How do the locks on the side of a motorcycle work?

I'm assuming they're close to similar across bikes, but for clarification I have a ninja 500 '97. The two locks are located just above the rear wheel, attached below the seat. Do I lock the helmet to that little bar? If so, how?

Thanks!

The locks unlock and lock with your ignition key and is only for locking your helmet up while parked. Haul your spare helmet on the back seat or sissy bar if you have one. Source(s): mechanic riding for 29 years

Helmet locks - use your key and turn - the bar should open up enough to slip the D ring of your helmet into - then close the lock and you are set.

I prefer my motorcylce lock around the chin bar to the wheel myself
Bike rider - 26 yrs and counting
It's for locking your helmet D-rings to when the bike is parked. The best place to keep a helmet when riding is, of course, on your head.

Edit: I see you're talking about a spare helmet here, so best to bungee that to the back seat - don't leave it hanging by the chinstraps. Sorry, but I just see way too many people riding bareheaded with a helmet attached to the bike in whatever manner it will fit.
It is for securing your helmet but it's not really wise to do it. It's not nice to come back to your bike to find someone has put something nasty in your helmet or even pissed in it (it does happen).

Also sometimes bike theifs cut the strap and take the helmet. Of course with a cut strap it's no use to them but you won't be able to ride the bike home without a helmet. What they hope is that you leave the bike parked over night which is when they are free to come back and steal it without risk.
DO NOT ride your bike with a helmet hanging by the helmet lock. It could get sucked into the wheel well. At the very least, it'll scratch up your bike and the helmet.
Place the helmet on the rear seat and strap it down with a "bungee net".
http://www.powersportrider.com/cgi-bin/h...
Click - Street - Index
Search for - Bungee Net
It's the stretch net at the bottom. Drape it over your helmet and hook the hooks to whatever you can, on the sides of your bike.

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