As you hop on your Harley-Davidson, Honda or Yahama and take to the open road, it is wise to invest in several pieces of protection. A cycle ride without some of sort of eye and face protection is pretty risky. What is a rider to do when he or she take a pounding from the elements, such as wind, dirt, rain, and dust? Without something to shield the face, such as a face shield or pair of glasses, insects and other nasty debris can obstruct his or her view.

Today, when it comes to choosing shields or a helmet for your motor ride, there are numerous options on the market to choose from. Different styles, colors and designs await a rider, whether they enjoy a motorcycle ride on the adult or junior level. Before choosing a face shield or helmet for your motorcycle gear collection, keep in mind that a helmet with a plastic face shield is one of the best choices you can make. This is because this type of support will protect the entire face. Sometimes motorcycles come with windshields and in this case, a pair of goggles may be best.

When selecting eye protection, you should choose a pair of glasses or goggles that offers a clear view on both sides. The product should be shatterproof, as well as possess an item that is free of scratches. Proper sealing should be taken into consideration so that wind does not cause watering of the eyes. For full-face coverage, there should be strong chin support and absorbing liners. Below are a few brands to keep in mind when you need to protect yourself on and off the busy road.

Scorpion

When it comes to trend setting protective motorcycle gear, some of the best-designed helmets in the world come from Scorpion. From all over the world, motorcycle lovers are using Scorpion helmets. Some of the helpful features that these helmets offer include the EverClear no-fog face shield, which also provides an anti-scratch hardened coating. Scorpion helmets also use a KwikWick moisture-absorbing liner and cheek pads. The convenience also extends to a product that is breathable and can be easily washed.

Nolan

Nolan helmets offer motorcycle riders top-notch protection through its Lexan face shield with desirable UV 400 Protection. With the Vision Protection System (VPS), there is a convenient clear shield, which offers three different positions. There is even extra neck roll to further reduce the effects of wind and noise. For those who suffer from allergic reactions and tend to experience irritation with some of the materials used to construct a helmet, a Nolan option provides an interior with anti-microbial hypoallergenic sanitation.

Vega

Offering nine different convenient face shield colors and sizes, Vega helmets are a great way to fashionable take to the road. The full-face Vega helmet option provides tons of loaded features. The superb construction and materials used to make this great item offers fully vented capabilities in the chin, rear and top areas of the helmet.

When looking for adult sizes, you may choose from XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and XXL. Junior sizes are offered in S, M and L. When selecting a helmet, the size hat that you wear is an important determining factor. If you wear a size 7-5/8 - 7-3/4 in hat, then you will need an XL motorcycle helmet.

Additional Motorcycle Protection

There are many different protection items that a motorcycle rider may choose. Fulmer provides riders with full-face, open face, half and off-road helmet selections. AGV is another popular helmet brand that is used in many different professional bike-riding tournaments. It must be something about their clear and tinted visors that makes riding both fashionable and safe.

It is essential to understand how a motorcycle works before you take it out on the road. Lack of preparation and knowledge can lead to serious tragedies.

How does a bike stay upright?

This is a common question. Think back to riding a bicycle. Everyone knows that a stationary bike is going to tip over. However, when the bike is in motion it never tips. This baffles many people.

The answer lies within the realm of gravity and physics. Motion creates friction. Friction applied with subtle balancing techniques of the rider's body help maintain a balanced bike.

Take a simpler example. Balancing a stick upright in your hand is a guarantee that the stick will tip over. If you move your hand, however, the stick will stay upright. The trick is to keep the object in motion.

How does a motorcycle operate?

Throughout the twentieth century, motorcycles have seen some changes. In the end, however, the motorcycles are all operated in the same manner. First things first, you have to turn the motorcycle on. Motorcycles come with either a key ignition with a push button start or a kick starter that turns the engine on.

The throttle increases the flow of gas to the engine resulting in increased speed. This throttle is your right handle grip. To move forward, the engine needs that gas.

Meanwhile, the clutch helps change gears. The left hand grip houses the clutch level. You pull it in to change gears and then release at a consistent and slow speed.

The pedal under your left foot is the gearshift. You use this pedal with the clutch to change gears, either up or down. The higher the gear, the faster you are moving.

The right handle grip also houses the lever for the front brakes. The front brakes contain up to 80% of your braking power. Pulling the lever towards you provides you with friction needed to slow and eventually stop your motorcycle. Again, you must pull the lever slowly and fluidly or you can brake too suddenly and flip.

A pedal on the right side under the foot contains the brakes for the rear tire. You should use the front and rear brakes together to prevent excessive brake wear.

A few higher priced motorcycle models have linked brakes. Here the brakes work in tandem by pressing the brake pedal under the right foot. They utilize disc brakes for all stopping and can create a smoother stop by gently using the disc to put pressure on the tires.

Almost all motorcycles have a kill switch. In certain cases, turning off the key from the seat can cause the motorcycle to go off balance and tip. Another example of kill switch use would be if you fall from your bike and need to turn the engine off to prevent further damage. In both cases, the kill switch prevents additional injury.

Other items that can be installed to increase performance include the mileage gauges, suspension, GPS tracking, and defogging mirrors. Not every bike will have these items, but many do.

Gas motor scooters are often thought of as toys, innocent and cheap fun. But it's exactly that type of thinking that can get a gas scooter driver into deep trouble. First and foremost scooters are motor vehicles just like motorcycles and automobiles. They share the road with other cars and trucks and are subject to similar laws and regulations. And although they are an object of desire for many they can be dangerous for the unexperienced or unprepared.

As a general rule gas powered scooters are regulated by state laws as either motorcycles or mopeds and are subject to similar regulations as these other motor vehicles. By staying alert and using caution many accidents can be avoided. Most accidents arise due to carelessness. By paying attention to what is going on around you and what other drivers are doing you can feel relatively safe out on the highway.

There are two things that cause the majority of accidents, speeding and following too closely to the vehicle ahead. Driving safely is all about giving other drivers enough reaction time. If another driver wants to change into your lane directly in front of you it may cause you to lose control if you are speeding and haven't enough time to react. Without enough time to slow down this maneuver by the other driver may require you to move into another lane to avoid him. This can affect other drivers in other lanes which is the beginning of many accidents.

Another major mistake that many gas scooter drivers make is following too closely. When the person ahead of you suddenly slams on the brakes you need enough time to slow down comfortably. Ramming into the back of someone's car is not what you want to do, especially when you are driving a small scooter without any protection around you. By following the speed limits and giving yourself enough room to slow down if something unexpected should happen in front of you most accidents can be prevented.

The third problem arises when gas powered scooters are purchased for use by children and teenagers who do not even possess a valid driver's license. Drivers with licenses may not be any safer on the road than unlicensed drivers, but at least they have had some training and experience behind the wheel of a car. Children and teenagers without any training can be an accident waiting to happen when it comes to motor scooters. Without any experience or training children and young teenagers can quickly find themselves in positions that experienced drivers normally would not.

Kids have been known to throw caution into the wind, darting in and out of traffic without a clue as to the dangers. On gas scooters that are so small they can't be seen well by other drivers, and without much driving experience or training, kids will pose a hazard to both themselves and the other motorists they come in contact with.

Parents should be strongly cautioned to have their children receive the proper amount of training on their gas power scooters before they are allowed onto the busy city streets. Find a deserted road and put them through a training session. The life a parent saves may be his own children's. Only after a parent feels comfortable with his child's driving skills should they allow the child onto the busier streets. By making sure that our children know the safety rules of the road we are decreasing their chances of being involved in a serious accident. Before we can legally drive a car on the highway we must all pass certain tests. Why should it be any different for younger kids?

Gas or electric scooters are wonderful little vehicles that are fun to drive, cheap to buy and are very handy for traveling short distances around the neighborhood to perform errands. They usually have larger storage room than a motorcycle and are very inexpensive to operate. There are many reasons for owning a gas scooter, but in the hands of the untrained and inexperienced they can be deadly.

The ATV, go carts, dirt bikes and mini bikes are other vehicles that are often owned and operated by younger drivers. But they are usually not seen on the city streets as scooters are. Go karts are typically driven on tracks specifically designed for the go cart. And the mini bike, dirt bike or ATVs are typically driven off road. These other vehicles avoid many of the dangers that scooter drivers must face, namely traffic on the busy highway.

Gas scooters are quite popular these days, especially among the younger market who are too young to drive cars yet. Without proper training for these kids it opens the door to possible serious accidents. As the worldwide popularity of gas scooters grows we need to make sure that people's awareness of driving and safety regulations keeps pace, especially among the kids that have no previous drivers experience.

Kids often think of gas scooters as toys, not as potentially dangerous vehicles. But a scooter is not a toy. It is a motor vehicle that is subject to certain laws and regulations. People need to be aware of the potential scooter dangers and remain alert while driving at all times. They should not drive erratically, but be predictable and courteous to other drivers on the road. They should follow the speed limits and remain a safe distance behind other vehicles. Kids should receive proper training before being allowed on the busier streets. By taking these few safety precautions we can help ensure a fun safe driving experience for all.

If you're looking for a good time riding on gravel roads there are a few strategies that can make your experience a whole lot more fun! Always remember to drive in one gear lower than you normally would, as this allows for minor adjustments in your throttle. It will also take over some of the braking duties without your need to change gears all the time. Remember to stay smooth and fluid with your motions. This is especially important when driving on gravel, dirt and uneven roads. If you stand up on your pegs a lot, remember to use your legs as shock absorbers as this will give you the added advantage of lowering the center of gravity directly to the pegs instead of your seat. Don't paddle walk your bike as this throws it back and forth, and undermines any benefits gained from centrifugal force established through forward motion.

A simple law of science says when a body is in motion it tends to stay in motion. As long as you stay on the throttle your bike will stay up. If you do a bit of a hill climbing, remember to lean forward. This works especially well when you're standing on the pegs. When going downhill shift your weight backwards towards the rear of the bike.

Remember to shift your body weight when rounding curves as this will help you utilize far more subtle adjustments to your steering. Overall you are going to get a more stable feeling when you apply subtle, smooth adjustments in steering. For your first gravel drive, find a smooth road and you will have more confidence in your skills. Remember there are always roads under construction and using a bit of common sense goes a long way when it comes to gravel road driving!

A 110cc bike is a powerful mini sport bike for more experienced riders who want a faster mini bike for competition or personal satisfaction. Mini sport bikes are all the rage and there are many varieties from very small to medium size and most can reach speeds in excess of 30mph. A 110cc bike is a great bike for racing and all types of competition for riders with a higher level of experience. You can find great deals on mini sport bikes of all sizes and styles. You could save potentially hundreds of dollars on a 110cc bike and sport mini bikes of all sizes from many wholesalers and retailers who are offering great deals and fast shipping.

110cc bikes are equipped with powerful engines, automatic transmissions, and disc brakes that provide safety and precision handling. Younger riders are not encouraged to ride a 110cc bikes, but a seasoned mini bike rider will love the power and speed that a 110cc mini bike provides. Sport mini bikes have become incredibly popular and it is often difficult to find a large selection and low prices. Mini bike dealers are currently offering great deals on 110cc bikes that could save you hundreds of dollars.

Sport mini bikes are a great way to have fun, compete, and live life to the fullest. Adventure seekers everywhere love the thrill that comes along with riding a 110cc bike with a powerful engine that is built for speed. Check into the great deals and prices that are being offered now on all types of sport mini bikes, including the ultimate 110cc bikes.

It is interesting to do a bit of research when it comes to synthetic motor oil. According to the Pennsylvania Department of environmental protection, about 9.5 million gallons a year is improperly disposed of in trash, sewers, and soil in that state alone. When you multiply these statistics by 50 states, it's not hard to see how used motor oil is one of the largest sources of pollution affecting groundwater, and wells, lakes and streams in the United States. One quart of motor oil can create a two-acre-sized oil slick, whereas a gallon of oil will contaminate over 1,000,000 gallons of freshwater.

These statistics are startling to say the least, and it appears that synthetic oils versus conventional motor oils derived from petroleum are not much better for the environment. Amsoil Incorporated has been producing and selling synthetic oil since the 1970’s, and the marketing manager for this company says that there is no question that synthetic oil will last three times longer than conventional oils before it needs to be replaced or drained. Synthetic oil does not boil off or vaporize as quickly as conventional motor oils. Conventional motor oils lose about 20% of their mass when exposed to high-heat internal combustion engines whereas synthetic oil loses between 4% and 10%.

Compared to conventional motor oils, synthetics cost three times as much and are continually being debated among auto enthusiasts. Either way you look at it, it pays to do your homework and you are advised to consult your owner's manual and your manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle. ATV’s or motorcycles have engines that run at high temperatures and synthetic oil is an excellent choice. There have been some very promising new alternatives derived from vegetable products. This amazing motor oil, which is currently in the testing stage, has apparently outperformed both traditional and synthetic oils when it comes to price and performance and has a significantly lower environmental impact. Selecting the best oil to use in your ATV or motorcycle is a personal choice, but no matter which one you choose, always dispose of the oil in a responsible manner.

If you are thinking of buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you have several places to go. In this article you will learn where can you buy Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

· Online Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealers

If you prefer to go online shopping, the internet has hundreds of online authorized Harley-Davidson dealers with sites and addresses, phone numbers, and email address. You can visit the www.hogs4sale.com and go to the listings of authorized dealers. To give you an overview of what to expect, all States with authorized Harley-Davidson dealers online. The District Columbia, Vermont, and Hawaii are the exemptions.

· Online Classified Sites

There are sites in the internet that act as a yellow pages for used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. These sites are open to buyers and sellers to post their demands online. The good thing about these sites is that transactions can be made directly from seller to buyer. An example of this site is the www.harleyhunters.com.

· Online Auction Sites

Of course, when we speak of auctions sites, the first thing that comes to our mind is the www.ebay.com. There are some Harley-Davidsons up for grab here but if you want quantity and wider selection, you can go to exclusive online auction sites for Harley-Davidson. You can visit www.harley-auctions.co.uk/cgi-bin/auction.pl or the www.auctions.yahoo.com.

· Newspaper adds

Local newspapers have section where they publish several items for sale including Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The good thing about this is that if you have found a seller on a local newspaper, it is almost certain that his location is within your state and you can easily contact and visit the motorcycle to see on your own.

· The Yellow pages

If you want to find something without using the internet, it has to be the yellow pages. Look for the listings of Harley-Davidson for sale. There is surely at least one that suite your taste.

If you want to go far, there are several international sites that sell used Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This is good if you would like to transfer to another location, stay there for long, and have a bike waiting for you upon your arrival. These sites can be easily found online.

Actually, there are several owners who are selling their used Harley-Davidson motorcycles whether online or offline. And if you are a buyer, you will have no difficulty of locating one seller with a particular model, price and color you are looking for.

Radar detectors are very popular now days to help people avoid costly speeding tickets. One place you don't see radar detectors is on motorcycles. When you think about it this does not make much sense since motorcycles can go just as fast as cars. The sport bikes tend to go even faster than cars. I'm sure you've seen one of these sport bikes whiz by down the street at high speeds. Half the fun of owning one of these bikes is to see how fast you can go.

Traditional radar detectors don't tend to work well with motorcycles for a couple of reasons. Most detectors make a noise to let you know that is has sensed other radar and because a motorcycle is so loud plus the fact that you should be wearing a helmet for safety it is difficult to hear.

The next problem with traditional radar detectors is how they are installed. With a motorcycle you don't have many places you can mount your radar detector. If you do have a place to mount your detector you will have to fight the long cords. You don't really want a bunch of long cords getting in your way when you are riding your motorcycle.

Another big problem with radar detectors is that they are not waterproof. Most motorcycle drivers like to avoid riding in the rain or snow, but this can not always be avoided. What would you do with the detector if your out for a ride and it starts to rain unexpectedly? If you leave the detector out it will be ruined, but you probably won't have a safe dry place to put it either.

Since the need for a motorcycle radar detector is increasing, so are the efforts of the manufacturers. Many manufacturers are now coming out with cordless detectors so you don't have to mess with the long cords. You can also now find detectors that use an earpiece so that you can hear the warning.

When shopping for a motorcycle radar detector you want will want to check out which options are important for you to have. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend, the distance of detection, and what or how many bands it can detect. Another thing to consider is if you want your detector to just detect other radar, or if you want it to have the ability to jam other radar. You will also need to look at how the detector will be mounted to the bike, if it has an ear piece or a screen for you to read, and if it is waterproof.

If the detector is not waterproof you may be able to buy a waterproof case to protect it. Keep in mind that even though the popularity and availability of these detectors are increasing, you may have a hard time finding exactly what you want. You may have to compromise in at least one area.

The motorcycle is widely regarded as a symbol of the rebel, a representation of youth, and an icon of Americana. The first recognized motorcycle design was made by a pair of German engineers in 1885, in what was, essentially, a bicycle with an engine. While Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki dominate the motorcycle market globally, in America, the Harley-Davidson company has firm control over the market.

It was during the late eighties and early nineties that Japanese manufacturers such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha gained a foothold in the worldwide motorcycle market that they have never let go. They were designed and built with better performance, better handling, and better quality. It is no secret that their promotional campaigns during the early years also targeted the negative reputation of the Harley-riding bikers and the public fear of biker gangs. While such attacks ceased quickly, the tarnish it left in the reputation of the Harley has not been removed. That alone is speculated to be the cause of Japanese manufacturers holding such a strong presence, even with the American buying public. Also, by reputation, the Japanese machines were easier to maintain and the general public did not associate them with leather-clad degenerates, though the biker stereotype is drastically incorrect.

However, competition has not driven the main American manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, into the background. After taking time to formulate the proper strategy, the American manufacturer returned to take back its market share. The company did so not by attempting to match the more family-friendly reputation of a Japanese motorcycle, but by exploiting the appeal of their older designs. Marketing the re-worked designs as distinctly American machines, the company rapidly regained its former customer base. They increased their hold further by appealing to collectors, such as comedian Jay Leno, and making their machines easy to customize and re-tool. In fact, it is the customization market that has really allowed Harley-Davidson to stay so long in the game despite stiff competition from the likes of Kawasaki and Honda. There is a saying that goes to state that the rarest type of Harley one can find is one that is completely stock; that is, one that has not been modified in any way. Indeed, many Harley enthusiasts believe that the main weakness of Japanese bikes is that they are not as easily customizable as a Harley is.

Regardless of whether or not one believes the reputation of Harley biker gangs or enjoys being able to customize their personal motorcycle, these machines are here to stay. Production of both Japanese and American bikes have not slowed down and there are, statistically, more bike owners than automobile owners. That statistic holds especially true outside the US, where a bike is a more common means of private transportation for the average citizen than a car is. This embracing of the motorcycle is happening despite the higher accident rate for bikes than any other private land vehicle out there. It doesn't seem to matter what country one goes to; the youth of every culture seems to view these two-wheeled machines as symbols of teenage euphoria and thus, the adrenaline rush associated with a bike ride is, as they say, like nothing in this world.

A number of factors come into play for a rider when considering a new helmet purchase. One factor all riders must consider, and the number one reason to wear a helmet in the first place, remains safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2003, when comparing mile for mile, motorcycle riders faced a 32 percent greater likelihood of dying in a wreck compared to drivers in a car. In fact, the simple practice of wearing a helmet can dramatically reduce the number of road fatalities for cycle riders. The NHTSA estimates that between 1984 and 2004, nearly 11,000 motorcyclists would be alive today if they were wearing a helmet while riding.

Snell and Department of Transportation (DOT) ranking remain an industry standard by which customers can judge the safety "effectiveness" of a helmet. But what do the DOT and Snell standards mean for the average rider?

For starters, these ratings were created to offer objective criteria for certifying helmet safety. As a result, instead of relying on what a manufacturer or dealer might tell a buyer, now the buyer can identify real criteria in judging the measure of protection offered by a particular helmet.

But what testing procedures are employed in determining that criteria? Let's begin with the DOT rating.

DOT Rating

The DOT performs a straight forward impact test. Using a simulated head placed inside a helmet, testers drop the helmet from a height of ten feet. The head cannot receive more than 400 G-force units on impact. A G-force unit measures the force of gravity exerted against an object in motion.

Now here's the kicker with DOT rated helmets--manufacturers don't need to test their helmets in order to claim a DOT rating! A helmet manufacturer simply needs to feel that a helmet is meeting the DOT specifications to brand it as "DOT rated." The DOT might occasionally pull helmets to perform testing, but the majority of helmets sold as DOT certified do not undergo any level of testing.

Snell Rating

The Snell certification stands in rigorous contrast to DOT specifications. Helmet manufacturers voluntarily submit their products to the Snell evaluation service and pay for the testing procedures. These procedures are extensive and include seven test types, from impact to shell penetration tests to flame resistance testing. The type and degree of testing is dependent on the type of helmet and its application.

Snell cites the following areas as critical in helmet safety:

* Impact management: how well the helmet protects against collisions with large objects;
* Helmet positional stability: whether the helmet will be in place, on the head, when it's needed;
* Retention system strength: whether the chin straps are sufficiently strong enough to hold the helmet throughout a head impact; and
* Extent of protection: the area of the head protected by the helmet.

Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ( 2005). 2005 Standard for Protective Headgear, 4.

In short, Snell offers the highest certification standards regarding helmet safety. But a buyer will pay a higher price for Snell certified helmets, as the added costs of production and testing add to the overall value of the helmet.

Safety Matters

A number of points exist in the mind of a buyer when considering a helmet purchase. Style, color, fit, and comfort are extremely important factors when purchasing a helmet. Price is also a consideration for many buyers. However, safety should be paramount when purchasing a helmet. If you scrimp too much on price, you might get a nice looking helmet that unfortunately doesn't hold up in those critical moments. So take the time, do your homework, and find a helmet that will keep you alive and allow you to keep riding for years to come.

As you hop on your Harley-Davidson, Honda or Yahama and take to the open road, it is wise to invest in several pieces of protection. A cycle ride without some of sort of eye and face protection is pretty risky. What is a rider to do when he or she take a pounding from the elements, such as wind, dirt, rain, and dust? Without something to shield the face, such as a face shield or pair of glasses, insects and other nasty debris can obstruct his or her view.

Today, when it comes to choosing shields or a helmet for your motor ride, there are numerous options on the market to choose from. Different styles, colors and designs await a rider, whether they enjoy a motorcycle ride on the adult or junior level. Before choosing a face shield or helmet for your motorcycle gear collection, keep in mind that a helmet with a plastic face shield is one of the best choices you can make. This is because this type of support will protect the entire face. Sometimes motorcycles come with windshields and in this case, a pair of goggles may be best.

When selecting eye protection, you should choose a pair of glasses or goggles that offers a clear view on both sides. The product should be shatterproof, as well as possess an item that is free of scratches. Proper sealing should be taken into consideration so that wind does not cause watering of the eyes. For full-face coverage, there should be strong chin support and absorbing liners. Below are a few brands to keep in mind when you need to protect yourself on and off the busy road.

Scorpion

When it comes to trend setting protective motorcycle gear, some of the best-designed helmets in the world come from Scorpion. From all over the world, motorcycle lovers are using Scorpion helmets. Some of the helpful features that these helmets offer include the EverClear no-fog face shield, which also provides an anti-scratch hardened coating. Scorpion helmets also use a KwikWick moisture-absorbing liner and cheek pads. The convenience also extends to a product that is breathable and can be easily washed.

Nolan

Nolan helmets offer motorcycle riders top-notch protection through its Lexan face shield with desirable UV 400 Protection. With the Vision Protection System (VPS), there is a convenient clear shield, which offers three different positions. There is even extra neck roll to further reduce the effects of wind and noise. For those who suffer from allergic reactions and tend to experience irritation with some of the materials used to construct a helmet, a Nolan option provides an interior with anti-microbial hypoallergenic sanitation.

Vega

Offering nine different convenient face shield colors and sizes, Vega helmets are a great way to fashionable take to the road. The full-face Vega helmet option provides tons of loaded features. The superb construction and materials used to make this great item offers fully vented capabilities in the chin, rear and top areas of the helmet.

When looking for adult sizes, you may choose from XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and XXL. Junior sizes are offered in S, M and L. When selecting a helmet, the size hat that you wear is an important determining factor. If you wear a size 7-5/8 - 7-3/4 in hat, then you will need an XL motorcycle helmet.

Additional Motorcycle Protection

There are many different protection items that a motorcycle rider may choose. Fulmer provides riders with full-face, open face, half and off-road helmet selections. AGV is another popular helmet brand that is used in many different professional bike-riding tournaments. It must be something about their clear and tinted visors that makes riding both fashionable and safe.

As I am writing this article I am thinking of the recent accident involving the Pittsburg Steelers star quarterback, "Big Ben" Roethlisberger. If he had been wearing a helmet his injuries would not have been nearly as severe.

For most of us bikers a helmet just doesn't fit our perception of what biking is all about, which is freedom! I mean, hey it just doesn't look cool to be on a hog with that little sissy helmet. But, I think it looks way less cool to have your face all scarred up from sliding on it down the road!

According to statistics almost every crash where the rider wasn't wearing a helmet resulted in a major head injury. In one study out of 900 crashes there were 980 head and neck injuries which seems to indicate that the passengers on many of these motorcycles were not wearing helmets either.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada have now made it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet due to the large percentage of fatalities in accidents in which the rider was not wearing one. Of course in the United States, like many other laws it is left up to the individual states to decide the ruling. I know where I live in Florida they repealed the helmet law a few years ago and according to an EMT buddy of mine it has caused a dramatic increase in head injuries.

If you value your brain and your life you should be responsible enough to wear a helmet. Some of the factors that you should consider when buying a motorcycle helmet are below.

All motorcycle helmets consist of two main parts, an inner shell or liner which is made of impact reducing foam and an outer shell which is made to absorb the initial impact and protect your head as well as take all of the damage that the road or other hard object would have done to your head.

When buying a motorcycle helmet you should be sure that it has been approved by the Department of Transportation. If the helmet has been approved it will have a sticker from the government agency stating so. Another sticker that is recognized all over the world is from the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Another thing that is hugely important is making sure that the motorcycle helmet you buy fits properly. You need to make sure that it doesn't fit too loose or too tight. When you take it off there should be no marks on your face from the pressure of the helmet, if so the helmet is too tight.

You also want to be sure that it doesn't wobble around or come off easily. If you are in an accident and the helmet comes off at first impact you may be bouncing down the road on your head!