Author: Neil Bates

Your motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle equipment in every rider’s gear, helping prevent head injuries and providing protection to the most important part of your body. Due to the immense importance of your helmet, you want to be able to make an informed choice when choosing your next helmet, knowing it will keep you as safe as possible from severe and serious injuries. That’s where the SHARP helmet ratings come in.

In this article, we are going to take you through the SHARP programme, delving into the SHARP helmet test and explaining what the SHARP ratings system means for riders. Hopefully by reading this guide, you will feel confident making informed decisions when it comes to choosing from different helmets in the future, fully understanding how the SHARP scheme works.

First, let’s deal with the basics…

What is SHARP?

SHARP stands for Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, which was set up as a UK government initiative by the Department for Transport back in 2007. The objective of the scheme was clear: to provide independent safety ratings for motorcycle helmets sold in the UK, helping motorcyclists understand the relative safety levels of every helmet on the market.

The SHARP rating system is not a certification system like the ECE helmet certification protocol which determines whether or not a helmet is road legal, through either a ECE 22.05 rating (outdated) or ECE 22.06 rating (current). The SHARP scheme stands as a performance-based rating for all helmets after they have passed the legal requirement, designed to be easy for riders of all experience levels to comprehend. In the US, the Snell test is comparable, but the SHARP helmet test is closer to real-world scenarios.

The SHARP Safety Testing Process

The key to the SHARP scheme is independence. As such, the first part of the testing process is for helmets to be purchased anonymously from retailers, to avoid any bias to or from helmet manufacturers.

The test is then focused on real-world crash scenarios using a range of advanced testing equipment, going beyond simple drop tests. The test covers many different areas, designed to mimic the diverse and often unpredictable nature of real-world motorcycle accidents. Some of the key elements include testing the impact on a helmet at different speeds, the impact on a helmet at various locations around the helmet (e.g forehead, sides and crown), and testing how well a helmet mitigates rotational acceleration.

After the test is complete, a simple green, amber, red system is used to determine the relative safety of different sections of the helmet. Green means low risk, amber means moderate risk and red means high risk, based on energy absorption levels around the helmet.

Understanding SHARP Star Ratings

To help riders understand SHARP test results, SHARP assigns each help a safety score from one to five stars. A five star rating is the best rating SHARP can attribute to a helmet, while some budget helmets may receive just one star ratings, suggesting the bare minimum helmet safety. It’s important to note that even a helmet that receives just one star from the SHARP helmet test is road legal and still meets minimum standards and regulations. The SHARP star rating system is purely a guidance, but one which we recommend riders consider before purchasing their next helmet.

Summary of SHARP Star Ratings

• 5 Stars: The highest protection rating given in SHARP tests, suggesting excellent performance and the lowest injury risk.
• 4 Stars: A helmet given four stars offers very good protection, having performed well in SHARP tests.
• 3 Stars: Three stars suggests good, but not exceptional protection from the SHARP tests.
• 2 Stars: Protection below higher-rated options in SHARP tests. Two-star helmets are more than legally compliant, but carry higher risk than those rated higher.
• 1 Star: A helmet given just one star still meets minimum legal standards, but offers the least additional protection according to SHARP’s more demanding tests.

It should be noted that here at BDLA Motorbikes we do not stock helmets with a SHARP star rating below three stars, so we would not recommend riders choose a two or one-star helmet found elsewhere.

Using SHARP Ratings To Choose A Helmet

If you’re unsure what SHARP rating a helmet has been given, you can consult the SHARP Website, which has an easy-to-use search function. Their website also provides more details on the SHARP testing procedure and helpful information about helmet safety.

You should remember to balance SHARP scores with your own personal needs and the type of riding you are going to enjoy. Make sure a helmet fits correctly, is comfortable and offers good ventilation and visibility, as well as its relative safety according to SHARP. Visit our motorcycle helmets category to view many highly-rated helmets that combine comfort with protection.

In Summary: SHARP Helmet Ratings

For riders new and old, the SHARP rating system can be hugely beneficial when it comes to choosing which helmet to buy. SHARP uses a more rigorous testing methodology to determine just how much protection a helmet provides to the wearer, and which part of the helmet is most safe. Choosing a helmet with a high star rating from SHARP is a sure-fire way to know you will receive a helmet which protects your head as well as possible, but you should always consider things like comfort, fit, style and type when making your decision.

For more information on SHARP Ratings, feel free to contact our team or visit the SHARP Website. Our team knows all there is to know about motorcycle helmets and other equipment, so give us a shout or browse through our extensive online store.

Riding in hot weather can be enjoyable in many ways, but overheating can lead to discomfort, dehydration and even heat exhaustion over a long journey. To combat extreme temperatures during the summer, leading motorcycling clothing brands have developed hot weather riding gear that combats the threat of heat and sun exposure, ensuring riders can remain comfortable at all times.

We at BDLA Motorbikes want to make sure all motorcyclists have the knowledge they need to ride in comfort safely no matter the weather, so we have put together this article to discuss what we think are the must-have summer motorcycle clothing items. We will discuss essential summer motorcycle gear recommendations, as well as some tips of the kinds of material you should be looking for to ride on even the hottest days – as rare as they tend to be in the UK!

What to Look for in Hot Weather Motorcycle Gear

There are a number of attributes to look out for when you’re browsing for summer motorcycle gear, generally designed to keep you feeling cooler than regular riding gear. Possibly the most important consideration should be air flow. You should look to purchase gear which is highly breathable and ventilated, either through mesh panels, perforated leather elements or zip vents that can be opened to allow cool air in when necessary. Maintaining maximum airflow to your body is the key to keeping your body temperature down.

Then you should consider moisture-wicking fabrics. When riding in the sun, you’re likely to sweat quite a bit, so clothing crafted from materials that wick sweat away from your skin are highly preferable if you want to remain comfortable. On top of this, colour should also come into your deliberations when looking for summer gear. We would recommend choosing lighter colours which will reflect sunlight away from your body, rather than darker colours which tend to absorb the sun’s heat and keep your body warmer. In a similar vein, clothing which offers UV protection is also a good idea, preventing heat build-up and even sunburn.

And remember, even in hot weather, you need to be protected. Always look out for jackets and trousers which feature protective armour in all the right places, with many lightweight options available for summer riding.

Best Summer Motorcycle Jackets

When it comes to choosing a summer jacket, there are a number of features to prioritise. Many all-in-one motorbike jackets now come with a removable liner, which can be either a thermal liner or waterproof liner, making it suitable for all seasons. In the summer, you can simply remove the liner, while in the winter you’ll want the added benefit of extra warmth and the waterproof membrane. You also need to make sure your summer jacket has decent venting, either through choosing a jacket with large mesh panels or an entirely mesh jacket that really allows air through. The weight of your jacket is also important, so choose something that is lightweight and thin while still offering armour fitted in the vital areas of your upper body, with CE approved elbow armour, back armour and chest protectors available to provide the best protection.

We know that style is also an important consideration and the warm weather may provide a good opportunity to wear leather jackets while riding, enjoying that retro feel without needing to worry about thermal or waterproof properties. All in all, we recommend choosing a high-quality jacket suitable for hot weather use that will help you look and feel your best while racking up mile after mile in the blazing sun. See below for some specific product recommendations.

Top Five Best Motorcycle Jackets for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes

• RST Ventilator XT
• Oxford Dakar Air
• Alpinestar Zaca Air Venom
• Spada Blade
• RST S1 Mesh

Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Pants and Trousers

As with your jacket, your pants need to be lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking where possible, if you are to ride in total comfort through the summer. One added feature we would recommend looking out for would be trousers that are built with a stretch fabric construction, sure to remain flexible and comfortable as you bend your knees while riding. Abrasion resistance is also handy, helping your motorcycle trousers stay in good condition even after a scrape or natural wear and tear.

Breathable mesh panels are also a good feature to remember when it comes to summer pants, as that mesh material will help you to stay cool. You can find mesh riding pants which are favoured by off-roaders, but many regular riding trousers feature huge mesh panels which do the job.

You may also want to consider riding jeans, which have become a real favourite in recent years. Many motorbike jeans do offer a good level of ventilation while giving the comfort and casual style many riders crave. Many of the top riding jeans from leading manufacturers feature CE approved crash protection, which is something you should always prioritise when it comes to riding gear.

Top Five Best Motorcycle Pants for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes

• Alpinestars Andes Air Drystar
• Oxford Dakar Air
• RST Ventilator XT
• Oxford Original AA Straight Jeans
• Spada Drifter Jeans

Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Gloves

Gloves are another important part of a rider’s gear that you need to get right during the summer months. The last thing you want is your hands over-heating and sweating to the point that you lose full control over your ride, so proper summer gloves are always recommended. Some popular choices include short-cuff mesh gloves that bring excellent ventilation and breathability, or leather-palmed gloves that have perforations to allow for essential air flow. You may also want to consider choosing summer gloves which are touchscreen compatible so you are always able to work your smart phone or sat nav device when stationary.

Top Five Best Motorcycle Gloves for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes

• Oxford Cypher 1.0 
• Alpinestars Stella Reef v2
• RST Urban Air 3
• Spada MX-Air
• Alpinestars Halo

Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Helmets

While not strictly an item of clothing per say, your helmet will have a big impact on your comfort levels during periods of high heat. To make sure your head does not overheat, we recommend choosing a helmet for the summer which allows air to reach your head. You can achieve this either with a full face helmet that has a specific superior airflow system compared to regular helmet or through an open face helmet which of course brings more air into your face. Flip up or modular helmets are also a really good choice as a summer motorcycle helmet as the entire front section can be flipped up to grant air flow when desired.

As a premium summer helmet option, look for motorcycle helmets that offer moisture-wicking liners and anti-fog visors because sweat and heat can build up significantly over a long ride in the heat.

Top Five Best Motorcycle Helmets for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes

• LS2 FF901 Advant X
• Shoei Neotec 3
• HJC F100
• Caberg Duke Evo
• HJC V31

Base Layers and other Summer Motorcycle Accessories

Base layers are a vital part of every rider’s gear and the best base layers really come into their own during the summer. Either base layer tops or bottoms can provide essential moisture-wicking properties that prevent your body from feeling too sweaty and uncomfortable as you ride. Base layers are also more lightweight and thin compared to everyday tops, keeping your overall body temperature down.

To keep your feet cool, we even offer a range of cooling motorcycle socks that can really make the difference on a long ride. And for your neck, we have a selection of cooling neck tubes designed specifically for summer use.

To remain fully hydrated, you may want to consider a hydration pack, which makes it easy for you to take on regular fluids while riding. Check out our motorcycle backpacks range to see what hydration packs are available for summer and year-round use.

General Tips for Summer Motorcycling

Aside from wearing the right gear, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure you are safe, comfortable and healthy when riding your motorcycle in the hot weather, which we have summarised below.

Possibly the most important piece of advice we can give you for hot weather riding is to remain hydrated. Take ample water with you in your bag to cover your journey, or be prepared to stop every now and then to fill up your water bottle or purchase more fluids. Dehydration can be a serious issue for motorcyclists when you consider the heat of the bike, your gear and the sun, so don’t take a chance on hydration this summer.

You can also take steps to mitigate your exposure to the sun and heat if possible. For instance, you should plan rest stops in shaded areas where you can take refuge from the sun’s rays. You can also consider riding during the cooler parts of the day, either in the early morning or evening, when the UV radiation is at its lowest.

Speaking of UV radiation, the last thing you want is sun burn just from riding your motorcycle, so be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin and reapply after significant sweating.

In Summary: The Best Motorcycle Clothing For Hot Weather

Hopefully by reading this article you will be fully aware of all the gear you need to purchase to ride comfortably and safely through the summer months. You should always look to choose clothing items that prioritise breathability while remaining protective, and consider added benefits like moisture-wicking fabrics and stretch panels.

For more information or assistance with choosing the right clothing for the summer, please feel free to contact our team of in-house experts who will be happy to point you in the right direction.