Motorcycles are important to me and they also play an important role in my first novel, "BoonieRats." When I see anything concerning them it catches my eye. Reading the July 13 letter, "Writer of motorcycle helmet letter should check facts," I found it interesting that a key ingredient to trouble-free riding is a fiberglass helmet. It wasn't clear if a Gold Wing is also required; but since that's not happening I examined my helmets, hoping they'll be enough.
I have two helmets. One is a shorty used when doing errands about town. It's made of Kevlar and carbon fiber, which I think is better than fiberglass, but it's only Department of Transportation rated. The other is full coverage for longer rides to block the sun from my face. It's fiberglass and Snell rated, but I'm still doubtful it'd save my bacon in a severe crash.
I didn't used to wear a helmet but due to constant family pressuring, I finally conceded.
While researching helmets I found that some of the plastic ones, in actual tests, are safer for your noggin than the pricier composites. One is even made by a company rumored to produce Harley-Davidsons. You didn't think they made blue jeans and all that other stuff in Milwaukee, did you?
But anyway, if Harley helmets pop off, as the letter writer suggested, what good are they? Call me macabre, but I'd like to see that. Wait, a good friend of mine just bought a Harley helmet; he better beef up the chinstrap or duct tape it on or something! And I wonder if Harley-Davidson knows about this? I better ride to the Harley store and warn them.
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Bill Ellingsen
Duluth
