Cheap Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives Too… When They’re On

For those who ride motorcycles or scooters and must make cost an overriding factor in their choice of head protection, cheap motorcycle helmets, as long as they are DOT approved or Snell certified, can easily make the difference between life and death or protecting normal brain function rather than sustaining severe brain damage.  But for cheap motorcycle helmets to have any effect (and this will sound stupidly obvious), riders must wear them.

You know how some car drivers don’t bother with seatbelts when they’re just driving a few blocks?  Well, they obviously shouldn’t do that.  But I can understand how some people might think, “I’ll only be in the car for a minute”.  The problem is that, statistically, you never know when an accident will happen.  That one time is all it takes.

The same type of thing is happening with bike riders who are only “going for a short ride” to the market, to the cleaners, to the gas station, to the [you fill in the blank].  Why bother with the helmet?  “I’m only going for a minute.”  And so a disproportionate percentage of head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents happen on these short trips.  Whether expensive, moderately priced or cheap motorcycle helmets are available to riders, it’s important that they be worn on every ride.

The Main Rules When Choosing From Among Cheap Motorcycle Helmets

Cost is never really the all purpose, ideal criterion for choosing which product to buy.  This is especially true when it comes to products that have an effect on our health, well-being and safety.  That said, there are excellent brands and models available at wholesale prices.  When a crash helmet is given the nod by either the US Department of Transportation or the Snell Memorial Foundation, you can at least be sure that helmet will meet a minimum set of safety standards.  Snell, in particular, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving helmet safety, is continually testing helmets and refining standards.  Formed in 1957 in honor of Pete Snell, a racer who died in a car crash due to helmet failure, the Snell Foundation is known for setting the most rigorous standards when it comes to crash helmets.

Pete Snell

When considering cheap motorcycle helmets for purchase, the following 4 points are useful to ensure you get the best protective helmet for the best price:

• Full face helmets are best by far
• The helmet must meet DOT standards and/or be Snell certified
• The helmet must fit properly (see how to measure for helmet size and helmet size chart)
• Consider a light or bright color to improve visibility to other motorists

The last point is often overlooked.  Riders tend to give more weight to the look of the helmet rather than how much protection it affords.  When it comes to street motorcycles, accident statistics suggest that other motorists not noticing street bike riders in time to avoid a collision is often a major contributing factor in accidents.  This is especially true at night.  Rather than wearing a black or charcoal gray helmet (save those for off-road racing or dirt bike riding), a white or even bright red, orange or green helmet may offer better protection in terms of making sure drivers of other vehicles see you before it’s too late.  Also, half helmets and 3/4 helmets really don’t offer enough protection.  Especially if you’re already shopping for discount motorcycle helmets, don’t compromise further by getting a helmet that does not cover your entire head and face.  If you really have issues with full face helmets, at least get a modular style product.

Where to Find Snell and DOT Cheap Motorcycle Helmets

Check out these cheap motorcycle helmets and others.  Visiting local stores is great for determining the perfect fit, but the best prices and reviews on cheap motorcycle helmets are available online.

Motorcycle Helmets For Sale – Using The Web

Selecting and buying a decent crash helmet can be significant expenditure, which is why when checking out the wide variety of motorcycle helmets for sale, the web should be your main resource.  Motorcycle helmets for sale through large online sellers like Amazon, whether directly from Amazon or through the Amazon marketplace, are usually a great deal cheaper than the same gear sold at brick and mortar stores.  The fact that those consumers who purchase helmets, jackets, eyewear or other riding accessories online often provide reviews of both the product they purchased and their shopping experience means motorcycle helmets for sale online are often easier to research, find and purchase than taking the time to physically travel around to stores.

Motorcycle Helmets For Sale – Choosing The Best Motorcycle Helmet

When it comes to motorcycle helmets, the top manufacturers including Shoei, Arai, HJC, AGV, KBC and Nolan all make quality products.  Harley-Davidson helmets are also excellent helmets (they are made for Harley-Davidson by HJC, AGV and KBC).  But a consideration that is at least as important as brand is configuration.  For the maximum protection, almost all studies show that full face motorcycle helmets are the best choice for safety by far.  When it comes to price, the range varies greatly.  If you shop carefully, you can get an excellent quality DOT approved helmet for a very reasonable price.

Also, make sure to choose the correct size helmet (here’s a chart showing how to measure for a helmet, helmet size by brand and helmet size vs. hat size).

Some of the Best Selling Motorcycle Helmets For Sale

Below are some best-sellers.  I’ve only included adult full face helmets and modular helmets, although there are best selling helmets for youths and in the 3/4 helmet and half helmet categories as well.

The Scorpion EXO-400 Rebel Matte Silver Street Helmet.

Made of a composite of advanced polycarbonate material, this Scorpion helmet is engineered to be strong and comfortable with an EPS-lined chin bar to provides an extra dose of protection.  The EXO-400 is wind-tunnel tested to make sure it’s both aerodynamic and quiet.  Priced at around $65, this Snell and DOT approved helmet would be a huge bargain at twice the price.  Other features like the exclusive Scorpion SpeedShift Quick-Change face shield system, KwikWick moisture-wicking washable liner and aero-tuned ventilation make this helmet one to consider for sure.

The Advance HAWK Black Matte Full Face Modular Motorcycle Helmet.

Advance Hawk Black Matte Full Face Modular Helmet is as stylish and comfortable as it is solid.  This helmet is DOT approved.  It’s mad of lightweight Polycarbonate thermoplastic polymers. This material provides an excellent level of absorption on impact.  The advanced venting and comfort padding provide a great level of comfort for the wearer. The inside padding provides a soft cushiony feel and the liner is removable and washable.  The price here is around $80.

The Bell Arrow Matte Black Full Face Helmet.

The Bell Arrow Matte Black Helmet is sleek and stylish. It employs the use of a lightweight polycarbonate alloy shell along flow-through ventilation that’s adjustable and a flip down shield with anti-scratch coating.  The Bell Arrow is a solid helmet at a solid price at around $100.

Check out these, HJC helmets, HCI helmets and other motorcycle helmets for sale to find the right helmet for you.

Discount Motorcycle Helmets

Which are the discount motorcycle helmets?

As all riders know, helmet laws are a fact of life in all but a handful of states in the US.  The same with riders in Europe and other parts of the world.  The cost of top quality helmet can be steep, especially when considering brands like Shoei, Arai, Harley-Davidson and others, can be steep.  Don’t get me wrong, each of these brands makes excellent helmets.  But for those on a tighter budget, finding DOT approved discount motorcycle helmets might mean exploring what’s available from some other, more economically priced brands.

Brands To Consider When Looking for Discount Motorcycle Helmets

If you need a DOT approved helmet, a couple of makers of discount motorcycle helmets that you might consider are HCI and Hawk.

HCI (Helmet City International) makes several DOT approved discount motorcycle helmets in various configurations including full face and half helmets.  They also make helmets in smaller sizes for kids.  As you’ll see below, you can get a pretty decent HCI helmet for a pretty decent price.  Conveniently, they also provide the following size chart which is a great help for anyone wanting to purchase online:

Hawk, the other maker of discount motorcycle helmets that we’ll take a look at, also  has a number of DOT approved helmets from which to choose and designs for every taste.  Hawk Discount Motorcycle Helmets does not provide a size chart on their website, but the chart below provides Hawk sizes corresponding to inches.  If you refer to Helmet Size Chart – How To Measure, you should be able to figure out your size.

HCI Discount Motorcycle Helmets

The HCI Full Face DOT 75 Silver Blade helmet might be one of the best helmets available at a price of around $50.

The Silver Blade is a great deal for a DOT approved full face motorcycle helmet.  It features a lightweight ABS shell and 2 adjustable side vents and 1 adjustable forehead vent.  It comes with a fabric helmet bag, owners manual and a clear removable face shield.

For around $60, you can buy the HCI Full Face Helmet With Double Retractable Visor.

It’s lightweight, meets DOT standards and comes with a clear face shield and multi-ratcheting visor.

Hawk Discount Motorcycle Helmets

For around $80, there is the Advanced Hawk Black Crazy Skull Full Face Motorcycle Helmet.

This gloss black, lightweight designed helmet with skull graphics meets DOT regulations.  It has dual air channels for better ventilation, an impact absorbent liner, plenty of padding and scratch resistant clear visor.

Also for around $80 from Hawk is the Advance HAWK Black Matte Full Face Modular Motorcycle Helmet.

The black matte finish, flip-up design and lightweight polycarbonate shell make this a worthy choice among discount motorcycle helmets.

According the U.S. Department of Transportation, full face motorcycle helmets provide the best protection of any type of helmet for a rider or passenger.  The fact that a full face helmet covers the forehead, sides of the head, back of the head down to below the base of the skull and the chin area is the main reason full face motorcycle helmets provide protection above and beyond helmets that cover less area.

Statistics found by research performed by Dr. Dietmar Otte of the Hannover University Accident Research Unit show that in 35% of motorcycle crashes, the rider experiences major impact to the area covered by the bar across the chin area in a full face motorcycle helmet.

Using these statistics, logic says that a 3/4 helmet provides protection that’s only 65% of what would be provided by a full face helmet.  If you use a half helmet, according to Dr. Dietmar’s research, you are getting less than 40% of the protection you would get with a full face helmet.

So, if you don’t already use one, the case for wearing a DOT approved full face motorcycle helmet is compelling.  There are many great full face motorcycle helmets on the market.  If you go through some of the profiles on this site, you’ll find helmets by top manufacturers like Arai, HJC and Shoei.  Below are a few full face helmets from other manufacturers.  These are top rated helmets by users that bought them and they are available for under $200.

The Advanced Hawk Blue Warrior Modular Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet has a light-weight thermoplastic shell, flip up front and dual visors.  Along with the clear outer visor, this helmet has a second inner sun visor.

“I ride most of the time with the clear visor up and the inner sun visor down,” says one rider who calls this a “great helmet.”

“I waited a long time for this helmet to become available and it was everything I was looking for,” says another rider.

Hawk also makes the Advanced Hawk Aviator Skull Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, the Advanced Hawk Grey Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet and the Advanced Hawk Modular Flip up Cross Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, each listing for around $180 and available here for around $110.

The Vcan 210 Black Dual Shield Flip Up Modular DOT Approved Motorcycle Helmet has an injected thermoplastic shell.

This helmet also features removable and washable cheek pads and inner liner, and quick release visor. It sells for around $130.  Check out these and other DOT approved full face motorcycle helmets.

Click here for more full face motorcycle helmets.

If you are unsure of the motorcycle helmet laws governing where you live and ride in the United States, the table below will help.  The following data on motorcycle helmet laws is courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as of February 2011.

Remember that motorcycle helmet laws are instituted to save lives.  Note that there may be statutes other than the above motorcycle helmet laws in your state or city. Be sure to consult your municipal government for details.

When it comes to motorcycle crash helmets, the folks at HJC definitely know their stuff.  The HJC motorcycle helmet brand has been around since 1971.  They don’t make bikes or ATVs, just helmets.  And there’s something to be said for doing one thing and doing it well.  Praised for their innovative designs and competitive prices, HJC is known throughout the world and they continually produce high quality helmets that excel in both safety and comfort.

The HJC motorcycle helmet brand is consistently ranked one of the top helmet brands.  And if you check out old issues of Motorcycle Industry Magazine, you’ll see that they’ve often been the number 1 rated brand over the last two decades.  But ratings mean nothing if riders don’t like and use your helmets, and with HJC they do.

HJC’s top notch line was enhanced last year with some great new helmets.

First is the HJC FS-15.

The FS-15 is an extremely reasonably priced full-face helmet.  This HJC motorcycle helmet features:

Advanced Fiberglass Spectra composite weave shell
Lightweight, superior fit and comfort
Standard Pinlock anti-scratch coated shield
RapidFire HJ-09 Shield Replacement System: Quick, secure, tool-less removal and installation
2-stage Shield Closure Mechanism: Compresses shield into the eye port gasket providing an extra secure seal
ACS Advanced Channeling Ventilation System: Full front to back airflow flushes heat and humidity up and out
SilverCool Interior: Removable washable moisture wicking interior.
Advanced silver anti-bacterial odor free fabric

What this extensive list means is that with the FS15 HJC has done something most of its competitors have not been able to achieve:  offer all the features of high-end helmets at prices the average consumer can afford.

This excellent quality and great looking helmet, of course, meets or exceeds all SNELL & DOT standards and, compared to just about any other helmet in its class, the price is mind blowing.  If you are willing to spend a bit more you can also get a carbon fiber version of this helmet if you want something super lightweight.

Another recent introduction to the HJC motorcycle helmet line is the IS Series Sunshield Helmets.

The IS Series has an interior sunshield system.  It works by way of a solid central track.  With the push of a button, a rider can change between a clear shield and a smoke sun shield.  When you get familiar with this simple mechanism, this can be done even while riding to open or close the interior sunshield, providing instant solar protection.  No need to stop and change a sunshield to keep out the harsh late day sun.

With these and the many other fabulous helmets in the line, HJC has distinguished itself as a brand that takes riders’ needs seriously and provides safe, comfortable, nice-looking and well-priced helmets.

If you’re in the market for a helmet and haven’t yet decided, the HJC motorcycle helmet brand is definitely worth a look.

We all know that a top quality helmet can be the difference between life and death in the event of a crash or a spill.  And with the laws being what they are, motorcycle crash helmets are likely a must-have accessory if you ride.

The 5 varieties of motor cycle helmets, Full Face, Motocross, Modular, Open Face and Half all offer a degree of protection.  The general wisdom is that the less area the helmet covers, the less the rider is protected.  Since open face and half helmets leave the chin area of the rider unprotected, full face helmets are considered the number one choice for safety all around.

Since full face are the largest and most enclosed helmets, generally speaking, noise and wind are blocked out to a large degree.  Many riders appreciate this effect, but some complain that it can be hard to hear and too warm and stifling inside.

A compromise that some riders make is to use a modular helmet.  The chin protection on the modular helmet is either flip-up or completely removable.  This gives the rider both options.  A full face helmet also requires removal if the wearer wants to eat something or take a sip of water.  A flip up helmet alleviates this inconvenience while still providing chin protection when needed.

Open face and half helmets offer little protection to the face and no protection for the chin.  This can be very risky as over a third of motorcycle crashes involve impact to the riders chin area.  Safety considerations aside, some riders choose to use an open face helmet.  Similar to a full face helmet but without the bar which covers the lower section of the front of the rider’s face, a good quality half helmet usually does provide adequate protection for the back and sides of the rider’s head.

More of a novelty motorcycle helmet than serious protection, half helmets are popular because of their retro look.  A good quality carbon fiber motorcycle helmet, even if it is half sized, does offer protection from brain injury.  But if the choice was between a low quality full face or 3/4 helmet and a high quality, stronger 1/2 helmet, the 1/2 helmet might make more sense.  This is not to say that riders cannot purchase discount motorcycle helmets that provide adequate protection.  Cheap motorcycle helmets can provide as much protection as custom motorcycle helmets if they are well made.

Motocross helmets are for off-road riding.  The most common style is very similar to a full face helmet but with a more streamlined chin guard (providing less wind resistance as this is more of racing helmet) and a cut-out over the eye area designed for goggles as opposed to a face shield.  There is also usually visor to block out sun that is either fixed or removable.

When it comes to shopping for helmets, whichever style, you might consider the following high-quality brands:

• AGV Motorcycle Helmets
• Arai Motorcycle Helmets
• Shoei Motorcycle Helmets
• HJC Motorcycle Helmets
• KBC Motorcycle Helmet
• Nolan Motorcycle Helmets
• Scorpion Motorcycle Helmets
• Harley Davidson Helmets

Since 1959, Shoei has been producing quality motorcycle crash helmets.  Their commitment to a concept they call “active safety” ensures that that each Shoei motorcycle helmet not only meets or exceeds governmental safety standards, but also is designed with style and manufactured with the rider’s utmost comfort in mind.

Shoei’s ample selection of helmets of every style, design and variety includes full face helmets for street riders.  The RF-1000 is one such helmet.

It’s state-of-the-art design and engineered aerodynamics make the RF-1000 a supreme choice.  Shoei’s use of its proprietary (AIM) Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-fiber Technology make the outer shell light yet better able to absorb and disperse the force of an impact.  With the employment of wind tunnel testing, the RF-1000 is proven to be superior in the areas of high speed performance and ventilation.  And in the area of ccomfort, the RF-1000 has the added benefit of removable and adjustable cheek pads and 3D comfort liner system which will not shift during high speed riding.

For street riders that want the flexibility of a modular helmet, Shoei’s Multitec helmet combines the convenience of an open face helmet without sacrificing the protection of a full-face model.

Designed to minimize wind noise and drag, the Multitec’s other features include aerodynamic bag molded AIM shell, flip up chin bar and face shield with single button release, adjustable flow-through ventilation, anti-fog system and much more.  It’s also communication system compatible.

As far as Racing helmets go, the Shoei X-Twelve Motorcycle Helmet is a gem.

The X-12 combines the very latest technology and most advanced materials and the result is what is considered one of the best racing helmets ever conceived.  It’s aerodynamic shell design is first rate.  The dual layer EPS liner enhances impact absorption and ventilation. The Air Scoop 3 intake vent is positioned to maximize air volume into the helmet interior. The list of features goes on.  But one specific feature worth mentioning is the EQRS (Emergency Quick Release System).  The EQRS allows emergency medical personnel to easily remove the cheek pads and helmet from an injured rider’s head.

For street riders that insist on an open-face helmet, consider the Shoei J-Wing.

The J-Wing combines Shoei’s trademark craftsmanship and safety features with the convenience that only an open-face helmet can provide.  Features include a shell integrated spoiler, adjustable top & rear vents, neck outlet vent, and rear outlet, dual EPS liner w/3D comfort liner system and quick release base plate system.

It’s impossible to do each of these Shoei motorcycle helmets (let alone the entire line) justice in one short article. Suffice to say that Shoei’s commitment to safety, comfort and style make their helmets premium in every way.

From their humble beginnings working in a 10 by 15 foot wooden shed in 1903 to building their modest business into the largest motorcycle manufacturing company in the world by 1920, William Harley, Arthur Davidson and the other Davidson brothers, William and Walter, created a brand icon that has endured for over a century.  This same cache applies to Harley Davidson helmets and other motorcycle accessories.

Although they are no longer the biggest manufacturer of bikes, Harley-Davidson is arguably the most well-known brand in the business.  This worldwide recognition makes Harley Davidson motorcycles as well as Harley Davidson helmets, apparel, and other branded merchandise very popular.

Like other top brands, Harley Davidson helmets include the four main variety – half, three-quarter, full-face and modular.

Although for the best protection, full-face is the recommended configuration, one of the most well-known Harley Davidson helmets is its stylish shorty, Carbon Kevlar Half Helmet.

It’s DOT-approved and weighs only 1 3/4 pounds (0.794 kilograms).  But like many items in the Harley-Davidson product line, it’s cool, retro look and the fact that it has the famous Harley-Davidson logo are probably as responsible for its popularity as anything else.  But even a half helmet is better protection than no helmet.

When purchasing Harley Davidson helmets, one must use care.  Although the Harley-Davidson helmet line is manufactured by top manufacturers including HJC, AGV and KBC, not every helmet is necessarily guaranteed to provide adequate protection for motorcycle riders.

The Harley-Davidson website includes this disclaimer:  “Unless specifically and explicitly stated to the contrary for a particular item or items: (1) the items on this site are not intended to offer protection against injury and are not considered personal protective equipment within the scope of any laws or regulations governing the manufacture, sale or use of personal protective equipment, and (2) no liability will be accepted by the manufacturer or supplier of the items on this site arising out of the items’ non-compliance with such laws or regulations.”

This is understandable when you’re dealing with a brand as well-known and popular as Harley.  Undoubtedly there are many, many people who don’t ride but still want to own Harley-Davidson brand merchandise.  It only makes sense to produce merchandise to fulfill the demand of this market as well.

Harley-Davidson helmets come in choices made of carbon kevlar, fiberglass, thermoplastic and a hybrid material (touted for it’s combination of strength and light weight) that combines Aramid reinforced fiberglass with resin built into the fibers.  Before purchasing any helmet for the purpose of providing protection while riding a motorcycle, make sure the helmet in question meets government safety and legal standards.

If you’re looking to buy Harley-Davidson helmets or other Harley-Davidson merchandise, check it out here.

Before consulting the helmet size chart, use the same type of floppy cloth or paper measuring tape used by a tailor.  Wrap the tape around your forehead area one inch  above your eyebrows (approximately 2.5 cm) and around the back of your head.  The tape should go over the part of the back of your head that gives you the biggest overall measurement.  Though the tape should be snug, don’t pull it too tight.  It’s easiest to have someone else take the measurement for you, but it is possible to do it yourself.  Try using a mirror and measure at least 3 times using the biggest measurement of the 3 as your final result.  Now you can use the helmet size chart to figure your size.

Since the interior padding of the helmet will loosen over time and fit more exactly to the shape of your head, it is recommended that, if you are between sizes, go with the smaller of the two.

Use the following helmet size chart as a guide to pick the correct size helmet.

By using this helmet size chart as a guide, you should be able to achieve a great fit.