Being able to lock your helmet to your motorcycle is a great solution for bikers in any situation where you have to be away from your ride but are unable or unwilling to carry your bulky motorcycle helmets around with you.
This can range from anything between getting a quick bite to eat at a restaurant, doing some shopping, or parking outside a friend or relative’s place for a visit.
There are a variety of locking mechanisms and devices that can be used for locking your helmet on your motorcycle, and certain types of locks work best with certain types of helmets.
What this article covers:
- How to Lock Your Helmet to Your Motorcycle
- Where on Your Motorcycle Should You Place Your Helmet?
- Why Bother with the Locks
How to Lock Your Helmet to Your Motorcycle
Helmet Lock
The most convenient and commonly used method for securing your helmet to your motorcycle is a helmet lock, a locking device made especially for this purpose.
Helmet locks are often small and portable, and although they are all made specifically to secure your helmet to your bike, they don't all function the same way.
That being said, the usual way helmet locks perform their function is through the use of a wire or cable. The cable or wire has to be wrapped around the helmet through the bottom section under the chin bar, through the face-shied gap, and then around the frame or handlebars of your motorcycle.
When the helmet is secured, it can be locked into place with a key or combination code. Keep in mind that this type of locking mechanism will work best if you own a full-face helmet.
If you own a different type of helmet, you could still make do by wrapping the cable around your helmet's chin straps. For more info, check out the best motorcycle helmet locks.
Built-In Motorcycle Lock
There are plenty of motorcycles that come ready with a built-in lock for your helmet.
This can come in the form of either a lock and key mechanism attached to a cable, or a hook located under the seat which can then be locked as well.
To secure your helmet with this type of lock, you just need to pass the buckle of your helmet strap through the built-in lock and then lock it into place. The downside to this method is that it only works with helmets that make use of a D-ring style helmet chin strap.
When using your helmet’s chin strap to lock it onto your motorcycle, there is always be a possibility that the thief could just cut the straps to steal the rest of the helmet.
It’s unlikely that a thief would want to damage the goods they plan to steal, but the possibility remains.
Padlock
Regular padlocks also work as a lock for your motorcycle helmet. Padlocks come in a variety of sizes, so all you need to do is choose one and make sure it's big enough to lock around a part of your motorcycle.
Padlocks are cheap and probably the easiest option on this list to come by. They are easy to carry around as well.
To lock your helmet to your motorcycle, you simply need to pass your helmet strap’s buckle through the lock and lock it into place around a suitable part of your motorcycle. Once again, a thief would need to damage the helmet in order to take off with it.
Bicycle Chain Lock
If you happen to have a bicycle chain lock lying around somewhere, or know someone who does, you can use it to lock your helmet in the place of some other lock that you would need to purchase somewhere.
The chain on this type of lock is usually quite lengthy, so you will have the freedom to place your helmet in whichever spot guarantees its security, except underneath your motorcycle's seat because the chain will not fit.
If you are using a bicycle chain lock to secure your helmet, you just need to loop the chain around the chin bar of your helmet and then wrap it around your motorcycle before locking it into place. Similar to the helmet lock, this method works best if you own a full-face helmet.
Additionally, the chain on this bicycle lock is so long that you would even be able to hang and secure your motorcycle jacket as well. This is great for those hot days when having to take your jacket with you would cause you discomfort. All you would need to do is slide the chain through the sleeve of your jacket before locking it into place around your motorcycle.
Pistol Lock
While it may seem a bit unconventional, a pistol lock can also function as a makeshift lock for your helmet. They are inexpensive as well, so you could purchase one of these yourself if you don't already have one.
Though this would only be a last resort in case you aren't able to get another type of helmet lock. If you live in a place that has these available to the public you could easily ask around, maybe someone you know has a spare lying around.
With a pistol lock, you thread the lock around your helmet’s chin bar before locking it around the frame of your motorcycle. The hard part of using a pistol lock is getting your helmet into a steady position.
Be sure to keep it away from your motorcycle’s gas tank because the vapour that leaks through the tank can be harmful to your helmet. This is pretty common when people carry a spare helmet on their motorcycle since they want to store it somewhere out of the way, but beware of the dangers.
Where on Your Motorcycle Should You Place Your Helmet?
When it comes to the actual placement of your helmet, there are a few locations to choose from depending on the type of motorcycle and locking mechanism you're using.
Before we look into the placement options, let's first take note of where not to place your helmet.
It should be fairly obvious but placing your helmet on the ground is a definite no-go. By placing your motorcycle helmet on the ground you will be exposing it to some potentially harmful elements, it could be dirtied by the pavement, accidentally damaged by people passing by, or fall victim to the whims of a stray dog.
To avoid this, here are some better options for the placement of your helmet.
Handlebars
The handlebars are usually the go-to location for helmet placement. This is probably the most convenient area to lock your helmet to because it's so easy to reach, and it looks very natural as well.
The handlebars are accessible from the driver's seat, so you will be able to remove your helmet, hang it on the handlebar, and lock it all in one go. When locking your helmet here it's best to keep the lock itself in the area between your handlebars so that it is out of sight.
Passenger Pegs
Passenger pegs are also a commonly used location to secure one’s motorcycle helmet.
If you place your helmet in this location it will be situated fairly near to the ground. The helmet is not in direct contact with the ground so there is no issue, however, you should be sure to take note of the area you’re parked. Doing this somewhere with a lot of foot traffic could lead to your helmet becoming an obstruction.
To secure your helmet by the passenger pegs, you just need to flip the peg upside down and use it as a rack to lock your helmet onto before locking it to your motorcycle's frame.
Underneath the Seat
If your motorcycle comes with a detachable seat, it will be able to double as a location for storing your helmet. This can be done by locking your helmet to a point underneath the seat, closing the seat, and then leaving your helmet to rest on top of it.
The advantage that comes with this is that the actual lock itself will be hidden out of place and away from any thieving hands, with the helmet safely secured on the seat.
Why Bother with the Locks?
If you’ve bought your helmet from us (or anywhere else), you’ll want to keep it safe. What’s worse than the stomach-curdling feeling of coming back to your bike and seeing your gear missing is the fact that you’re at extra risk on the ride home since you don’t have anything to protect your head.
Whether it’s your helmet, jacket, or even your bike stand, there are people out there who are going to try and steal it.
Spending a few extra bucks on a lock might seem like an unnecessary inconvenience, but it’s a lot cheaper than getting a new helmet.
If you enjoyed this piece, consider checking out other blogs:
- How Is a Motorcycle Helmet Supposed to Fit
- How Tight Should a Motorcycle Helmet Be
- How to Strap Motorcycle Helmet
- How to Determine Head Shape for Motorcycle Helmet
- How to Tell If Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Small
- How to Put on a Motorcycle Helmet
- Why Are Motorcycle Helmets So Big
- What Is the Best Dirt Bike Helmet
- Can You Use a Dirt Bike Helmet for Snowmobiling
- How to Wear Goggles with Motorcycle Helmet
- How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last
- How to Check Motorcycle Helmet Expiry Date
- How to Listen to Music with a Motorcycle Helmet
- How to Install Intercom in Motorcycle Helmet
- Most Advanced Motorcycle Helmets
