Helmet laws in Belgium?

[Headmanbrewing]

I am heading for Belgium in 2 weeks and would like to rent a bike for a day.  Does anyone know the pertinent laws for helmets?

[throttlemeister]

Anywhere in Europe wearing a ECE-05 certified helmet is mandatory when riding a bike.

[Headmanbrewing]

Even if my helmet was ECE certified, I'm not going to pack it along for one day of riding that may not happen anyways.  Thanks for the info.

[RBEmerson]

Or maybe you use this as an excuse to buy a helmet you can't find easily in the States?  ('Course, the state of dollar/euro exchange makes that kinda pricey)

[Headmanbrewing]

I'd love to find a new helmet.  Part of my problem with motorcycling in general is finding a helmet that will fit my huge noggin.  There are a total of 3 or 4 sold in the US that might work, I've only ever handled the one that I own, and it's almost 4 years old.  Price would be a concern, of course.  But I will be spending a lot of my trip just being a tourist, and would rather drink Belgian beer and eat Belgian chocolate than drive around and try on helmets.

And since I haven't seen you there in a while, BANNED!  

[gforce]

This isn't new but may be of some help:

http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq/europe.html

[Orson]

Nice riding in the Ardennes forest and into northern Luxembourg. A little further is the scenic road along the Mosel River and in Eiffel Mountains in Germany where the Nurburgring awaits unsuspecting newb....errr...I mean where the Nurburgring lies  

[gforce]

Nice riding in the Ardennes forest and into northern Luxembourg. A little further is the scenic road along the Mosel River and in Eiffel Mountains in Germany where the Nurburgring awaits unsuspecting newb....errr...I mean where the Nurburgring lies  

And how.  Just got back from our first visit to Spa-Francorchamps, the legendary road circuit in SE "Belgie," not far west of Bitburg Germany.  The Ardennes were incredibly beautiful, as of course is the Eifel area.  The 2 famous old tracks are a bonus for the careful planner, although the 'Ring has been shrunken beyond recognition as a competition circuit, while Spa is still a spectator's track.  Of course, if you plan to drive/ride it, the Nordschleife at Nürburgring is the end of the rainbow for the highly skilled.

[Headmanbrewing]

Man, you two have got me wishing for two weeks.  The 'Ring was part of my initial plan, rent a car and pay for a few laps, even if I wouldn't push it hard.  I don't think I could afford to fix a car in Germany.  I think that I will end up spending most of my time in the general Brussels area, as that is where my cousin lives and knows the places to go.  Saturday will be at the track in Heusden-Zolder for the Champ Car practice and qualifying before the race on Sunday.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to get on the track then.

[throttlemeister]

As for helmet shopping, even if you don't want to buy here due to high exchange rates: unlike from what I understand in the US, most dealers here will typically stock every size available of brands/models they carry and have them on display for fitting. You could see what you like and fit, and order the equivalent helmet online when you are back home.

[RBEmerson]

+1.  Also, although less of an issue with bike stuff, I've done boat gear "quid pro quo" swaps with European friends, making exchange rates less of an issue.   Just a thought...

[ninjadad66]

I know I'm a little late, but how was the trip?

[Headmanbrewing]

Had a great time, no moto content though.

I flew into Brussels and spent the next 5 days drinking, eating, and sightseeing.  Day trips included Antwerp, Dinant, Brugge, and Chimay.  Got a lot of pics of the area, and consumed copious amounts of Belgian beer and fine Belgian food.  Spent all Friday at Heusden-Zolder watching the Champ Car practice from inside the pits and various other spots around the track.  My cousin works with a great bunch of people, most of whom are 10 years younger than I am or more.  That being said, they still couldn't hang with me, the old drinking pro.  We had sunshine for the last 3 days, which I am told is not normal.  Overall, I had a great time and would certainly advise anyone to go there for a vacation.

[ninjadad66]

Thanks for the intel, will you be posting any pictures?  I know you didn't get a chance to rent a bike or anything, but we'd love to see what the area looks like.

Nice avatar, Honda Nighthawk S right?  That was my first bike aaaahhhhh the memories.

[Maltese_Wizard]

I did Brugge and Dinant then through into France earlier in the year, a few pics etc from my trip in this link. Great scenery in and around Dinant.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,7016.0.html

can't wait to see your pics.