Never topless
60 years of Harley-Davidson motorcycle helmets
• The first
Harley-Davidson hard-shell helmets • The European core program currently includes 30 helmet models
• Several attractive new open-face helmets for 2018
(Neu-Isenburg, February 13, 2018) The hapless legionnaires from Babaorum, Aquarium, Laudanum and Kleinbonum already knew it, and their opponents, the indomitable residents of a certain Gallic village, were also in the know: Helmets protect one of the most important parts of the human body. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, ignored this wisdom for many years.
In the early days of motorization, Harley-Davidson at least offered them fabric and leather hoods, like the ones the daring men wore in their flying machines.
After the first patents for useful biker headgear were registered in the 1950s, Harley-Davidson presented its first hard-shell helmets in 1958.
From now on, the California Highway Patrol motorcycle squad also wore helmets. The officers wore white - civilians did too, as other colors were not available. Three years later, Australia was the first country to introduce compulsory helmet use, followed by Germany in 1976 and Austria in 1979.
The matter of colors has now been resolved, as have any doubts about the protective effect of helmets. “Topless” has long been taboo and modern helmets work wonders in terms of fit, shock absorption, chemical resistance, resilience and securing of the chin strap and in many other respects.
They also look cool – as the latest models from Milwaukee prove. In Europe, Harley-Davidson currently offers eighteen open face helmets, seven full-face helmets, three flip-up helmets and two multi-helmets with removable chin bars.
New for 2018 is the 794 gram Thunder Tribe B09 5/8 Helmet (98176-18EX, RRP: 237 euros), a police-style jet helmet. Its shell made of carbon, aramid and fiberglass has a gray-black used look with race stripes and the Harley logo, and its moisture-wicking lining can be removed for washing.
Also new are the models Needles Highway B01 3/4 Helmet (98181-18EX, RRP: 176 euros) and Cherohala B01 3/4 Helmet (98182-18EX, RRP: 176 euros), each with a fiberglass shell and comfortable lining and snaps for attaching a peak or visor.
Both helmets are in vintage style with the historic Bar and Shield logo on the back of the head - in the gray-black look with green accents of the Needles and in the eggshell-colored design with stylized black flames of the Cherohala.
All new Harley helmets are equipped with a double D-ring closure and are available from authorized Harley-Davidson dealers - where the other 27 models do not make the choice any easier. Further information can be found at motorclothes.harley-davidson.eu.
Text and image credit: Copyright Harley-Davidson
