necessary to wear goggles. the first time you get caught in the rain wearing one
of these you will be thankful you have it on. Also most of your full face models
allow you to change out the face shield so you can get a tinted one for day time
riding and a clear one for nights. This is really nice especially when your riding
straight in to the sun.
Half face motor cycle helmets are more popular with the cruiser
and chopper crowd because they allow you to get that wind in your face type
feeling which the full face does not allow. generally a half face will require
you to get some goggles or some sort of eye protection, however their are some
models that have a built in flip up face shield.
Now the Beanie or skull cap type of helmet is especially
popular with your custom chopper and cruiser crowd. I think this is mainly
because they are just more suited too their bikes when it comes to looks. Even a
DOT skull cap or beanie isn't going to give you the protection that a full face
helmet will. However I know it looks kind of goofy to be on an outlaw looking
chopper in a full face motor cycle helmet, that is why most of these riders
prefer a beanie or skull cap.
Whatever type of helmet you prefer just remember it is important
to at least wear some sort of helmet when you are out tearing up the streets.
Also most states have helmet laws which require you to wear some sort of helmet
or you get a hefty ticket.
For more information on helmets visit our online parts and
accessories catalog.
This article was published on Monday 01 September, 2008.
