DOT Motorcycle Helmets and Tail Boxes

The DOT 218 mark comes before style or color

A road helmet should carry the DOT mark, which means the maker states that it meets the US federal standard FMVSS 218. A listing that shows a safety rating of None makes no standards claim, so do not count on it as a road helmet. Coverage is the next choice: a half helmet protects the top and back of the head but leaves the face and jaw bare, while a full-face shell adds a chin bar and is the more protective design. Rules on required helmets differ by state and country, so check yours.

Size by measuring around your head about an inch above the eyebrows and matching the maker's chart, because letter sizes vary between models. A good helmet feels snug all round, with the cheeks pressed gently and no movement when you shake your head. Test it for a few minutes: a pressure point that is mild now becomes painful on a long ride. Replace any helmet that has taken a hard knock, since the foam liner crushes to absorb the impact and cannot be reused.

Liters, lights and iron sheets: reading the accessory listings

Not everything here is a helmet. The figures such as 33L, 36L or 45L in titles are the capacity of motorcycle tail and cargo boxes, not a size, and the shape of the interior decides whether a full-face helmet fits, so check the dimensions as well as the liters. Boxes bolt to a rack or plate, so confirm the mounting and the load limit of your rack. Helmet lights and their iron sheets are named for specific light models, for example H2 and H3, so match the model code in the title.

Questions about DOT Motorcycle Helmets and Tail Boxes

Is a half helmet acceptable on the road?

That depends on local law. In many places a helmet marked DOT 218 is accepted whatever its coverage, but some places and riding events require more. A half helmet gives less protection to the jaw and face than a full-face model, so choose coverage for the riding you do.

How long should a helmet be used before replacing it?

Replace it after any hard impact, even if it looks fine. Beyond that, makers commonly advise replacing a helmet every five years or so, because the liner, glues and padding age with sweat, heat and sunlight.

Does a 36L tail box hold a full-face helmet?

Not always. Liters measure volume, not the shape of the space, and a rounded helmet needs a deep, wide interior. Compare the inside length, width and depth with your helmet's dimensions, and remember that a box mounted high on the rack changes the bike's handling.