A helmet can be a biker’s best friend if an accident ever occurred. It can also make a statement, and serve as a monument to loved ones. Most people don’t give a second thought to how a motorcycle helmet actually works though.

There are four basic parts to a motorcycle helmet. The first part, the part that is seen first, is the outer shell. This is most likely a form of plastic or thermoplastic such as polycarbonate. This part of the motorcycle helmet is meant to be tough. Being tough is not the only thing this outer shell of the motorcycle helmet is meant to do. Upon impact, it is meant to compress so that it distributes the energy from the impact so that the full impact does not reach the head of the wearer.

The second part of a motorcycle helmet is the impact absorbing liner. This is the Styrofoam part of the inside of the motorcycle helmet. It absorbs the impact when the helmet stops moving but the head doesn’t. In this way it cushions the head from excessive damage. These two parts of the motorcycle helmet, the outer shell and the impact absorbing liner, are both meant to compress when it is hit. It is for this reason that a motorcycle helmet is no good after an accident or even simply from throwing it or dropping it from a distance. The motorcycle helmet may still look like it is intact, but on the inside, the impact absorbing liner could be broken and it wouldn’t work in an accident any longer. Also, because of this, it is good to replace the motorcycle helmet every 2 to 5 years depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The third part of the motorcycle helmet is the comfort padding. While this has no protective qualities, it does provide comfort for the wearer along with a snug fit. If a motorcycle helmet isn’t comfortable, and it isn’t worn, it can’t protect. So this is just as important as the other parts of the motorcycle helmet. Some motorcycle helmets have removable padding so that it can be cleaned regularly.

The fourth and final part of the helmet is the chin strap, also called a retention system. This part of the motorcycle helmet keeps the motorcycle helmet in place and should always be fastened securely. If the motorcycle comes off during an impact, it won’t be protecting the wearer, so it is important that it always be fastened.

The outer shell, impact absorbing liner, comfort padding and chin strap all function to protect the head from a deadly impact. The motorcycle helmet is an important safety tool for a biker. Knowing how a motorcycle helmet works will help to understand the conditions in which a motorcycle helmet needs to be retired. Riding with an old motorcycle helmet that doesn’t function properly is the same as riding without one at all. The motorcycle helmet is one of the best pieces of equipment a biker can own. Maintain the motorcycle helmet, protect the head.