Oh No

Congrats, welcome to the brotherhood. Just remember to get good safety gear and try to avoid the urge to do wheelies and horse around on public roads. Take it to the racetrack.

 

Thats good, I see so many kids on sportbikes and their first question is "how far can you wheelie?" You should see the looks when I say that I can't. Track days are a blast, I just got track plastics for my 748 this year to minimize the damage if something goes wrong. I have crashed twice on the street and have been super lucky to walk away from both. I would say go with a jap bike until you get out of college and have a decent job. The Ducatis are unparalleled but the maintenance costs get a bit tiresome. Look at the SV650 or the new Kawasaki 650 twin.

 

Most of the more modern helmets should conform to both standards - I've used my m/c helmet at track days, but I'm pretty sure it just became obsolete (haven't ridden in ages, so the helmet is a bit outdated, from what I remember, most of the sanctioning bodies for grassroots stuff just made my lid part of the no-no club). I would think that almost anything modern with a current Snell rating would be ok for track use as well, but your best bet would be to look into the track stuff first, buy from that end, and be sure that it'll be good for m/c rating as well.

 

No problem - I'd say first thing first, get the minimum requirements from your local club/track organizers, then you can go forward from there.

 

If you're going to do anything competitive, you'll need to plan for two helmets. Motorcycle helmets generally don't have fire protection and so, are not acceptable by most motorsports regulations. I think for the recreational trackday type, you can get away with a motorcycle helmet though.

 

I've seen helmet manufs make two types of helmets (cars vs. cycles). I never really knew the difference. If I had to guess, I'd say the aero for motorcycles is different. Good luck with the motorcycles. I've always enjoyed riding my friend's dirt bike, but I don't think I'd be interested enough to get a license to go on the road. I can't trust other drivers.

 

I could be wrong, but I think he is talking about motorcycle helmets and car helmets here. All of the motorcycle racing organizations that I have looking to only require Snell and DOT certification. Cars would require flame protection.

 

That's what I was talking about. You won't be able to do any competitive auto racing with a motorcycle helmet, but you can probably get away with trackdays etc. in one.

 

Chris:

There are sererate ratings for the MC helmets vs. Automobile racing helmets as many have pointed out and they vary from country to country. In the US, MC helmets for use on the road must be DOT rated (BSI in europe). Most also have an additional rating called a Snell Rating. Motorcycle helmets as Snell "M" followed by the year. Snell ratings are updated every 5 years. Snell M2005's are now available. For Automobile racing, DOT rating is unnecessary, so the standard is the Snell rating. An Automobile racing halmet is an Snell "SA" (Special Application) rated helmet. They have thicker visors, different straps and a fire proof interior. They are also more expensive. There are other differences in the Snell tests as well. Snell SA2005's are also now available.

If you are going to get involved with Motorcycles, your helmet will not be the most expensive part of your protective gear. Jackets, pants, boots, gloves and a back protector should also make the equipment list.

Can you use a M rated helmet at the race track in a car? For rides, yes, for competition, generally no. Can you use an SA helmet on the street on a bike? Not legally (No DOT rating), but it would be rare to be ticketed for it. (inspection stations will not pass the bike without a DOT helmet though). In short, it is better to have the proper helmet for the proper application.

Welcome to the world of bikes. Start small and slow and work up. Always remember that you are safer at 150 in a car at the track than you are at 50 on the street on a bike. On a bike you are invisable to the world.