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Mind your head
ABOUT this time of year many riders are getting back on the road and thinking of buying a new helmet.
So I hope this timely piece of advice from Harley-Davidson on purchasing and looking after helmets will be of some benefit.
But first I'll add a thought of my own.
Never buy a secondhand helmet.
You don't know what has happened to a used lid and it could already have had its entire safety quotient used up by the previous owner - you really do only get one head (complete with contents) and it isn't worth the savings or gamble.
April has been named Check your Helmet Month' by Harley-Davidson to reinforce the importance of a vital concern affecting all motorcyclists.
H-D Motorclothes' specialists, at dealerships throughout the UK, are advising customers on how to look after their safety helmet and talking about steps that can be taken to maximise its lifespan.
Just look at the care with which professional racers treat theirs.
Helmet materials can break down over time as a result of oil from hair, sweat, cosmetics and the sun's UV rays all contributing to deterioration.
Chemicals and excessive heat can affect the performance of a helmet's protective properties, even if the damage is not visible to the naked eye.
Helmet manufacturers and the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) - an organisation set up to provide a high quality standard of safety for helmets - recommend replacing a helmet every three to five years or immediately if it is dropped or impact occurs.
Fractures on the outer shell or compression in the EPS impact-absorbing liner can severely reduce the effectiveness of the helmet's performance.
When purchasing a Harley-Davidson or Buell helmet, customers should seek assistance from a Motorclothes specialist.
But even if you are not an H-D rider or looking at helmets in one of their dealerships, this is still good advice for all.
n When trying on a helmet there should be no space between the brow-line and the inner lining.
n The skin on the forehead should move slightly with the helmet and the product should not be able to roll forward and off the head.
n If the helmet can be removed while the chin strap is fastened, then a smaller size is (obviously) required.
Motorcyclists are advised to:
n never set a helmet on the seat of a bike while it is running or leave it hanging from a mirror, turn signal or sissy bar, as it may fall off before riding
n check the chin strap is not frayed
n check the visor screws are tight
n check the face shield is tightly affixed.
When cleaning a helmet, motorcyclists are advised to:
n use only mild soap and warm water to wash the outer shell
n clean the face shield with warm water and a soft lint-free cloth
n hand wash the internal liners with mild soap and water, and allow to air dry
n use compressed air to clean helmet air vents and channels
n avoid using solvents and chemicals to clean any part of the helmet.
A final thought from me.
I'm not trying to sound wise, clever or state the obvious but badly scratched visors will star' at night from oncoming headlights and even street lighting. Buying a new visor is better than failing to see another vehicle.
3:17pm Tuesday 29th April 2008
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