100 Days 48 States

BMW SYSTEM 4
Motorcycle Helmet

Did you know that if your unprotected head hits the ground while traveling 18 miles per hour, you will die? That's all it takes. 18 MPH. Even a fall at slower speeds could do serious, irreparable damage to your brain. Just riding a bicycle without a helmet could be a lethal activity. Our bodies are fragile things. I plan to ride motorcycles for a long time to come, and I do everything I can to protect myself. I always wear a helmet. There is no other option. In most states wearing a helmet is also required by law.

BMW System 4 There are many helmet choices available to motorcyclists. There are full-face designs, 3/4 length designs, and half helmets. I prefer full-face helmets as they provide the most protection and quietest ride. A recent development, the flip-up design, has offered a new option for those who want the protection of a full-face, but the convince of a half-helmet. When stopped the motorcyclist can flip up the front half of the helmet with one hand.

I acquired a BMW System 4 helmet shortly before I began my 100 DAY trip. The System 4 is not yet available in the United States, as the company that manufactures the helmet for BMW doesn't want to deal with the legal difficulties of selling a piece of safety equipment in America. Remember, besides being the land of the free and the home of the brave, we're also the world capital of litigation. The situation is too bad because the System 4 is the best helmet I've owned. Fortunately, a friend in Germany helped get me mine. If you're not so lucky, you might find one in Canada, but be aware that the BMW helmets sold in Canada, England, and Australia and not quite the same as those sold in Europe.

Visibility with the System 4 is excellent and often I don't even realize I'm wearing it. And the helmet fits my head very well, a factor which always varies from brand to brand. It is a bit noisier than a non-flip up lid, but I always wear earplugs anyway. The ventilation is very good, and the flip-up design is a god-send. Now when I make a quick stop, I don't have to take off my helmet. I can actually have a conversation with someone, blow my nose, put on some lip balm, or take off my sunglasses.