Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Motorcycle Helmet Care

  • Helmet Care
    Not only does Motorcycle Parts and Gear want to sell you the best value priced products in the marketplace, we want to expend the life of your helmet.

    Shell Cleaning:

    Use only tried and proven methods to clean your helmet. Experimenting with unapproved methods may damage your helmet shell and inner lining.

    Glossy Finish: We recommend cleaning your helmet with products designed for automotive cleaning and polishing. Most helmets are finished with an automotive type base coat/clear coat finish. In other words, you can clean your helmet the same way you clean your automobile.
  • Follow the cleaning product’s instructions diligently
  • Prioritize your cleaning project by first trying the least abrasive cleaning products - first, try a wax or polish, second, a combination product containing wax and rubbing compound or other mild abrasives agents and finally a rubbing compound.
  • Over polishing with rubbing compounds can cause light abrasions which may dull the finish of your helmet.
  • Aftermarket stickers or decals will leave a sticky adhesive residual when removed. To remove the adhesive residue, use alcohol swabs. Wipe way the excess liquid and clean the area with soap and water once the adhesive residue is removed. Do not use excessive pressure while trying to remove the adhesive residual. Instead, make several light treatments.

    Non-Glossy Finish: For flat finish helmets, we recommend using warm water and mild soap.
  • Follow the cleaning product’s instructions closely
  • Use multiple applications or treatments for heavier dirt build-up
  • Do not use rubbing compounds or excessive pressure when cleaning the surface. Extreme cleaning methods will cause a “glossy effect” to appear, subsequently ruining the flat finish!

    Interior Cleaning: The accumulation of sweat, moisture, and dirt can deteriorate the soft protective fabric of your helmet and cause odor.
  • Machine wash the removable pads and air drying
  • Use a bacteria and mildew eliminating product such as “Helmet Fresh”



    Vent Cleaning: Dirt, dust or debris can work its way into the ventilation system of your helmet.
  • Remove all removable pads
  • Use compressed air cans like those used for computer keyboards to blow the debris from the ventilation system.

    Do Not Modify Your Helmet: Any alteration of your helmet may dramatically change the safety design and safety certification (DOT, ECE, or Snell) of the helmet. Modifying your helmet may increase the risk of serious injury or death in an accident. Unsafe modifications include the following:
  • Drilling holes
  • Cutting shell, liner, or strap
  • Changing or modifying the retention system, including adding a chin cup or quick release buckle.
  • Removing any fixed parts
  • Painting
  • Attaching accessories that are not usually found on the helmet.

    Storage of Your Helmet:
  • Store helmet in a cool and dry place
  • Always store it in the helmet bag if it comes with one
  • Keep your helmet away from pets and other animals
  • Keep the helmet way from heat in excess of 122 Degrees F
  • Do not set your helmet on or near hot surfaces

      It is a good idea to replace a helmet every five years

Anatomy of a Motorcycle Helmet

Motorcycle Helmet Anatomy

Motorcycle Helmet: Four Basic Components

Outer Shell Component - Purpose
Penetration Protection - protects against pointy or blunted objects trying to penetrate the inner lining of the helmet.
Abrasion Protection - protects against abrasions and cuts to the face and head.
Strong fiber - reinforced composites - like Fiberglass / Kevlar, Thermoplastics, Carbon Fibers or other materials are designed to compress and disperse energy from the impact to lessen the force before it reaches your head.
Fashion Statement - provides a smooth surface for paint, decals and graphic designs.

Impact - Absorbing Inner Lining - Purpose
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) material absorbs most of the energy (impact shock by compressing and spreading the forces of impact throughout the helmet material.
Cushions and absorbs the energy shock as the helmet stops and brings your head to a gentle stop after a collision.
Protection against diffused brain injuries

Comfort Padding - Purpose
Soft Foam - and Cloth layer that sits next to your head.
Provides a comfortable and snug fit. Helmets should fit snugly or tightly around your head.
Some padding can be removed for cleaning.

Retention System or Chin Strap - purpose
Chin strap keeps the helmet on your head during a crash.