Four basic components work together to provide protection in the motorcycle helmet;
- an outer shell
- an impact-absorbing liner
- the comfort padding
- and a good retention system.
This is tough stuff, yet it's designed and intended to compress when it hits anything hard.
That action disperses energy from the impact to lessen the force before it reaches your head, but it doesn't act alone to protect you.
Inside the shell is the equally important impact-absorbing liner, usually made of expanded polystyrene (commonly known as styrofoam). This dense layer cushions and absorbs the shock as the helmet stops and your head wants to keep on moving.
Both the shell and the liner compress if hit hard, spreading the forces of impact throughout the helmet material.
The more impact-energy absorbed, the less there is to reach your head and do damage.
Some helmet shells are designed to self-destruct on impact. Others may crack and break if forced to take a severe hit; this is one way a helmet acts to absorb shock.
Impact damage from a crash to the non-resilient liner may be invisible to the eye. It may look great, but it probably has little protective value left and should be replaced.
The comfort padding is the soft foam-and-cloth layer that sits next to your head. It helps keep you comfortable and the helmet fitting snugly. In some helmets, this padding can even be taken out for cleaning.
The retention system, or chin strap, is very important. It is the one piece that keeps the helmet on your head in a crash. A strap is connected to each side of the shell. Every time you put the helmet on, fasten the strap securely. It only takes a couple of seconds. To ride without your helmet secured would be the same as driving without your seatbelt fastened.
Helmet Care
Store it in a soft, protective helmet bag.
Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your helmet.
One can also wear a type of head bandana made out of thin cotton under you helmet (try a flea market). This can easily be washed, keeping the inner of your helmet clean.
Use only the mildest soap as recommended. Avoid any strong cleaning fluids, especially if you own a polycarbonate helmet. Exposure to strong cleaning agents can cause the helmet to decompose and lose protective value.
Keep your helmet's visor clean. Experienced South African bikers swear by the household aerosol cleaning product called 'Mr Min' to keep their visor and helmet clean.
Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the helmet as the propellant (usually butane) destroys some of the materials used in helmet and visor construction. Instead spray it onto a clean cloth away from the helmet and then apply it.
Normally, mild soap and water with a soft cloth will also do the job.
If the visor is scratched, replace it. A scratched visor can be difficult to see through. At night, it could dangerously distort your vision and your view of oncoming lights.
A helmet looks tough and robust, but it should be handled as a fragile item. This means that you don't want to drop your helmet on hard surfaces.
Read the information that comes with the helmet so you know how to care for it.
Definitely read the instructions about painting and decorating your helmet.
Never hang your helmet on the motorcycle's mirrors, turn signals, or backrest. The inner liner can easily be damaged from such handling.
Avoid carrying a spare helmet on your motorcycle, unless it's well protected or on your passenger's head. If it is strapped near hot engine parts or exhaust pipes, the inner liner may get damaged. The outer shell may not show the damage, but if you've seen the effects of a foam drink cup placed too near excessive heat, you can understand what happens.
When you take your helmet off, find a flat, secure place for it. If you place it on the seat, make sure it won't fall off.
Replacing Your Helmet
Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash, it probably absorbed some impact shock.
Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every two to four years.
If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it sooner.
Why replace if it doesn't appear damaged?
Its protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear.
The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points.
The shell could be chipped or damaged.
The best reason is that helmets keep improving.
Chances are that the helmet you buy in a couple of years will be better, stronger, lighter and more comfortable than the one you own now.
Can't remember when you bought your present helmet?
Check the chin strap or permanent labeling. Since 1974, all helmets must have the month and date of production stamped on it.
If there's no date at all, you should definitely replace your helmet - now!
Wear your helmet, every time you ride.
(source: http://msf-usa.org)
ARTICLE: EMSIE MARTIN
