Motorcycle Helmets
You know you need to wear a helmet to safely ride your motorcycle. But how do you know which one to buy? There are so many models available at the store that it can be overwhelming. We here at Big St. Charles Motorsports are here to help! We've created the following helmet buying guide. If you have any questions or need anything else motorcycle related, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in St. Louis, St. Peters, St. Charles, and Columbia, Missouri.
Types of Helmets
One way to categorize the different helmets is to break them up based on the amount of protection offered. The lowest amount of protection occurs with the half helmet. These leave your face fully exposed and you'll need a close fit since they easily roll off. Due to their stylish appearance, they tend to be the crowd favorite of those who ride cruiser and choppers. But they offer the least amount of protection and should only be considered by experienced riders.
The middle ground of protection is the open helmet. This style covers your ears and part of your jaw, which helps them more easily stay in place. Some models are built with a visor to protect your eyes from the elements. But because they don't offer as much protection, it's also something only experienced riders should consider.
The best protection is found with the full-face helmet. These protect most of your head and provide a face shield. Because they tend to be heavier, they usually are built with better padding so they’re comfortable to wear. While we encourage all riders to use this option, it's most important for new riders to pick this style.
Crash Test Ratings
You'll notice that motorcycle helmets offer up a crash test rating number. This number comes from a range of tests done to see how the helmet might perform during an actual crash. The tests are done by government agencies (such as the Department of Transportation) and non-profits (such as Snell). The tests measure a range of things, such as how well the helmet absorbs shock, how well it holds against hitting an object, how well the chin strap stays closed, and how well you can see out each side. There are so many great helmet options out there that you can be picky and only buy one with an impressive rating.
Figuring Out the Fit
A huge part of helmet buying is ensuring you've got the right fit. The helmet that works for your riding buddy might not work for you. Spend time trying on models to find something that works well with your given head shape and head size. Ideally, it'll feel slightly tight without causing too much pressure.
You can run a range of tests to see how well a given option fits you. If you move your head from side to side, it shouldn't wiggle. If you roll your head forward, it shouldn't slide off. If you wear it for a few minutes, it shouldn't cause any pinching or soreness.
Choosing a Helmet
You'll want to take into account your riding style when picking a helmet. Do you ride for hours on end? Then comfort is a priority. Do you often ride with others? Then getting a model with Bluetooth capabilities might be a great choice as it'll allow you to communicate with your friends on the road. Think about what features you would most benefit from and seek out a model that fits.
We hope you found this guide helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Big St. Charles Motorsports. We proudly serve those in St. Louis, St. Peters, St. Charles, and Columbia, Missouri.