Vintage Motorcycle Helmet

Got a vintage motorcycle? To complete the look, you need to have a vintage motorcycle helmet. Retro, classic, old or whatever you call it, it needs to meet the current standards of safety. They can also be of different helmet types like open face, full face or half helmets and some also comes with the motorcycle goggles to compliment and finish the vintage look. 

There are a lot of companies right now that makes a retro look helmets like Bell that basically looks like a vintage helmet but on the inside, has an approved by the DOT, hard plastic liner.

Here are some suggestions on finding the perfect and safe vintage motorcycle helmet:

Proper fitting - your helmet should fit you and must be comfortable to wear during prolonged rides. It should fit snugly and shouldn't move around when you shake your head on all directions. When you are checking for fit, try grasping the helmet with both hands and move it on all directions. Your head should follow and there will be no sliding between your skin/head and the inner lining of the helmet.

Safety - All vintage motorcycle helmets should be approved by the DOT, CNS, ECE, and AS. For DOT or Department of Transportation, their certification requires for the helmet to absorb a certain amount of force and prevent punctures or penetrations from common materials. It also rates the fasteners used by the helmet and making sure that it can hold a significant amount of force and will not break when exposed to a fast pull force.

Head Coverage - Most retro helmets are lacking on this but if you can find one that covers most of your head, the better. A full face helmet has the best protection. A good idea is to have at least 3/4 coverage on your head. You can also use your judgement whenever you ride and decide which type of helmet you can use. For example, i tend to use a full face helmet during long higher speed highway rides and on rides around town, the I use my vintage helmet which usually are half helmets or an open face one.

Appearance - Well this is self explanatory. This is why you are buying a vintage motorcycle helmet in the first place. Try not to over do it do and also choose comfort and safety first if there are several choices. Overall, most people will look at your vintage motorcycle in the first place and your retro helmet is just completing your look.

Cost/Price - This should not be a factor but in my opinion, buy a new helmet than purchasing a used one. Also consider safety than anything else. A 20 dollar difference because of enhanced safety features justifies purchase as compared to a 20 dollar extra price because of the leather and chromed out and other added accessories option. Don't buy too cheap and sacrifice safety. 

All of the pointers above need to be considered when purchasing a vintage motorcycle helmet or even any helmet for your motorcycle. A helmet completes the look and feel of your classic bike and is not only for aesthetics but more importantly for safety.

To get the best possible price for these vintage helmets, browse online to amazon for brand new for sale vintage helmets or if you want the aged authentic one, go to Ebay auction site on their automotive section and you may be able to find an old beat up black leather helmet that will match your ride. And then while you are there, you can complete the look by searching for matching apparel like leather motorcycle jackets and vintage motorcycle boots/shoes. Also check on customer reviews to find the best brand for your vintage motorcycle helmet.