How to Solve Common Motorcycle Helmet Problems

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know you should wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle. Most motorcyclists have experienced some problems with fit and comfort that make them averse to wearing their helmets. But just because you have to wear a helmet doesn’t mean you have to put up with irksome issues. 

At Barnes Harley-Davidson, we love riding our bikes and have faced the same issues. We’ve got some suggestions to help you and your helmet get along better. For all your motorcycle accessory needs, visit our dealership in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Loud Noise

People think that wearing a helmet means you’ll be in a noiseless cocoon, but that isn’t true. It can get pretty loud while you’ve got one on, especially if you’re going over 65 kilometres per hour. There’s a very easy solution to this problem ─ wear earplugs. You can use disposable ones, reusable wax balls or even get custom-made ones at most dealers who stock motorcycle accessories. You can also get a helmet that’s designed to reduce noise. Aerodynamic ones are built to handle wind resistance, which helps to cut down the noise of the wind. Helmets with styrofoam linings can also cut down noise.

The Fogging

When cold weather lowers the temperature of your visor, your breath condenses on the surface. This fogs up the helmet and impairs your vision, which is dangerous while driving. To prevent this, you can repel the moisture before it fogs up. There are some anti-fog and water repellent products out there. Find the one that’s most compatible with your visor material and use it as directed.

Another thing you can do is to create ventilation. Some helmets allow you to open the visor partially; this lets the exhaled air escape without fogging up the visor. As long as you don’t open it completely, you’ll still get most of the protection it offers. You can also open all the vents to improve airflow. If your model has a removable lower chin piece, you can detach that completely.

The Need For Glasses

You may need prescription glasses to see or you may wear sunglasses to keep the glare out. Whatever the reason, if you need to wear glasses along with a helmet, you should get a compatible pair. When buying glasses, look for ones with straight, thin arms. Thicker arms can be hard to fit inside your helmet, while bendable ones can have adjustment issues. Wearing the wrong kind can rub against the sides of your head and give you a headache. You can also get sunglasses made with foam gaskets.

Go helmet shopping after you’ve picked a good pair of glasses or sunglasses. When looking at helmets, choose one with cutouts at the temples as these are generally easier to fit glasses into. Before buying one, make sure you try it on with your glasses on so you know if it’s going to be comfortable for you. Go for a test drive to see if your glasses slide down during the ride. They should sit just right, being neither too tight nor too loose.

A helmet is the most important motorcycle accessory so it’s worthwhile to invest your money in a safe and compatible style. At Barnes Harley-Davidson, we have a range of options that suit different lifestyles and budgets. For all your motorcycle accessory needs, come to our dealership in Victoria, British Columbia. We welcome all bike enthusiasts from Nanaimo and Port Alberni, British Columbia, too.