Thursday, April 28, 2011

Importance of Motorcycle Helmets

As the summer months are upon us we are all pulling out our bikes and getting ready to hit the streets. Many of us will dust off our helmets or purchase new ones. Those that refuse to wear or even buy a motorcycle helmet are the ones we should be worried about when we see them on the highways and streets.

Motorcycle helmets are not just meant to look good and add flair to your ride. They are not just meant to match your bike or to show if you are male or female. The key concept of the helmet is to save your life. DOT tested and approved helmets are shown to minimize the injury one may experience during a crash.

One doesn't expect to crash, but on the off chance that driver to your left doesn't see you when he merges, or someone hits you from behind you need to be prepared. Picking out a motorcycle helmet that is going to be safe, protective and stylish is going to help keep you healthy and happy.

Remember the most important thing about your motorcycle helmet is that it is safe. Protect you and your loved ones and get your helmet today!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Show Must Go On!

A large part of the motorcycle riding experience is the whole motorcycle show concept that often times will allow a person the chance to see other motorcycles and even if they want swap motorcycles. These shows are the centerpiece to a summer filled with heading down the open highway and experiencing a summer of seeing what other riders in the country are riding. No matter where you live, there is bound to be a show that is near you.

Many of these shows date back a while and allow a person the chance to experience a wide range of other riders in the country. Watch any of the television shows on the television and see all of the many shows that are traveled to in order to present a custom built motorcycle. This is just a small taste of the dozens of shows that are able to be enjoyed.

Depending on the time of year will determine the exact number of shows for you to choose from. One of the oldest is the Southern California Motorcycle show. This is one of the largest shows in the area, and a lot of times the showplace for professional builders as well as those just getting started.

Here you will see the largest display of motorcycles anywhere else on the planet. This is also a great place to see demonstrations on the many methods that are used in building a motorcycle.

Fell like something a little North, make you way to Michigan and see the largest collection of bikes anywhere every Friday night. Here you will see custom built bikes as well as factory standard bikes. There is also a swap here to allow you to own a new bike that you have never had the chance to ride. This is a must for any true lover of the motorcycle.
These are two examples of the various motorcycle shows that are able to be attended on a yearly basis, these are two of the more popular ones around. There are plenty more that are held all across the country. Many times there is little to no travelling that is involved in order to attend.

One of the easiest ways in order to find a show, is to use the Internet, this will help to yield plenty of results for a person to choose from when they are looking to attend a motorcycle show for the first time. This is often times one of the more complex things that a person will need to make sure that they research thoroughly before they head to a show for the first time.

The best advice would be to find a small motorcycle show near where you live, attend this show to get a feel of what all to expect when you head to one of the larger shows around the country. This is a big step that will go a long way in making sure that a person is not overwhelmed when they are attending one of the big shows.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Motorcycle Routes- Where to take your bike and helmet

Bikers don't just need good helmets, but they need good places to take those helmets. That is why I wanted to share this article with all of you.

The U.S. offers a wide array of rides, from snow-peaked mountains, beach-view routes, open farm country, big cities, small towns... you name it! The state of Colorado contains some of the most beautiful motorcycle destinations in the U.S. With breathtaking roads through the rocky mountains, semi-arid desert regions, and the Sand Dunes National Monument, you won't run out of places to explore. One of the most awe-inspiring rides is the Peak to Peak Highway, which should only be attempted in the hottest part of summer due to the cold temperatures at high altitude.
The Peak to Peak Highway is located in the Rocky Mountain National Forest, less than an hour's drive from the Denver metro area. This 88 kilometre drive, which takes around 80 minutes in decent weather, offers an unparalleled view of the Continental Divide and the surrounding timberline. You can take side trips down gravel roads, leading to mountain top lakes, trail heads, camping, and ghost towns. This is Colorado's oldest scenic highyway, established in 1918.
 The road may be a little sandy in the spring, but it's usually well-maintained. Along the route, you'll spot many high country animals, such as marmots and elk. On my last visit, I was lucky enough to catch a group of baby elk "sledding" down the last patch of snow in their sunny clearing.
 This route involves quite a bit of climbing, so make sure your bike has enough power to carry you, your gear, passenger if applicable, and still how enough left to climb. Even in summer, you can easily hit a freezing cold storm, so be sure to pack rain gear and warm clothes. If you are renting a bike, make sure it is tuned for high altitude; if you are bringing your own bike from Australia, make an appointment at dealer location nearby to have it tuned for the altitude.

Also keep in mind the effect the altitude will have on you; make sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. With a little preparation, this scenic trip through the Colorado Mountains will be one of the best rides of your life. The mountains, the snow peaks, the native wildlife... it's well worth the trip.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

If The Helmet Fits, Wear It!

It is essential when purchasing a motorcycle helmet to ensure it is a proper fit. Not all helmets are made the same. So keep in mind as you are reading that you may wear a medium from one manufacturer and a large from another. What one manufacturer calls a medium, another calls a large, even though they may be the same physical size inside the helmet. For safety reasons and for comfort, it is imperative to get the proper fitting helmet. After all, this is the most important piece of motorcycle gear worn.

Thinking about purchasing a motorcycle helmet? Then keep reading. Do not take the manufacturers labeled size for granted unless you want to make a second trip to your motorcycle dealer. Below is a list of necessary steps you should take in determining the proper size for your head.

1. Measuring the head is a starting point for the entire helmet sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size motorcycle helmet. So remember, this is a rough guide and a starting point, and depending upon your head shape, this step alone may not provide a perfect fit.
a) Using a cloth tape measure is best, but any tape measure will work.
b) The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements, to make sure you have the largest one.

2. Hat Size - Use your hat size as another starting gauge in determining motorcycle helmet size.

3. Select a motorcycle helmet to try on based upon your head measurement and hat size. Most helmets have printed on the sizing tag either the inside diameter of the helmet, the hat size, or both. If your measurement and hat size are exactly between two sizes, round up to the next largest size as a starting point.

4. Now that you have the helmet on your head, it is time for the visual check.
a. Your eyes should be approximately in the center, with the top edge of the liner padding just above the eyebrows.
b. Now that you are wearing the helmet, use a mirror to look carefully at the way it fits. Check to see if the cheek pads are in contact with the cheeks. Is there excess pressure on the cheeks? Look for gaps between the temples and the brow pad. Check the back of the helmet where the neck roll (if the helmet has one) makes contact with the neck. Does it touch at all? Or is it pushing the helmet away at the rear, causing it to roll down over the eyes in front?

5. After you have made your visual check, grab the helmet in your hands, one on either side of the helmet, and try to rotate the helmet from side-to-side. Note any movement of the skin while doing this, as well as the amount of resistance to movement. Hold your head steady to do this.
Next check movement up and down, again noting skin movement and resistance. If in either test there was little or no skin movement, and/or the helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large. A properly fitted motorcycle helmet will cause the skin to move as the helmet moves. And, it will feel to the wearer as if evenly distributed pressure is being continuously exerted around the head. Keep in mind that helmets, like shoes, will break in over time. For this reason, the best approach is to select a helmet that is as snug as possible, and take into consideration the length of time it will be worn.
For Example: A drag racer's helmet can be very tight, because it will only be worn for a few minutes at a time. On the other hand, a police officer, who wears a helmet for hours at a time is more concerned with comfort.

6. Retention Check - THIS TEST IS VERY IMPORTANT. Now fasten the chin strap, so you can check it. After the strap has been tightly fastened, hold your head steady, and note that this test may be a little uncomfortable, but that it is very important. Reach over the top of the helmet, grabbing the bottom edge with your fingers. Then try to roll the helmet off your head. If it comes off, it is undoubtedly too large. Do not use a helmet that can be rolled off the head with the strap fastened! Go to the next smaller size and go back to step number four.

7. Confirming Proper Fit. One way to confirm your evaluation of proper fit is to try on motorcycle helmets that are one size larger and one size smaller than the one you think is right. Keep in mind that people gravitate towards larger sizes, so don't be afraid to go smaller and snugger as long as the helmet is comfortable and fits the type of riding you do.

8. When shopping on the internet for motorcycle helmets, only purchase from web sites that provide a sizing chart for that particular brand of helmet. Do not rely on a "catch-all" sizing chart because as stated earlier, sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The sizing chart should contain the head circumference and associated helmet size, and possibly a hat size comparison. If you are still not sure what size to get and want to purchase from the internet because of low prices or availability, go to your local motorcycle dealer and try the helmet on first.

At www.skullskidder.com we have great fitting helmets along with size charts so you can find your perfect fit!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Helmet Decals

Motorcycle Helmets are not all about protection and safety. We are all concerned about saving our lives and keeping protected but that is not it. We are also concerned with looking good while we are out there. Not only is helmet testing approval important but the look and style of the helmet is also important. We want to look good while keeping safe.

What is the statement you make when you are out there riding on your motorcycle? Our helmet decals can say a lot about who we are and what we are all about. Some people have the plain helmets, others have bright decals. It depends on who you are and where you are going. If you are looking to make a statement while, protecting your life, you are probably going to look for a decal that represents you.

Picking a decal is not all about something that looks good. You will want to make sure you are choosing one that has a top clear coat, and UV protection. The clear coat helps prevent wear on the color. The UV protection helps prevent from fading of colors by the sun. If you want a decal that is going to last as long as your helmet, you will want to look for those things. Keep the color looking the way it was the day you bought it.

This decal represents you! Make sure you are looking and you feel good about what the helmet shows others.

Look around at different styles and decals before you decide on a helmet. make sure it is a helmet that fits you and your personality.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown

Novelty Helmets- Whats the use?

There are different helmet designs out there. When out on your ride you want a helmet that fits you and your personal style. There are different shapes, sizes and designs to fit you just the way you want. When out on your ride you can make a statement, tell everyone who you are and what you are about. There are full face helmets, street helmets and off road helmets. The trend I find odd is the trend of Novelty Helmets.

Novelty helmets, what do they do? What is their purpose?
 The use of a novelty is for decoration. They are not strong enough to protect you in any sort of collision and they have not been approved by the DOT. The DOT has testing to make sure helmets are safe for your ride, especially in the case of getting in an accident. If a helmet does not meet the qualifications of the DOT test it is not considered safe to wear on the roads.

All helmets that are considered "novelty" do not meet the specifications that the DOT has set forth for motorcycle helmets. This means that the only reason someone would buy a novelty helmet is for decoration. There are some good novelty helmet designs, so as long as you can find something that fits your style, you can use these helmets anyplace you want to decorate. Add your own flair with your motorcycle helmet.
 Some people put these helmets around their homes for decoration. Some wear them as costume type helmets. Anyway you slice it, these helmets should not be used when you are out on your ride. They are not safe and cannot protect you in the way you deserve.

So go out, get your novelty helmet. Use it when filming a movie, or just playing around. Just make sure the helmet you use on your motorcycle is something that has been tested and approved according to the DOT testing standards.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown

Top 5 Street Helmets

1. The Boneyard half helmet design:
The Boneyard has been one of our best selling helmets at the rallies and shows. This is a Black Boneyard Series Shorty DOT Motorcycle Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are similar looking helmets available which are heavier and bulkier. This one weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back.

2. German Style Chrome Helmet:
This Helmet is the latest release is a NEW take on the "CLASSIC GERMAN CHROME HELMET". This not only a beautiful rendition of the classic German Helmet---BUT IT IS D.O.T. Approved.
That's right this is not a Novelty Helmet. This is the safest German Style helmet on the market TODAY. These Helmets Retail in the $150.00+ range and the reason for that is that they're worth it. When you consider fit, comfort, style, freedom, AND ALL THE SAFETY you get in this unit--its a bargain.

3. Easy Rider style helmet:
Classic design from the movie Easy Rider. The shell is constructed of Fiberglass and has premium padding for comfort and safety. The Bubble visor is removable to fully duplicate the retro look from "Easy Rider." The graphics and paint is clear-coated for durability and longevity.

4. Vented half helmet design:
This is a DOT Vented Silver Shorty Series DOT Motorcycle Beanie Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are no other helmets on the market that vent like this one. The Silver Vented Motorcycle Helmets are tested and keep you 20 Degrees cooler when opened. This Motorcycle Helmet weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back. This has a new EPS liner which is only 1 inch thick compared to 1.5 to 2 inches you will find in other similar helmets

5. Flat Black, Chrome Flame design:
This is a Matt Black Flame Series Shorty DOT Motorcycle Helmet which is the lightest and smallest in the market. Three different shell sizes are used to make different sizes. There are similar looking helmets available which are heavier and bulkier. This one weighs approximately 30 oz and measures 8.5 inches from ear to ear and 10.5 inches from front to back. This motorcycle helmet has a gloss black covered with awesome inlaid Matt Black Flames. This has a new EPS liner which is only 1 inch thick compared to 1.5 to 2 inches you will find in other similar helmets.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown

Helmet Mohawks

There is a new trend out there. They are called Motorcycle Helmet Mohawks. These multicolored fiberglass mohawks that you can suction cup to your helmet. They come in blue, red, green, yellow, black and even multicolor. What are they for? Do they help protect you at all?

These accessories are meant for looks and nothing else. Just because they are fiberglass like a lot of the helmets out there does not mean they help keep you any safer than you would be without them. The mohawks suction cup on, so if you were in a crash they would probably just come off. The suction cups hold tight in wind, but not with pressure from the pavement. The mohawks are meant to look cool and keep you seen.
It is good to be seen on the roads, this can help keep you more safe, but the mohawks are mostly meant to make you look different. There are a lot of motorcyclists out there now-a-days and you are seeing more and more of the same helmets. People are starting to get desperate for new ways to stand out and be original.

These motorcycle helmet mohawks have become a way that riders can feel they are standing out and being unique. A way for them to feel like they are the only one on the roads with a helmet accessory like theirs. It is good to go out and get a custom paint job, that will help you look different, but it is a lot cheaper to buy a suction cup mohawk for your helmet.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to make your helmet look different from all the others out there. I would suggest trying out a motorcycle helmet mohawk.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Helmet Testing

Not only is it important to be seen, but it is important to know you are protected. You need to be aware of the safety regulations and the proper gear to use when you are riding. We make sure you are not only safe, but seen while you are out there on the road.

There are different tests that helmets go through to make sure they are safe for motorcycle riders to use on the road. We want to make sure you understand the different tests that our helmets go through, and the things that are important in a motorcycle helmet.


The Department Of Transportation (aka DOT) has their own set of standards for helmets to meet. They have their own tests and requirements that helmets have to go through in order to be "DOT Certified". All of our motorcycle helmets have been DOT Approved. 

The DOT performs a straight forward impact test. Using a simulated head placed inside a helmet, testers drop the helmet from a height of ten feet. The head cannot receive more than 400 G-force units on impact. A G-force unit measures the force of gravity exerted against an object in motion.
Snell cites the following areas as critical in helmet safety:


  • Impact management: how well the helmet protects against collisions with large objects

  • Helmet positional stability: whether the helmet will be in place, on the head, when it's needed
  • Retention system strength: whether the chin straps are sufficiently strong enough to hold the helmet throughout a head impact; and
  • Extent of protection: the area of the head protected by the helmet.
Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ( 2005). 2005 Standard for Protective Headgear, 4