Choosing a Properly Fitting Motorcycle Helmet

 (re-posted from the August Newsletter)

I wanted to give some information about helmets in this newsletter.  I get a lot of questions regarding helmets and how to fit them properly, so I thought this would be of interest. Even the seasoned pro can learn something new every now and then.

Choosing a proper fitting helmet.

what to do.

  When purchasing a motorcycle helmet it is essential to ensure a proper fit., It is the most important piece of protection we wear when riding.

Not all helmets are made the same.  You may wear a medium from one manufacturer and a large from another. Furthermore, what one manufacturer calls a medium, another may call a large, even though there is the same physical space inside the helmet.

If you are thinking about purchasing a motorcycle helmet now or in the future then keep reading.

Do not take the manufacturers labeled size for granted. This often leads to a second trip to the dealer for another fitting.

I have listed some important steps below to " size up" your head for a well fitting helmet.

The starting point is the measuring of the head.  Heads that seem to be the same size when measured by a tape measure may often not fit the same size motorcycle helmet. Remember, measuring your head is only a starting point. Because of varying head shapes, this step alone does not guarantee a perfect fit.

Use a cloth tape measure and measure the circumference of your head.  The circumference of your head should be measured approximately one inch above the eyebrows in the front , and around the largest part of the back of the head. Take several measurements to make sure you have the largest one.  If you know your hat size you can use this as another way to start determining your motorcycle helmet size.

Select a helmet based on your head measurement and your hat size if you know it.  The tags on helmets usually show the inside diameter size and often the hat size as well.  If you are between two sizes go up to the next largest size for your starting point.

Once the helmet is on your head, do a visual check.  Your eyes should be  in the center of the helmet with the top edge of the liner padding sitting just above the eyebrows.  While wearing the helmet, take a look in the mirror.  Make sure the cheek pads are in contact with the cheeks, "Contact" does not mean touching the cheeks. You want the cheek pads to be pressing quite firmly against the cheeks. At first this may feel awkward, but a snug fit is crucial when buying a helmet.  Just like a tight pair of shoes, the padding will break in in a short space of time and become much more comfortable.  I always look for my cheeks to pucker my lips when I buy a new helmet. The helmet fits quite tight around the cheeks, but I know that this is one of the best ways to get the proper fit.

Another good measuring tactic is to tilt the head back and see if the helmet makes contact with the back of the neck. If it does, is the helmet pushed away causing the helmet to roll down over the eyes in front. This is an indication that the helmet is too loose.  Grab each side of the helmet and try to rotate it from side to side.  Note any movement of skin on the face when doing this, and also the amount of resistance to movement.  Then, move the helmet up and down on the head, again taking note of any skin movement and any resistance to movement.  If, when you did either of these tests there was little or no skin movement, or the helmet moved easily on your head , then the helmet is too large.

  A helmet which fits properly will cause the skin to move as the helmet is moved.  Remember, you are looking for a snug fit here with even pressure around the whole head. This next test is perhaps the most important.  Fasten the chin strap tightly. Reach your arm over the top of the helmet and grab the bottom edge with your fingers.  Hold your head steady and try to "roll" the helmet off your head.  Obviously, if you can roll it off your head, or more that a third of the way out of its natural position, the helmet is too big. I cannot emphasize enough not to be afraid to go snug rather than looser.  The bottom line is to select a helmet as snug as possible around the whole head without being uncomfortable.

  Finally, and this can save you a lot of grief, if you are going to purchase over the internet, only buy from a site that provides a size chart for that particular brand of helmet only.  There is no such thing as a universal small,  medium or large when buying a helmet, so never use a chart which includes all makes of helmets in their sizing.  The size chart should include a head circumference and the corresponding helmet size.  if you have any doubts or reservations, head down to your local dealer and try the helmet on in person for the right fitment before ordering.

  There are more things to consider when buying a new helmet, but the above guidelines gives a good indication as to whether you have a helmet which fits you or not.

Cheers, 

Josh