How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Padway]Michael Padway

One thing almost all motorcyclists do is buy a helmet. Interestingly, there is very little information available on what specific features to look for in a motorcycle helmet.

Here are six features you should look for to ensure your helmet offer the highest protection and performance:

1) Safety and Impact Protection

The most important feature for any motorcycle helmet is safety and protection from impacts. There are many testing groups that test and certify helmets as being safe. The most widely-known testing groups are "Dot" (Department of Transportation) and "Snell."

DOT: The DOT tests which are preformed by the helmet manufacturers, analyze straight-on impacts, or radial impacts. In reality the most likely type of impact a motorcyclist will have is a slanted impact which occurs during a fall from a motorcycle to the road surface or when hitting the windshield of a car.

SNELL: The Snell tests also test only radial impacts. However their tests are more severe than DOTs. Whether this additional severity adds safety to the helmet is questionable according to many experts. None the less, the Snell Foundation sticker is found on most high-end helmets. smf.org/

SHARP: This slanted impact test, also called oblique impact test, is used in the newer British SHARP Program. This more comprehensive study of helmet performance measures how much impact is absorbed, not just the damage to the helmet. The SHARP program rates helmets on a scale of one to five stars. Interestingly there is little correlation between price and SHARP performance.

2) Hard Outer Shell

Helmet outer shells need to be hard to distribute the force of a impact blow. The harder the shell of your helmet, the better protection it will provide you. Polycarbonate shells are the least expensive and offer the least protection. Fiberglass shells offer good protection, but not the best. The material that offers the hardest shell and best protection is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber helmets are made of tightly interwoven layers of carbon fiber sheets and Kevlar sheets bonded together with high-strength epoxy. This "space age" material is expensive but its ultra strong and super-light weight properties make it the hardest and most protective material. Plus, it looks good.

3) Dual-Density Foam Core

The liner should be dual density foam, because the foam should be a soft as possible, but not so soft it compresses all the way to the liner. If too dense, it won't compress enough. Therefore, the best way to balance the density seems to be different density foams.

4) Chin Protection

Another important feature is that there be protection on the inside of the chin bar. Almost 40% of impacts to the helmet are in the area of the chin bar, so it needs to be padded. Further, this area is opposite the neck, so you don't want unnecessary transmission of force to the neck. Remember, there is no bone connecting the head to the spine, so this is a structural weak spot in the body.

5) Proper Fit

Look for a snug fit with a chin strap that fits tightly enough to keep the helmet from coming off. The helmet can't do its job if it flies off or is too loose to provide impact protection. Of course, the more comfortable the helmet is, the easier it is to wear, and the more attention you can pay to riding. Try to find a helmet that fits the shape of your head. Most motorcyclists should look for a full face helmet that fits well, from a model with a good SHARP rating, preferably a 5 star rating.

6) Colors and Options

Last, choose the color and graphics you like and other options. Other options may include visors, flip-down face shields, air-flow venting, provision for sound equipment, and others. Pick whatever else floats your boat. Personally, I like to have a tinted strip inside the face shield and above my eyes. Otherwise, be sure that you can comfortably fit sunglasses while wearing the helmet.

In summary, most modern day helmets produced by major manufactures perform well. Remember price does not mean safety, so don't assume that by buying the most expensive helmet you have just purchased the safest helmet. The new SHARP test is probably the best source of safety information you can get. Try on a new helmet after you've been out for a ride - make sure the fit is snug but is still comfortable. Have fun on your next ride wearing your new classy helmet.

About Michael Padway

Michael Padway, http://www.michaelpadway.com/ is an experienced motorcycle lawyer specializing in motorcycle accident cases. He has represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and works to bring his clients the best settlements possible in a timely and efficient manner. Because Michael is a motorcycle rider himself, he understands the ins and the outs of motorcycle accidents and what is needed to win his cases. Injured motorcycle riders can call Michael Padway & Associates, California motorcycle injury accident attorneys at 415-777-1511, or visit MichaelPadway.com.

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Advantages of riding a motorcycle

The Advantages of Riding a Motorcycle!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irida_Sangemino]Irida Sangemino

When my husband first planted the seed that he would love to own a motorcycle I tried to ignore it. For all the obvious reasons like initial cost, traffic safety issues, less structural protection, and defiant biker myths, I felt intimidated and scared. Now, two years later and a few rides under my belt, I wished I had opened up sooner.

The idea of riding on a motorcycle was overwhelmingly enticing, but also quite frightening, as every time I came near a motorized two-wheeler I kept recalling the motorcycle accident I had witnessed as a child, and the young man desperately calling out for his mother. Nine at the time, I was horrified of the victim lying on the cobblestone road, his leg weirdly twisted and blood running all over his face. If you ask me, I honestly do not recall anything about his bike, nor if he was wearing a helmet, and this being the mid-sixties I doubt he was. All I could focus on at the time was his pain and the horror in his eyes.

Today I recognize that accidents happen and that it does not matter where you are, what you do or are using to get around. Heck, you can get hit by a bus just crossing the road. All I know is that riding a motorcycle has many advantages which I, as a thrifty budgeter and rational adult can greatly appreciate.

Here are several advantages that come with owing and riding a motorcycle.

- It is cost effective, dodging record fuel bills.

- It reduces your dependence on foreign oil and helps the country's economy.

- It reduces carbon emissions tremendously compared to driving a car.

- It allows you to be more flexible in traffic.

- It permits you to use car pool lanes.

- It makes parking easier. A bike parks in a third of the space of a car and angle parking is permitted. A bike can also be park on sidewalks in front of stores and restaurants.

- It saves you on maintenance and repair bills compared to cars. Motorcycle engines are easier to access and you can do more of the upkeep yourself, something bikers pride themselves on.

- It gives you the ability to pull over anytime. This advantage comes in handy when you got lost and need directions, or when you are traveling in formation and need to regroup.

- It is less boring and falling at the wheel is less of a possibility. If not the noise, the wind in your face will keep you awake.

- It lets you connect better with the environment. On a bike, you tend to enjoy your surroundings more, keeping you more alert and making the trip more enjoyable and stress relieving.

- Last but not least: riding a bike looks cool and appealing for both men and women and gets you off the couch!

By: Irida Sangemino was born in Belgium and is currently living in Chandler, AZ. She is a multi-lingual copywriter/journalist/editor with various interests (including finding ways to live life to the fullest).
[mailto:irida@wydebeam.com]irida@wydebeam.com

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DOT Approval For Motorcycle Helmets

DOT Approval For Motorcycle Helmets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown]Candace A Crown

When obtaining a motorcycle helmet it is very important that your helmet is safe for use on the roads. You want to know that you are safe from harm when you are investing in something that could save your life you want to be sure it is something worth the money you spend.

It is not necessary to pay a lot of money when you are buying your helmet, there are just a few things you want to look for. The most important thing you want to make sure of is that the helmet has been DOT tested and approved.

The Department of Transportation has certain regulations that helmets have to meet in order to be street safe. If a helmet is not DOT approved it is not legal to wear on the street when riding your motorcycle.

The DOT performs a straight forward impact test. Using a simulated head placed inside a helmet, testers drop the helmet from a height of ten feet. The head cannot receive more than 400 G-force units on impact. A G-force unit measures the force of gravity exerted against an object in motion.
There are other safety tests out there. One of the best is the Snell approval test. This is a very thorough test on the helmets. When a helmet is both DOT and Snell approved it is safe for use.

Snell cites the following areas as critical in helmet safety:

• Impact management: how well the helmet protects against collisions with large objects

• Helmet positional stability: whether the helmet will be in place, on the head, when it's needed

• Retention system strength: whether the chin straps are sufficiently strong enough to hold the helmet throughout a head impact; and

• Extent of protection: the area of the head protected by the helmet.
Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ( 2005). 2005 Standard for Protective Headgear, 4.

Helmets don't always have to be both DOT and Snell approved. One or the other is great. To be legal on the roads you have to be DOT approved, but you don't have to be Snell approved. The Snell approval is just an added bonus when looking for a helmet.

It is important to know that you are safe when you are out there riding your motorcycle.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com

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Orange County Choppers-OCC Guys

Heated Motorcycle Gear

Heated Motorcycle Gear
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nick_Carr]Nick Carr

Winter is here folks, but that doesn't mean we can't keep riding. How can we stave off
the bone chilling wind and cold? Heated gear, of course!

Heated gear keeps various parts of your body warm while riding in winter temperatures, so just say no to Hypothermia! I'm a year round rider, and though I've since moved to Austin, Texas where winter riding is pretty tolerable, I used to live in Baltimore, Maryland where winter riding involved below freezing temps for extended periods of time and a good bit of that white stuff. Heated gear is a wonderful thing - trust me on this. I used to own a heated vest and gloves.

Heated gear is just that; motorcycle clothing and accessories that use a heating element to create warmth.

A few Heated Gear Manufacturers:

Widder
Warm & Safe
WarmGear
Gerbing

Many Motorcycle companies also offer their own versions (Harley Davidson and BMW immediately come to mind), which are usually produced by premium manufacturers. Of course that usually means all the quality at twice the price, but that sort of thing is up the individual customer.

How Does Heated Motorcycle Gear Work?

Most Heated gear uses anywhere from 15 to 100 watts depending on the brand and the amount of gear you use while riding.

You have two types of power output really. You can power it from your motorcycle battery, or you can run it on self contained, rechargeable batteries placed or sewn directly into the article of clothing. That's not to say they are interchangeable so see what kind of power supply it requires before you buy it!

I owned the plug in type that ran on my motorcycle's 12 volt battery. It provided unlimited riding hours. The drawback is that this means it ONLY works when riding. Walk away from the bike and you walk away from the heat.

The self contained style has a lithium battery (usually 7.4 volt) supply and lasts an average of 4 to 10 hours depending on the heat setting. When the battery is dead you have to plug in to the battery charger and 4 hours later; presto! The self contained provides a little more flexibility and warmth when you are away from the motorcycle.

All of the clothes work with a temp. controller that you can manually set to the desired temp. If you use several pieces of heated gear, they usually connect together so that one control works them all, thus preventing you from looking like a science fiction robot reject.

Heated Gear Clothing Choices:

jacket liners
jackets
vest liners
arm chaps
glove liners
gloves
pants liners
socks.

Prices run from $70 to $300 depending on what heated gear you purchase.

Tips for Wear

Heated gear is worn as close to your body as you can without actually touching your skin. For this reason, I preferred the vest liner and glove liner to the actual jacket and glove option. Also, I always wore leathers as my outer layer for both wind and crash protection.

Always remember that wind chill is as much your enemy as actual temperature. The thermometer doesn't tell the whole story, so dress warm. Also, avoid riding for extended lengths of time in the cold as you run the risk of lowering your core temp too much or getting dehydrated - a thing you might not expect to happen in the cold.

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Textile Motorcycle Jackets for safety & more

Textile Motorcycle Jackets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dona_Rosa]Dona Rosa

Every year thousands of people lose their lives in motorcycle accidents while hundreds are severely injured. The good news is that research has shown that wearing textile motorcycle jackets can considerably reduce the severity of injuries. That is why these jackets are considered by many to be a necessity for all motorbike riders.

Types of Textile Jackets

Textile motorcycle jackets are available in market according to the type of motorbike riding like racing, cruiser, and others. Today hundreds of companies manufacture, different styles and sizes of motorcycle jackets, as the jackets are very popular among the motorcyclists as they are of excellent quality.

Companies making these textile motorcycle jackets explicitly focus on comfort and safety. Some companies also offer customized jackets.

Textile motorcycle jackets currently available are comfortable, as they are lightweight. You can breathe well wearing these jackets. Although this apparel may not protect drivers as much as leather jackets, nevertheless they considerably reduce the stress or impact. Today many professional racers also use textile material under the arms and groin. So in short, if you are a regular street rider then you should own a textile motorcycle jacket.

Benefits of Using Motorcycle Jackets

If you go to the market, you will definitely find a textile motorcycle jacket that suits you. These jackets provide a number of benefits. They are as follows:

- These jackets are very easy to wash and clean
- They offer more breath ability as compared to leather
- They are waterproof and help you in keeping dry
- These jackets have reflective material at strategic spots so that you are more visible to others
- They are durable and made of abrasion resistant fabric
- Most of these jackets have resin coating for water and oil repellency
- Repellency renewed easily by washing the jacket
- Reflective inserts for more visibility
- Removable composite protectors that are at elbows and shoulders
- Adjustable sides and neck to provide a great fit.
- Washable and no ironing required, hence you can enjoy wearing the jacket everyday

As these jackets are waterproof, you remain comfortable and dry while driving. As off road riding gets hotter than on road riding, a jacket lets you breathe comfortably would be a welcome treat. This advantage also applies when you riding your bike in heavy showers. Therefore, to make your ride more enjoyable you can own a comfortable textile motorcycle jacket.

Jackets - as a Protective Wear

As a motorcycle crash is unpredictable, it is essential that you wear protective gear such as specially made textile motorcycle jacket every time you are on your bike. As these textile wears makes your breathing easy, you would be extremely comfortable wearing them. Some of these jackets also have steel shoulder protection; of course, it is just a matter of extra protection.

Textile motorcycle jackets are not costly and are readily available online. You can save your hard-earned money by purchasing it through internet. There are different motorcycle textiles available in the market and each piece has its own benefit. Some of these textiles are thoroughly tested and have protective values. So besides giving relief during summer, they also provide maximum protection, hence form a very important part of protective gear.

For more info, visit: Rocky Top Leather and see what fine goods they have there like textile motorcycle jackets.

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How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote

How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote

How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote
By Frank Strider

When you buy a motorcycle you know you are also going to need insurance. To get the right insurance coverage at the right price you need a motorcycle insurance quote from multiple companies. There are different ways to do this and we are going to explain them in this article.

Internet motorcycle insurance quote

You can go online on the internet to get an motorcycle insurance quote quickly from multiple companies on a so called comparison website. this is a quick way but the quotes are often not very accurate. Also, you should not only go for the cheapest company because the coverage is at least as important. There are many different insurance companies out there and it is your job to choose the right one, so be careful.

If you get a motorcycle insurance quote via the internet you know you have it much quicker than if you do it the regular way. This is a convenient way to get quotes if you are in a hurry. At least it seems to be the quickest way, the down side of an internet motorcycle insurance quote is that you have to call the company because you need a more accurate quote then the ones you can get online. Sometimes it can be quicker to ask your normal insurance agent where you have other insurances, for example for some other vehicle like a car. Often you can get a better price if you already have an insurance with them. On the other hand you stand much stronger if you know what other companies quote so you can negotiate a better price.

To get a proper motorcycle insurance quote you need to answer a couple of questions, these are most of the time basic questions but it is advisable to gather the information needed before you go looking for the right insurance to prevent any delays.

What are the advantages of quick and instant motorcycle insurance quotes?

The greatest advantage is of course that you do not need to wait, you can get an instant quote often in just a few minutes. You do not have to worry the companies asking you difficult questions and often you can also give them no personal information so they can not bother you for months with quotes you are not waiting for. the only thing you need is a valid e-mail address where the quotes can be send to and where you can read them at your own time. You have non of the frustrations of waiting in line or spending time money and gas just to have your motorcycle quoted.

Always ask for a more accurate quote

There are different types of motorcycle insurance quotes, for example liability coverage is the most basic policy in most motorcycle owners. This insurance includes the coverage of body injury to the person and also any damage to the property per occurring accident. You can also choose collision coverage but this is the most expensive motorcycle insurance quote. Collision covers the repair until a certain percentage. after that is considered a total loss.

You can also choose a policy that covers the medical expenses and medical payments from yourself a passenger and pedestrians that might be injured in an accident. As you can see reading the fine lines in a motorcycle insurance quote is necessary so always ask for a accurate quote.

Frank Strider loves to talk about motorcycles and all the things related to it. Visit his website if you want to find out more about a razor scooter or maybe cushman scooter.

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