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Motorcycle
Helmets
Motorcycle Helmets – A Brief Overview
It took a much longer time than one might expect
after the invention of the motorcycle in 1885 for people
to recognize the need for the motorcycle helmet.
Of
course, the earliest motorcycles were incapable of the
speeds we see in the “hogs” and “crotch-rockets” of
today, so the earliest motorcycle riders didn’t have
much need for any sort of protective headwear.
From the
1930’s through the 1950’s, however, two American
motorcycle builders – Harley-Davidson and Indian – were
in direct competition to create the fastest and most
impressive motorcycles available. As the bikes became
more powerful and faster, the number of
motorcycle-related casualties increased. The need for
protective clothing and headwear became apparent.
In 1953 a professor at the University of Southern
California (USC), C.F. “Red” Lombard invented and
patented the first commercial motorcycle helmet.
Lombard’s creation sparked US manufacturers to start
mass-producing helmets intended for motorcycle riders.
The beginnings of the modern motorcycle helmet were
underway.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Today there are three main types of motorcycle helmets
made and sold in the US and other countries. These
include the full face helmet, the ¾ helmet, and the ½
helmet. Each provides various degrees of coverage and
protection. The helmets of today are constructed of
Kevlar (the same material that is used in military
helmets, body armor, and bullet-proof vests), various
plastics, or carbon fiber.
A full face helmet, as its name would imply, covers the
rider’s entire skull. It curves under slightly at the
base of the skull to provide protect the base of the
skull and has a protective section fro the front of the
chin. The front is open, allowing for visibility, but
usually includes a clear or tinted plastic face shield.
On most full face helmets the face shield can swivel
upwards or be removed.
The ¾ helmet offers less protection than the full face
helmet, but is often favored because it is usually more
comfortable. It also protects the base of the skull, but
does not include protection for the chin. A ¾ helmet may
have a visor to protect the rider’s eyes from sunlight
or oncoming headlights, but usually has very little
protection for the face. This can be important, even
during normal riding (without an accident or crash), as
insects, dust and debris, and wind can pose a problem
for a rider without eye or face protection. Riders using
¾ helmets will often use wrap-around sunglasses to
protect their eyes and a scarf or bandanna over the
mouth and nose.
The ½ helmet offers the least protection of all three
styles. It has the same frontal design as the ¾ helmet,
but a raised rear, offering no protection to the base of
the skull. The ½ helmet, in most cases, provides the
bare minimum of protection required by most US helmet
laws.
Motorcycle Helmet Construction
Motorcycle helmets are designed with the intent that
they will break upon a strong enough impact. This is a
good thing for the rider, because it will allow the
inertia of the crash to expand outward – rather than
letting the rider’s skull take the remaining force
which, obviously, would be a bad thing for the rider.
The motorcycle helmet offers two “layers” of protection.
The outer shell of the helmet is constructed of the
plastic, Kevlar, or carbon fiber mentioned above. The
inner layer of the helmet consists of a lining made of
expanded polystyrene or polypropylene foam. The outer
shell is designed to prevent the helmet being punctured
by sharp objects (some helmets can deflect bullets)
which could cause serious injury in a crash.
The inner
lining allows for some “play” between the outer shell of
the helmet and the rider’s skull. Think of the inner
lining as something of a “shock absorber.” Without it,
the outer portion of the helmet would offer little
protection from the effects that the laws of physics
have on a body in motion suddenly meeting an immovable
object.
When the rider’s head meets with the pavement, a
vehicle, or some other object (walls, trees, etc), the
inner layer acts as a cushion, helping to decelerate the
cranium so it does not take the full impact of the
collision.
It’s an imperfect system, since the lining
can only be so thick and the thickness needed depends
upon a number of factors during the crash. Too little
cushion and the skull will take a big percentage of the
impact. If there’s too much, however, the skull can be
damaged inside the helmet itself. In both cases,
however, the end result is preferable by far to the
outcome if the rider had no helmet at all.
Related Articles
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To most riders, motorcycle helmets do not fit into their dream accessory.
But it is important to know why you need to wear a helmet while riding a bike
and what it does for you.
Arai Classic Helmet Design
Arai is a company that knows a thing or two about
designing motorcycle helmets and the Arai classic helmet
design is as alive and well today as it ever has been.
Buying A Beanie Motorcycle Helmet On Ebay
If you are looking for a beanie motorcycle helmet,
you may want to consider looking on Ebay. This is
especially true if you are looking for one that of an
older model.
BMW Motorcycle Helmets
One of the newest innovations included with this year’s BMW motorcycle
helmets is the new Bluetooth wireless system which was just announced earlier
this year at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Cool Scootergirl Helmets
When looking for a women’s motorcycle helmet, be sure to
consider one from Scootergirl. This company is one that
really knows what a woman needs both in safety and in
style.
Selling Your Used Motorcycle Helmet
Anyone who is looking to sell their used motorcycle helmet, must be aware of
the places you can list a classified ad to help your chances of having it sold.
Take Care Of
Your Helmet: Guide To Care
Taking care of your helmet will not only ensure that
you are getting the safety protection you need, but it
will also help you keep your expensive investment
looking and feeling new for years.
What’s The Buzz
With The Suomy Flower Helmet?
Back in the 70s, motorcycle helmets actually came
decorated with daisies when flower power reigned
supreme. Now flower power is back in a big way with the
Suomy flower helmet.
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