The liner deserves the same care. A removable, washable liner keeps the inside fresh, and following the maker's washing instructions protects both the padding and the stitching around it.

Certification is not a formality. It is the baseline that separates a genuine protective open face helmet from something that only looks the part. Any helmet worth wearing on the road should carry a current, verifiable certification.

To see gloves and accessories that pair with our helmets, visit handcrafted helmet shell.

Daily wear also plays a part. Sweat, sunscreen and regular use all shorten a helmet's working life, so riders who use a helmet every day should expect to replace it sooner than someone who rides occasionally.

A clean visor is a safety item as much as a comfort one, since scratches and haze scatter light and make it harder to judge distance in low sun or at night. Clean a visor with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and avoid dry wiping, which is what causes most fine scratches in the first place.

For helmet care products and guidance, see custom motorcycle helmets.