Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is paramount for your safety and comfort on every ride. With numerous styles, materials, and features available, selecting the ideal helmet can feel overwhelming. However, understanding key aspects like helmet size, head shape, safety certifications, and helmet types simplifies the process and ensures you’re well-protected and comfortable.
This comprehensive Motorcycle Helmet Size Guide will walk you through each step, helping you make an informed decision and find a helmet that fits perfectly and meets your specific riding needs. Let’s dive in to ensure your next ride is safer and more enjoyable.
Determining Your Ideal Helmet Fit
A motorcycle helmet’s effectiveness hinges on its fit. A snug fit provides optimal protection, while a helmet that’s too loose or tight compromises safety and comfort. The first step is to accurately measure your head circumference. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure around the widest part of your head, typically about an inch above your eyebrows and ears, and around the back of your head.
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Once you have your measurement, consult the motorcycle helmet size chart provided by the manufacturer. It’s important to note that sizing can slightly vary between brands, so always refer to the specific size chart for the helmet you are considering.
Beyond circumference, head shape plays a crucial role. Helmets are generally designed for three primary head shapes:
- Round Oval: The circumference and length are nearly equal.
- Intermediate Oval: Slightly longer front-to-back than side-to-side. This is the most common head shape.
- Long Oval: Significantly longer front-to-back and narrower side-to-side.
Understanding your head shape ensures a comfortable and secure fit, maximizing the helmet’s protective capabilities. When trying on a helmet, it should sit squarely on your head, with the helmet’s brow line just above your eyebrows. It should feel snug, applying even pressure around your head, but not uncomfortably tight. Remember, helmet padding will compress slightly over time, so a new helmet should initially feel quite snug.
Exploring Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets
After determining your correct helmet size and understanding head shape, you can explore the different types of motorcycle helmets available. Each type offers varying levels of coverage, features, and suitability for different riding styles.
| Full-Face Helmets: Offering the highest level of protection, full-face helmets cover the entire head and face, including the chin. They are the most popular choice for road riding due to their comprehensive coverage, featuring a visor for eye protection and often incorporating advanced ventilation systems for comfort. | |
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| Open-Face Helmets (3/4 Helmets): These helmets cover the head’s top, back, and sides but leave the face exposed. Open-face helmets provide greater peripheral vision and ventilation, popular for urban riding and scooters. Riders typically need to wear separate eye protection like goggles or glasses. | |
| Modular Helmets (Flip-Up Helmets): Combining features of full-face and open-face helmets, modular helmets have a hinged chin bar that can be flipped up. This provides the convenience of an open-face helmet when stopped, allowing for easy conversation or refreshment, while offering full-face protection when riding. | |
| Off-Road/Motocross Helmets: Specifically designed for off-road riding and racing, motocross helmets prioritize ventilation and visibility. They feature an extended, pointed chin bar for increased airflow and a sun peak to shield from sun and roost. Motocross helmets are designed to be worn with goggles for eye protection. | |
| Dual-Sport/Adventure Helmets: Versatile helmets designed for both on and off-road riding. Dual-sport helmets blend features from motocross and full-face helmets, featuring a visor and face shield for road riding comfort, and an aggressive style suitable for off-road adventures. They often provide more ventilation than typical road helmets. |
Understanding Helmet Shapes for Optimal Comfort
Choosing a helmet shape that matches your head shape is crucial for comfort and proper fit. An ill-fitting helmet can lead to discomfort, pressure points, and even reduced protection in an accident. Manufacturers design helmets around the three main head shapes:
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Round Oval: Ideal for heads that are nearly as wide as they are long. Riders with this head shape often find helmets designed for round ovals to be most comfortable, accommodating fuller cheekbones and a rounded forehead.
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Intermediate Oval: The most common head shape, slightly longer from front to back than side to side. Most helmets are designed for this shape, offering a good fit for a wide range of riders.
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Long Oval: Significantly longer from front to back and narrower on the sides. Riders with this head shape require helmets specifically designed to avoid pressure points on the forehead and back of the head.
To determine your head shape, you can try on different helmet shapes or consult online resources that provide head shape guides. Many manufacturers also indicate the intended head shape for their helmets.
Accurately Sizing Your Head for a Motorcycle Helmet
Accurate head measurement is the foundation of finding the right motorcycle helmet size. Follow these steps to measure your head correctly:
- Use a Flexible Measuring Tape: Cloth measuring tapes are ideal.
- Measure Circumference: Place the tape about one inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows and ears, and around the widest part of the back of your head. Ensure the tape is level and snug but not too tight.
- Measure Multiple Times: Take the measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy. It’s helpful to have someone assist you.
- Record Measurement in Centimeters or Inches: Note down the measurement in both centimeters (cm) and inches (in) for reference.
- Consult the Size Chart: Refer to the manufacturer’s motorcycle helmet size chart. Match your head circumference to the corresponding helmet size (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc.).
Here is a general motorcycle helmet size chart as a reference, but always prioritize the manufacturer’s specific chart:
| Helmet Size | Head Circumference (cm) | Head Circumference (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 53-54 | 20.9 – 21.3 |
| S | 55-56 | 21.7 – 22.0 |
| M | 57-58 | 22.4 – 22.8 |
| L | 59-60 | 23.2 – 23.6 |
| XL | 61-62 | 24.0 – 24.4 |
| XXL | 63-64 | 24.8 – 25.2 |
| XXXL | 65-66 | 25.6 – 26.0 |
Remember, this table is a general guide, and slight variations may occur between brands and models. Always check the specific size chart provided by the helmet manufacturer for the most accurate fit.
Ensuring a Proper Motorcycle Helmet Fit
Once you’ve determined your size and chosen a helmet, verifying the fit is crucial. A properly fitted helmet should be snug and secure without being uncomfortable. Follow these fit checks:
- Entry and Removal: The helmet should go on and off relatively easily but should feel snug as it passes over your head. If it slides on too easily, it might be too large.
- Vision: Ensure the helmet doesn’t obstruct your vision. The eyeport should provide a wide field of view.
- Stability Test: With the helmet on and the strap fastened, try to move the helmet side to side and front to back. There should be minimal movement. If the helmet rotates excessively, it’s too large.
- Pressure Points: Wear the helmet for about 15-20 minutes in a stationary position. Check for any pressure points or discomfort. Minor pressure points might resolve as the helmet breaks in, but significant discomfort indicates a poor fit.
- Cheek Pads: The cheek pads should press firmly against your cheeks, creating a snug fit. They should not be so tight that they cause pain or restrict breathing.
- Brow Ridge: The helmet’s brow line should sit just above your eyebrows, about two finger-widths.
- Chin Strap: Fasten the chin strap securely. You should be able to fit only one or two fingers between the strap and your chin. Ensure the strap is comfortable and doesn’t chafe.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards
When choosing a motorcycle helmet, safety certifications are non-negotiable. These certifications indicate that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing to meet specific safety standards. In many countries, helmets must meet certain safety standards to be legally sold and used. Look for these certifications:
- DOT (Department of Transportation) – USA: A basic safety standard in the United States, indicating the helmet meets minimum federal safety requirements.
- ECE 22.05 (Economic Commission for Europe): A widely recognized international standard accepted in over 50 countries, including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. ECE 22.06 is the newer, more stringent version of this standard.
- Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) – USA: A voluntary, more rigorous testing standard than DOT. Snell certification is highly regarded and often preferred by experienced riders.
- AS/NZS 1698 (Australia/New Zealand Standard): The standard specific to Australia and New Zealand, ensuring helmets meet regional safety requirements.
Helmets with these certifications have been tested for impact absorption, penetration resistance, retention system strength, and field of vision, providing a baseline level of protection. Always prioritize helmets that meet or exceed recognized safety standards.
Seeking Expert Advice
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet involves considering multiple factors. For personalized advice and guidance, it’s always beneficial to consult with experts. Reputable motorcycle gear retailers, like MR MOTO, have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in measuring your head, understanding helmet shapes, and trying on different models to find your perfect fit. Whether you visit a store in person or contact them online, expert advice ensures you make an informed decision and invest in a helmet that provides optimal safety and comfort for your rides.
By following this motorcycle helmet size guide and seeking expert assistance when needed, you can confidently choose a helmet that fits perfectly, offers superior protection, and enhances your overall riding experience. Ride safe!
