Motorcycle Helmet Exhibits - Hot Bike Magazine

Harley-Davidson first offered a "safety helmet" in 1958, in both racing and police styles, but only off-road riders on Sportsters were typically shown in Harley advertising wearing a helmet. In 1966, the Highway Safety Act required states to enact mandatory helmet laws to receive full Federal highway funding, and in 1967, according to Fricke, all Harley advertising depicted helmeted riders. Millions of newly protected riders used a plain-white helmet as a blank canvas for customization and self-expression, epitomized by the "Captain America" helmet worn by Peter Fonda in the 1969 film Easy Rider.

If you have to wear a helmet, might as well make a statement. I made mine with a can of spray paint.

Exhibit F
The shapes of bandages cast into this bronze installation created for The Helmet Project exhibit by Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) student Sarah Koss represent "The Illusion Of Safety" offered by a motorcycle helmet. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit F The shapes of bandages cast into this bronze installation created for The Helm
Exhibit G
Pinstriping, stars and stripes, and the bold graphic design of stunt rider Evel Knievel represent the evolution of the plain, white motorcycle helmet into a colorful object of personal expression during the 1970s. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit G Pinstriping, stars and stripes, and the bold graphic design of stunt rider Ev
Exhibit H
This twill motorcycle "helmet," offered by Beck in the 1940s, was intended to keep its owner's head clean and comfortable.
Exhibit H This twill motorcycle "helmet," offered by Beck in the 1940s, was intended to

Exhibit I
In the 1950s, "Pudding Bowl" helmets like the red-and-blue model by german manufacturer Simson had a fiberglass shell and felt lining. Also shown are Harley-Davidson road rider helmets with detachable ear protection, painted for individual racers, from the 1960s. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit I In the 1950s, "Pudding Bowl" helmets like the red-and-blue model by german man
Exhibit J
An example of the ideas presented by industrial design students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) at The Helmet Project. This is the vision of student Andy Marogil. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit J An example of the ideas presented by industrial design students from the Milwa
Exhibit K
A rider taking a 1924 Harley-Davidson FHAC 2-Cam Racer to the track hoped a lid like this Rawlings eight-strap leather football helmet would be better than no head protection at all. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit K A rider taking a 1924 Harley-Davidson FHAC 2-Cam Racer to the track hoped a li

Exhibit L
In this photo from 1920, racer Otto Walker is astride a Harley-Davidson FCA, and wearing the intimidating leather helmet he claimed to have taken from a German pilot during World War I. (H-D Archives image)
Exhibit L In this photo from 1920, racer Otto Walker is astride a Harley-Davidson FCA, a
Exhibit M
The helmet worn by Harley-Davidson Superbike rider Pascal Picotte during the 2000 season was custom-painted by Troy Lee Designs. (Charles Plueddeman photo)
Exhibit M The helmet worn by Harley-Davidson Superbike rider Pascal Picotte during the 2