Helmets (motorcycle vs auto) for most tracks - Toyota Yaris Forums

rningonfumes · 06-14-2011, 02:28 PM

My question is does anyone know of a motorcycle helmet which has enough rating for tracks? I'm getting bike later down the line, I might as well be able to use it now!

So here is what I know:

Most bike helmets are DOT rated. Most will be SNELL approved also. You need SNELL approval for the track and it as to be rated at lest 200.

I guess some tracks don't allow motorcyle helmet because of the fire rating?

markitect · 06-14-2011, 04:08 PM

Most tracks require a Snell SA rated helmet (SA2010 is the newest), For use on a motorcycle you need a DOT approved helmet. I think there are some out there that our both.

Jason@SportsCar · 06-14-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rningonfumes

My question is does anyone know of a motorcycle helmet which has enough rating for tracks? I'm getting bike later down the line, I might as well be able to use it now!

So here is what I know:

Most bike helmets are DOT rated. Most will be SNELL approved also. You need SNELL approval for the track and it as to be rated at lest 200.

I guess some tracks don't allow motorcyle helmet because of the fire rating?

A bike helmet will typically carry only a DOT or Snell M2000 rating, both are fine for autocross, but most track groups wont let you use them.

On the flip side I don't know that you would be legal on your bike with a SA2000 auto racing helmet - I have no idea what the DOT bike regs are. The impact tests are different, and the SA likely wont have the DOT stamp on the back.

There are a number of differences between SA and M, aside from the fire resistant interior in the SA, they are tested for a different type of impact. You will also find that in most cases the M has a bigger eye port (this will vary by manufacturer), so an SA might compromise your field of vision on a bike.

I would get the right tool for the job, one for the car, one for the bike.

rningonfumes · 06-14-2011, 07:57 PM

Sounds like the word of reason. Thanks guys!

And to everyone, sorry about the many typos.

ilikerice · 06-14-2011, 09:10 PM

just buy a snell.. our region wont allow anything but snell approved year 2000 and up..
better safe then wearing a stinky extra large loaner helmet

Bluevitz-rs · 06-16-2011, 11:19 AM

From a physical point, most auto racing helmets are thicker and heavier to take multiple impacts from inside the car. A motorcycle helmet is designed to take one hit and is usually lighter.

You also have to take into account the aerodynamics of what you're getting if you'll be using it on a bike. Venting and a WORKING front visor vent to de-fog is essential.

06-14-2011, 02:28 PM	#1
rningonfumes Drives: Yaris Sedan 5MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 865	Helmets (motorcycle vs auto) for most tracks My question is does anyone know of a motorcycle helmet which has enough rating for tracks? I'm getting bike later down the line, I might as well be able to use it now! So here is what I know: Most bike helmets are DOT rated. Most will be SNELL approved also. You need SNELL approval for the track and it as to be rated at lest 200. I guess some tracks don't allow motorcyle helmet because of the fire rating? __________________

06-14-2011, 07:57 PM	#4
rningonfumes Drives: Yaris Sedan 5MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 865	Sounds like the word of reason. Thanks guys! And to everyone, sorry about the many typos. __________________

06-14-2011, 04:08 PM	#2
markitect Drives: Yaris Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 199	Most tracks require a Snell SA rated helmet (SA2010 is the newest), For use on a motorcycle you need a DOT approved helmet. I think there are some out there that our both.

06-14-2011, 09:10 PM	#5
ilikerice Drives: 2010 black yaris Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: savannah, ga Posts: 2,868	just buy a snell.. our region wont allow anything but snell approved year 2000 and up.. better safe then wearing a stinky extra large loaner helmet

06-16-2011, 11:19 AM	#6
Bluevitz-rs 1NZ-6spd View User's Garage Drives: '05 6-Spd Vitz RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,967	From a physical point, most auto racing helmets are thicker and heavier to take multiple impacts from inside the car. A motorcycle helmet is designed to take one hit and is usually lighter. You also have to take into account the aerodynamics of what you're getting if you'll be using it on a bike. Venting and a WORKING front visor vent to de-fog is essential.