What are Novelty Helmets?
Novelty helmets are usually lighter motorcycle helmets with less padding. The most important thing that separates novelty helmets, is that they are not DOT approved. This means that they are basically not safe for riding on streets. Novelty helmets are usually much cheaper than DOT approved helmets with the same styles.
Buying A Novelty Helmet
With a great style and half the cost, novelty helmets have become very popular. There are many different types and sizes of novelty helmets to choose from, it may be overwhelming to pick the best one. Here are a few helpful hints to help make your selection easier.
Always make sure you pick the right size. There are many different helmet designers and manufactures and they may not all use the same sizing codes. So before buying the helmet, check the sizing guide for details on how to get the best fitting helmet.
Glossy or Flat?
Simply put, glossy is better, or at least from my experience. Glossy helmets are much more pleasing to the eye and they look great in the sun. Flat helmets are dull looking and too boring.
Straps
Helmet straps help you save time by not having to strap your helmet in every time. Many helmets do not come standard with these, but I highly recommend buying one. They are very inexpensive and well worth it. Buy Helmet Straps.
Novelty helmets are excellent helmets to have, but keep in mind they are not DOT approved and therefore should not be used for riding on streets and highways.
By: Matt
Archive for November, 2009
Why Buy a Novelty Motorcycle Helmet
November 27th, 2009bike picture,yamaha,motorcycle,suzuki
November 27th, 2009economy
Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style[27] ranging from a low of 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider,[28] to 107 mpg-US (2.20 L/100 km; 129 mpg-imp) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter.[29]
free articles directory
A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg-US (0.50 L/100 km; 560 mpg-imp) “on real highways – in real conditions.”[30] Due to lower engine displacements (100 cc–200 cc), motorcycles in developing countries offer good fuel economy.[citation needed] In the Indian market, the second most selling company, Bajaj, offers two models with superior fuel economy: XCD 125 and Platina. Both are 125 cc motorbikes with a company-claimed fuel economy of 256 mpg-US (0.919 L/100 km; 307 mpg-imp) and 261 mpg-US (0.901 L/100 km; 313 mpg-imp), respectively.[citation needed]
free articles directory
[edit] Electric motorcycles Main article: Electric motorcycle
Very high fuel economy equivalents can be derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent, zero-emission electric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed suffer because of limitations of battery technology.[citation needed] Fuel cells and petroleum-electric hybrids are also under development to extend the range and improve performance of the electric motors.
[edit] Dynamics
free articles directory
Racing motorcycles leaning in a turn. Main article: Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics
Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and these play a role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, a longer wheelbase provides more stability in a straight line.[31] Motorcycle tyres have a large influence over handling.
Motorcycles must be leaned in order to make turns. This lean is induced by the method known as countersteering, in which the rider steers the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired turn. Because it is counter-intuitive this practice is often very confusing to novices—and even to many experienced motorcyclists.[32]
Short wheelbase motorcycles, such as sport bikes, can generate enough torque at the rear wheel, and enough stopping force at the front wheel, to lift the opposite wheel off the pavement. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies respectively. If carried past the point of recovery the resulting upset is known as “looping” the vehicle.
[edit] Accessories Main article: Motorcycle accessories
Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or after-market. Such accessories are selected by the owner to enhance the motorcycle’s appearance, safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything from mobile electronics to sidecars and trailers.
[edit] Social aspects Main article: Motorcycling [edit] Popularity Motorbikes are the primary form of transportation in Vietnam.
In many cultures, motorcycles are the primary means of motorised transport. According to the Taiwanese government, for example, “the number of automobiles per ten thousand population is around 2,500, and the number of motorcycles is about 5,000.”[33] In places such as Vietnam, motorcycle use is extremely high due to a lack of public transport and low income levels that put automobiles out of reach for many.[3] In Vietnam, motorised traffic consist of mostly motorbikes.[4] The four largest motorcycle markets in the world are all in Asia: China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.[3] The motorcycle is also popular in Brazil’s frontier towns.[5] Amid the global economic downturn of 2008, the motorcycle market grew by 6.5%.[34]
Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of motorcycles elsewhere. In the USA, registrations increased by 51% between 2000 and 2005.[35] This is mainly attributed to increasing fuel prices and urban congestion,[36] but is also partly due to television programmes such as reality show American Chopper, or adventure-travel shows such as Long Way Down.[citation needed]
[edit] Subcultures
By: gunty
Bike Helmets as Life Saving Accessories
November 25th, 2009Anyone who spends a lot of time riding a motorcycle or lists biking as his passion will recognize that his life is on the line whenever he devotes time to his mode of transport. As a result, not only should he spend time learning the finer points of riding a bike and all the related aspects of maintaining and fine tuning the vehicle, he should also spend as much effort and money ensuring that the right motorcycle accessories are used to protect his life and longevity. Many riders experience the thrill of high speed rides with the wind blowing in his face and are hooked on the adrenalin rush that comes with it, but the dangers and risks associated with such joy has often been ignored by just as many motorcyclists, who opt to gamble with their lives in a bid to taste the thrills or are eager to save time.
What are the accessories that a motorcycle enthusiast should have that would provide an additional layer of protection that could potentially save his life? There are many accessories which help achieve that aim, such as bike jackets, gloves, pants and of course, the ever essential bike helmet. However, it is surprising how many riders choose to ignore these items either because they prefer to save some money or time. Some of these essential biker apparel are admittedly expensive, but with better quality comes a tradeoff of cost. Bikers are also impatient individuals, and many would rather choose to save a few seconds of getting in gear, than to spend a few minutes changing in and out of their jackets, pants and helmet which could in turn be a life saver.
One of the most important bike apparel that a motorcycle rider should own is the bike helmet. It is interesting how this would seem to be the most essential accessory in any biker’s arsenal, but many choose to ignore it. You would be hard pressed not to find at least a handful of such individuals on the road who choose to partake in a gamble with death when all it would take to protect themselves in a motorcycle crash could just be that high quality bike helmet that cushions his fall or prevents a neck break should he crash head on into an obstacle. The cost of such helmets today is feasible and affordable for those who choose a bike as their main transportation mode, and is often a must with regards to transport regulations in many countries.
It is strange that the same motorcyclists would actually be willing to fork out a huge sum to modify their bikes or beautify it with a trendy new paintjob, but are hesitant in a fraction of the sum to ensure their lives are protected. With the advent of new technology, there are many high quality bike helmets from trusted manufacturers such as the Bell helmets and Scorpion lines which boast material and make that surpasses the standard for maximum protection and those who demand a fashion sense along with their bike accessories. There are also helmets which are now built with lightweight carbon fiber, resulting in surprisingly light but increasingly sturdy headgear. The streamlined look of modern helmets has also allowed bike racers to view them as necessary in their search for that extra speed advantage in races.
As a rider, you are also continually exposed to the weather elements such as sun and rain. Wearing a bike helmet will allow you protection against this. In fact, they can often increase the comfort level you will experience riding a bike. Imagine how the helmet visor can be a heaven sent against the glare of the sun or the pelting rain, which might actually be a potential safety hazard during your journey. A moment’s distraction due to the reflecting glare of the sun can lead to an unwanted accident and a regretful loss of life. The helmet also contributes directly to better health as it prevents you from getting sunburn or ending up wet and susceptible to colds when riding through a rainstorm.
With so many advantages from using bike helmets, it should be one of the first items motorcyclists choose to purchase when they walk into a bike shop. No matter what, convenience and cost should never be prioritized over one’s safety, and this bike accessory could be crucial to enjoying many more years of riding joy.
By: Greg Howard
