Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet: Fit First, Everything Else Second
A helmet that does not fit cannot do its job, whatever it costs and whatever is printed on the box. Start with fit, then type, then certification, then comfort.
What a helmet is for
A motorcycle helmet is protective headgear worn by riders, and its main purpose is to protect the head during an impact. Everything else, including the paint, the vents and the sun visor, is secondary to that one task.
The main types
- Full face. Covers the whole head including the chin. The most coverage, and usually the quietest.
- Modular or flip-up. A full-face shape with a chin bar that hinges upward. Convenient at fuel stops; the hinge adds weight and complexity.
- Open face. Covers the top, back and sides, leaving the face and chin exposed.
- Half helmet. Covers the top of the head only. The least coverage of the group.
- Off-road and dual-sport. A long chin bar and a peak, designed for goggles and for lower speeds with more effort.
Getting the fit right
- Measure around your head just above the eyebrows and compare with the maker's size chart. Charts differ between brands, so measure again for each one.
- Put the helmet on and fasten the strap. It should feel snug all the way round, with the cheek pads pressing firmly but not painfully.
- Hold the helmet and try to turn it. Your skin should move with it. If the helmet slides over your head, it is too large.
- With the strap fastened, try to roll the helmet forward off your head from the back. It should not come off.
- Wear it in the shop for a good while. Pressure points on the forehead rarely improve with time, while cheek pads do soften a little.
Head shape matters as much as size. Some shells suit rounder heads and some suit longer ones. If one brand gives you a hot spot on the forehead in every size, try a different brand rather than a bigger size.
Certification marks
Different regions use different helmet standards, and the label inside or on the back of the helmet tells you which one it was tested against. Check which standard is legally required where you ride, and buy a helmet that carries it. A sticker alone proves little when buying from an unknown seller, which is one reason to buy from a retailer you can return it to.
Comfort features worth having
- A removable, washable liner.
- A visor that seals well and can be changed without tools.
- Vents you can operate with gloves on.
- Space for glasses, if you wear them. Take them to the fitting.
Looking after it
Clean the shell with mild soap and water; solvents can damage it. Do not hang it on a mirror, where the liner compresses. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on when to replace it, and replace it after any crash or hard drop even if it looks fine, because the protective liner can be crushed where you cannot see.
With a second-hand helmet you are relying on someone else's honesty. You cannot see hidden damage, so it is safer to buy new from a seller with a returns policy.
Revised 2026-11-12 · Jody Varnham