Why Buy an AFX Motorcycle Helmet?

By Steve M Blackmore

AFX Motorcycle Helmets began in 1996 and is now a major motorcycle helmet manufacturer. They're based in the US and the helmets are manufactured in Taiwan.

For 2011 the AFX helmets range has been greatly improved and European motorcycle owners can now look forward to seeing AFX helmets in a store near them as all of the new AFX models have been approved by both DOT and ECE standards, which means they can be sold in both the US and Europe.

AFX design and manufacture a range of helmets aimed at the budget end of the motorcycle market. What sets apart this range is the full features and excellent finish that can't be found on competitor's models at the same price.

AFX helmets - Features

For helmets in this price range (around $100) you normally get a basic helmet that passes DOT regulations and has very basic features such as a front chin vent and 2 rear vents. AFX pack in extra vents, with 13 on some models, making them useful for wearing in hot weather.

Paint Finish

All AFX motorcycle helmets have a clearcoat finish applied over the last coat of paint. This coat protects it against stone chips and helps protect the helmet shell. This is something that is normally only seen on more expensive brands such as Arai or Shoei.

Lifetime Warranty

This is a bonus! For motorcycle helmets that cost an average of $100 you wouldn't expect to have a lifetime warranty. AFX make their helmets to last 5 years (this is the suggested maximum lifetime of a motorcycle helmet). If anything goes wrong with it you can take it back to the shop and get it repaired or replaced.

What's even better is that AFX want to replace your crash damaged helmets for free! Just call them up and they will swap the crash damaged one for a shiny new motorcycle helmet. They use the damaged ones for education in schools to show how helmets protect motorcycle riders in a crash.

Helmet Models

AFX make many styles but the most interesting is an Enduro helmet called the AFX FX-39DS. How many budget motorcycle helmet brands make the effort to create this type of Dual Sport helmet model? The FX-39 is the update to the original FX-37 and AFX designed it after asking owners of the FX-37 what they thought needed improving. The result is a helmet that is comfortable and reliable that can be worn on long adventure touring motorcycle rides.

What's next for AFX?

After Europe you can expect to see AFX helmets being sold in Austrailia and New Zealand. If the company keeps up the great work I have no doubt that owners of helmets made by Arai and Shoei will soon be tempted by an AFX!

Steve M Blackmore is the author of Motorcycle Helmet Guide.
Read owner reviews and get more information about AFX Motorcycle Helmets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_M_Blackmore

Grab The Bookmarketer For Your Site

The Basics of Motorcycle Fairings

What is a motorcycle fairing? In simple terms, it is the shell that is normally placed on top of the motorcycle frame so as to reduce air drag. Fairings are normally placed on racing motorcycles and it protects any rider from wind hazards and the engine should an accident occur. Fairing was a term that was first used in the aerodynamics of aircrafts in reference to smooth airflow. However, the first fully installed motorcycle fairing was done on the BMW R100RS in 1976 and was the beginning of the adoption of motorcycle fairing on a much larger scale.

According to historical data, in their original forms, fairings referred to cowlings that were placed at the front of the motorcycle such that there was an increase in the frontal area. However, presently, fairings have been known as an integrated part of a motorcycle's design. It is important to note that the way a motorcycle fairing is mounted determines its speed, steering capability and handling abilities.



A reason why fairings are used on motorcycles is because they assist in the reduction of fuel consumption since they enhance aerodynamics, thus increasing the life of the motorcycle's engine. Without fairings, the effects of aerodynamic drag on the performance of the motorcycles are negative and harmful over long periods of time. What are the types of fairings used today?
The first type is known as the streamliner that is essentially used to cover the whole body of a motorcycle and is mainly useful, to be technical, in providing the minimal drag coefficient ratio practically possible. Then, there is also the dustbin fairing with a nose looking like that of an aircraft and is also useful in reducing the frontal drag. However, this fairing was banned by the International Federation of Motorcycles from racing due to its instability at the frontal points.



Another type of motorcycle fairing is the dolphin fairing which is known as so due to the streamlined mudguard of the front wheel and the windshield that looks like the beaks of a dolphin. These were used from the time that dustbin fairings were banned. Then there is the full fairing that covers all the body parts of the motorcycle unlike the other forms of fairing that cover only frontal parts while leaving all the other parts exposed.



There is also half fairing, which consists of fairings that proceed beyond the lower portions of the handlebars and all the way down to the cylinder block. However, half fairings can easily be extended to full fairings should the owner of the motorcycle so desire. The quarter fairing is also famous among many motorcycles though it entails only a windscreen and minor fairings extending to the area surrounding the headlight. All these types of fairings can be used on Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki motorcycles.

Corey Czyz -- Owner of MotorcycleFairingSource.com. Your source for high quality aftermarket motorcycle fairings and superior customer service.

Grab The Bookmarketer For Your Site

Proper Mini Bike Safety For Kid Riders

When letting your kids ride these mini bikes, always remember that safety is a major issue due to the fact that kids are the one riding these mini vehicles. These minis may look safe because they are like toys but in fact they are considered as motor vehicles and can do equal harm as their normal sized brethren when it comes to accidents. Remember that these bikes have engines that could go fast. Always remember that safety comes first whenever riding these mini bikes especially if your kid is the one doing the driving. Read through some safety facts to implement when letting your children use these mini bikes.

Adult Supervision

Whenever letting your kid ride their mini bike always supervise them or have someone supervise and observe them. Never let your children go off on their own, as an adult and parent it is your duty to look after your kids when they are doing activities that can be a bit dangerous when unattended. Be always cautious and instruct your child to be always careful whenever riding these mini vehicles. As I've said earlier they may look like toys but they cause equal harm as their normal sized counterparts when having an accident. Never take your eyes off your child so that you may immediately come to their aide whenever they have trouble with their bike or if they have a minor mishap.

Proper Safety Gear

This is the most crucial thing that you must instill into your kids minds. To always wear proper safety gear and helmet. Never let your kids ride without wearing these safety gear, even adult who ride in motorcycles and motorbikes wear proper safety gear to prevent head injuries and broken limbs as well as cuts and bruises. Also teach your children about how to react quickly to prevent accidents and injuries to both themselves and other riders in the track.

Mini Bike Maintenance

Always check or have your kid's bike checked on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the bike your kids are using is performing accordingly and not have any damage or parts that can cause the bike to stall or get into a minor mishap. If you're a major bike enthusiast and you know how to tinker with your kid's bike then you must be extra meticulous about inspecting and maintaining the vehicle to provide an efficient and safe ride for your child to utilize. If however you have no clue on vehicle maintenance then simply hire a mechanic or take the bike to a repair shop to have it maintained.

Laws about these Mini Bikes

Remind your children that there are strict federal laws against the misuse of these minis. Instruct them that they must not use these bikes on public roads or on highways and freeways. If they are caught riding these vehicles by the police or any traffic authority then they may held for a disciplinary action or worse fined a huge amount for them breaking the law.

Find out more about proper mini bike safety by logging on to our site at http://www.braaap.com.au/

Picture taken from dertyue.com

Grab The Bookmarketer For Your Site