Motorcycle Helmets
Riding your motorcycle shouldn’t be an anxiety-driven experience. The last thing you want to think about when you’re cruising down the street is whether you’ve got the right helmet or not. You want to put thinking aside for later and enjoy the open road and wind blowing past. Safety is important, too, so it’s good to know what you need and to get it before running into trouble for the first time. There isn’t much room for regret during a wipeout, so protect your head!
At Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki, we want our customers to keep coming back time and time again, so we’ve put together this short guide for picking out the right helmet for your needs.
If you have more questions about motorcycle safety, or you just want to browse our great selection of new and used motorcycles, UTVs, and ATVs, head to our dealership in Memphis, Tennessee.
Types of Helmets
Different helmets are generally classified by how much they cover your head. Half-helmets or bucket helmets only protect the top of your head, leaving you relatively unprotected. Even three-quarter helmets don’t do much more. A full-face helmet is the preferred choice for motorcycle riders, as it will not only cover your head entirely, but it will provide padding for your jaw and face. Full-face helmets also tend to come with face shields or goggles to add eye protection. There are also modular helmets that offer adjustable protection depending on how you’re riding.
Crash Resistance
While helmets offer options and customization for style, pay attention to crash test ratings for the important safety information. There’s no real point to protective gear that’s not going to do much to protect you, even if it looks awesome. Just the existence of a crash test rating is a good sign, meaning the helmet was put through the hoops by professionals in order to bring you a helmet that does what it’s supposed to do.
The Right Fit
Even the best helmet isn’t going to help if it doesn’t sit properly on your head. No amount of measuring is going to get the right fit, so your best bet is to try some on. A good fit shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. It’s best if it sits comfortable yet tight enough to keep it from moving around. This isn’t a step to skip. No cost is higher than a serious injury due to improper helmet fit.
Keep your receipt when purchasing a helmet. It might take a few rides to figure out if your new helmet is a good fit for you. Maybe it blocks your view too much, or perhaps it vibrates uncomfortably when you’re sitting idle at a stoplight. If you get a headache or experience lasting pressure even after taking your helmet off, then it’s probably too small. Whatever the reason, if you aren’t comfortable in your helmet, consider returning it and looking at something else.
Taking the time to find the right helmet for your motorcycle needs will let you enjoy your ride without the worrying quite so much about head trauma. Consider it part of your personal maintenance! And if you’re in need of a motorcycle helmet, visit Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki in Memphis, near Bartlett. We’re also proud to serve Germantown and Collierville, Tennessee, as well as Southaven and Olive Branch Missouri. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you with all your powersport needs. From service to financing, we’ve got you covered. Riding doesn’t transport you to a destination; it is the destination!