Eligibility of Bike Helmets?

Looking to buy my first helmet in the near future and I'm just needing some clarity on the eligibility of bike helmets? The bike helmet standard is ECE 22.05, but I don't know how this relates to the standards required by the MSA?

Thanks.

Bike helmets would'nt be passed by the scruits. BS6658-85 TYPE A/FR is what you need. Look in the blue book, it'll tell you what helmet standards are ok for circuit racing.

I believe bike helmets to BS6658-85 type A, which covers many bike helmets are perfectly acceptable at MSA events. Type B is not. (see blue book C (c)92).

The difference between type A and type A/FR is that the former is not fire resistant (ie non-nomex strap and lining,e tc) so there may be marginally more safety in th the A/FR. If you want to do international you have to go for the FIA approved gear which must be fire resistant but if you only plan to do uk msa stuff a bike helmet to the right standard is okay. I used one for 3 seasons until I decided I needed to go for Hans, so had to buy a new one.

Trouble is BS6658-85 type A is an old standard, and most bike helmets now will be to the ECE standard (which isn't acceptable for motor sport). If you do find a bike helmet with the BS6658-85 type A sticker on it (which is what you'd need), it's probably 5+ years old...

I *think* the BS standard is also being phased out. Someone told me that information was in the latest Motosports Now!!111(eleven) from the MSA, but I haven't actually bothered myself to check yet.

I think that next year, You won't be able to use a type A any more, it has to be Type A/FR

I bought a BS type A motorcycle helmet at the Motorcycle Show at the NEC for £30 at one of the stands. Does the job nicely

Bike helmets would'nt be passed by the scruits. BS6658-85 TYPE A/FR is what you need. Look in the blue book, it'll tell you what helmet standards are ok for circuit racing.

Motocyle helmets are designed for a single large impact, where Motosports helmets normally are lighter and have a nomex or fire proof liner and can take multiple impacts.

Check your tech regulations, but in most countries motorsports programs Bike or motorcyle helmets will not pass technical inspections and not be allowed.

I think that next year, You won't be able to use a type A any more, it has to be Type A/FR

Just read the Motorsport Now update. They are fine until 1st January 2010 so there is no panic just yet.

Personally I wouldn't take chances with a helmet, belts, or seat..

BS could be a very old design indeed. Maybe still legal, but perhaps not something I'd want on my head in the event of a major shunt. £10 head = £10 helmet and all that..

Get the best you can afford, and a bike helmet won't wash I'm sure because it won't have a fireproof lining. Have a look at the blue book and get the relevant codes. Snell SA 2005 etc.

I'm a Stand21 chap myself, but you don't have to go that far - If Bell do a version of their old Sport II with updated spec and grades then that would be a good club choice IMHO..

S.

Motocyle helmets are designed for a single large impact, where Motosports helmets normally are lighter and have a nomex or fire proof liner and can take multiple impacts.

Check your tech regulations, but in most countries motorsports programs Bike or motorcyle helmets will not pass technical inspections and not be allowed.

BS6658 A/FR is a British standard for Helmets, not specifically bike helmets - Bike Helmets are not Fire retardent. I just bought an OMP to BS6658 A/FR, and the helmet was only launched this year - Has holes for HANS posts, and you definitely don't need them on a Bike ! Wish i specified the HANS posts now - going to cost me a fortune for a retro fit !

BS6658 A/FR is a British standard for Helmets, not specifically bike helmets - Bike Helmets are not Fire retardent. I just bought an OMP to BS6658 A/FR, and the helmet was only launched this year - Has holes for HANS posts, and you definitely don't need them on a Bike ! Wish i specified the HANS posts now - going to cost me a fortune for a retro fit !

I think that the A/FR is not allowed to be used for motorcycles, they normally have a label in saying that they are not for road use. As I understand this is for a number of reasons, one of which is that the visor opening is much smaller than in a motorcycle helmet so it restricts visability which is not a problem in a race car.
If I was to suggest a helmet I would say (like everyone else) buy the best you can afford. Look for a SNELL2005 as this will give you the longest helmet life. And like Ray said it might be worth going for hans post already fitted even if you dont plan on having hans straight away, many places (I think GPR) offer free HANS post fitting if you get the helmet from them.

It also doesn't work the other way, as my FIA legal helmet is not road legal to wear when riding my bike in the UK.