Motorcycle Helmets: Not Just Comfort And Shields
December 28, 2009 by Amanda Beaty · Leave a Comment
One thing that the experts recommend in regard to using motorcycle helmets is that you need to replace them every five years; even if your helmet has never fallen to the pavement. Of course, in case your helmet has fallen on the pavement then you will need to immediately replace it with a new one.
Other aspects to using a motorcycle helmet include understanding the construction of the helmet and its inner lining as well as its fit and also its comfort features. The shell of a motorcycle helmet is often made from plastic that is molded and made from polycarbonate or the shell can also be made from a fiber composite consisting of Kevlar/carbon fiber/fiberglass.
A motorcycle helmet's shell that is made from polycarbonate will cost less and this is because the cost of producing such helmets is lower and so if you go shopping for low-end helmets you will come across many that have a shell made from molded polycarb. On the other hand, the shells that are made from fiberglass/carbon/Kevlar are costlier and at the same time also lighter in weight. These helmets are usually the ones that are being sold by the more famous brand companies.
Of course, there are other kinds of helmets that are also worth checking out including the hybrid motorcycle helmet that is designed to help the rider slide the chin-part of the helmet upwards. These helmets provide good protection and are very convenient for a rider that is accustomed to wearing eyeglasses. The open-face motorcycle helmet, also known as three-quarter motorcycle helmet, provides excellent protection to the ears as well as to the side of the rider's face. However, they come without chin protection and so is not the safest option.
A motorcycle helmet's shell is its most important part, especially as it is what provides maximum safety and protection. Ideally, the shell should be constructed out of polycarbonate mixtures that make the helmet lighter in weight and sturdier as well; and, these helmets cost less as well.
A motorcycle helmet that is made from fiberglass is also sturdier and can resist high impacts better. These motorcycle helmets are also ideal for use on open roads and also when riding at a very high speed. However, such helmets need to have shells that are cast in a single piece; the ones that are not constructed in such a manner will not be too safe.
Before purchasing your motorcycle helmet you should perform a fit test which will help you determine whether the helmet is right for you or not. This test starts when you tighten the strap after which you should test the comfort level by lifting the back of this helmet and at the same time attempt to lift the helmet up as well as forwards. If the helmet does not come off when doing this you can safely say that it is a helmet that is right for you.
Last but not least, makes sure that your motorcycle helmet is comfortable and fits your head very snugly. And you need to also ensure that the helmet cannot come off your head even when it impacts a hard surface such as a pavement.
Riding motorbike is great way to escape and feel free but they can also be very dangerous. The best way to protect yourself from the potential danger is to use a few safety procedures, such as wearing Motorcycle Helmets specifically DOT Helmets .
Tags: Automotive, autos, motorbikes, Motorcycle Helmets, motorcyclesRelated posts
The First American Motorcycle Brand Indian Motorcycle
November 26, 2009 by Charlie Gagner · Leave a Comment
The economy may be tepid, but Indian motorcycle dealers are heating up quickly. Indian was the first American domestic motorcycle manufacturer. Though the brand went dormant after'53, the Indian motorcycle dealer is making a definite comeback, with plans for 50 Indian new motorcycle dealers through 2011 ...
Indian Motorcycle Company was manufacturing standard motorcycles through the'20 and 30s. With the boom in production they managed to sell 5000 Chiefs with side cars to France during World War II. In 2009 the new Indian Motorcycle Company opened its international dealership in Paris keeping up with the tradition.
Though the Indian motorcycle brand has been owned by three different manufacturers over the past century, the loyal following of these bikes has remained unchanged throughout. Currently, the company manufactures motorcycles in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
Dealerships of Indian Motorcycle Company have been set up in several places, Lowell NC being the first one to be set up in 2008. It may not have been in production for a long time but the demand for Indian Chief bike is quite big. People want the bike because they feel it has a distinctive background which is attached to the history of US.
The first dealer of Indian motors which opened in Lowell in October 2009 is something exclusive as far as its architecture is concerned. It has a 50 foot high Indian "front fender" in stainless steel built outside the construction with an Indian head decorated with light above it. This architectural lavishness is one of the first amongst the major Indian dealership dealing with the motorcycle.
When you step inside the dealership you will find a model of Indian Chief on a turntable significantly placed. You will also find video screens throughout the dealership showing the great achievements of this classic brand.
For those old fashioned group who still like the Indian brand of motorcycle a dealership in Charlotte has number of parts from the "Gilroy era" (1999-2003). You can visit this dealership Indian Motorcycle when you are in Charlotte and procure some of these parts as they will get it for you.
The premiere Indian Motorcycle dealership came up in Lowell in October 2008 with branches coming up in all parts of the country like Detroit, Paducah, Witchita, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Scranton, Boston, Omaha, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Las Vegas, and North Jersey.
The Indian motorcycle is showing a lot of interest in teaming up with business people who are fond of and are fans of motorcycles to open new dealerships. So you will see a number of Indian motors dealers coming up in future. You may consider 2010s to be the brightest period in Indian Motors' history since its inception in the beginning of 20th century.
Please click on this hyperlink if you are searching for your local Indian motorcycle dealers. If you are interested in riding fashion check out this page on Indian motorcycle jackets.
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