Research shows that nearly 80 percent of all Harley-Davidson and competitive motorcycle owners and passengers wear a helmet every time they ride. April is “Check Your Helmet” month and a great time to ensure your helmet delivers the protection that you expect.

Maximize your margin of safety by following these suggestions:

· Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years, according to DOT and Snell Foundation guidelines. Over time, exposure to UV rays combined with the aging of adhesives and components damage a helmet’s protective qualities.

· A helmet is designed for only one impact and should be replaced even if you can’t see any external damage. Dropping a helmet counts as an impact.

· Proper fit is vital to a helmet’s effectiveness. A well-fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. See your local Harley-Davidson dealer for assistance with helmet fit and care.

A full range of helmets is available from Harley-Davidson MotorClothes, including these all-new options that meet DOT requirements:

1) The men’s Capstone Sun Shield Modular Helmet features a lightweight comfort chin bar plus an integrated one-touch tinted Sun Shield that deploys quickly and easily. The Advanced Channeling Ventilation System delivers full front-to-back airflow to flush out heat and humidity, while the face shield offers 95 percent UV protection with an anti-scratch coating. The modular helmet is available in Matte Black (P/N 98370-15VM, $250), Gloss Black (P/N 98369-15VM, $250) and White (P/N 98371-15VM, $250).

2) Sporting the innovative Speed Dial Fit system, the new men’s Pioneer Sun Shield Half Helmet(P/N 98366-15VM, $160) allows quick adjustments and tightening. An integrated tinted Sun Shield deploys easily and complements the removable visor.

3) The new women’s Tantalus Retro 3/4 Helmet (P/N 98361-15VW, $175) features a fiberglass shell, snaps for shields and visors and custom graphics that rebel against the “traditional” black helmet.

4) Constructed from hybrid fiberglass and aramid, the new women’s Metal Flake Ultra-Light Half Helmet (P/N 98342-15VW, $190) is 17 percent lighter than traditional fiberglass shells. The antimicrobial, moisture-wicking inner liner is removable and washable. A removable visor and neck curtain offer customizable style and comfort. It weighs 1 lb. 6 oz.

More info at: www.h-d.com