Types of Harley Davidson Helmets
Harley Davidson offers a range of helmet types designed for the diverse needs and preferences of motorcyclists. These include full-face, open-face, half, and modular helmets, each with distinct functions and advantages.
Full-face helmets provide comprehensive protection for the entire head and face, featuring a fixed chin bar and a shield covering the front. They're effective at shielding against road debris, wind, and noise. Many of Harley Davidson's full-face models also incorporate modern conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity for seamless communication on the go, and integrated sun visors that make rides in varying light conditions more comfortable.
Open-face helmets, or "¾ helmets," cover the top, back, and sides of the head but leave the face exposed. This style offers more freedom and enhanced peripheral vision, appealing to riders who prefer a sense of openness. They often come with partial or full-face visors that can be adjusted or removed according to the rider's preference.
Half helmets protect the top and back of the head but leave the face and the base of the skull more exposed than other types. These helmets are popular among riders who desire the least restrictive helmet that still meets safety standards. While they offer less protection than other types, they provide greater visibility and airflow, which can be particularly appealing in warm weather.
Modular helmets, sometimes known as "flip-up" helmets, combine the full coverage of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open-face helmet. The front of a modular helmet can be lifted up, allowing riders to easily communicate, drink water, or eat without removing their helmet completely. They strike a balance between protection and convenience, making them a versatile choice for touring or city rides.
Many of Harley Davidson's helmets are equipped with venting systems that help in managing airflow, preventing the visor from fogging up and keeping the rider's head cool during long rides. The energy-absorbing liners and robust outer shells significantly enhance safety, meeting or exceeding industry safety standards like ECE and DOT.
Choosing the right helmet involves considering fit, comfort, safety features, and riding habits to ensure optimal protection and enjoyment on every ride. To determine the best fit, visit a local dealer where you can try on various helmets or get professional fitting advice. Every ride is safer with the right helmet.
Safety Features and Standards
Harley Davidson helmets are known not just for their style, but also for their safety features and compliance with recognized standards. When protecting your head while riding, understanding these safety elements is crucial.
These helmets meet or exceed the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States and the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) in Europe. These certifications ensure that the helmet has undergone testing to safeguard against a range of impact scenarios, which enhances rider safety in case of an accident.
The specific safety test criteria that helmets undergo to get certified include:
- Resistance to impact
- Penetration
- Retention system effectiveness
- Field of view
The shells of Harley Davidson helmets are crafted to absorb and disperse energy during an impact, reducing the force transmitted to the skull and minimizing injuries. The inner lining typically includes foam or similar materials that cushion the head, adding an extra layer of protection.
One aspect of Harley Davidson's helmet line is the integration of technology and convenience features. Many models come equipped with venting systems that improve air flow, increasing comfort and preventing fogging during varied weather conditions. This is not just a comfort feature but a safety one too, as maintaining clear visibility is important for safe riding.
Modular helmets from Harley Davidson allow flexibility in how they can be worn, appreciated for quick stops during long rides when you need to have a conversation or grab a drink without removing the helmet entirely.
The emphasis on meeting both DOT and ECE standards demonstrates Harley Davidson's commitment to providing riders with protective gear that also meets legal safety requirements across different regions. With a Harley Davidson helmet, riders can be assured that they are investing in a product designed to look good and offer critical head protection, ultimately enhancing road safety.
Consider the helmet that best fits the type of riding you do most often, and ensure it correctly fits your shape and size for optimal effectiveness. A helmet is a crucial investment in your safety whilst out on the road. Next time you gear up for a ride, put safety first with a properly certified Harley Davidson helmet.
Impact of Helmet Laws on Usage
In states like Nebraska and Florida, where riders over a certain age can choose whether or not to wear helmets, the impact of helmet laws on motorcyclist safety and behavior is significant. These laws influence individual choices and wider cultural attitudes toward safety.
Nebraska's recent legislative change exemplifies this shift. Previously under a universal helmet law, the state has now moved to allow riders over 21 to forego helmets if they complete a safety course. This law pivots toward personal responsibility and the assumption that education can replace the need for mandatory helmet use. While some riders welcome this as an increase in personal freedom, safety experts continue to stress the role helmets play in reducing fatality rates in accidents1.
In Florida, the law takes a similar stance that riders over 21 may ride without helmets provided they carry insurance coverage that meets minimum medical benefits. This approach underscores a balancing act between personal liberty and safety considerations. As observed at the Harley Davidson store in Sarasota, the absence of a strict helmet requirement doesn't necessarily mean riders choose to go without helmets. Many, including riders like Chris Lytton from Virginia, often opt to wear helmets as an extra precaution, a decision supported by studies highlighting helmets' effectiveness in protecting riders.
This variation in helmet laws among states often leads to confusion among riders, particularly those riding through multiple states with different rules. But more critically, it influences how riders perceive motorcycle safety. At Harley Davidson dealerships, regardless of state laws, there's an effort to educate customers about the benefits of wearing helmets. Employees and managers often share personal anecdotes demonstrating the lifesaving benefits of helmets, reinforcing the cultural narrative within the biker community that while it may be legal to ride without a helmet, it isn't always wise.
Encouragement of safety courses also plays a role in these narrative shifts. In states like Nebraska, completing these rider courses qualifies one to choose not to wear a helmet legally. These courses educate riders on better handling of their bikes and on safety practices, including helmet use even when it's optional. They champion continued education and adaptability in riding behaviors which might contribute to a normalization of helmet usage regardless of legal requirements.
This landscape of variable legal requirements and educational efforts turns helmet use into not just a legal matter but a personal choice influenced by social and cultural factors. Among Harley Davidson riders, who might feel a sense of brand-related camaraderie and shared road ethos, this can lead to more uniform safety habits that are less dependent on the law and more on mutual values of personal safety and responsibility. While the law provides boundaries, rider education and community norms fill in much of the practical application, ultimately shaping how helmet laws impact usage across different states.
- Olsen CS, Thomas AM, Singleton M, et al. Motorcycle helmet effectiveness in reducing head, face and brain injuries by state and helmet law. Injury Epidemiology. 2016;3(1):8.
