Skull Skidder Helmets

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

To many folks, motorcycles are a frightening and perilous means of transportation. My grandfather took me for my first motorcycle ride when I was very young, and I've been fearless ever since. I sat on the gas tank and we rode to the park. I was immediately addicted!

That was the beginning of many fun and memorable travel adventures for my grandpa and me. We strapped sleeping bags and our tent to the sides of the bike and off we went. We always wore our helmets and Grandpa never drove too fast. Our adventures took us to state parks, camp grounds, and nature centers. We got where we going in one piece.

Grandpa's motorcycle wasn't fancy. It didn't have a side car or fancy add-ons. It's only luxury feature was a back rest, but it was a smooth ride with a great view. I've seen rainbows, hawks, buffalo, and roadside decorations all because there were no doors to block the scenery.

Everything seems more exciting on a motorcycle. Once, while driving west on I-80, heavy storm clouds appeared on the horizon. We donned our rain gear at the next rest stop, but the downpour was more than our raincoats could cope with. The flapping noise we heard was our pant legs slapping wetly at our legs! We waited out the rest of the storm under the shelter of an overpass - and decided to buy new rain gear before our next trip.

Some trips were short - making a foray across town to see fireworks on the Fourth of July, or to spend time at the hometown festival. Other times the destination was the ballpark in the city, which was great. I found using a motorcycle was the best way to move in and out of traffic and get home fast - even if the driving wasn't always totally legal.

Riding a motorcycle is very exciting, and having a Grandfather who had one was thrilling. We took many unforgettable trips on it. Rising bright and early on a summer morning to ride was the best. We wouldn't even set out with a destination in mind, which made it even better. Fairs, museums, we went everywhere.

Many people think a motorcycle [http://www.keyleather.com/] is a scary and dangerous machine. I have no fear of them since my grandfather gave me my first ride when I was five years old. He put me right on the gas tank and drove down the street to the park. That was the beginning of many memorable travel [http://www.keyleather.com/] adventures. We strapped sleeping bags and our tent to the sides of the bike and off we went. We always wore our helmets and Grandpa never drove too fast. Our adventures took us to state parks, camp grounds, and nature centers. We got where we going in one piece.

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Explaining to Kids

Kids, the first motorcycle sold was a Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. This was in 1894 when many kids rode bicycles...

Engines and Frames

Bicycle companies put a new invention, the internal combustion engine, onto their bicycles.

When new engines became more powerful the standard bicycle frames, wheels and chains could not handle them.

Bicycle builders decided to make frames made of steel. The steel frames did the job much as they do today.

Most Popular Motobikes

Before First World War, the largest motorcycle company in the world was Indian Motors. They produced 20,000 motorbikes a year.

By 1920, Harley-Davidson sold more street bikes in more than 67 countries.

Today, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha are the most popular with enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson is still a driving force in the United States.

BMW, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ducati are also popular new street rides to buy...

Parts

Coloring pages kids, a steel or aluminum frame holds modern motorcycle parts and accessories.

Telescopic forks hold the front wheel, and disc brakes. Expect a one-cylinder to six-cylinder gasoline powered engine.

The engine is coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission with a swing arm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, drive shaft or belt.

A wind tunnel helps the engineers mimic real-life riding conditions. Different racing speeds test seating and body positions.

Experts can judge the best riding positions for racing bikes, off-road motorbikes and street cycles...

Accessories and Gear

Designed for comfort are various modern motorcycle attachments:

A "Fairing" is a plastic or fiberglass shell. It fits over the front frame of the bike. A fairing helps move the cycle smoothly and protects the engine in an accident. Fairings on touring rides improve your comfort and alertness on long rides. They reduce the harsh wind, cold and rain on your body...

"Windshields or windscreens" are built into a fairing or be attached to an unfaired motorbike. They are of transparent high-impact plastic. They direct airflow over or around your head. If you would like to raise and lower the windscreen with the push of a button, get an electric windscreen.

"Saddlebags or Panniers" rest on either side of the rear wheel to carry parts, tools, and, or travel gear.

"Heated Hand grips and Heated Seats" keep you warm in the cold and during night rides.

"Luggage Racks" remove the need for backpacks. They are a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to your rocket cycle...

A "Sidecar" is a one-wheeled partially covered seat. The sidecar attaches to the side of your motorcycle. Your big sister can sit in it and ride with you. Just remember to bring her back.

A "Trunk" is a storage box. Above and behind the seat the trunk is mounted...

Motorcycle Clubs

Clubs and organizations are popular. You can meet new rider kids, their buddies and their families.

The clubs are organized according countries, states, cities and neighborhoods. Individual motor bike makes or motorbike models have fan clubs.

You can join, if you qualify, groups like the American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group, Moto Guzzi National Owners Club, and Gold Wing Road Riders...

We will wrap it up...

Motorcycle kids - boys, you did a good job. You learned about Motorcycle:

Inventions
Clubs
Accessories and Gear
Parts
Popular Motorcycles
Engines and Frames

You can now give good answers to questions about the history of motorcycles. The End.

____________________________

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History Lesson

The motorcycle first came to be in the days of WWII during which they were put into use for many of the soldiers so they could get around more easily. Those that rode the motorcycles also wore protective gear, some styles of which still exist today and are quite popular in the motorcycle market. One particular style of gear that remains popular to this day is the German motorcycle helmet.

The German motorcycle helmet was designed to have a similar appearance as the old World War helmets. Many different variations of this design have come about over the years, all of which have been created to give the same look and feel of the German helmet, but none have been around as long as the traditional design.

It used to be that this design was only available in the novelty style helmets and was used as a means of separation from the rest of the helmets on the market, but there have been many German motorcycle helmets created that meet the standards of the DOT, which also means that they are bigger and bulkier.

This helmet design resembles that of a shell on a turtle and sits on the top of your head and rests just above the eyebrow of the rider. The helmet comes with a chin strap that is typically padded in order to provide more comfort to the rider. There is no face mask available for this design and the helmets typically come in the color black or chrome, although there are some that come in pink for the women motorcyclists.

German motorcycle helmets, like most other helmets, are typically made with a polycarbonate material that is very tough and durable. They also can be made of carbon fiber which is an even stronger material and has a completely different look than the traditional material. As far as the finish goes, there are a number of different options available including flat, gloss, and even leather. You can even accessorize your helmet buy putting flame stickers, or any type of sticker for that matter, or you can even attach spikes to the top of the helmet to give a little more attitude.

It's important to remember that the size is the most important aspect to consider when purchasing your helmet and in order to get an accurate measurement, you'll want to use a cloth measuring tape. It may even be a good idea to have someone do the measuring for you, so that you can get the most accurate measurement possible. You'll want to measure around your head and place the measuring tape right around an inch up from your eyebrows. When you've determined the measurement of your head, check the sizing chart to find the size that will fit you best. If you have a measurement that lands between two size ranges, then choose the smaller of the two.

You may want to consider purchasing some good quality riding glasses or another type of protection for your eyes since there is no face shield available with the German motorcycle helmets. There are many popular types of goggles that you can purchase that come in an assortment of colors that will be sure to fit your preference.

The German motorcycle helmet design is one of the oldest designs in the history of the helmet and is even one of the more popular designs today. No matter what type of finish you choose, flat, glossy, leather, there is a style that's right for you. It's up to you to take the time to do the research to determine which one will best suit your needs.

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Importance of Safety

Motorcycle Helmets is a protective head gear worn by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle safety is the primary goal of the helmet. The helmet will help protect, prevent or reduce a head injury that can save the riders life. Many helmets provide additional conveniences such as face shield, ear protection and ventilation There are two component that are protective: a thin, hard, outer shell made from polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass or Kevlar and a thick, soft inner liner made of polystyrene or polypropylene "EPS" foam. The purpose of the outer shell is to prevent the head from being punctured by a pointed object that may hit the helmet. It is also to provide structure to the inner liner so it does not disintegrate upon abrasive contact with pavement.. There are many basic types of helmets; Motocross, Modular and Half Helmets to name a few.

Motor Cross Helmets

Motocross Helmet has visor portions and a extended chin. The visor on The Motocross helmet allows the rider to dip his head providing further protection flying debris during off road riding. It will also block the sun during jumps. The partial open face on the Motocross Helmet gives the rider extra protection with goggles and allows air to flow under during the physical action of riding.

Modular Helmets

Modular helmets, also know and "flip-helmets" or "convertible" is a hybrid between full face and open face for street use. The chin bar of the Modular helmet has a chin bar pivoted by a special lever to allow access to most of the face, as in an open face helmet. Most modular helmets are designed to be worn in the close position when riding, however some modular helmets are dual certified as full face and open face helmet. Anyone wearing the Modular Helmet will find it convenient to eat, drink or have a conversation without removing the helmet or unfastening the chinstrap, making them popular among many riders.

Half Helmets

Half Helmets, also known as Shorty helmets have the same front design as an open face but without a lowered rear I the shape of a bowl. The Half-Helmet provides the minimum coverage allowed by law in the US and some British standards. Half Helmets are made with snaps on the front that can be used for a shield or visor. They have a zip put neck liner that is removable, which is great for warm days to take off and cools days to put on. Because this helmet does not cover the whole face it is not uncommon for riders to wear glasses, shades, or goggles.

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