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  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2009
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Helmets in the US of A
A quick question, I was just wondering, for those states of the US where a helmet is compulsory does it have to be a DoT approved helmet even if you're on a European registered bike? I know it's unlikely that some cop would be checking your helmet for a sticker, but it was just a thought.
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Old 17 Feb 2009
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We have a helmet law in Nevada and I have heard of people getting tickets for not wearing one and having non DOT helmets but the non DOT helmets were the little plastic shell helmets.
If it looks like a DOT helmet no one will ask.
In Reno we have "Street Vibrations" in the fall and because they spend millions of dollars they can do almost anything they want.
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Old 17 Feb 2009
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Yes it must be DOT approved to use in the USA. It will have a small sticker on it that says if it is. And DOT approved helmets are not legal in the EU. The testing standards are slightly different.

But if the helmet looks like a real road worthy helmet no police will stop you just to see the sticker. They may look if they have stopped you for something else and want to add to the list of charges against you. We have ridden with EU helmets in the USA and with US DOT approved helmets in the EU for thousands of miles and no one has noticed. The helmets are made by Nolan (US) and Schuberth (EU) and we have used them interchangeably.

There is a certain group of riders in the USA that protest the helmet law by wearing something with the characteristics of a Tupperware bowl lined with a 1 cm. of soft foam. This is what will upset the police.

If it looks like a real helmet and I like it, I would use it and not worry.
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Old 17 Feb 2009
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Mooching round a San Francisco BMW dealer showroom a couple of months ago I noticed there were no BMW helmets on display at all - only Shoei (I think it was).

I asked why and was told they were not sold in USA (or maybe it was just CA).

I further asked if that was a result of the Law or BMW policy. I got no clear answer (typical - BMW the world over!) so asked if I brought my UK registered bike to USA would I be OK if I came wearing my UK approved Flip Front BMW hat. The answer was yes, I would be OK from a Police point of view.

I since noticed BMW Motorrad USA Website has none either - only a fabric, floppy fishing hat!

Maybe BMW helmets are not good enough to pass the American standards.

Funny that - BMW snootily tell me in UK that they are the best in the world and sell no others at all!
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Old 17 Feb 2009
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As I remember the last year that BMW sold its helmets in the USA was 1991.
The rumor was that they got sued and decided that was not worth selling their helmets in the USA anymore.
If they were to submit them for a DOT inspection they would pass but they don't want the liability.
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Old 18 Feb 2009
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Thanks John.

The point remains, if, as BMW UK dealers tell me, their "helmets are the best in the World, thats why we sell no other brands" do they feel their product could incur liability in USA? Double standards or deceit towards customers?

Yet BMW sell their motorcycles and cars in USA which probably account for more injuries that a failed helmet.

It's their wriggling away from the reality of the real World that p*sses me off with them. Oh, and their smug arrogance. I could cite many examples but risk boring you all.

Simply, try to find another brand name on any product on display/sale in its own right in their UK showrooms. Absolutely impossible.
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Old 19 Feb 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
Maybe BMW helmets are not good enough to pass the American standards.
Funny that - BMW snootily tell me in UK that they are the best in the world and sell no others at all!
The answer to this goes back a few years.
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