Rider-Ready Tips to Choosing Motorcycle Helmets

by : rachmad mulyo

Forget what you see in the movies. Wearing a helmet isn't only the law, it could also save your life. Here are some tips how to choose the right kind of motorcycle helmet to wear:

Make sure it passed quality control.

The DOT has a set of standards for motorcycle helmets. When buying one, look for the DOT logo on the helmet, usually at the back. The helmet should also have a label that includes the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model and materials.

Go for a helmet in the mid-price range.
Don’t scrimp or spend too much on a motorcycle helmet. A no-frills, reasonably priced helmet with good quality materials will offer enough protection to keep your head safe.

Protection for the whole head.

Choose helmets that are full-faced. These offer a lot of protection for head-on collisions. Open-faced helmets do give some level of protection, but in case of a collision, your cheeks, chin and neck won't stand much of a chance.

Cover your face.

Choose a helmet with a face shield, which is usually made of hard, clear, shatter-proof plastic. This will protect your face from dust, wind, debris and rain. Some shields have tints to give you some protection against glare and some have high resolution for sharper vision. Some models are even equipped with anti-mist devices to reduce fogging or condensation.

If you’re planning to use your helmet in very cold conditions, you might want to choose one with a breath box. Located in front of the helmet, it covers your nose and draws your breath away from your shield so it won't fog.

Look for an inner lining.

Helmets should have a firm inner liner that's at least an inch thick to protect your head and be worn comfortably. Before buying one, wear it for at least 10 minutes or so to get a good feel. Safety may be your first concern but comfort is a close second. In fact, comfort determines whether your helmet is safe or not.

Make sure it fits.

Never buy a helmet without trying it on first. It should fit your head comfortably – not too loose or too tight. If you tried to move it back and forth over your head, it should offer some resistance and the cheekpads but it shouldn't press on your face too much. Too much pressure will cause headaches later.

Be sure you have enough visuals.

The upper lining should just be above your eyebrows and your eyes must be centered. Avoid helmets that limit your peripheral vision in a big way. A good figure to watch would be about 200 degrees or more.

Motorcycle Boots Buying Basics

by : rachmad mulyo

Most people take a considerable amount of time when buying motorcycles. They scrutinize and check everything from models to features, appearance to price and maintenance. The same care and inspection should also be done while choosing motorcycle accessories, particularly motorcycle boots.

In order to improve safety and ease of riding, every biker must have a pair of reliable and dependable motorcycle boots. Wearing proper motorcycle gear, especially the boots, will make long journeys comfortable and safe.

Here are some tips that will help you find a good pair of motorcycle boots:

Boot material

Unlike driving shoes, motorcycle boots are exposed to several elements, such as mud, heat and water. Thus, it is important that you chose boots that are made of durable materials, such as leather and rubber soles. You can also opt for boots that are water resistant so that you won't be bothered by splashes of water when you are riding your bike.

Design

Motorcycle boots come in different colors and designs to fit your mood and lifestyle. However, it is wise to choose a design that's not only based on appearance, but also durability and safety features.

It is important to select a pair of boots that provide ankle coverage to not guard your ankles but also to help your feet handle different bike maneuvers, such as sliding, tipping over, etc. It's also advisable to look for boots with upper-part shell protection.

Aside from the upper design, you should also pay attention to the sole design. Ensure that the boots you are going to buy provide very good grip both while using the bike or for walking. Remember that your feet are exposed to oil, water and mud while on the road.

You should also pay particular attention to the foot design of your boots. Ensure that your motorcycle boots provide a good grip of you heel and ankle to prevent unnecessary accidents. Also look for a shifter pad, even if your bike has a heel shift. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Lastly, look for a design that doesn't have trimmings or laces that could get trapped on shift levers or other parts of the motorcycle.

Ventilation

Look for motorcycle boots that let your feet breathe. Just imagine how your feet might feel when they are next to the engine? High quality leather materials provide good ventilation.

The foot is one part of the body that carries all the weight and brunt of motorcycle riding. Thus, it is imperative that we buy a good pair of motorcycle boots that will help protect our feet.