These tips are recommended as general tips and are solely the views of Shift-It™.
Some of these tips may seem obvious to our more experienced riders, but we are always welcoming new riders to our motorcycling fraternity, and we feel any help or ideas we can give them will prove worthwhile.
DOs:
- When purchasing a helmet, thoroughly read all of the literature that is supplied with it.
- Every time you are about to use your helmet, examine the straps, lining, interior and shell of the helmet to ensure that it is in good condition. (It only takes a few moments.)
- Always check and clean the visor before wearing the helmet. (It's a lot easier to clean it then, rather than when you're on the move.)
- Clean the helmet regularly, using only the products specifically made for that purpose.
- After cleaning, always apply a coat of helmet polish (such as Shift-It's own helmet polish) to protect the shell.
- Every time you wear your helmet, make sure the chinstrap is adjusted correctly. (Even quick-release straps can work themselves loose after a while.)
- When not in use, keep your helmet in a proper helmet bag. (If you don't have one supplied with your helmet, they can be purchased quite cheaply.)
- Always ensure your vents are working correctly, both on the helmet, and (if fitted) on your visor.
- Always take care with velcro straps, as they can easily damage the lining, thus making the helmet uncomfortable.
- If you have any doubts about the condition of your helmet, have it checked by an authorised dealer. (They are sometimes found at bike rallies, race meetings and motorcycle shows.)
- If your helmet is not going to be used for a while, clean and dry it thoroughly before storing it in your helmet bag.
- Don't put gloves or anythin else inside your helmet when carrying it (it can damage the impact foam).
- Don't carry the helmet through the visor aperture, as this can damage the visor seal.
- Don't use solvents or distillate products to clean your helmet.
- Don't use washing up liquid to clean the helmet or visor. Some washing up liquids contain salt, which can scratch the surface of your helmet.
- Don't use car polish on the helmet or visor, as some car polishes contain abrasives.
- Unless your helmet has removable pads, don't use water to clean the lining of your helmet.
- Don't leave your helmet on the petrol tank of your bike for long periods. Petrol fumes can attack and weaken the shell.
- Don't put your helmet in a plastic bag unless you are sure it is completely dry.
- Don't store your helmet on the handlebar or mirror stalks of your bike, as this can damage the impact lining.
- Don't use aerosol sprays on the outer shell. (Most aerosols are propelled by butane, which is a petroleum-based product and can weaken the shell.)
- Don't block ventilation holes. If the covers are damaged, return the helmet to the dealer for inspection and repair.
- Don't leave the helmet where it can be chewed or scratched by pets.
- Don't put stickers on the helmet unless you are sure the adhesive used on the sticker is suitable for motorcycle helmets.
- Don't paint the helmet with aerosol paints. (It's wiser to take your helmet to a reputable helmet artist, who will know which products can be used.)
You expect your helmet to save your life. Make sure you have done your best to keep it in the condition to do so.
If you have any comments about our tips, or have any you'd like to share with the motorcycling community, please send them to me at peter@shift-it.freeserve.co.uk
REMEMBER: You may know that you own the road, but others don't, so ride safely.