Motorcycle riding is a great experience, it feels almost like flying because you look around and you don’t see yourself encased inside of any machine like if you where, for example, driving a car or something similar in which you see that you are behind a windshield and a dashboard, a steering wheel with an air bag and a roof over your head. You even get a sun visor with a mirror in case you need to touch up your hair. Basically and definitely you are way more protected from the elements than “riding in the wind”… along with bugs, dust getting in your eyes, and if it starts raining, becomes a nightmare. Also other not- so-fun facts like protecting your head in case of an accident or a collision with any flying objects.
That’s why it is so important to wear the Motorcycle Helmet, it becomes your immediate surrounding, it keeps you comfortable and protected so you can really enjoy your “flight”.
Anatomy of the Motorcycle Helmet
If we cut a section of the Full Face motorcycle helmet, this is what we will see:
Outer Shell
A helmet’s outer shell is made out of either Fiberglass, or a Polycarbonate mixture or specially formulated plastics, and in some more expensive models, Carbon fibers or other very strong light weight materials. It shapes the helmet and provides protection against objects penetrating the helmet.
Safety Liner
The safety liner or “cushion” layer is about one inch thick and is made out of expanded Polystyrene or similar synthetic foam material. It absorbs impact energy in case of a collision.
Inner Liner
The inner liner or comfort liner is made with a moisture absorbing antibacterial fabric and stuffed with soft thin foam to provide comfort. It is the inner liner that is in contact with your skin at all times, so it should breathe well and in some models is removable so you can wash it.
Chin Strap
The chin strap is the helmet’s locking device so it does not fly off or falls off your head especially in an impact. It’s made out of a very strong fabric and in some models padded with the same materials as the inner liner.
Two types of locking systems are most common, the D ring type featuring two metal rings with the letter “D” shape in which the strap passes through both rings and back out under the other. It requires a little bit of practice to use but is very fail safe. The second most used locking system is the “quick release”. Very easy to use and very common these days.
Ventilation System
The ventilation system is a key factor for a good helmet especially in full face, flip up or modular, open face with shield and off road helmets.
Good ventilation keeps the rider’s head cool in the hot days, helps keeping the interior of the helmet dry and fresh and when is raining keeps the face shield from fogging. Some ventilation systems are very elaborated and you can regulate the air flow through the vents.
Face Shield
The face shield pivots up and down and has some sort of locking system so the wind does not slams it open at high speeds. It must be of a good quality, optically correct, so your vision does not get tired. It can be tinted for bright sunny days, or clear for all seasons. Usually is very easy to switch face shields if you insist in having both for day and night use.