The Purpose of a Helmet
If you are using or planning to use a scooter or motorcycle for transportation, then a helmet is absolutely necessary for you. And it's not just to avoid unnecessary encounters with the police. A helmet can save your life because 80% of motorcycle rider fatalities are associated with head injuries.
If you are renting a vehicle, most likely you will be provided with a helmet. However, I would not recommend using it, and here's why:
A common misconception is that a good helmet is only necessary at high speeds, and therefore, only for owners of sports motorcycles. Even at minimal speeds, you can have an unfortunate fall onto a concrete barrier, a rock, protruding rebar, and so on. A plastic helmet will simply shatter. I think you understand what will happen to your head.
You are unlikely to use full-body protection when riding a bike, so invest at least $50 in a helmet. It's the only thing that will protect your life. Scrapes, bruises on the body, or even fractures are not as terrifying as a head injury.
What to Look for When Choosing a Helmet
Motorcycle helmets consist of two main parts: a hard outer shell (or "shell") and a flexible inner lining. The outer shell is responsible for strength and appearance, while the inner lining provides impact absorption and riding comfort. A motorcycle helmet should be replaced after an accident or any other damage. A helmet is a one-time use item.
Helmet Material
Helmets come in the following order of strength and price:
- Plastic: Discard them immediately.
- Plastic: The most affordable and can be quite reliable if they have safety certificates.
- Composite: An excellent choice if you can allocate more than 1 million rupiahs for a helmet. They are lighter, more comfortable, and more reliable.
- Carbon: The lightest helmets, but also quite expensive.
The helmets provided for rent with a bike are typically plastic, and sometimes even leather helmets. They are easy to break even with your bare hands. It's good if the helmet's interior can be removed and washed. The helmet should have several ventilation channels for comfort in hot climates.
Visor (shield)
The visor protects your face from flying insects, stones, and other debris. It can come in various types, including clear, tinted, mirrored, and more. If the visor is not transparent, make sure it can be easily replaced and should snap on without any bolts.
Riding with a tinted visor in the evening can be extremely dangerous due to reduced visibility, so you should replace it with a clear one when it gets dark.
Pay attention to the scratch resistance of the visor. Cheap visors tend to scratch easily, which can impair visibility.
Сlosure
The global standard for helmet fastening is the double D-ring type, which is considered the safest. Other types are variations of quick-release fasteners.
Check the labels inside the helmet to find the manufacturing date. You may need to lift the fabric to locate it. Sometimes, helmets that are several years old may be offered to you.
Helmet Classification
Full Face (Integral)
A helmet with an integrated chin guard that completely covers the rider's head. This design offers the best protection, as 35% of all accidents result in impact to the rider's chin.
A helmet with an integrated chin guard that completely covers the rider's head. This design offers the best protection, as 35% of all accidents result in impact to the rider's chin..
Modular (Flip-Up)
The visor and the entire chin bar of this helmet can be flipped up. This design allows you to do things like drink water or smoke without removing the helmet. It's more convenient but provides less protection compared to a full-face helmet and is usually heavier..
The visor and the entire chin bar of this helmet can be flipped up. This design allows you to do things like drink water or smoke without removing the helmet. It's more convenient but provides less protection compared to a full-face helmet and is usually heavier..
Off-Road (Cross)
Not recommended for city use, as it offers less safety compared to a full-face helmet. However, if you have an enduro motorcycle and ride off-road, this type of helmet is ideal, often accompanied by special goggles.. Not recommended for city use, as it offers less safety compared to a full-face helmet. However, if you have an enduro motorcycle and ride off-road, this type of helmet is ideal, often accompanied by special goggles..
Open Face
A helmet without a chin bar and with a relatively low level of protection. It may or may not have a visor. It's less expensive than a full-face helmet and more comfortable for hot climates but provides lower safety.. A helmet without a chin bar and with a relatively low level of protection. It may or may not have a visor. It's less expensive than a full-face helmet and more comfortable for hot climates but provides lower safety..
Novelty
Often worn for style rather than safety. It may serve as an excuse when dealing with the police but offers minimal protection, similar to wearing a bandana on the head.. Often worn for style rather than safety. It may serve as an excuse when dealing with the police but offers minimal protection, similar to wearing a bandana on the head.
Price of a Helmet
You can find decent models starting at $50. The price depends not only on the brand but also on the helmet's comfort and features.
Choosing the Right Helmet Size
To ensure protection, the helmet should fit snugly without excessive pressure. Helmets tend to break in a bit due to the foam padding (cheaper helmets break in more).
Different helmet models of the same size may fit differently, so always try on the helmet before buying.
If you can easily remove the helmet with one hand when it's on your head, it's too large.
If the helmet, when worn, stays in place while shaking your head from side to side and doesn't slide around, it's too big.
If the helmet fits snugly on your head, is not easily removable with one hand, and you can comfortably wear it for 10-15 minutes without pain, ask to try a size smaller until you find the smallest size that fits.
If you have an irregular head shape (bumps, a triangular head, protruding ears), you can gently press the foam padding with your finger in areas of local discomfort to mold it to your head's shape.
If the helmet feels "uncomfortable" or you don't like the design, consider looking for another helmet.
How to Choose the Right Size and Shape of Helmet Considering Break-In?
Your finger will help us with that.
- Put on the selected helmet, which is approximately the right size. Press on the back of your head, trying to bring your head as close as possible to the back wall of the helmet. Use a finger from your free hand (yours or the seller's) to try to slide it between your forehead and the front of the helmet. Only the first phalanx of the finger should fit, but no more. Your hand should not be able to penetrate inside the helmet.
- To check the fixation of the helmet on your head, take it with both hands (as shown in the photo) and try to move it relative to your head from side to side. The helmet should not move at all. More precisely, it should move almost imperceptibly, due to the facial skin. In other words, the helmet should be immobile relative to the facial skin. If you can turn your head slightly inside the helmet, then such a helmet is most likely not suitable.
- The chin strap should be tightened enough so that you can feel it under your chin, but it should not cause discomfort when moving your jaw. Now try to take off the helmet. You should use both thumbs to push the strap towards your chin.
Helmet Certification
A good helmet should have a certification that confirms its compliance with safety standards. If a helmet doesn't have markings like DOT, Snell, Shark, or E, and only has SNI, it's not recommended to buy it. If the markings have worn off, you can check the helmet model on the manufacturer's website.
More about Certifications (for those interested):
- DOT Certification: This certification is mandatory for all helmets exported to the USA and Canada. Manufacturers conduct helmet testing themselves, and even if a helmet doesn't pass the DOT's subsequent random checks, it's practically impossible to force the manufacturer to modify or withdraw it from the market.
- ECE 22.05: Helmets certified in Europe bear a marking that includes the letter E and a number inside a circle. This marking is applied by manufacturers to the inner part of the helmet.
- Snell and Shark: These certifications are more stringent but voluntary.
- SNI: This certificate is commonly found on all helmets in Indonesia and does not have any relation to safety class; it's present on any product sold in the country.
To find out which certification your helmet has:
- Check the Helmet: The certification is usually indicated on the back or rear of the helmet. Look for markings such as DOT, Snell, ECE, or others, depending on the certification.
- Look at a New Helmet: If the markings on your helmet have worn off, you can find images of new helmets with their certifications online to compare.
- Consult the Helmet's Manual: Check the helmet's user manual or any accompanying documentation. The certification information may be provided there.
- Visit the Manufacturer's Website: Manufacturers often provide details about their helmet models and their respective certifications on their websites.
If the helmet is DOT-certified, keep in mind that there is no official list of DOT-certified helmets. The DOT certification is a self-regulation by helmet manufacturers, and only a random selection of helmets is subjected to testing by the DOT. You can check individual models for DOT compliance on the manufacturer's website.
For additional safety information and helmet ratings, you can refer to:
- SHARP Helmet Safety Scheme: Provides ratings and information on the safety of motorcycle helmets: SHARP Helmet Safety Scheme
- Snell Foundation: Provides certification information and standards for helmets: Snell Foundation
In conclusion, choosing the right helmet involves considering various factors, including proper fit, comfort, safety certification, and personal preferences. It's essential to ensure your helmet meets the necessary safety standards and fits securely on your head.
Summary of helmet selection:
- Determine your budget: Decide how much you are willing to spend on a helmet. Remember that a helmet is a crucial part of your motorcycle gear, and it's worth investing in quality and safety.
- Choose the helmet type: Decide on the type of helmet that suits your needs and preferences: full-face, modular, motocross, open-face, or half-helmet.
- Select a certified helmet: Always choose a helmet with safety certification, such as DOT, ECE, Snell, or others. Ensure that the helmet meets safety standards.
- Carefully pick a comfortable, well-fitting model: Take the time to find a helmet that fits comfortably and snugly. It should sit securely on your head without being too tight or too loose.
- Buying helmets in Bali: Bali has limited options for well-known helmet brands. AGV is one of the few global brands that can be easily found without overpaying. KBC helmets are also available. If you decide to order a helmet online, make sure you have tried on the model before, as helmet fit can vary from person to person.
Information about Tara Citra Kusuma:
Tara Citra Kusuma factory produces 35,000 helmets monthly, with 20,000 of them exported to various countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Africa. The factory is a major manufacturer of Indonesian helmets, including brands like INK, Kyt, and possibly more affordable local brands like MDS, BMC, and Hiu. Additionally, it is one of the factories producing helmets for the Italian company AGV, which includes helmets used by riders like Valentino Rossi.
Available helmet choices in Bali:
AGV: If you can afford to spend over $150 on a helmet, AGV offers options like the AGV K-3, which has a 4-star Sharp rating and costs around $160 in the USA, or the AGV S-4, which has a 5-star Sharp rating and costs around $250 in the USA.
KBC: KBC is a popular brand in America. You can find KBC helmets at places like Aura Racing Motorsport in Bali at very reasonable prices, approximately $60 for models like the KBC V.
KYT and INK: These brands are produced in the same factory, and their price range is similar. You can purchase a certified closed helmet for around $50, and there are more expensive models available for up to $200. Most INK and Kyt helmet models have DOT certification, and some may even have Snell certification.
Kyt C5 Titanio:
This is the only model from the company with a Snell 2010 certification, but it is priced at around $150.
Ink Moto x2r:
Similarly, this is the only model with a Snell 2010 certification, but it's a motocross helmet and costs up to $100.
Not the worst :) Some of them have certifications; be sure to check each model individually.
As for the other local brands (MDS, BMC, Hiu, Bogo, etc.), they didn't inspire confidence, and no certifications were found for them.
Where to buy
Bali Helmet GalleryAddress:
Jl. Teuku Umar Barat no. 349, Denpasar
Irecommend starting your search with this store. They have a large selection, the most reasonable prices, always offer a 5% discount, and a 7% discount when buying two helmets..
Address: Jl. Teuku Umar Barat no. 349, Denpasar.
Foursquare.
Aura Racing Motorsport
Address: Jl. Imam Bonjol no 223A
It's worth a visit, as they have models that you won't find elsewhere (e.g., KBC V for just $60). Price range: $50-$300.. Address: Jl. Imam Bonjol no 223A.
Foursquare.
KNN
Address: Jl Raya Kuta 27Mainly features AGV and Nolan helmets, with full-face helmets starting from 2 million Indonesian Rupiah..
Foursquare.
Address: Jl Raya Kuta 27.
Address: Jl.Gatot Subroto Timur No.17
Phone: 0361 465909
Expensive models are priced from 200 to 1400 USD..
Address: Jl.Gatot Subroto Timur No.17.
Phone: 0361 465909.
Roadside Stalls
Worth checking if you couldn't find the right model in the stores, but you'll need to negotiate for a reasonable price. Initially, their prices are about 20% higher than those in stores. There are many stalls on Imam Bonjol.. Worth checking if you couldn't find the right model in the stores, but you'll need to negotiate for a reasonable price. Initially, their prices are about 20% higher than those in stores. There are many stalls on Imam Bonjol.
OLX
Local equivalent of Avito (a classified advertisements website); you can find both new and used helmets here. Brand-new branded helmets, even for several million Rupiah, can be found.. Local equivalent of Avito (a classified advertisements website); you can find both new and used helmets here. Brand-new branded helmets, even for several million Rupiah, can be found.
For more information on the manufacture and testing of motorcycle helmets: Read More
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