Retro motorcycle helmets

Retro motorcycle helmets are also known as retro helmets, old school helmets, and vintage motorcycle helmets.  Your helmet says a lot about you and makes a big first impression for the summer riding season. The old school look of retro helmets is something which can be a great way to customize your accessories.

How old is your current motorcycle helmet? Manufacturers will suggest you purchase a new helmet every five years (5), regardless of whether or not your helmet has hit the ground/asphalt.

Before you buy your retro motorycle lid, make sure it is a DOT or Snell certified motorcycle helmet. If the retro helmet is not certified, it may not provide the critical protection you need in the case of an accident. Avoid the novelty retro motorcycle helmets. As great as they may look, chances are it will not offer as much protection as a DOT certified retro motorcycle helmet. Old school dot helmets are engineered to comply with very specific rules to ensure maximum safety in the event of a collision or fall. Depending on your particular preference you may want a German WWII style helmet (with separate motorcycle goggles), or something with fancy flames, etc.

If there is an option to choose between a DOT or Snell certified helmet,you should choose the Snell retro helmet. Snell helmets must go through a rigorous battery if tests. In contrast, DOT helmets are self certified by the manufacturer. This can lead to a conflict of interest, when manufacturers watch over themselves.

HCI, Davida, Shoei, Arai and Bell are some trusted brands for motorcycle helmets. Davida offers a wide range of helmet colors and designs. They are handmade in the UK, and are extremely comfortable.  Davida or Fulmer are some of the smaller boutique helmet makers which make Vintage open faced motorcycle helmets. If you are looking for an American branded helmet you can also check out Fulmer. The average statistic according to insurance companies is that a rider will crash at least once in their life time. This number will obviously be based on where you live, your riding style and the type of bike you may have. Retro motorcycle helmets will usually require you wear goggles as well, as they are not full faced helmets.

A great way to purchase retro motorcycle helmets is to search online as you can find greater compared to your local stocking store. Keep in mind that if you are looking for a bargain, the best way to buy your motorcycle helmet is to shop at the end of a season. This is because most stores will clear their old stock of classic motorcycle helmet inventory before the winter comes.

It is a good idea to consider purchasing helmets with some color to them. Avoid fully black helmets if possible, as it makes it harder for other drivers and motorcycles to see you. Open face motorcycle helmets are more comfortable with full faced motorcycle helmets. They are not as constrictive, and allow for greater airflow. This is extremely important for long rides comfort in hot and humid conditions.

If you are looking for variety, you may want to also purchase one from a vendor during one of the large festivals such as Sturgis or Daytona bike week.

If have a limited in budget, you may also want to check on the Craigslist classifieds to see if there are available there. For greater information about helmets in general, you can also view the Wikipedia article.

Another option is to create your own stencil design, have put graphics on a stock painted helmet. This will ensure that no one else will have the same helmet as yours. Keep in mind however, that this requires more costs money. In addition to buying the helmet, you will have to pay to customize the helmet.