The History of Harley-Davidson Helmets

The earliest American motorcycle helmets were made of thin leather or cloth and primarily protected the wearer’s neck and hair from the effects of wind and dust. In the 1910s, Harley-Davidson sold several versions of this type of helmet, including the Heather Jumbo Knit Cap for 75 cents, the Aeroplane Cap for $1.50, and the Tourist Hood for $2.50. The company also offered fur-lined soft helmets for cold weather riding and a version of a leather football-style helmet, although the latter was used almost exclusively by racers. In the 1930s and 1940s, helmets were essentially just satin skullcaps in stylish patterns with the Harley-Davidson logo. The classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle cap debuted around this time; the style was later made famous by Marlon Brando in The Wild One. By the 1950s and early 1960s, the emphasis on safety was beginning to grow and Harley-Davidson began offering hard-shell helmets. However, two of the three hard-shell helmet offerings were aimed at police officers and racers rather than casual motorcycle riders. Around this time, Harley-Davidson began offering helmets exclusively in white, although some limited color options were reintroduced in 1971. Stickers and other customizations became a popular way to showcase personality or make identification easier in crowds. Today, Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of motorcycle helmets, many of which include customization options.