Add Another Helmet Safety Standard to Your List
There are several helmet safety standards that motorcycle helmets are evaluated by. Their thoroughness and effectiveness vary. However, a new motorcycle standard that seeks to help better protect MotoGP racers will likely impact the consumer market eventually. That standard? Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
All Grand Prix participants will need to wear FIM homologated helmets in 2019. It’s more important than any other internationally recognized safety standards like ECE, JIS, and Snell. Cycle World had a chance to sit down with FIM Marketing Director Fabio Muner to shed some light on the new safety requirements.
During their chat, Muner said the helmets with FIM approval are safer than helmets with other ratings. He credits the testing process.
“The homologation is per size, and 10 samples are requested per size,” said Muner. “Each helmet undergoes not just one but several impact tests (high- and low-speed linear impact, oblique impact, penetration). Paint and comfort padding of the homologated helmets are recorded, but they can be modified by the manufacturer and the homologation will remain valid.”
Muner also said FIM will take into account spoilers and other helmet add-ons during testing that some brands attach to their helmets for race purposes. He said the inclusion of these design elements ensures the testing is accurate.
Will Average Joes Need FIM Helmets Soon?
Near the end of the interview, Muner discussed to possibility of manufacturers making FIM helmets for the general public. He said the organization’s main goal is the paddock and the racers. He made it clear that the organization’s mission is not to impact the consumer market.
With that said, Muner did say he believes it would be smart for manufacturers to sell FIM homologated helmets to consumers. Fim homologated helmets will come with a special hologram label. Muner said to expect to start seeing the label on helmets at dealerships.
I’m all for higher levels of safety for helmets. Any rider should wear a helmet, and if you’re going to wear one, it might as well have the highest safety rating possible. If you’re in the market for a new helmet once 2019 rolls around, keep an eye out for a FIM homologated one.