As the motorcycle riding season gets fired up around the country, now is the time to make sure helmets are ready for riding. During April's "Check Your Helmet Month" and throughout the year, motorcycle enthusiasts are reminded to follow a few simple rules to make sure their helmets are ready for summer riding:

Fit is vital – a helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A good fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn't roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.

They don't last forever – manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and can make a helmet less effective. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a "purchased on date" sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

Keep it clean – a clean and well cared for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.

Mirrors are not hangers – hanging a helmet on a motorcycle's mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner inside.

A Helmet Designed for Women

Harley-Davidson recently released the Skyline Helmet, the first and only helmet designed specifically for ladies who love to ride. The Skyline has a deeper cavity to provide a better fit, 3D-type comfort padding with removable and interchangeable pads for a custom fit, a notch for a pony-tail and an anti-static liner to keep hair smooth.

Who to Ask?

Harley-Davidson dealers can work to find the right helmet and fit for every rider. Harley-Davidson carries a range of helmet styles including half, three-quarter, full-face and modular helmets, and dealers can provide even more detail with "The Heads-Up on Helmets" brochure.

In addition to the information provided by MotorClothes Specialists at local dealerships, consumers can visit www.harley-davidson.com for detailed information about helmet styles, components, fit, care and replacement, as well as check out the selection of helmets offered by Harley-Davidson. This information can also be accessed in the Helmet Guide section at www.harley-davidson.com/helmets.