Track day helmet

[donski D]

Is it safe to use/wear a motorcycle helmet on a track day? Or are there other standards or regulations that need to be followed?


Cheers
Don

[Ja5on]

motorcycle helmet should be fine, its when you start racing they want helemets to be over a certain standard.

u thinking of doin knockhill?

[charles charlie]

You should ask the track you'll be going to as my understanding is that bike helmets are not allowed as they have different fire regs/protection to car helmets.

[Ja5on]

ahh ok. Ignore what I've said, been a couple of years since my last trackday. There was allsorts of helmets being used.

either way don't go cheap with what ever you buy, and don't buy 2nd hand. You have no way of telling the previous history of the helmet

[charles charlie]

Not necessarily Jason.

I could well be wrong but it is something I've been told, so it's worth the OP just calling wherever he's going and check.

[Anders_R35]

Taken from Silverstone's website:

All drivers must wear helmets which comply with governing body technical /safety regulations. We ask that all arms and legs be covered therefore shorts and t-shirts are not permitted. We also advise that you wear sensible driving shoes or trainers.

If you have your own helmet that complies with MSA/ACU regulations then you should bring it. If not, you can hire one of ours on the day for a small fee.

[omishri]

Originally Posted by donski D

Is it safe to use/wear a motorcycle helmet on a track day? Or are there other standards or regulations that need to be followed?


Cheers
Don

Is this for Knockhill on the 5th? If so, I was planning on just hiring one there.
BTW, are you going alone? I was planning on taking my son along (not on the track ), but wasn't sure if anyone else is taking any 'guests'.

[sin]

Of all the track days i've been on, i've never ever been asked what helmet i have and can they see it & i've never seen any body else get asked either. Not saying don't protect your head but i'm sure a bike helmet will be fine as long as its fairly modern.

Worse case scenario is you have to hire one of theirs at a tenner.

[donski D]

Thanks all....

Will give knockhill a call in the morning and take it from there....

[CT17]

Originally Posted by Ja5on

either way don't go cheap with what ever you buy, and don't buy 2nd hand. You have no way of telling the previous history of the helmet

I don't agree, you can get a genuine Nissan GT-R helmet off ebay that's never been worn as for arounf £150-£200 you get a great helmet that without the GT-R branding would cost around £500 new.

That's what I did and I'm very pleased with it. It's practically brand new!

[Ja5on]

agree to disagree.

Im sorry but when it comes to you head I dont think money should even enter the equation. A helmet is a one drop item.

[donski D]

Called Knockhill and the information given was any helmet will do as long as it had the "ACU gold flag" on it.

unfortunately this meant nothing to me

So had a few minutes of "googling" and found this .....

All road legal motorcycle helmets sold in the UK must conform to ECE 22-05 or the older British Standard 6658 (categorised as Type A (blue label) or Type B (green label). These stickers are normally located on the back of the helmet and will also include a batch identity number. ECE 22-05 helmets are tested by BSI, and have the BSI Kitemark on the label. If it doesn't have a sticker or kitemark, don't buy it, it may be an import and will not be legal on British roads.

The BSI 6658 and ECE 22-05 standards are among the toughest tests for motorcycle helmets in the world. They are generally accepted to be better than the American DOT and older European CE standards, although they are broadly equivalent to the SNELL M2000 standard. These standards don't just test new helmet designs, but mandate testing of a percentage of all batches manufactured (typically around 1%) with ongoing continuous inspection and recertification. All this helps to reduce the risk to you in the event of an accident.

Your helmet may also have an Auto-Cycling Union (ACU) gold or silver badge. The ACU is the governing body of motorcycle sport throughout the British Isles, excluding Ireland. ACU accreditation is different from the BSI standards, however they typically match the standard, with ACU gold going to most BS6658 Type A helmets and Silver to Type Bs. The price of a type B will range from between about £40 to £100, while a Type A will start at around £70 to over £400. Always try to go for a type A/gold if you can afford it, as it will give better protection and should last longer. You will also be allowed to use it on a track day if you wish.

While it is not a legal requirement to have a visor, if one is fitted it must comply with the BS 4110 ZA or YA test standards. These standards define impact and scratch resistance as well as tint. Blacked out visors are not road legal as is any visor not marked with the BS stamp.