A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of motorcycle gear or apparel you can own when you ride motorcycles, Motocross or dirt bikes. It's the piece of gear most likely to save your life in the event of a crash or accident, so you don't want to skimp on the price, but at the same time, we are in a recession here, and it's always nice to save a few bucks when you can. Read on to learn how to buy the best motorcycle helmet at the best price.
If you are buying a motorcycle helmet for the first time, it's always a good idea to do extensive research before you buy anything. Even experienced riders who are replacing their old one should do research because manufacturers are always coming out with new and improved technology and safety features.
Safety Certifications
When looking for a new helmet, it's easy to pick one out based on style or price, but safety isn't so easy to determine just by appearance. You should always ensure that the model you are interested in is D.O.T. or Snell certified for the ultimate in safety features. To pass the D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) standard, the helmet must demonstrate the ability to prevent most penetration, absorb a significant amount of impact energy, and have a fastening system that will stand up to a considerable amount of force. In addition to meeting the D.O.T. standard, Snell certified models have gone through additional testing to ensure they measure up to the highest safety standards for protective performance time after time.
Fit
Just like a pair of large pants from one store can fit completely differently than a pair of large pants from another store, a large-sized helmet from one brand might fit completely differently that a large from another brand. A helmet should fit snugly enough so that it stays in place when you shake your head up and down, side to side or front to back. If it pulls on too easily without a little resistance from the inner components, it may not fit snugly enough to stay in place and it will be noisy to boot (the inner foam components seal out wind noise). If you've never bought a helmet before, go into a store to try on some models and different brands first before buying online.
Cost
Once you find a style and model that you really like, fits well, looks good and has a D.O.T. sticker, you might realize that it's not the cheapest model out there. One way to cut down on price is to go with a simpler model with few graphics, less superfluous features, or less elaborate venting. Or, if you see a much cheaper model that still fits well and has the D.O.T. sticker you might as well buy that one, the protection will be the same and you're most likely just paying less money because it's a lesser-known brand. If you've looked and looked and can't find anything comparable to the expensive helmet, my suggestion is to just splurge and buy it anyway. After all, this little piece of motorcycle gear could save your life one day. You wouldn't buy a car without seatbelts because it was less money, so why would you compromise on your helmet? Finding the right motorcycle helmet at the right price can be a very time-consuming process, but in the end you'll feel very satisfied with the work and research you've put into it.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Dirt Bike Helmets And Gear
Riding a dirt bike and learning how to do tricks like the pros do is a lot of fun, but the appropriate dirt bike helmets and gear needs to be worn for safety at all times. The gear should include at a minimum a helmet, gloves, no shorts (jeans), and correct foot wear.
Helmets protect the head not only during crashes, but also when riders encounter unexpected low tree limbs. They also protect riders in the event they lose control at the top of a hill causing them to flip the bike backwards.
In finding the dirt bike helmet to provide the best safety protection, the graphic design of the helmet should definitely not be the most important factor in your choice. Although many helmets may be nice to look at, the thing a rider should look for is a stamp on the inside tag of the helmet that says "D.O.T". This stamp indicates that the helmet has passed a standard series of safety tests by the Department Of Transportation.
Another indication that a dirt bike helmet has been safety tested is that it will have "SNELL" on the tag of the helmet. "SNELL" conducts its own series of safety tests to ensure that the helmet can withstand hits.
Besides the indications that a helmet has been approved for safety, it is also important that the helmet fits properly. You should make sure that it is tight and that it does not move around on the head. Loose fitting helmets can move at the moment a rider is in a crash and thereby will not provide the protection needed.
Dirt bike helmets have a broad range of prices such as:
1. Fuel Youth Off Road Dirt Bike Helmet Red Graphic - $94.99
2. Fox Racing Monster Matte Men's V3 Dirt Bike Motorcycle Helmet - $399.00
3. Pink Dirt Bike Off Road ATV Motocross Helmit - $29.95
4. 2011 Urge Dirt-O-Matic Helmet - $39.99
The price is of course an important consideration for your budget--but remember, the most important consideration is safety--so look for the safety approval stamps on the inside tag of the helmet.
Other dirt bike helmets and gear that are available to protect riders are chest protectors, kneepads, shin guards, wrist protectors, leather jackets and pants, bike riding boots, gloves and goggles. Although the object of dirt bike riding is fun and excitement, remember always that safety comes first.
Helmets protect the head not only during crashes, but also when riders encounter unexpected low tree limbs. They also protect riders in the event they lose control at the top of a hill causing them to flip the bike backwards.
In finding the dirt bike helmet to provide the best safety protection, the graphic design of the helmet should definitely not be the most important factor in your choice. Although many helmets may be nice to look at, the thing a rider should look for is a stamp on the inside tag of the helmet that says "D.O.T". This stamp indicates that the helmet has passed a standard series of safety tests by the Department Of Transportation.
Another indication that a dirt bike helmet has been safety tested is that it will have "SNELL" on the tag of the helmet. "SNELL" conducts its own series of safety tests to ensure that the helmet can withstand hits.
Besides the indications that a helmet has been approved for safety, it is also important that the helmet fits properly. You should make sure that it is tight and that it does not move around on the head. Loose fitting helmets can move at the moment a rider is in a crash and thereby will not provide the protection needed.
Dirt bike helmets have a broad range of prices such as:
1. Fuel Youth Off Road Dirt Bike Helmet Red Graphic - $94.99
2. Fox Racing Monster Matte Men's V3 Dirt Bike Motorcycle Helmet - $399.00
3. Pink Dirt Bike Off Road ATV Motocross Helmit - $29.95
4. 2011 Urge Dirt-O-Matic Helmet - $39.99
The price is of course an important consideration for your budget--but remember, the most important consideration is safety--so look for the safety approval stamps on the inside tag of the helmet.
Other dirt bike helmets and gear that are available to protect riders are chest protectors, kneepads, shin guards, wrist protectors, leather jackets and pants, bike riding boots, gloves and goggles. Although the object of dirt bike riding is fun and excitement, remember always that safety comes first.
Safety 101
Safety is one of the prime things to be considered in dirt bike racing. Dirt bikers or even someone considering taking up dirt biking as a hobby or sport have to be aware of it.
Courses on Safety
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of people getting into dirt biking, these days it is even possible to enroll for courses in dirt bike safety. For a new rider who is planning to take up dirt biking, these courses would prove invaluable. For someone who is not well prepared and does not take safety seriously, dirt biking can be quite dangerous simply because not only is your own safety at stake, but you are also putting every other rider around you at risk.
Wear the Necessary Safety Accessories
Dirt bikes can be quite powerful. Imagine leaping several feet into the air and not wearing the proper kind of helmet! If you bike kicks out, you can have an accident that can be near fatal because your head will have little or no protection.
Most experienced riders advise getting the correct kind of equipment. You should make sure that you wear all the essential accessories, such as a helmet, right kind of clothes to protect your upper body, trousers clothing the legs and riding boots to guard the feet and ankles. These have to be padded at the appropriate places. Gears of inferior quality material make you run the risk of serious injury in case of an accident.
Well fitting clothes ensure safety. Loose fitting clothes tend to flap around or get caught in the wheels and the bike's engine parts or may tug at the handlebars. The helmet must sit right on your head so that it does not roll off.
Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
Other than clothing, your bike must be constantly checked to ensure that it is in good condition. All parts must be well oiled and replaced in all weather conditions. A faulty part can make the difference between life and death, especially at high speeds. Brakes, steering and suspension must be in perfect working condition. Dirt biking involves steep drops that can make you crumble on impact.
The bike must be thoroughly tested and checked every time you go out dirt biking or dirt bike racing. A test ride is absolutely mandatory to ensure comfort while riding at high speeds and sudden braking. Experienced bikers instinctively know exactly what to do in special situations.
Courses on Safety
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of people getting into dirt biking, these days it is even possible to enroll for courses in dirt bike safety. For a new rider who is planning to take up dirt biking, these courses would prove invaluable. For someone who is not well prepared and does not take safety seriously, dirt biking can be quite dangerous simply because not only is your own safety at stake, but you are also putting every other rider around you at risk.
Wear the Necessary Safety Accessories
Dirt bikes can be quite powerful. Imagine leaping several feet into the air and not wearing the proper kind of helmet! If you bike kicks out, you can have an accident that can be near fatal because your head will have little or no protection.
Most experienced riders advise getting the correct kind of equipment. You should make sure that you wear all the essential accessories, such as a helmet, right kind of clothes to protect your upper body, trousers clothing the legs and riding boots to guard the feet and ankles. These have to be padded at the appropriate places. Gears of inferior quality material make you run the risk of serious injury in case of an accident.
Well fitting clothes ensure safety. Loose fitting clothes tend to flap around or get caught in the wheels and the bike's engine parts or may tug at the handlebars. The helmet must sit right on your head so that it does not roll off.
Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
Other than clothing, your bike must be constantly checked to ensure that it is in good condition. All parts must be well oiled and replaced in all weather conditions. A faulty part can make the difference between life and death, especially at high speeds. Brakes, steering and suspension must be in perfect working condition. Dirt biking involves steep drops that can make you crumble on impact.
The bike must be thoroughly tested and checked every time you go out dirt biking or dirt bike racing. A test ride is absolutely mandatory to ensure comfort while riding at high speeds and sudden braking. Experienced bikers instinctively know exactly what to do in special situations.
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