The history of the motorcycle helmet can be dated as far back as 1885, when the first helmets were introduced. These helmets were very crude in comparison with the modern motorcycle helmets that are now available. They consisted of a leather cap that was lined with a material based from plants called pith. With time, these helmets became obsolete due to the fact that they did not offer much protection once motorcycles began to become more powerful.
Starting in 1931, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles began to run races that caused the number of deaths during motorcycle accidents to dramatically increase. It was during this time that Professor C.F. Lombard began to develop a helmet that could withstand the impact of a crash. This helmet was created with the absorption of the crash in mind. A comfortable layer was cushioned by an outer layer that absorbed shock waves but was also able to distribute them evenly to prevent fatalities.
By 1953, Lombard received a patent for this helmet and started the frontier of modern motorcycle helmets. Once the standard helmet had been created, many other motorcycle helmet distributors began to follow the design that was first created by Lombard.
Motorcycles helmets have been improved using high-absorption sponges and advanced plastics to protect a rider. They are typically constructed of expanded polystyrene foam and an outer shell that will protect the skull. Visors are made of Lexan glass to improve the chances of any type of penetration by sharp objects. The ultimate function of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the skull from an type of punctures and to provide a cushion that will de-accelerate a rider's head during impact. This will lead to a decrease in force that is placed on the skull of a rider.
In today's modern world, there are five different types of helmets that offer varying levels of protection. These helmets are strapped to the head using a chin strap and are effective in keeping the helmet in place during an accident. The full-face model is able to protect the full head of a rider and is considered one of the most adequate helmets for riding. It features a visor and chin protector that will protect a rider's head completely.
An off-road model has a design that is quite similar to the full-face helmet. However, this model of motorcycle helmet does not offer a visor to allow for better vision during rides. A modular helmet, also known as a 'flip-up', is the next best model in terms of protection. The chin component of the helmet can flip up and gives the freedom of being able to talk, eat, or drink and still allow the helmet to stay on. During rides, the chin protector is flipped down to offer maximum protection.
A three-quarter motorcycle helmet does not offer the same amount of protection that is mentioned in the previous models. It offers substantial protection for the back of the skull but is open in the front and will not protect a rider's chin or face during a crash. A half-helmet, also known as a 'partial coverage helmet' features minimal protection and only will keep the top of a rider's head safe. This model is often used to cover riders legally and is not a safe helmet.
During accidents, one of the most frequent traumas occurs in the face and brain. The half-helmet and the three-quarter helmet are not recommended for riders who may sustain more serious injuries. Currently, the Department of Transportation is conducting extensive testing to help improve the likelihood for survival during a motorcycle accident. This government agency uses extensive computer systems with crash-test dummies to dramatically reduce the amount of fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents. With time, these tests will only further increase the safety of motorcyclists and help pave the way for safer riding.
Wildcat Harley Davidson motorcycles has been serving Lexington, Williamsburg, Hazard, Richmond, Berea and Somerset since 2009. They feature the largest motorcycles showroom in the State of Kentucky.
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