The freedom and exhilaration of two-wheeled riding is enhanced by Icon sportbike motorcycle helmets. When the traffic is light and the weather is good, a rider can smell the grass and hear the birds and insects singing, which is a vastly different experience than riding in a closed-in car. The road speeds by, only inches away from your feet. If for some reason, however, you have decided to skip the helmet, then you may only be a short distance away from becoming another accident statistic. Motorcyclists riding without helmets automatically run the risk of unnecessary head and neck injuries.
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.
That situation has changed dramatically. There are currently five basic levels of headgear available today. All have snug chin-straps, a vital feature to have in place during an accident. The best protection comes from gear with full-face coverage, which shields both the lower and upper part of the neck and head. These helmets have visors, a feature not usually chosen for off-road biking. For those who wish to speak, eat or drink while wearing a helmet, there are "flip-up" or modular models.
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.
Test a new helmet by strapping it to the face snugly, and then attempt to push it off the head from behind. It should not move freely, even when a great effort is made. This type of fit is important, because movement within the helmet should not be possible, even if the head is strongly shaken. Moving that helmet should also cause the facial skin to move. Once properly and expertly fitted, a new helmet should not be restrictive, but should feel comfortable and stable. Once you and your passengers are properly fitted with Icon sportbike motorcycle helmets, then you are ready to ride.
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