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Helmet-101
Pay attention to the newest ECE R 22.05
When buying a new motorcycle helmet regardless of whether a full-face, folding, jet, or cross helmet bikers should pay attention to the newest European registration regulation ECE R 22.05. The ECE-tag, usually on the chin strap or in the lining, has a large "E" with the code of the country a "1" for Germany, for example and the authorization number, which must begin with "5" or "05".
Helmets, which only fulfill the old 04er-standard, may still be sold, but their chin part has not been tested, for example. In addition, the standards for visors in regard to distortion and anti-fogging (note "mist retardant") are now much higher.
A motorcycle helmet must fit well all around, but cannot create pressure points. If possible, wear the head protection in the store for an hour or even better take a test drive. This is the best way to discover weaknesses like wind noise or loose fit. The weight is also an important safety factor: Because a relatively light helmet (around 1,500 grams) has much less effect on the neck vertebrae during an accident.
The most important mechanical tests in the Cologne TÜV-laboratory with the prescribed simulated speed of 27 km/h are the shock absorption test on the helmet shell, checking of chin straps and closure, as well as the "abrasion test", in which the specialists investigate how well the helmet really protects the head during a slide.
Which helmet for whom?
The full-face helmet: It completely protects the face and chin. The jet helmet, a favorite of chopper drivers, is open also for rain, cold, and hazards, because the chin is uncovered. Endurance riders like cross helmets open, but with the chin protection.
Beware of the cool half-shells, so-called braincaps. Because: they offer not protection and are also not motorcycle helmets in the sense of Road Traffic Regulations!
Protective glasses should fit the form of the face and be of unbreakable glass or plastic with soft edges...
GRP and fiberglass
Thermo-setting plastics are relatively heavy, especially when the shell is hand-laminated. Hot-pressing makes it somewhat lighter. The advantage of these materials is their robustness: They are resistant to weathering and solvents. The useful life is still limited. Carbon fiber material instead of fiberglass combines material durability with a low weight. It is clearly lighter, but the price is much higher.
Thermoplastics
One can usually recognize these helmets by their seam. Thanks to the machining of thermoplastics like polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), or acrylic butadiene styrene (ABS), its quality is uniformly good in contrast to hand laminated GRP.
Cleaning and care
The disadvantage of the lightweight construction is sensitivity: weather and solvents attack the material. Even stickers and paint can adversely affect safety, without visible damage to the surface. They should therefore only be cleaned with soap and warm water. Polyamide and ABS-helmets are more resistant to chemicals, but have a similarly short useful life. In the course of time, they loss their good material characteristics.
Useful life
Even if the helmet survives an accident with no apparent damage, you should replace it. Only the manufacturer can test whether the helmet is still safe. For this, it must be completely disassembled.
The deciding factor for the useful life is how often the helmet was worn or subjected to wind and weather.
Thermoplastic helmets have an average useful life of three to six years. Helmets made of GRP or carbon fiber last longer. But even their insides lose dampening qualities over time.
Full of sound and fury...?
Above a speed of 150 km/h, wind noises can rise to an ear-numbing 100 db (A) and more and lead to hearing damage in the long run. Various earplugs available from specialty stores will help against this.
However, how loud it really is on the bike depends on various factors: body size of the driver, sitting position, motorcycle (with or without fairings), position of the windshield, and finally the form of the helmet.
