Understanding the right helmet size, especially for someone who has been riding for many years and has become rather familiar with what suits their body and what doesn’t, may seem trivial. But as a matter of fact, when choosing your new helmet, for example, you may be misled because you’re only used to your old one that now fits you like a glove…

So you must not only trust your infallible sixth sense, but also support your decision with more objective arguments! The circumference of your head, for example! Even if you’ve been wearing an L size helmet for many years and find it comfortable, are you sure that’s the right helmet size for you?

To dispel any doubt, the empirical method will help you! Proceed as follows: grab a tape measure and place it around your head at about 2 cm above your brow ridge; measure the widest area of the head by wrapping the tape in line with the temples, then on the rear of the skull and again towards the forehead. Done? Good. Take note of the precise measure (without rounding up or down) and compare it with the size chart below.

If in doubt, for example because your measure is in-between sizes, try on the helmet of the smaller size. You should do this because, as you certainly know, a helmet starts adjusting to the configuration of your face after wearing it for just a few hours. As a consequence, a helmet that feels slightly loose when you first wear it may prove to be too large after just a few weeks of use, thus compromising your safety.

Consider also the possibility of swapping the inner-lining for another in a smaller or larger size, where possible! This would allow you to perfectly customise your helmet for a perfect fit!

How do I choose the right helmet size?

This certainly is another interesting topic that has often been the subject of heated discussions between motorcyclists! Let’s start by clarifying a few points. All racing helmets are necessarily noisier than sport-touring helmets because they feature various air vents to ensure the right level of ventilation even in most intense usage conditions. Furthermore, speed is a factor that affects significantly the noise level, since the turbulence that forms around the helmet is directly proportional to the forward movement speed.

So, if you expect your top-of-the-range racing helmet to be noise-free at very high speeds (but don’t forget about the Highway Code!) you may be asking too much… Having clarified this different approach to the concept of noise, let’s move on and try to understand if there are variables we can act upon to limit it.

The type of motorcycle can actually determine a greater or lower turbulence on the helmet, thus affecting the noise you perceive. Naked motorcycles almost entirely expose motorcyclists to air, contrary to a maxi enduro, which may even feature an oversized windshield. Also, the posture while driving impacts the noise, since the position of the head determines a different coefficient of aerodynamic resistance. The same applies to the motorcyclist’s height.

As a matter of fact, the taller we are the more we stick out from that sort of aerodynamic “bubble” that forms while the motorcycle moves. The build of a motorcyclist can also affect the level of turbulence around the helmet. The shape and size of your face can have an effect as well. A sharper face in an M size helmet compared to a rounder face in the same size helmet could be exposed to a greater noise level because there is more space where turbulence may form, and also because it may not entirely adhere to the inner padding.

We’ll conclude by saying that, once you’ve identified the right helmet for you, as well as your motorcycle and your driving style, some simple adjustments may reduce the noise perceived and improve your driving experience, like mounting an aftermarket front fairing, purchasing an oversized windshield or simply remembering to use the Stop Wind (where provided) and a neckerchief. Great awareness of your posture on the motorcycle may give you some extra help to curb noise!

How to optimise helmet acoustic properties?

First of all by cleaning it! Our trusty friend does its best when clean, inside and out! In the long term, neglect may cause serious problems to your helmet. Thus avoid the bad habits mentioned below:

Leaving your helmet chained with a chain lock passing through the antitheft ring near the front/rear wheel

It’s easy to understand why such behaviour is profoundly wrong, but despite this helmets are often left laying on the ground, touching it from the side of the shell or with the lining. In addition to causing scratches and abrasions to the material, this breaks the most basic hygiene rules!

Putting the helmet down on the shell side

Even though this looks like standard practice, it can be dangerous! The helmet is actually quite unstable in this position and it may roll and hit the floor or fall from the motorcycle if put on the seat. Furthermore, resting it carelessly on a hard surface on shell side may damage an air vent, without mentioning possible scratches!

If you wish to change the outer appearance of your helmet, avoid colouring it with sprays or paints that may alter the shell, or applying objects that require the helmet to be pierced for them to be mounted. Untested paints actually risk changing the structure of the standard helmet paint, thus altering the safety and causing the product warranty to be invalidated.

Moreover, outer elements with industrial-type adhesive surfaces require a great deal of attention when removed from the shell at a later stage, as they could ruin the painting. On top of that, if problems arise, the right to the warranty ceases.

Obviously, exposing the helmet to temperatures above 50°, for example linked to direct heat sources, may ruin it. So steer clear of mufflers, stoves, burners, fireplaces, etc.

If you haven’t checked your helmet in a while, take a few minutes to do so. After all, it protects the most important part of your body!

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