Getting A New Helmet? Learn How Should A Motorcycle Helmet Fit!

If you’re a bike enthusiast, it’s important to know how to size your motorcycle helmet correctly for a perfect fit.

In this post, we’ll discuss the problems that can occur when wearing a wrongly fitted helmet and provide tips on how to find the right size for you. We hope you find this information helpful!

Did You Know? A study has found as many as 25 % of riders may be wearing incorrect helmet sizes. So how do we know if our helmet fits properly?

How to size a motorcycle helmet?

If you want to learn about which motorcycle helmet would fit you right then you are on the right page. Motorcycle helmets are just as important as strapping the seat belts while you are driving a vehicle. It’s an essential safety measure that ensures maximum safety if an accident takes place provided the helmet should fit comfortably.

Find your size

Pick a helmet manufacturer that is reputed and aesthetically pleasing and then take a closer look at the helmet dimensions chart. The sizing chart of the brands is important in choosing the most appropriate product.

You can also get a helmet online from any trusted retailer selling motorcycle helmets. The sizing chart varies for each brand of helmets, so do keep a check for that when you are browsing around.

Determine your head shape

There are three basic head shapes: oval, round, and long. You would require a measuring tape to size your head, place it just an inch above your eyebrows, and measure. Once the measurement is complete, you have a chart below to compare.

Oval: If your measurement is between 21-22 inches, you have an oval head shape.

Round: If your measurement is less than 21 inches, you have a round head shape.

Long: If your measurement is more than 22 inches, you have a long head shape.

Once you’ve determined your head shape, you can begin to look for helmets that are specifically designed for that shape.

For oval heads, look for helmets with a narrow circumference and for round heads, look for helmets with a wide circumference. And for long heads, look for helmets with a longer front-to-back measurement.

Helmet manufacturers keep in mind a variety of head shapes to create a proper fitting helmet for a variety of customers. The typical shape of the skull is the long oval middle-shaped oval or round oval.

Fun Fact: The most widely used helmet in the U.S. is the one for intermediate oval head shapes.

Measuring Your Head

Along with the shape of your head, it is also important to measure your head and know the circumference to see how big of a helmet size you’ll need. Similar to the process of determining the head shape, asking a person for help will make the process easier for you.

Ask a fellow biker to take a picture of your head. Keep your curls at maximum thickness as they will not show up in your eye. You should be able to differentiate between an oval skull or a more round head shape so as to narrow down your hunt for the proper fit.

For greater size accuracy, ask someone to measure part of your head using a tape measure.

Choose a Helmet Style

Motorcycle enthusiasts are struggling to find a helmet that fits them best. The availability of so many choices can get quite overwhelming at times. Let’s have a look at two wide categories before we make a choice.

1. Open Head Helmets: First is an open head helmet, it has less protection in terms of an effective face shield and has restrictive features in terms of size and shape. Open-faced helmets release tons of vapor because the helmet’s shell isn’t covered in the chin or facial skin, hence the name.Open face helmets are different from full-face helmets since they cover only your forehead, or a three-quarter-size helmet covering all the parts of the head.
2. Modular Helmets: Also referred to as flip-up helmets are similar to that of a classic full-face helmet but with a visor that flips and allows to rider to grasp some fresh air.

Motorcycle Helmet Fit Test

The pressure of a tight helmet causes a pressure spot in a helmet that may cause double vision headaches and fatigue in your eyes. If you’ve chosen a helmet that has too much tightness, try another model or size.

Just like human head comes in different shapes and sizes, there are different helmet brands that can be a close match if not exact. A motorcycle fit test can help you in deciding which one suits you best.

Wear the helmet for about half an hour

The best way to test a helmet without having to go for a ride is to wear it for around 15 minutes. Wear it while watching tv so you can also check the full face shield visibility.

The pressure point is your goal. Discomfort usually appears in two spots: directly on the forehead or on the temples. If it pushes these regions or exerts some force on them look for a different size.

Take the plunge and go for a ride!

Wearing helmets will be less enjoyable sitting in an empty room in an unfamiliar place. Sometimes it is comfortable wearing it for 30 minutes at a time. Take some time with your headband for this 20-30 hour break-in, go for a ride and see if the helmet fits your skull and gives a comfortable feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Correct Sizing Of The Helmet Matters?

Some states require riders to wear their helmets, which otherwise can cause serious consequences. Helmets are very important in protecting the head during riding and ensuring protection from accidents.

The protection you have with your helmet varies wildly depending upon the fit it offers to your body. Motorcycle helmets that are the wrong sizes are really dangerous. The incorrect helmet size can not only cause crashes but headaches or double vision as well.

What are the common problems helmet users face?

Helmet manufacturing companies often receive phone calls on a daily basis about helmet fitting. Some say that their ears fold up when wearing a helmet.

Some ask about how they can flatten their hair while others have queries regarding if it’s safe to wear glasses while riding with a helmet on. Others complain about having difficulty determining the shape of their head.

Most of these problems can easily be solved by properly consulting a helmet sizing chart before getting a new helmet to ensure a proper fit.

What if my motorcycle helmet is too small or too big?

Another very popular query is finding the solution to the fitting problem. Once people realize they are wearing a wrongly fitted helmet, they want to make their riding experience comfortable compared to what it currently is.

The easiest way is to try adjusting using the chin straps to get your helmet to fit snugly. If that doesn’t work then maybe it is time to invest in getting yourself a new helmet.

Is helmet size related to protection?

Absolutely! Helmets are meant for protection in case of accidents, a right fit determines how well protected you are. The decision to purchase helmets should not be made simply by choosing the color or design of your helmet.

If the head is hit with a helmet, the impact-absorbing cover will handle these forces. If the gap between your head helmet is more than two fingers then the helmet may be smashed and cause a serious head injury.

How much do prices vary with helmet styles?

Motorcycle helmets differ in prices and styles similar to bicycle helmets. Some specifications come complete with half, a full-face, and a curved face with slat chins that turn up.

Half helmets and open heads & three-quarter helmets leave important areas exposed, a full-face or modular helmet should provide optimal protection. So how much does it cost to buy a helmet?

The most popular brands and prices for their helmet are listed here: Shoei helmets cost around $389.95–741.99, Arai helmets about $689.95–3.95.95, HJC helmets $44.9.99 – 205.95 and Bell helmets cost $108.95 – $19.95.

Is full face helmet too big?

Some people think that a full-face helmet is too big for their head. This can be a problem because it will not offer as much protection in the event of an accident. It is important to find the right size for your head so that you are as safe as possible when riding your motorcycle.

Conclusion

If you have been struggling to find the right helmet fit, this read must have helped you with that.

So, whether you’re a new or experienced bike enthusiast, always remember to size your helmet correctly and wear it with confidence. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you are protecting yourself from head injuries while enjoying the open road.

We hope our guide has helped you learn how to size a motorcycle helmet and find the perfect fit for your head. Be sure to check out our other posts for more tips on staying safe while riding!