QuestionHello there...I need some help and I came across this and thought I would give it a shot. My question is reguarding "best" kind of motorcycle helmets.My husband just bought a 1999 red kawasaki VN1500 drifter.For our upcoming anniversary this month I want to buy him a new helmet...any ideas? Since I have NO clue! Thanks for ANY feedback you can give me!
AnswerLaure,
This is a tough question since there are many different styles and types of helmets. As a motorcycle safety expert, I can tell you the following:
1. The BEST protection is afforded by a full-face helmet. The chinbar prevent serious facial damage in the event of an accident and in climates where foul weather can be a factor, the full enclosure can protect from wind, rain, bugs, hail, rocks, and with a tinted visor, even sunlight.
2. Some people are claustrophobic or very image conscious and won't wear a full face helmet. If the problem is claustrophobia, look into a 3/4 (or Open-Face) helmet. These look like the full-coverage helmets, but with no chin bar and usually no visor. If the person is image conscious, argue mightily with them to just "get over it" and go with the full-face helmet. If that doesn't work, shop for a 3/4 helmet.
3. The half-shell helmets (CHiPs helmets, Tupperware bowls, brain buckets, and many other derogatory nicknames) should be avoided as they offer next to nothing in the way of protection from the elements or accidents. It may be sufficient if you live in a state with a helmet law, but that's all it's going to offer you. Leave them on the shelf...
4. Both the Department of Transportation and the Snell Memorial Foundation certify motorcycle helmets. The certifications (DOT or SNELLxxxx, where xxxx is the year in which the certification was given. You want the latest possible year, since the requirements get tougher and tougher meaning better and better helmets) are both very stringent and a helmet with either certification is a good one. Some helmets have passed both certifications. Generally, these helmets are no better or worse than those which have only passed one.
5. Good helmets cost money. Inexpensive helmets (<$200) are usually certified but lack certain features relating to convenience and comfort. Helmets between $200 and $350 are typically the best available and offer a wide range of colors, features, and comfort elements, and often have removable liners (for cleaning), easily changeable visors (to go from tinted to clear, for example) and good ventilation systems which actually work. Over $350, and you are probably paying mostly for the paint job or for the signature of a famous racer printed into the artwork. It's unnecessary, unless you like that sort of thing. These prices are rough ideas based on my experience. You might find a great helmet on clearance for under $200, the retail price is what counts.
6. The most famous names in helmets are Arai, Shoei, AGV, Nolan, Bieffe, HJC and Bell. All of them make full-face helmets and most make Open Face helmets, too. There are precious few helmet companies that want to see their names on half-shells. (With the exception of Harley-Davidson, who sell these things like hotcakes in their dealerships)
7. Not everyone's head is the same shape. Some people are "Arai heads" and some are "Shoei heads". The Arai tend to be longer from front to back, and the Shoei are more round. Other makers are either long or round, just like the Big Two. The only REAL way to see if a helmet fits is to visit a shop and test fit them. Most shops have display models of every brand and type they sell. This takes the romance out of the gift, but you'll know you're getting him the right helmet when he picks it out for himself and it's the right size!
8. For starters, check out these websites:
http://www.helmetshop.com
http://www.helmetcity.com
There are lots more, but those two carry almost every brand available right now.
Best of luck and let me know if there are any more questions,
Dirk
