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Why I love my motorcycle helmet 

(as appearing in the June/July GWRRA AB-A newsletter)

Among many biker circles, helmets are supposed to not be cool. 

There are lots of famous quotes like “helmet laws suck” and “let those who ride decide” which you can plaster your helmet or car bumper with. But let me tell you why I love my helmet, and wear it all the time, even when not required by law to do so.

As many of you who know, I have long hair. Long hair and riding motorcycles sometimes result in your hair becoming a bird’s nest. By wearing my helmet my locks stay put and become an “insulator”. Long flowing locks on a bike may look cool and feel good, but after a day of constantly spitting out your own tresses and having to constantly untangle it from behind your sunglasses, you’re glad to be wearing a lid. Never mind having to comb out the mess!! I know many of you follicle-challenged men feel no sympathy for me, but bear with me and hear my story.

For many years I owned the same shortie helmet. It’s been dropped on the pavement many times, and even was painted (by myself) to match assorted motorcycles I’ve owned.  After joining GWRRA and hearing lots about safety, I learned that helmets “wear out” with time, and may be damaged when you drop them. So a few years ago, we decided to get ourselves new helmets.

I bought the HJC AC-3 ¾ helmet. What that means is that it is not a shortie helmet (similar to a big hat) and it’s not a full face helmet (completely wraps around your head). It is open at the chin. After years of wearing a shortie, I did not want to go full face. This particular helmet has removable “cheek pads” that I have removed most of the time. When they’re removed, my helmet feels like a shortie, and the cool air blows across my face. If it gets cool out, I can easily stop and insert the cheek pads, and be as warm as a full face helmet wearer. If found this to be the best feature of my helmet. A microphone and speaker system fits easily in this helmet, unlike my old shortie helmet. Most helmets boast some kind of an airflow system of vents, but personally I’ve never really noticed any difference with mine when the vents are open or closed. Perhaps it’s all my hair?

The AC-3 boasts a CoolMax® Moisture-wicking Interior. That’s their words, not mine. What that means is that the interior lining is comfortable, removable and washable.  The visor unlocks and comes off easily, and I have replaced it with an optional face shield. In my opinion, this is the only way to go. I ride with my shield in the up position 99 percent of the time, only lowering it for rain or severe wind. While at WingDing 29, a friend pointed out to me a great add-on for the face shield (Thanks Colin!). It is a tinted piece of plastic that simply clings to the shield, and can peel off easily. The tint blocks out the low sun while riding, and acts just like the rim visor. I’ve placed it on the bottom edge of the shield, so if your shield is down, it is closest to the ground. BUT, since I ride with it UP most of the time, it’s like having a semi-tinted face shield and blocks out the low sun perfectly. Better yet, it only cost me a few dollars!

I decided not to get a color matched helmet, and I’ve left my helmet white. After years of baking my bean in the blazing sun, wearing a dark colored helmet, I figured that white wouldn’t cook me as fast. Besides, it makes you more visible, and that much more safer.

My wife Chris has the HJC AC-2, which is a shortie helmet with removable ear flaps. Her visor had snap on attachments for a face shield. That’s a must for riding as a passenger.

Of course, the helmets are SNELL/DOT Approved. 

While I personally believe wearing a helmet should be a choice of the individual and not law, I also believe that it’s the safest thing you can do.

And that’s why I love my motorcycle helmet.               http://www.hjchelmets.com