Gone are the days when motorcycle helmets are just mere safety accessories. Today, motorcycle and scooter helmets are seen as lifestyle accessories. Shopping for a helmet is actually one of the most important decisions you have to make before you even get yourself a two-wheeler.
When it comes to buying helmets, there are a few mistakes you should never do to ensure that you get the right gear that will keep you safe and sound during your ride.
Table of Contents:
Buying a Helmet Because It’s Cheap
Many modern branded helmets today don’t cost more than two cups of coffee at a posh restaurant. Make sure you don’t cut corners as far as a helmet’s quality is concerned. Remember that it is meant to save yourself. Compromising on the quality will only jeopardize your personal safety, exposing you to all sorts of dangers out on the road.
Think through what kind you need and what kind of rides you will be taking, before buying a helmet.
Low quality and cheap helmets sold in cheap accessory shops and on the sidewalk might lack the necessary safety certifications. While it may seem like you save lots of money, this is one of the biggest and gravest mistakes you need to avoid at all costs.
Buying a Helmet Without Certification
Safety certifications are another aspect where most riders often commit a mistake when buying their motorcycle helmets.
You might end up facing hefty fines from the authorities if you use a helmet without proper certification. The best and easiest way to avoid this mistake is to simply get a helmet backed with the required safety certifications that apply in your locality.
If you love riding your motorcycle across country borders often, it might also be best to check with your destination country to know the applicable certifications there. Doing so will ensure that you don’t face legal issues with the area’s police officers.
Not Buying Based on Your Needs
Another common mistake that riders make when buying a helmet is that they don’t consider their own riding style and needs. Unless you already know what to expect from the helmet, it is impossible to reach the right decision the moment you set foot inside the local shop selling motorcycle accessories.
Consider what you plan to do with the helmet. Will you regularly go on long rides? Do you need the helmet for your regular commutes within the city? Once you identify the purpose of the helmet, you can then start shopping for the best-branded motorcycle helmets that complement your unique needs and riding style.
Full-face helmets are the common choice for regular long-distance rides, while an open-face helmet might be a better option for intercity commutes.
Getting the Wrong Size
Yet another common mistake many people make when buying brand new motorcycle helmets is that they don’t even get the correct size in the first place. Loose-fitting helmets will never offer any protection at all from an accident’s impact. If your helmet doesn’t snugly fit on your head, chances are this will fly off the moment you hit the pavement. Loose-fitting helmets will also waft around during strong wind conditions that are very common on open roads and highways.
Choose your new motorcycle helmet wisely and if you are not completely sure, get an advice from a professional.
Always avoid these mistakes to get the best motorcycle helmets perfect for your rides!
