Parts of a Motorcycle Helmet

The helmet is the most important riding gear to be used by a rider; you can see an intelligent and responsible rider wearing one. It is a piece of equipment that a rider can use in order to protect his head in an event of a crash.

How does a Helmet protect the rider?

Helmets offer two types of protection, the shell and liner acts by spreading the forces of impact throughout the helmet material opposed to the energy being directed to your head. That's why, in most cases, if a helmet has been dropped or damaged in an accident, it may be lesser protective value after that incident.

A helmet has four basic components:

1)     The Outer Shell

The outer shell protects against puncture and abrasion - without it your skin and bone of your head would be scrapping across the road. Outer Shell is the hardest part of the helmet, some outer shell where made of Polycarbonate, Fiber glass, Carbon fiber or Kevlar. This keeps the head protected from scratches or pointed objects penetrating to your head.

2)      The Impact Absorbing liner

The inner liner absorbs shock energy by slowly collapsing under impact - if not for this absorption all of the energy from a crash would be transferred to your head instead. It is made of expanded polystyrene or EPS; it is design to collapse as it absorbs the impact which is meant for your head. Once it is deformed, do not use your helmet again. You have to replace your helmet every 5 years, the life span from the date you purchase the helmet.

3)      The comfort padding

The comfort padding is the one on top of your head and keeps you comfortable; it also has check pads to prevent your helmet from moving from side to side. You can choose the size of your helmet thru the comfort padding, make sure it is snugly fits your head.

4)      The retention System/Chin Strap

The retention system or chin strap is the only part that keeps your helmet on your head, make sure before riding to strap and lock it in your chin to prevent it from leaving your head in case of an accident.  

Watch out for my next blog, how to properly choose a helmet, what are the standards you need to know in purchasing one. Ride safe riders!

*Thank you Sir Ryan Chow, Rockler and Jeff of Motoworld and Motomarket

7 Things to Check to Improve Riding Posture; Right form, Better control

There is a saying that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, this might apply to old riders and their riding style. I am open for changes and so must all of you that read our blog In order to operate the motorcycle, you must put in mind that the proper riding posture will help you to be comfortable and above all, in control.

Let us discuss this one by one:

1.) Eyes – Have you seen a horse with kalesa? The horse has its eyes covered on the side; the reason for this is the horse should not be distracted with the vehicles or people passing on his side so the horse will focus on the straight direction while being guided by the driver. Using the metal horse and as you as the rider, you should be able to see ahead widely and uniformly in all directions in order to obtain correct information quickly, like stop light, traffic signs and pedestrian crossing, do not focus on one object or a pedestrian with short shorts. Stop before you appreciate.

2.)Shoulders – keeping them relax will help you to control your motorcycle; it should be in a natural position which does not exert effort.     

3.) Elbows – it should be free and relax and arms slightly bend no need to raise your elbows like a Moto crosser, you don’t need it since you are just riding on the road.

4.) Hands – your wrist should be lightly gripping and slightly pulled downward, do not over grip the throttle.

5.) Waist / Hips – you must sit on the center of the bike so that your handling and maneuverability will not be hampered, this will not help your arms and shoulder to relax if you’re too close or far away from the handle bar.

6.) Knees – Both of your knees should be lightly touching the fuel tank, and when necessary it should be clipped firmly. This helps you stabilize your motorcycle while cornering and especially during braking. If you don’t have a fuel tank, make sure your knees are not widely spread outside your handle bar area.  

7.)  Feet – ride your motorcycle with the foot on the step and not touching the ground with the tip of their shoes as other riders are doing, make sure your feet should be pointing forward for easy access on the brakes and gear shifter.

For more information, keep on visiting this blog site. Read before you ride!