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Motorcycle Helmets
There are hundreds of motorcycle helmets on the market, which can make it difficult to choose. For obvious reasons your helmet is the most important piece of gear you are going to buy. Every type of helmet has its advantages and disadvantages.
Discover all you need to know in the following sections on this page:
- The types of motorcycle helmets
- Helmet buying tips
- Where to buy NOTE: You can actually buy your helmet in this section!
- How to find your helmet size
- How to test for a good helmet fit
- How to take care of your helmet
- UK motorcycle helmet safety standards
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Full Face Helmets
The full face helmet offers extra protection for your chin. If you get claustrophobic however, you may decide against this extra protection as the full face helmet can feel restrictive and it does get pretty hot in there. (When I take mine off in summer I feel like my face has been trapped in a watermelon!)
Hybrid Helmets
This is my personal favourite as it is a good compromise between safety and comfort as the hybrid helmet will allow you to open the chin bit and slide it upwards. I have been told that this is useful for people with glasses. Note, that hybrid helmets are often more expensive.
Open Face Helmets
The open face helmet (Also known as three quarter helmets) is a good choice for riders who don’t like being restricted as it is designed to protect your ears and the side of your face but unfortunately it does not provide for chin protection.
NOTE: Half face or skull cap motorcycle helmets will not pass UK safety standards.
Helmet Buying Tips
- Try on as many different brands as you can, as certain brands will offer a better fit than others
- When trying on a motorcycle helmet, leave it on for a few minutes, to ensure that there is no excessive pressure on the forehead or ears, as this will become extremely uncomfortable during a ride. (Read more about this below in how to test for a good helmet fit.)
- Ask an assistant for advice at your local dealer, they should be able to demonstrate and give advice on getting the right fit
- It is essential to look for the BSI kite mark on the motorcycle helmet, as this means that it complies with the UK safety standards. (Read more about this below in UK motorcycle helmet safety standards.)
- Be aware that the shell protection material varies with price, and obviously a higher price usually means more advanced protection. At the low end your helmet will be constructed of plastic. At the high end your helmet will be constructed of fibreglass or even kevlar or carbon fibre
- Fog shields and chin vents will help to prevent misting
- Some helmets have removable linings which allow them to be removed and washed easily
- There is also some evidence that riders wearing light coloured helmets have a lower crash risk than those with dark or black helmets
- It is advisable to replace your helmet every 5-7 years
- Never buy a second hand helmet as it is very difficult to determine if it has been damaged
- Helmets cost from £50 - £400
Where to Buy
- SPORTBIKE have a great selection of helmets. Their selection is actually too large to list by price, but I hope the following categories are useful
- Arai Helmets
- Vemar Helmets
- AGV Helmets
- Motorcycle Visor Inserts (Prices range from £9.99 - £29.99)
- Helmet Accessories (Prices range from - £3.99 - £9.99)
- GET GEARED also have a diverse selection of motorcycle helmets. They offer the following makes; PROBIKER, SHARK, SHOEI, THE RAT STREETFIGHTER, CABERG and MTR K-10. You can search their product listings by the following categories:
- Full Face Motorcycle Helmets (Prices range from £49.99 - £329.99)
- Flip (Hybrid) Helmets (Prices range from £89.99 - £224.99)
- Jet Motorbike Helmets (Prices range from £32.99 - £69.99)
- Motocross/Off Road Helmets (Prices range from £49.99 - £129.99)
- You can also get Replacement Motorcycle Visors (Prices range from £19.99 - £49.99)
- Finally, get geared also sell Helmet Protection
NOTE: Helmets are designed to only work once, so if you drop it (more than a meter) or are in an accident you will need to replace it.
How to Find your Motorcycle Helmet Size
Use a tape measure to determine the circumference of your head. Place the tape measure above your ears and about an inch (2.54 cm) above your eyebrows. Try not to wrap the tape too tightly – take your time and take a few sets of measurements to find the common average. Once you have determined your head circumference check the sizing guide below. If your head falls between two sizes, always try the larger size first.
NOTE: These sizes are meant as a guideline only as sometimes manufacturers do interpret sizes differently. If your helmet is not a snug fit after you have bought it – send it back and try another size. Remember UK internet retail law gives you the right to return anything you buy online for a full refund during a particular timeframe – usually seven days!| Motorcycle Helmet Size Conversions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet Size | Head Circumference (CM) | Hat Size | Head Circumference (Inches) |
| Child SM | 49-50 | 6 1/8 - 6 1/4 | 19 3/4 - 20 1/8 |
| Child L/XL | 51-52 | 6 1/2 - 6 3/8 | 21 1/4 |
| Child 2XL | 53-54 | 6 5/8 - 6 3/4 | 20 7/8 - 21 1/4 |
| 2XS | 51-52 | 6 3/8 - 6 1/2 | 20 - 20 1/2 |
| XS | 53-54 | 6 5/8 - 6 3/4 | 20 7/8 - 21 1/4 |
| S | 55-56 | 6 7/8 - 7 | 21 3/8 - 22 |
| M | 57-58 | 7 1/8 - 7 1/4 | 22 1/2 - 22 7/8 |
| L | 59-60 | 7 3/8 - 7 1/2 | 23 1/4 - 23 5/8 |
| XL | 61-62 | 7 5/8 - 7 3/4 | 24 - 24 1/2 |
| 2XL | 63-64 | 7 7/8 - 8 | 24 3/4 - 25 1/4 |
| 3XL | 65-66 | 8 1/8 - 8 1/4 | 25 5/8 - 26 |
How to Test for a Good Helmet Fit
Once the motorcycle helmet is on, check for the following:
- The top of your head should be in contact with the helmet interior so that the top pad presses firmly against your head
- The cheek pads should make light to medium contact with your cheeks
- Now try and insert your fingers into the helmet. There should not be any space between your forehead and the helmet interior
- Try and rotate the helmet back and forth and to the right and left. The helmet should move your skin on your head and face as it moves. If the padding is moving over your head, then you need to try a smaller size
- Next, fasten your strap so that it is tight enough around your jaw without suffocating you. (You dont want your strap to be too loose when you are riding as the pressure of the wind could pull your helmet, and ultimately you, off the bike.) Then try and push the helmet off by placing your hands at the back of it. Once you've done this, try the same thing but from the front to the back
- Lastly, and it's pretty obvious, but I'll say it anyway - make sure that your are comfortable with your field of vision when the helmet is on
Taking Care of your Helmet
- Cleaning your helmet and visor after use will help extend its life
- It is important to take care in storing your helmet, as extreme temperatures will affect its durability
- Don't lave your motorcycle helmet lying on the mirror, as this may dent and damage the energy absorbing lining
- I would recommend buying in a helmet bag made of protective material (eg wet suit material)
- Protect your visor from scratches by keeping it in a soft bag
- Clean your helmet and visor with dishwashing liquid and water. Only use your hands and make sure that you rinse them well
- Think twice about painting or adding decorations like stickers to your helmet as the strength of the helmet shell can be weakened by solvents in paints and glues
UK Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards
All motorcycle helmets sold in the UK must conform to ECE 22-05 or the older British Standard 6658, otherwise known as Type A (blue label) or Type B (green label.) The price of Type A will be from £80 to over £400 and Type B labels will generally be under £120. Always try and buy Type A if you can afford it, as it means that it has been built for added protection and durability.
Also, these helmets are tested by the BSI (British Standards Institute) and must have the BSI kitemark on the label for it to be considered legal on British Roads.
The BSI standards are comprehensive and are generally accepted to be better than the American Dot and older European CE standards. You may also notice an ACU (Auto-Cycling Union) gold or silver badge on your helmet. This is the governing body of motosport in the British Isles, excl. Ireland. The gold badges generally match the Type A (blue labels) and the silver badges generally match the Type B (green labels.)
Legally, you are not required to have a visor, but if are going to buy one, make sure that it fits the BS 4110 ZA or YA test standards. If the visor does not have BS stamp, then it is not legal on British roads.
DONT FORGET! your motorcycle helmet could save your life! Dont cut corners on this one...