Never topless
60 years of motorcycle helmets from Harley-Davidson
• 1958 erschienen die ersten Harley-Davidson Hartschalenhelme
- The European Core program currently comprises 30 helmet models
- Several attractive new jet helmets for 2018
(Neu-Isenburg, 13.02.2018) The hapless legionnaires from Babaorum, Aquarium, Laudanum and Kleinbonum already knew it, and their adversaries, the indomitable inhabitants of a certain Gallic village, were also in the know: helmets protect one of the most important parts of the human body. Motorcyclist on the other hand, ignored this wisdom for many years.
In der Frühzeit der Motorisierung bot Harley-Davidson ihnen immerhin Stoff- und Lederhauben an, wie sie die tollkühnen Männer in ihren fliegenden Kisten trugen.
After the first patents for practical biker headgear were registered in the 1950s, Harley-Davidson presented its first hard-shell helmets in 1958.
The motorcycle squadron of the California Highway Patrol now also wore helmets. The officers wore white - as did civilians, as other colors were not available. Three years later, Australia was the first country to make helmets compulsory, followed in 1976 Germany and Austria in 1979.
The issue of colors is now as much a thing of the past as any doubts about the protective effect of helmets. Going „topless“ has long been taboo and modern helmets work wonders in terms of fit, shock absorption, chemical resistance, resilience and securing the chin strap, as well as in many other respects.
They also look cool - as the latest models from Milwaukee prove. In Europe, Harley-Davidson currently offers eighteen jet 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), a police-style jet helmet. Its shell made from carbon, aramid and fiberglass comes in a grey-black used look with race stripes and 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,- Euro) and Cherohala B01 3/4 Helmet (98182-18EX, RRP: 176,- Euro), each with fiberglass shell, comfortable lining and press studs for attaching a visor or peak.
Both helmets are designed in vintage style with the historic Bar and Shield logo on the back of the head - in a grey and black look with green accents of the Needles and in an eggshell-coloured design with stylized black flames of the Cherohala.
All new Harley helmets are equipped with a double D-ring fastener and, with the Harley-Davidson authorized dealer where the other 27 models do not make the choice any easier. Further information can be found at motorclothes.harley-davidson.eu.
Text and photo credits: Copyright Harley-Davidson
