Icon sportbike motorcycle helmets add to the freedom of riding down the open road. The cool air is exhilarating, the traffic may be light, and you can hear the birds and insects singing. Unfortunately, the hard road is only a few inches away from your feet. If you have chosen not to wear a helmet, you may be exercising your right to become another accident statistic. Those who ride without the protection of helmets automatically risk unnecessary accidental injuries, especially in the head and neck area.
While there are those who will automatically resent being told what to do no matter how timely that advice may be, wearing a motorcycle helmet is the law in most areas of the USA, and in many other countries as well. Some hardcore bikers assume that wearing protective gear automatically relegates them to amateur status, but the fact is that most sportbike accidents involve some kind of facial injury when the driver is not wearing a helmet. These injuries often are a result of direct contact with the road surface, and can be disfiguring or fatal.
Motorcycles make up only 2% of all road vehicles, but account for 8% of fatal crashes in the U.S. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a fatality, of course, is to wear a good helmet. While riding gear alone can't prevent accidents, it can help keep mishaps from becoming serious or life-threatening. Unfortunately, most bikers know which brand or model type of motorcycle they want, but often don't have a clue about what makes one helmet superior to another. As with any sports accessory, there are many different makes and models, all with varying levels of function, protection and safety features.
Icon sportbike motorcycle helmets are all designed with the protection of riders and passengers in mind. When the first motorcycles were introduced in the late 19th century, there was no headgear specifically designed for road or street riding, and cyclists made use of items originally designed for piloting an airplane. They were made of pith or leather, and gave some protection against road rash, but that was about all.
For today's riders, there are five basic kinds of protection. Common to all is the chin-strap, vital to keeping protection in place during a fall. Full-face versions give the most consistent protection, shielding both the upper and lower face from contact. They usually have a visor, unlike their off-road versions. Next in the lineup are modular or "flip-up" designs, which allow a wearer to eat, drink and converse while wearing the helmet without having to completely remove it.
Those preferring the three-quarter helmet ride without protection for the front of the head, and the half-helmet, covers only the top of the skull. These kinds of gear are easy to wear, but can't offer the same safeguards against head injuries. Any new head protection should bear the DOT (Department of Transportation) sticker. This endorsement guarantees that the device will absorb a specific amount of impact energy, stop most penetration by other crash objects, and have a strap that will withstand the stress of an accident.
When considering a new device, strap it on snugly and then try to move the back portion up and off of your head. It should not come off, even with a strong effort. All such accessories need to be expertly fitted to your face so there is no movement of the headgear, no matter how much you shake your head. While it should not be unpleasantly tight, moving the helmet should also move the skin on the face. Once fitted properly, the new helmet should be snug and comfortable. If it all checks out to your satisfaction, then you and your passengers are ready to hit the road and enjoy the scenery wearing Icon sportbike motorcycle helmets.