Check Your Helmet Month – Harley-Davidson

April showers bring May flowers and it also signifies the start of the riding season for most of the northern part of the country. We all know to check our bikes over but do you know you should check your gear out as well?

Harley says nearly 80 percent of all “Harley-Davidson and competitive motorcycle owners and passengers wear a helmet every time they ride.” By checking helmets in April, motorcyclists will be re-assured they are getting the protection expected from their lids.

To assist the rider, Harley has released the following suggestions:

• Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years, according to DOT and Snell Foundation guidelines. Over time, exposure to UV rays combined with the aging of adhesives and components damage a helmet’s protective qualities. Look for dried glue, chips in the EPS liner or worn internal comfort lining.
  • What helmet manufacturer say: This depends on the helmet manufacturer. Most have a warranty that starts at purchase time. HJC for example has a 5 year warranty, others have only a 3 year. If the helmet is in warranty and shows none of the wear mentioned above keep wearing it. A cleaned and maintained helmet will last longer.

• A helmet is designed for only one impact and should be replaced even if you can’t see any external damage. Dropping a helmet counts as an impact.
  • There is a lot of disagreement on this topic. Most helmet makers disagree with this. An impact on the shell of the helmet without weight inside it will not compress the EPS. If you aren’t sure many places can check and validate the helmet.

• Proper fit is vital to a helmet’s effectiveness. A well-fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. See your local Harley-Davidson dealer for assistance with helmet fit and care.

Harley also released information on its latest lineup of DOT helmets:

• The men’s Capstone Sun Shield Modular Helmet features a lightweight comfort chin bar plus an integrated one-touch tinted Sun Shield that deploys quickly and easily. The Advanced Channeling Ventilation System delivers full front-to-back airflow to flush out heat and humidity, while the face shield offers 95 percent UV protection with an anti-scratch coating. The modular helmet is available in Matte Black (P/N 98370-15VM, $250), Gloss Black (P/N 98369-15VM, $250) and White (P/N 98371-15VM, $250).
• Sporting the innovative Speed Dial Fit system, the new men’s Pioneer Sun Shield Half Helmet (P/N 98366-15VM, $160) allows quick adjustments and tightening. An integrated tinted Sun Shield deploys easily and complements the removable visor.

• The new women’s Tantalus Retro 3/4 Helmet (P/N 98361-15VW, $175) features a fiberglass shell, snaps for shields and visors and custom graphics that rebel against the “traditional” black helmet.
• Constructed from hybrid fiberglass and aramid, the new women’s Metal Flake Ultra-Light Half Helmet (P/N 98342-15VW, $190) is 17 percent lighter than traditional fiberglass shells. The antimicrobial, moisture-wicking inner liner is removable and washable. A removable visor and neck curtain offer customizable style and comfort. It weighs 1 lb. 6 oz.

For additional information, visit Harley-Davidson.