Motorcycle riding is a thrilling experience for many people. Imagine yourself on your favorite bike, riding at high speeds with the breeze grazing your soft skin. Bike riding is a symbolic representation of one’s freedom. Further, the journey opens many doors for riders to discover themselves as a different individual altogether.
Therefore, to experience the complete package of riding a bike, it is vital to be prepared with the proper equipment required to endure this breathtaking adventure. One such tool is a motorcycle helmet. To find the best one for yourself, you need to consider an array of factors.
Helpful Pointers For Finding The Best Helmet
To acquire the best fitting helmet for your ride, you must take into account a few elements, which play a significant role in determining the accurate size for you. A rule of thumb is to try different models before selecting one, as this is the preliminary step towards ensuring your safety on the ride.
1. Style Of The Helmet
The first and foremost thing for you to decide is the type and style of the helmet you want. Motorcycle riders are presented with a plethora of helmet models. Thus, often many riders are confused about where to start due to the availability of diverse options.
Below are the five most common types of helmets that any rider should know. This will help them decide how to measure for a motorcycle helmet. A helpful tip to remember is that as the design varies, the sizes also vary due to the helmet’s overall look.
a. Open Helmet
The first type of helmet is often referred to as the open helmet. Also known as the half helmet, this type allows plenty of air-flow, as the back of the rider’s head is covered. Thus, these are frequently worn by cruisers, etc.
b. Full Face Helmet
The next type of helmet is the full-face helmet. As the name suggests, they cover the rider’s entire face and are considered the best in offering protection to the rider during the colossal journey.
c. Dual Sport Helmets
If you are more interested in adventure and thrilling activities, you should invest in a good quality ADV or dual sport helmet. These helmets are an excellent fit for riding along hiking trails or even for regular street riding. They are a perfect addition in terms of breathability, visibility, etc.
d. Dirt Helmets
Dirt helmets are exclusively designed for off-road motorcycle riding. Highlighted for being lightweight, they are meant for riders who are not keen about street riding.
e. Modular Helmets
The last but not the least type of helmet is the modular helmet. This is a crossbreed between an open helmet as well as a full-face helmet. Thus, it allows users to be dynamic and versatile. This is because the helmet can be adjusted according to the prevailing situations faced by the rider.
2. Shape
Once you decide the type of helmet, the next step requires you to understand the exact form of your head. In order to ensure the precise fitting of your riding helmet, you need to determine your head shape.
A key point to remember is that every helmet manufacturer customizes their helmets according to a specific head type. These shapes range in three broad categories i.e., round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval.
a. Round Oval Head Shape
If you fall under this category, your head is more similar to a sphere. In short, it means that the width and length are almost equal to each other. These are less common amongst riders in today’s world.
b. Intermediate Oval Head Shape
On the contrary, this category is common amongst most riders. It depicts the fact that most people tend to have a slightly longer oval head. Compared to the Round Oval head shape, this shape’s length and width vary, but there is no significant difference between them.
c. Long Oval Head Shape
The last category is the Long Oval head shape. If you fall under this category, then you are more likely to have a head that is long as well as thin. Think of it to be similar to a wide football.
Many people often ask how to measure for a motorcycle helmet. Well, one of the tips is to take a picture of the top part of your head. Then, inspect it, and try to understand its form. Accordingly, you can purchase your helmet depending upon the category of your head shape.
d. Size
Now that you’ve decided the type as well as determined your head shape, the final step in learning how to measure for a motorcycle helmet is to look and understand the size of the actual helmet. An important tip is to remember that head sizes differ amongst riders. So, don’t worry if your friend’s helmet does not fit you. Try looking for one that suits you well.
Many riders often use a measuring or tailoring tape to understand how to measure for a motorcycle helmet. To achieve this, try following this simple hack mentioned below.
Firstly, take your tape, and wrap it around your entire head. This will give you the approximate circumference of your head. Make sure you remember to cover the regions above your eyebrow and the back of your head.
Then, take a look at a motorcycle helmet sizing chart, and understand the right fit for you, accordingly. The last step is to purchase a helmet that is apt to the measured size.
Conclusion
Overall, in order to truly learn how to measure for a motorcycle helmet, try following the aforementioned tips to figuring out the correct size for you. Another helpful thing to do is to try on the sized helmet and leave it on for at least half an hour.
Once you have thoroughly worn the helmet, adjust and alter it depending upon any discomfort you face.
Thus, with the help of these small tips and tricks, you are surely going to benefit from a perfectly-sized helmet for your next big journey on the road to self-discovery.
Kenneth Campbell is our writer at Motorcycle Larry and he is one of the most efficient individuals in the office. He is a graduate of Wisconsin University where he studied engineering. His love for motorbikes encouraged him to take up the course. Kenneth is highly knowledgeable and up-to-date when it comes to bikes.