The Milwaukee-based company offers four tips to make sure that helmets are ready for riding:

• Fit is vital – Helmets only work effectively if they fit. Everybody’s head is shaped a little differently and not all helmets will fit comfortably on all heads. Helmets should rest an inch above your eyebrows and should not roll forwards or to the side while on your head. When buying a new helmet, you should wear it for about 15 minutes to make sure it fits comfortably before deciding to buy it.
• They don’t last forever – Helmets should be replaced every three to five years as helmet materials, such as glues and resins, break down over time. Harley-Davidson helmets come with a sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner to remind you when you purchased the helmet.
• Keep it clean – Just like your bike, helmets will last longer if you take good care of it. Avoid using solvents or other cleaning chemicals as they can ruin a helmet’s protective coatings. Instead, use a mil soap to wash the outer shell and the inner liners.
• Mirrors are not hangers – While it may be convenient to hang your helmet on your mirror, a motorcycle’s mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner.

Additional information is available in ‘The Heads-Up on Helmets’ brochure available at Harley-Davidson dealerships or at http://www.harley-davidson.com/helmets.