April is Helmet Safety Month. How Safe is Your Helmet?
At Skyline Harley-Davidson, your safety is our top priority. Whether you're cruising through the Shenandoah Valley or gearing up for a weekend adventure, wearing the right helmet can make all the difference.
When's the last time you thought about your helmet? Does it fit as well as it should? How old is it? Is it time for a new one? April is Helmet Safety month, so we're offering 15% off all helmets through the month of April. Come in and talk to one of our specialists - we'd be happy to walk you through your options. As you think about your options, have you ever wondered what Helmet Safety Ratings actually mean? With so many safety certifications out there, it’s important to understand what those labels really mean. Let’s break it down and help you choose the helmet that best suits your riding style and safety needs.
🏍️ Protect Your Ride: Understanding Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings
Motorcycle helmets are evaluated under a few major safety standards, each with its own approach to testing and certification:
- DOT (Department of Transportation - FMVSS 218)
The basic legal requirement for helmets in the U.S., tested for impact resistance, penetration, and retention. - ECE (Economic Commission for Europe - 22.05)
Used in over 50 countries, including much of Europe. It includes a more extensive set of tests than DOT. - Snell Memorial Foundation (M2020)
A private, voluntary standard considered one of the most rigorous in the industry, especially favored in racing circles.
🧠 Fit Matters: The Most Overlooked Safety Factor
Even the highest-rated helmet won’t protect you properly if it doesn’t fit. A good helmet should feel snug all the way around, sit level on your head, and stay put during movement. Come by our showroom and let our team help you find your perfect fit.
⚖️ Certification Comparison: Pros & Cons
To make things easier, here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of each major helmet safety certification:
DOT (FMVSS 218)
Pros:
- High-energy impact testing with a hemispherical anvil
- Allows testing over a wide coverage area
- Reasonable energy transfer limit (400 g peak)
Cons:
- Relies on manufacturers to self-certify (honor system)
- Limited number of head forms used
- Lacks testing in areas like optics, strap removal, and friction resistance
ECE 22.05
Pros:
- Mandatory and consistent testing of certified helmets
- Low energy transfer limit (275 g)
- Tests a wide range of safety factors (optics, shell integrity, etc.)
- Uses eight head forms for broader fit and impact simulations
Cons:
- Uses curbstone anvil and only tests one strike per location (low-energy impacts)
- Fixed impact locations can allow for “tuned” results
- Varied head form size may reduce impact severity in tests
Snell M2020
Pros:
- Voluntary but extremely thorough testing process
- 275 g maximum peak energy
- Tests include face shield shattering, helmet stability, and more
- Technicians intentionally test weak points
- Edge anvil testing simulates extreme real-world impacts
Cons:
- Higher cost due to private testing process
- Less compatible with some street features like internal sun shields or modular chin bars
🏁 What’s Best for You?
The ideal helmet balances protection, comfort, and your specific riding needs. For everyday riding around Virginia, a DOT and ECE-certified helmet may be ideal. For more aggressive or track-style riding, Snell certification offers unmatched impact protection.
Need help choosing? Stop by Skyline Harley-Davidson, and our team will walk you through your options to make sure you're not only protected—but also riding in style.
🛍️ Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Visit our MotorClothes® department to explore a wide selection of helmets and riding gear that meet DOT, ECE, and Snell standards. We’re here to make sure you hit the road fully equipped for whatever lies ahead.
Skyline Harley-Davidson — Where the Ride Begins, and Safety Rides Along.