Helmet Standards
All road legal motorcycle helmets sold in the UK must conform to ECE
2205,6. or the older British Standard 6658.
Old British Standard Categorization
Type A (blue label) or Type B (green label) the BS stickers are
normally located on the back of the helmet and will also include a
batch identity number.
Old Standard helmets are still Legal
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A Type B (green) label - ensures that the helmet meets the minimum criteria for a road legal helmet and has been tested for general riding use.
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A Type A (blue) label - helmet exceeds this criteria and has been tested to withstand maximum impact (including a chin bar tests, etc.). The Type A test is aimed at helmets which may be used for racing.
New Standard Sticker
If it doesn't have a sticker, check inside on the straps for a sewn
on label, or on the visor film. All helmets must comply with the new
standards if being sold in the EEC, and UK.
The new ECE 2005,06 standard is the toughest test for motorcycle helmets in the world. It is generally accepted to be better than the American DOT Standard ECE2003,04 (not high enough spec for European countries).
While it is not a legal requirement to have a visor, if one is fitted it must comply with the old BS 4110 ZA or YA test standards, most new helmets purchased now have visors fitted which comply with the new ECE standards These standards define impact and scratch resistance as well as tint.
Helmet Style
In the UK you will have a choice of:
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Full Face - Having an integral chin guard and visor that closes onto
the chin bar -
Open Face - Having only a visor or open face without a chin guard. -
Combined - Having a chin bar that can be released, such as those
used by the police.
If you have ridden in over seas you may have seen half face or skull cap helmets, but these will not pass the old UK safety standards, but may have passed the New ECE standard which supercedes the UK standard, check first, if thats your style.
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Full Face helmets are generally accepted that a full face helmet will offer the most protection (but may have restricted peripheral vision) it will protect your nose, jaw, teeth etc. in the event of an accident.
- Open Face helmets are more often used by
people on big touring bikes, there is no chin protection but usually
offer greater peripheral vision to the rider who generally likes to
look around at a more leisurely pace, don't confuse an open face
helmet with a pop on chin guard as a full face helmet (normally found
on motocross helmets, these are there to stop mud, or spray and will
offer little protection) these are likely to pop off in the event of
an accident.
- Flip Top helmets such as the Shoei Sychrotec, Lazer Revolution and Roof offer the best of both worlds, but cost quite a bit more. It can also be hard to ride with the face up, as it acts like a wind break. In any case these are popular with instructors and police alike, as they don't need to remove their helmet to give instructions or talk to people.
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Comfort & Fit
Helmet size and fit can vary with manufacturers, but here is a size guide: S = 55/56 cm, M = 57/58, cm L = 59/60 cm, XL = 61/62 cm, XXL = 63/64 cm.
As individuals we all have slightly different shaped heads, obviously
its important to choose a helmet that fits properly and is
comfortable, so you should ensure you try on different sizes and
makes. You will find that a 58cm (medium) in one model is not
exactly the same as another.
When checking comfort and fit you should check you have no
uncomfortable pressure points (particularly on your forehead and
ears) as these will only get worse during a ride. Make sure you
keep your helmet on for at least five minutes as this will enable you
to decide if it is a good fit or not.
Your helmet will soften and mould to your head slightly, so avoid
lending it to someone else
You should not be able to pull the helmet off, or twist it too far
round, when the strap is fastened. Most helmets have a double D
ring style strap or seat belt strap, which may be easier to
undo. Both systems offer adequate security when fastened
correctly (always give a quick tug on the strap to check it's secure).
Most helmets are fitted with vents to allow air to circulate while
riding. These help to ventilate your head and keep your visor
from misting up. You will normally find vents on the front and
sometimes on the back of the helmet to allow air to flow.
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Helmet Care
Whether you buy a £40 helmet or a £400, helmet you'll need to look after it. It's not just a cash investment, but something which may save your life. Most helmets come with care and use instructions, but here are some general tips.
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Cleaning - A soft wet cloth with one or two drops of washing up liquid is ideal for removing every day grime. Insects seek revenge, by ingraining themselves into the paint work. Cleaning your helmet and visor after use will help increase it's life and ensure you can see properly.
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Storage - helmet bags are a great idea, but you don't need to spend a lot, a pillow case will do or anything that will protect it from chipping while it is not on your head.
What happens if I drop it? - Modern helmets are designed to withstand a minor knock, but a high fall, say off your bike could render your helmet useless. If in doubt contact the manufacturer to arrange an inspection or replace it.
Remember
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Never sit or stand on your helmet as this may stress or weaken it.
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Never hang it of your handle bars, foot pegs or wing mirrors as this may damage the impact absorbing lining, or may fall off and render it useless.
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Never sit on your seat, if it falls off, it may render it useless.
You may also find that solvent cleaners, direct sun light, paint or adhesive from stickers may also damage the construction, so check carefully before use.
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Seek Advice
When you go to the accessory shop or dealership don't forget to ask advice from the assistant, as they should have enough experience and knowledge to explain the features and check it fits properly. You can also ask other bikers who will be able to advise which are good and bad helmets in their opinion. Apart from that, it's down to personal choice, but a brightly coloured helmet won't do you any harm, and may help you be seen, saving your life.