motorbike helmets and leathers!?

Question

which/what are the most important things to look for when picking a motorbike helmet? obviously Shoei etc are horrendously expensive but do you pay for proctection or the racing name? Also same thing for leathers, what to look for, armour etc are obvious but does it all work the same? Is Dainese leather better than cheaper alternatives?

Answer 1

Many people look for the Snell approval, but personally, I believe the Snell approval is actually based on standards that lead to some overly stiff helmets. If you study their requirements and testing procedures, one difference you'll note is that they require a helmet to withstand 3 hits to the same location without breaking, as opposed to one. It's led manufacturers to design really stiff helmets that absorb less of the impact, and transmit more of it to your head---resulting in more mushed brains. :) (remember when cars weren't built with crumple zones to protect the soft human inside? Same concept). Personally, I don't pay much attention to Snell ratings anymore bcs of that. If a helmet doesn't have the latest Snell rating, I'm not overly concerned. The european testing methods make more sense, but unfortunately they're not available in the states.

Most important is that it has a full-face configuration--whether that's a flip-up style or a normal full-face, bcs about 80% of accidents impact the chin guard. And the number one criteria is fit. Particularly the test is to see if you can roll the helmet forward off your head, and twist side ways to see if it'll twist.

As for leathers, more is better, from a protection perspective. The leather off a cow is about 1cm thick. Manufacturers have to shave that down to wearable thicknesses for a balance of flexability and durability. Manufacturers will brag about using the thickest materials. My leathers are 1.2mm thick, shaved down to 0.8mm in flexible areas. I've found it to be just fine in a crash (sliding down asphalt from 70mph), and very wearable. Don't believe the hype there. Your seams will probably give before the leather wears through. Is Dainese leather better than cheap fashion leathers? Sure. Is Dainese better than Vanson leathers, or BMW leathers? I doubt the margin is of material significance.

As for textiles, I'd stay away from polyester. Stick to more durable fibers like polyamide nylons (cordura is one, Dynafil another), Nylon/Kevlar weaves, and such. Those will without a doubt do a better job at keeping skin on your bones.

Armor. The name of the game when it comes to armor seems to be CE rating (Conformité Européenne, or the European Union's rating body). I've not found anything better as far as body armor impact rating, so I generally look for CE rating. Besides, armor imho is a secondary concern over abrasion protection. And the single biggest attribute re: armor that one ought to consider is not actually the armor itself, but how well the suit keeps the armor in place over your elbows/knees/shoulders/back. If your jacket is too baggy, the armor slips to one side and doesn't protect squat. That's why racing leathers fit so close. If anyone needs armor to work, it's those boys.

Happy riding. And ride smart...pro only goes so far in actually protecting. I've seen a guy in full pro without an ankle, and that was enough for me.

Answer 2

Helmets: full face, obviously. The MOST important aspect of a helmet is FIT. If it doesn't fit you, or is uncomfortable in any way it will distract you from what you're doing.

Graphics are up to you, and the more expensive helmets are usually lighter since their shells are made of carbon composites instead of thermoplastic. Companies like Shoei and Arai spend a lot of time researching aerodynamics as well, so you can go over 100mph without feeling like your head is going to come off!

Ventilation is also very important, and cheaper helmets can be stingy with ventilation. If your head is baking inside the thing you can't think straight either.

Leathers: They should fit snug, like a second skin. The important thing to look for in leathers is the stitching. Just sewing two pieces of leather together is a sure-fire way to have the suit come apart at the seams. They should be stitched, folded, and stitched again as many times and in as many rows as possible, and even using cheap thread can be a burden.

Go for a reputable maker, and though everything in motorcycling is overpriced (in my opinion) you do get more by spending more.

Look at the links below for more information/articles on what you need.

Answer 3

As for the helmet, you are probably paying a bit for each the name and the protection, but check into how well each helmet is rated (Consumer Reports or a similar organization). Then, pick a few and try them on. See what is comfortable and gives a good view. As for the leathers, thicker is better in case you wind up sliding on the road (the thicker they are, the longer a slid you can do without wearing through them, generally. Also, look for a jacket with closeable air openings, so you can wear it in warmer weather without roasting. Generally, the better names are better because the products they sell are, but make sure fort the specific items you are looking at. Even good companies can make a badly designed or built product on occasion. In short, it should be highly rated for accidents, but also comfortable to use on a daily basis (if it isn't, you will be tempted to leave it at home, where is won't do you any good if you need it). Good luck!

Answer 4

Do not concern yourself with the price of the helmet. Better helmets cost money (you do pay for protection), but your head is much more expensive, its a clishe but true. Get the best fit helmet of the best manufacturer (Shoei, Arai, Suomy to name the more popular once). I personally have Shoei RF1000, and it is the best one I ever wore. Although I would agree with Driveshaft, the European Standards are better and models that you can get which is certified under that standard are Shark helmets (nice looking and not very expencive).
As far as the leathers, middle of the road price would be just as good as Dainese (such as Alpinestars, AGV (I have their jacket), ICON (I got their jeans), Olympia).
Do not forget about the boots, you do want a good, comfortable pair (try Sidi, Oxstar).

Answer 5

Check out this site for info on helmets, leathers and armor:
http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_gear.html

I think on the helmet page, there is a link to an article on helmet testing - the results are surprising and the more expensive helmet isn't always better!

Answer 6

The helmet should be of good quality--a brand name that you have heard of. It should also not only be D.O.T. approved, but also SNELL approved. If a helmet has the SNELL approval, it means that it passed more tests than a helmet that didn't have the SNELL approval. Leathers should also be of good quality--a brand name that you have heard of. Look for armor in the leather in critical areas such as elbows and chest. Some leathers also come with vents that you can unzip for ventilation on hot days. Also look for wind protection over zippers. There should be a flap that covers the zipper, otherwise wind goes right through.

Answer 7

Helmets, most important certainly aint price no matter what the helmet snobs tell you, its the fit, if it dont fit properly its no good, try on lots, all differant makes as the internals are all different shapes, as for leathers whatever suits your pocket and taste but I got kitted out at Hein Gerrick for just over £300.00 and they are brill had em just over a year and no problems fit nice, good qaulity leather, comfortable and effective armour too

Answer 8

helmets look for the "kite mark" it means they are of a high standard and have been tested old saying is " if you got a ten dollar head buy a ten dollar helmet " what price can you put on your life, same with leathers get the ones with body armour in them cant afford them? then save up till you can
keep them wheels upright and enjoy your riding be safe :)

Answer 9

I have AGV (Worn by the man himself Rossi) and are extrmely comfortable. You can get a good one for 150quid. I have the Stealth which is great. Dainese are really good but Hien Gerrick are just as good and you can get a 2 piece suit for 250quid. Buy a back protector though as this will save your life-it did for me!!!!

Answer 10

My Dad rode a motorbike for years, until some idiot knocked him off it when he was in his 50s! He wore the best helmet he could afford plus a Belstaff jacket and it served him well!