Does anyone know motorcycle helmet shop in VA?

I am looking for novelty helme cuz I bought harley davidson 1/2 helmet, but it looks like mushroom head.

Could you tell me where can I get small and light helmet?

Both online and off-line are O.K.

Thank you.

 

"No person shall operate or be a passenger on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing securely fastened on his head by either a neck or chin strap a protective helmet designed to deflect blows, resist penetration and spread impact forces. . . ."
"Any helmet worn by an operator or passenger shall meet the current performance specifications established by the American National Standards Institute Standard, Z 90.1, the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 or Snell Safety Standards for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users. . . ."

Those are the key West Virginia helmet regulations. That means DOT approved to ride legally. A fake DOT sticker is also a violation of federal law. Having gotten the obligatory disclaimer out of the way...the same website that gave me these WV laws...

http://www.ironhorsehelmets.com/novelty.htm

I couldn't find the actual law, so I couldn't look at WV motorcycle regulations in it's entirety, so I don't know if there is a "presumption" clause in there somewhere. That means a law officer can't pull you over simply for checking to see if the helmet meets DOT 218 standards. I don't know if this is the case in WV.

In Texas an officer can't pull over a lidless rider simply for not wearing a helmet. Then it's up to the rider to show he/she meets the helmet exemption requirements. Even then the max penalty is something like $20. Most cops don't even bother with it in Texas. I don't know if the penalty for getting caught with a non-approved helmet in West Virginia is similarly weak. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, though and figure you understand the risks.

Lots of novely helmets available online. Just Google, "motorcycle novelty helmets", and take your pick of hundreds of options and online sites.

If you want to go with a DOT approved helmet, carbon fiber is good and have some of the thinnest, lightest DOT approved lids available. Still, cheap novelties are thinner, lighter and CHEAPER! Whatever you get, just make sure it fits properly so it's COMFORTABLE!

Teek

 

If you have a ten dollar head - buy a ten dollar helmet.
Try "Diamond Jim's". They're an indy shop just north of Stafford on Route 1. They carry nice custom painted and black helmets. Also, "Renegade Leather" in the Woodbridge area might have something. I haven't been to that shop yet, so call 'em first. You could check the Mark Long shops. There's one in Fredericksburg and one near Chantilly.
Good luck.

 

helmetsrus.com is a good online place.

 

According to VA code 46.2-910:

"The windshields, face shields, glasses or goggles, and protective helmets required by this section shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation. Failure to wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or protective helmets shall not constitute negligence per se in any civil proceeding. The provisions of this section requiring the wearing of protective helmets shall not apply to operators of or passengers on motorcycles being operated (i) as part of an organized parade authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the parade is being conducted and escorted, accompanied, or participated in by law-enforcement officers of the jurisdiction wherein the parade is held and (ii) at speeds of no more than fifteen miles per hour."

"It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale, for highway use in Virginia, any protective helmet that fails to meet or exceed any standard as provided in the foregoing provisions of this section. Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor."

 

I perfer a DOT helmet, my buddy wears a novelty one I think he is crazy, but wear what you want...the novelty ones do look cooler

 

I'm sure there are many motor vehicle laws on the books in Virginia (besides helmet laws) that are broken everyday; speed limits, stop signs, drinking and driving, illegal replacement equipment such as loud replacement mufflers, etc., etc.....

I say if the OP wants to wear a novelty helmet instead of an approved DOT helmet it's up to him, and not for everyone to judge.

That being said, I don't wear helmets, but many guys I know that live in "helmet mandatory' states wear novelty helmets, and I don't hear of many of them ever being stopped because of just helmet issues.

Do an internet search on "novely motorcycle helmets" and you will no doubt get many listings for companies.

 

I agree. I say it's your head. If you know the risks do what you want. I was responding to TEEK who posted the West Virginia helmet laws.

 

Oh I know, and I was just talking in a general way and not pointing fingers...

But what I don't understand is someone that quotes state laws if it in regards to something they agree with (such as DOT approved helmets), and then turn around and knowingly break the motor vehicle moving and equipment laws if they don't agree with them.

That's kind of self serving 'selective compliance' if you ask me..

 

I throw myself on the mercy of the court and plead guilty to HYPOCRISY! I re-read my post and it certainly implied I was "pro-helmet". In fact it read like I was part of the "helmet police"! Sorry! I failed to mention I live in Texas and do NOT wear a helmet always...in fact I go lidless more often than helmeted. And yes, I admit I violate other traffic laws, too. I also posted WEST Virginia's law and not VIRGINIA, which was an oversight on my part. Wrong state! I'm glad to hear failure to wear a helmet or other protective gear required is not a major offense in Virginia, and it seems like "getting caught" wearing a novelty helmet is not a big deal. This is good. It also appears that getting stopped simply because the officer wants to check the helmet for compliance is next to nil....which is even better.

My intent was to help kjy1026 make an informed decision, but that failed dismally, especially seeing how I confused the correct state! Whoops! I think maybe it would have been better to have been less verbose and more to the point? Such as maybe thinking that one who RIDES in VA knows the laws better than my five minute Google Search? I'm tempted to edit my original response, but I'll let it be and live with it. Anyone want to attack the POST further is more than welcome to do so...I think it deserves criticism!

Teek