Custom Biker Patches

Do you need any custom patches?  Iron Horse Helmets can now make you or your club custom biker patches.

Send us your idea and we will send you a price. 

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Michigan Stopped Requiring Motorcycle Helmets And Injuries Went Way Up, Duh

The state of Michigan repealed its mandatory helmet law in 2012. Now, with three riding seasons having passed since then, we finally have enough numbers to prove that it’s stupid and causing more people to have more serious injuries.

In Michigan, it’s legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, as long as you have a motorcycle license, are over the age of 21, and have at least $20,000 in additional medical coverage. This used to be against the law but, with a little help from the AMA, this was repealed back in 2012. For freedom.

To prove what common sense already tells us, the American Journal of Surgery decided to look into the numbers now that we have a nice sampling of data.

The results? Deaths at the scene of motorcycle accidents more than quadrupled, while deaths of motorcyclists who made it to the hospital tripled.

When looking at just the riders who were taken to the hospital, the number riding sans helmet rose from 7% to 28%, and 10% of them died in the hospital compared to 3% of riders brought in who’d been wearing a helmet.

Of all the riders who died at the scene of an accident, the number not wearing a motorcycle helmet went from 14% to 68%.

Michigan Stopped Requiring Motorcycle Helmets And Injuries Went Way Up, Duh

In order to assess the data, the study team looked the records for patients who’d been admitted to Spectrum Health Hospital for 2011 (before the law was repealed) through 2014. They also looked at data from state transportation department records to learn about on-site fatalities.

In addition to the above, they also found that non-helmeted riders were more likely to have consumed alcohol, stayed in the ICU for longer, and spent an average of $7,000 more on their hospital stays.

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customer photos

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T-shirt Sizing

You think you’re a Large, but when you buy that designer tee it’s just a smidge too big. But pick up the next label's Large and you might find it's way too tight. Feel like your body shape doesn’t fit most conventional T-shirt sizing charts? You're not alone.

Most of us out in the real world probably don’t give a lot of thought to T-shirt sizing, but fortunately, there are some who do.

We started with the premise that men’s T-shirt sizes can vary wildly—an inconsistency that adds frustration to the process of buying online. So, we developing an algorithm that can recommend T-shirt brands and sizes for a wide range of body types.

To create the algorithm, we began by confirming something we’d long suspected: T-Shirt sizing evolves over time. Through washing 10 different T-shirts 16 times each, they were able to measure the fabric's evolution:

Each time a T-shirt is washed, it shrinks, and each time it is worn, it expands. The expansion in the chest is almost 2x more than the expansion in the length and most of that expansion happens in the first two hours of wear. What surprised us was that over the course of many wash cycles, the chest and waist will drift wider and the length will drift shorter.
After 16 wear-wash cycles, the average T-shirt had shrunk to 95 percent of its original length, while the chest had expanded by 5 percent.

Test data shows that the average t-shirt gets both shorter and wider in the chest after repeated wear-wash cycles.
But for us, the more useful data is in the charts that compare sizing of top brands. We “washed, dried, measured, and weighed” 800 of the most popular men’s tees available online. The shirts included a wide variety of price points ($5-$50), sizes, and fits (slim, relaxed, etc.).

The results are fascinating. An XL Zara Relax Fit tee, for instance, comes in at a svelte 20.6 inches in the chest, while a small L.L. Bean Unshrinkable Traditional Fit measures a nearly identical 20.5 inches. Lengths varied even more. A size-S Abercrombie Classic Fit Crew measured a generous 28.2 inches long, while all of Ralph Lauren's XL tees came in at just 27.3 inches.

The testing debunked some common clothing misconceptions, too. For instance, testing revealed that cheaper T-shirts don't weigh less per square yard than their pricier rivals. Instead, it's the other way around. The problem is manufacturing variance Another myth busted: Washing clothes in hot water doesn't cause notable shrinkage.

“While hot water may cause shrinkage in wool garments, for cotton and polyester t-shirts, the washer settings don't make a big difference. The biggest determinant of shrinkage is whether the shirt went in the dryer or not.” The site says it has “binders full of women” requesting a female T-shirt data, and we think sizing info for jeans would be oh-so-helpful for those who hate trying on clothes in a department store.


I can confirm that cold water can cause shrinkage. But all men know that.

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I don't wave biker shirt

Not afraid to express yourself? Good, our Tees got attitude and something to say. Make a statement or make 'em laugh with T-shirts from Iron Horse Helmets. Got a great idea for the next Iron Horse Helmet T-shirt, send it to us - we won't give you anything for it, but we might use it and will be sure to take all the credit for it.

These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. I don't wave is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee....You can choose at checkout.

Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the every day of the week!

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Motorcycle Joke

It is that time again.  The time when I get too lazy to do my job.  I found this motorcycle joke online and it is a lot easier than actually doing my job and actually writing.

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White Walker Neoprene Face Mask

Iron Horse Helmets has made this White Walker Neoprene Face Mask in a shameless attempt to profit off the Game of Thrones series.  Some people (like my mother) have no idea about White Walkers.  Well, here you go:

The White Walkers are a mythological race mentioned in ancient legends and stories from the time of the First Men and the Children of the Forest. Eight thousand years before Robert's Rebellion, a winter known as the Long Night lasted a generation. In the darkness and cold of the Long Night, the White Walkers descended upon Westeros from the farthest north, the polar regions of the Lands of Always Winter. None knew why they came, but they killed all in their path, reanimating the dead as wights to kill the living at their command. Eventually the peoples of Westeros rallied and in a conflict known as the War for the Dawn, they managed to defeat the White Walkers and drive them back into the uttermost north, with the Wall raised to bar their return.

In the present day, most believe they never existed and are just myths, spoken of in the same breath as ghosts, goblins, grumpkins, or snarks. Even the few who believe they did once exist think they went extinct thousands of years ago. Certainly, none were seen for thousands of years after the Long Night.

Just before the outbreak of the War of the Five Kings, however, disturbing reports began to reach the Night's Watch from the wildlings who live beyond the Wall that the White Walkers had returned. Having enjoyed a decade-long summer, Westeros seemed due for an equally long winter, and the White Walkers seem to be spreading with it. With the Seven Kingdoms embroiled in a petty civil war, the dwindling and under-supported Night's Watch realize that they are all that guards the realms of men against the return of these legendary demons of ice and death.

While having an overall humanoid appearance, White Walkers differ greatly from humans. They are taller than humans and have long wispy white hair. They have pale grey-white skin which is wrinkly but stretched taut across their frames, giving them a somewhat gaunt, sinewy, and mummified appearance despite their overall bulky size. White Walkers are much stronger than humans and are capable of sending large men reeling back several feet with a single blow. Their most notable trait, however, is their glowing blue eyes.
v A second type of White Walker (revealed at the end of the episode "Oathkeeper") also exists, which may form some sort of ruling or priestly caste. Their number is unknown, and they are immediately distinguishable from their cohorts by icy horns around their heads, resembling a crown of ice. All those seen so far all wear black armor of uncertain material. These new White Walkers are apparently led by the Night's King, who could be the overall leader of the White Walkers. The Night's King possesses the power to make ordinary humans into White Walkers if he can get to them in their infancy, such as he did with Craster's last son by merely touching his cheek which turned his eyes ice blue. The Night's King can also resurrect dead people as wights, as seen after the massacre at Hardhome during which he led the army of the dead surrounded by a group of White Walkers.[3][4] It is unknown if the other members of this caste are capable of performing the same magic as the Night's King.

White Walkers possess the magical powers related to ice and cold. Their arrival is usually accompanied by blizzards and the dropping of temperatures. They can also freeze anything they touch, as one froze Sam's sword to the point that it shattered. White Walkers also have superhuman strength, as one managed to toss Samwell Tarly several feet away with a single back-handed punch. The White Walkers wield swords and spears made from unique ice crystals.

However, one of their most deadly abilities is to reanimate the dead as their servants, known as Wights. They are actually capable of reviving any dead animals as wights, as a few White Walkers have been seen riding undead horses. They cannot, however, revive a corpse into servitude if the fallen creatures have died by fire. Once the Wights have been risen to serve the White Walkers, their eyes turn an icy blue, similar to the White Walkers' own eyes. Wights can only be killed by fire and serve the Walkers without question.

As previously mentioned, one White Walker, speculated to be their master, possesses the ability to change humans into White Walkers, demonstrated at the end of Oathkeeper when he takes Craster's son into his arms and places a single finger upon its cheek, causing the baby's eyes glow blue and his skin to grow pale, taking on the appearance of the White Walkers. Whether or not this ability extends to only this White Walker, all of the White Walkers amongst his caste, or all White Walkers in general remains to be seen.

During the massacre at Hardhome, White Walkers are shown to be resistant to fire due to the extreme cold they radiate, which snuffs out any flame they approach. It is unknown if this also applies to wildfire or a dragon's fire.

According to legend, the White Walkers speak a language known in myth as "Skroth", which sounds like the cracking of ice.

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'Cake 'Freak' helmet cover

Here is an email from our friend Paul in Australia, "You guys are f@#king AWESOME! Just gotta get it dyed a little darker, then I'm going on a cookie hunt, hahaha! Cheers again guys! 1 very happy aussie customer!"

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Blue Paisley Flames Do-Rag Flydanna

Two-Tone Ice Blue Paisley Flames Do-Rag Flydanna is a bandanna, cut into 6 panels and sewn into a headwrap, with a tail and ties at the nape of the neck.

It is designed to sit securely on the head using the attached ties, allowing one size to fit all.

Flydannas are great under a helmet as a moisture barrier as they help to isolate grease and sweat from helmet liners. 

The tail protects neck from the sun. 100% cotton. One size fits most.

Wear this Blue Paisley Flames Do-Rag Flydanna

*when you go skiing down the slopes
*when you go skiing up the escalator
*when you go skiing through a wall of bread
*on the bus
*on the bus going off a cliff
*while saving passengers in the bus
*when posing for your news photo for saving the bus passengers
*when you wake up after the bus dream again
*while on trial for trying to make the bus incident happen in real life
*at the doctor's office
*at the marriage counselor's office
*at an empty office in an abandoned building *while crawling out of the rubble following the demolition of the abandoned building
*while posing for your news photo for surviving a building demolition
*when you wake up after the building demolition dream again
*at the psychiatrist's office to analyze your recurring bus and building dreams
*while eating soup

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Too Bitchy For the Bitch Seat Biker Patch

100% Made in USA Too Bitchy For the Bitch Seat Biker Patch.

Iron Horse Helmets is proud to be your largest retailer of embroidered, iron on, biker related patches and motorcycle patches. We proudly manufacture American Flag patches in various sizes and colors. Iron Horse Helmets brand embroidered patches are embroidered using only the most reliable techniques to ensure the durability and long-lasting life for your biker patches.

Iron Horse Helmets only manufactures I'm the Infidel Allah Warned You About Rebel Patch with heat-activated adhesive backings so you can easily iron on patches to shirts, jackets and more. To sew on patches, all iron on patches have an embroidered border, so it's easy for anyone to sew the patches on and can be done to any and all materials, especially your motorcycle leather!!

Contact us for information on wholesale patches for your business, or custom embroidered patches for your club or group.

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Injuries rise after Michigan stops requiring motorcycle helmets

In the three years after Michigan repealed a mandatory motorcycle helmet law, deaths and head injuries among bikers rose sharply, according to a recent study.

Deaths at the scene of the crash more than quadrupled, while deaths in the hospital tripled for motorcyclists. Head injuries have increased overall, and more of them are severe, the researchers report in the American Journal of Surgery.

Senior author Dr. Carlos Rodriguez decided to do the study after noticing an abrupt change in the trauma unit at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he works.

The first week after the law was repealed in April 2012, he told Reuters Health, "I just could not help but notice the number of patients that had been in motorcycle crashes with no motorcycle helmet on, which was enormously different in number and volume than we had experienced the weekend before."

The study team looked at records for patients admitted to Spectrum Health Hospital and at state transportation department records of fatalities at crash scenes for the seven-month motorcycle season (April to November) in 2011, before the law was repealed, and for the same period in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Among the accident victims brought to the hospital, the proportion of riders who had not been wearing a motorcycle helmet rose four-fold, from 7 percent to 28 percent, the researchers found.

About 10 percent of non-motorcycle helmeted riders brought to the hospital died there, compared to 3 percent of those who had been wearing motorcycle helmets.

Among riders who died at the crash scene, the proportion not wearing motorcycle helmets rose from 14 percent before the law was repealed to 68 percent afterward.

"These are the kinds of things that we wanted to look at to hopefully make legislators see that this was a mistake," Rodriguez said in an email.

Bikers without motorcycle helmets also drank more alcohol after the law was repealed, based on blood tests at hospital admission.

The severity of injuries increased for non-motorcycle helmeted riders, as well as the number of life-threatening head injuries.

Non-motorcycle helmeted patients tended to stay longer in the Intensive Care Unit and to need machine assistance with breathing.

Overall, hospital costs averaged $27,760 for non-motorcycle helmeted riders versus $20,970 for patients who had been wearing motorcycle helmets.

In the U.S., 19 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear a motorcycle helmet, while 28 states require only some to wear them and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws at all.

Since the repeal of Michigan's 35-year-old motorcycle helmet law, riders can go without a motorcycle helmet if they are over 21, have had their license for at least two years and purchase at least $20,000 in additional medical insurance coverage, the researchers note.

Dr. Ben Zarzaur, a surgeon who studies motorcycle helmet laws, said that riders may choose not to wear a helmet because they say it is less restricting and they may claim to see or hear better without one.

"The other argument (riders make), based on a flawed study several years ago, is that wearing a motorcycle helmet can increase the risk for a cervical spine injury," Zarzaur said by email.

He noted, however, that there is no real-world evidence for this claim, while there is plenty of evidence that wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death and head injury.

As the study points out, the cost of injuries and deaths from motorcycle crashes is extremely high, Zarzaur said, adding that taxpayers and other insurance payers often bear this cost. "So, choosing not to wear a helmet has consequences for many more people than just to the person who decided not to wear the motorcycle helmet."

Although there is an extra insurance requirement in the law, Rodriguez said, that it is rarely enforced.

Rodriguez recommends that all bikers should wear a motorcycle helmet, because drivers may not see them on the road. "Even if you are the most careful motorcycle driver in the world, if you don't wear a motorcycle helmet, you are putting yourself at risk for a significant injury," he said.

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Motorcycle Helmet Mohawk

We love sharing our customer photos.  Check out these two motorcycle helmet mohawk images.

Why are there only two?  Because our customers are getting lazier!  

Come on people, send in more pictures.  

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Taxassachusetts Might Change it's Helmet Law

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Advocates for motorcyclists believe adults should have option to legally ride helmet-free. State lawmakers are learning more about legislation that would allow motorcycle operators and passengers to ride without wearing protective headgear.

State law requires bikers to wear a helmet if they’re traveling on Massachusetts roads. The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association argues that these restrictions are hurting the state’s economy. Many motorcyclists enjoy large rides, and that generates revenue for the state. Advocates believe bikers are bypassing or leaving Massachusetts so they can ride helmet-free, spending money in neighboring states.

State representative Tim Whelan of Brewster believes adults should be able to make their own decisions. “The trauma that’s experienced to the body is just as fatal,” he said, “so what are we going to do? Are we going to start requiring that people wear hockey goalie equipment when they go out riding on motorcycles?”

State lawmakers are currently reviewing the bill. It’s unlikely it’ll pass this legislative session.

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Bandidos Face Mask

Are you a member of a motorcycle club?  We can make your club custom face masks like we did for the Bandidos in Bayside Australia.  

How much does it cost? Well, the shipping to Australia is costing them more then the masks.  

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In Memory of David Bowie

We dedicate this Neoprene Face Mask in memory or our British friend David Bowie. We forgive you for that horrible video you made with Mick.

We loved you long before you died and we stole this mask idea from you years ago.

Goodbye love
Didn't know what time it was the lights were low oh how
I leaned back on my radio oh oh
Some cat was layin' down some rock 'n' roll 'lotta soul, he said
Then the loud sound did seem to fade a ade
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase ha hase
That weren't no D.J. that was hazy cosmic jive

There's a Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie

I had to phone someone so I picked on you ho ho
Hey, that's far out so you heard him too! o o
Switch on the TV we may pick him up on channel two
Look out your window I can see his light a ight
If we can sparkle he may land tonight a ight
Don't tell your poppa or he'll get us locked up in fright

There's a Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie

Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a Starman Neoprene Face Mask waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie

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Black Rifles Matter

Not afraid to express yourself? Good, our Tees got attitude and something to say. Make a statement or make 'em laugh with T-shirts from Iron Horse Helmets. Got a great idea for the next Iron Horse Helmet T-shirt, send it to us - we won't give ya nothing for it, but we might use it and will be sure to take all the credit for it.

These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. Black Riffles Matter is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee....You can choose at checkout.

Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the every day of the week!

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I survived Obama's executive action and I got was this T-Shirt

Not afraid to express yourself? Good, our Tees got attitude and something to say. Make a statement or make 'em laugh with T-shirts from Iron Horse Helmets. Got a great idea for the next Iron Horse Helmet T-shirt, send it to us - we won't give ya nothing for it, but we might use it and will be sure to take all the credit for it.

These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. I survived Obama's executive action and I got was this T-Shirt is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee....You can choose at checkout.

Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the every day of the week!

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Our Hero

You might think that Chesty Puller is our hero.  But no, we don't idolize officers.

You might we that Dan Daly is our hero.  Yes, we do love him, but he is dead.

Ladies and Gentleman, here is our brand new hero:

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Motorcycle Helmet Bows

We want to take this moment to thank "Noralilliann" on Instagram for these awesome pictures of our motorcycle helmet bows.

You have seen helmet bows all over Etsy and Ebay....But those bows are made by hand. Our bows are special because they are all made by a thoughtless machine and not customizable at all by us. Also, the ones on those other sites are like fifty bucks each; ours are only ten. Why are ours only ten dollars? Because the manufacturer made about ten thousand of each color!

Motorcycle Helmet Mohawks are so 2010. Blue Motorcycle Helmet Bows are so 2015! These helmet bows are like Hello Kitty girly. Here are some facts about them:

Helmet Bows are: - 5.93" Length, 2" Widest Part, 1.5" Center Width
- Interchangeable
- Waterproof
- Made out of acrylic
- Tested on a helmet at speeds up to 130 mph (by some brave chick)
- Applied to a helmet with industrial double-sided tape
- Created in a factory that violates every child labor law in the world
- lifetime guarantee

NOTE: Helmets not included.

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In Memory of oh wait He's Alive T-Shirt

Not afraid to express yourself? Good, our Tees got attitude and something to say. Make a statement or make 'em laugh with T-shirts from Iron Horse Helmets. Got a great idea for the next Iron Horse Helmet T-shirt, send it to us - we won't give ya nothing for it, but we might use it and will be sure to take all the credit for it.

These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. In Memory of oh wait He's Alive is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee....You can choose at checkout.

Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the every day of the week!

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Animal Helmet Cover

Wendi Miller (that's right, Wendi with an I) just sent us this picture of her husband in Australia.  We sent our Mammal Helmet Cover to him down under and it looks great.

She told us that this picture was taken on a cancer fund raising ride and that he got all the attention he wanted. 

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sublimation printer

We have finally bought a sublimation printer. It is soooo bad ass. Iron Horse Helmets is now able to custom print ski masks, biker masks and socks...That's right, socks.

The sublimation printer can actually print on a lot more, we just haven't gotten around to it yet (we have only owned the machine 4 days).

Here are the items we have printed so far.

Please keep in mind that these items are made in printed in the USA.

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Hello Kitty Face Mask

My nephew loves this Hello Kitty youth size face mask.  That's right, I said Nephew.  Look, I am not saying the boy is gay, but what did my sister expect when she named him Eli?

A lot of people (like my mother) say that you can't tell yet because he is only 5.  I am not expert, but the boy loves Hello Kitty and My little Pony.

Little Eli can be anything he wants...I am just an uncle, so he is only getting $20 every birthday anyway! Except for this birthday, because this year I am buying Eli a new $12 Hellow Kitty Face Mask.  I love the kid, but $12 is $12...He should be happy

Made of 70% neoprene and 30% polyester. ONE SIZE (SMALL) fits most with velcroed strap closure, for kids.
Face measures 8 inches high, 20 inches long.
Reversible, piped edges for better fit.
Wind and water resistant material.
Soft, thin and warm material.
Hand washable.

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2016 Motorcycle Helmet

You don't want a brand new 2016 model of anything. No, you really don't. Not at this point in time. Maybe in a few months, when they've had a chance to iron out the bugs and perfect the this and that's they glossed over in an attempt to make their ship date. But now? Now buying anything 2016 is a bad idea. Not including milk, of course. milk is cool. Go milk.

So instead of getting suckered into a 2016 model, why not go after this? It's a perfectly good motorcycle helmet that's been well tested and is ready to help you right out of the box. And, if you really want it, you can get it now...Isn't that somethin'?

Wait on the 2016 stuff until we get a little closer to 2017, you know? They've only just figured out how 2015 should work.

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Who is George Gorman?

George Gorman, outgoing president of the Richmond County Concerned Bikers Association, wears a rubber novelty helmet that he dons on warm days while holding a helmet he made himself from a small trashcan. Gorman has been trying to change mandatory helmet laws across the country for more than 20 years.

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