How Is a Motorcycle Helmet Supposed to Fit?

October 12, 2022 Benjamin Strusnik

You’ve got the bike, you've got the gear, and you’re ready to get a helmet and hit the open road. A motorcycle helmet is of great importance, as it keeps you safe on your ride.

But before you buy a motorcycle helmet, you need to know the basics. How is a motorcycle helmet supposed to fit? Do you know what size and style are right for you?

Don’t stress, even if you are completely new to the world of motorcycles, we’ve got you covered. You’ll get the answers to those all-important questions in our guide below.

What this article covers:

How to Fit a Motorcycle Helmet
How to Tell if a Motorcycle Helmet Fits
How to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet Properly
How Long Does a Helmet Last, and Why?

How to Fit a Motorcycle Helmet

First things first, how do you determine the size you need? Learn how to measure your head for a motorcycle helmet, with the guidelines below.

Measure Your Head

We know there are many styles of helmets, and we strive to offer you the very best motorcycle helmets in NZ. But there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to helmets.

We are all built differently, and head circumferences can differ. Therefore, you need to start by measuring the circumference of your head.

The easiest way to do this is with a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around the widest part of your head. That’s usually an inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows.

If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, that’s not a problem. Just use a length of string, mark it, and then measure it against a measuring rule or yardstick.

Check the Size of a Helmet Before Purchasing

All motorcycle helmet manufacturers have a size chart that they go by. You can compare your measurements to the size chart and find the right size for you.

There’s something you need to be aware of, though. Sizing can differ slightly among brands. This is well known to seasoned riders but causes less experienced riders a lot of undue stress.

If, for example, you need a medium size according to one manufacturer, you may not be medium size with another. Always refer to their size chart for accurate measurements.

If you are unfamiliar with a particular brand, or have tried helmets before and struggled to get the right fit, this is especially important.

The Shape Matters, Too

You may not realise it, but heads don’t only differ in size; they can differ in shape, too. Heads of the same size are not necessarily the same shape.

That’s why your mate’s helmet may not fit you as well as it does him, even if you have the same basic measurements. Some brands cater more for certain shapes. Whenever possible, try on one of their helmets to get an idea of the shape they’re going for.

Many manufacturers offer a variety of shell shapes, so you need to establish the basic shape of your head. If you are unsure how to determine the head shape of a motorcycle helmet, take a look in the mirror.

Turn your head from side to side and get an idea of the shape of your head from all angles. Generally, an oval shape shell is best for a longer, more narrow head. Intermediate and round shapes are other possibilities, and these may be better if you have a fuller shape to your head.

How to Tell if a Motorcycle Helmet Fits

There are some tell-tale clues for knowing if a helmet fits you properly.

Simple Tests to Check if a Helmet Is the Right Size

The perfect fit in a motorcycle helmet is snug, but not too tight. They do settle in to accommodate your unique head shape over time. Don’t let a snug fit worry you, however, a helmet that’s too large will do you no favours.

These are some simple ways to check if a helmet is the right size for you:

When you put on a helmet, are you able to get it on your head without tugging outward on the chin straps? If so, the helmet is too large. This means that the helmet will move around on your head. This won’t cushion your head properly in a collision or fall.

Once the helmet is on your head, with chin straps fastened, try this simple test. Reach up with your arms and grabbing the bottom edge, try to pull the helmet from your head. If it comes off without loosening the straps, the helmet is too large. You’ll need to go down 1-2 sizes.

Does it fit snugly against your forehead? If you grip it on the sides with both hands, try to rotate it from side to side, and also up and down. is there some movement of your skin, or little to no resistance? If there is a fair amount of resistance, it fits well. If there is none, it’s too large.
Okay, so a snug fit is good. But when fitting a motorcycle helmet, how tight is too tight? If you have red areas on your cheeks or forehead after wearing the helmet for a while, it is probably too tight.

What to Do if You’re Between Sizes

Usually, the best solution to this is to go for the smaller size on the manufacturer’s size chart. If a helmet is only ever-so-slightly on the big side, wearing a beanie underneath may help.

It is unwise, however, to wear a helmet that is too tight a fit or to lose a fit. An extremely tight-fitting helmet will cause you a lot of discomfort when riding. And a loose one will not offer you the same level of protection in an accident as a properly-fitted helmet.

Your comfort and above all, your safety, are your top considerations when choosing a helmet. When in doubt, go a size down.

How to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet Properly

A helmet’s main job is not to make you look cool. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, the helmet is there to keep you safe. If something were to happen while out on your ride, you need protection for your head.

That’s why we offer only top-quality authentic motorcycle products. From parts to gear and even the best chain lube for your motorcycle, we have it all. But nothing is more important to us than your safety and comfort.

You may think you know how to put on a motorcycle helmet, but are you doing it the right way?

A helmet can only do its job properly when it fits well, but the way you use your helmet is just as important.

So follow the steps below to learn how to fasten a motorcycle helmet properly, for the best protection:

With the chin straps open, place the helmet over your head, starting from the back of your head. This is a far more comfortable way of putting it on, than starting at the front.
Place your hands on the top and front and slide it down into position. Make sure that it is sitting straight, then fasten the chin straps.
When your helmet is on, with the chin straps fastened it should fit snugly and not roll even when tilting your head side to side. But there should still be enough room to fit one or two fingers between the strap and your chin.
When you want to take your helmet off again, reverse these steps. Take good care of your helmet, and replace cheek pads with others if they feel uncomfortable. Many helmets come with removable, and washable cheek pads.

How Long Does a Helmet Last, and Why?

The average lifespan of a motorcycle helmet is 5 years.

That isn’t to say that it won’t longer offer protection past that date. However, the inner liner of a helmet naturally degrades over time.

After about 5 years, it will no longer offer the comfortable, safe and secure fit it did while new. To stay safe and comfortable on your ride, with the best fit possible, replace your motorcycle helmet every 5 years.

Conclusion

The enjoyment of riding is always tempered by the need for responsibility. This means keeping yourself safe, with a high-quality, well-fitting helmet.

While overall style and unique design features are important too, nothing tops the importance of the correct fit. So get the right fit, and you’ll ride with more confidence and peace of mind.

If you enjoyed this piece, consider checking out other blogs:

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