Finding a properly fitting motorcycle helmet is crucial for safety and comfort, and for riders with larger-than-average heads, the search can be a challenge. You need to look at motorcycle helmets for big heads.
The key isn’t just to find a large size, but to find a helmet that accounts for head shape as well. Here are some of the best motorcycle helmets for big heads that offer comfort, protection, and a range of styles.
How to Measure Your Head for a Motorcycle Helmet
Getting the right helmet fit starts with one measurement: the circumference of your head. Grab a flexible tape measure — the kind used for sewing works best. If you don’t have one, a piece of string and a ruler will do the job just as well.
Stand in front of a mirror and wrap the tape measure around your head, starting about an inch above your eyebrows, keeping it level across the middle of your forehead and around the widest part of the back of your skull. That’s typically the spot that sits just above your ears. Keep the tape snug but not tight — you’re measuring your head, not your hat size. Write that number down in both inches and centimeters, since helmet manufacturers use both depending on the brand.
Take the measurement two or three times to make sure you’re getting a consistent number. A half-centimeter difference between measurements is normal and nothing to worry about. If you get a bigger variation than that, re-check your tape position and try again.
Once you have your measurement, cross-reference it with the specific size chart for the helmet you’re buying — not a generic chart, the one published by that manufacturer. A medium in one brand is not a medium in another. Shoei, Arai, HJC, and AGV all size slightly differently, and the difference between a helmet that fits correctly and one that doesn’t can be a full size in either direction depending on the brand.
Head shape matters too. Most people are either round oval, intermediate oval, or long oval — meaning their head is roughly as wide as it is long, slightly longer than wide, or significantly longer than wide. Trying a helmet on before buying is always the best approach, but if you’re buying online, checking fit reviews from riders who mention their head shape alongside their measurements is the next best thing.
A properly fitting helmet should feel snug on all sides with no pressure points, and should not move independently when you shake your head.
The Best Motorcycle Helmets for People With Big Heads
1. Arai Signet-X
Arai is known for its meticulous attention to fit, and the Arai Signet-X is a top choice for riders with “long oval” head shapes. This means the helmet is designed to be longer front-to-back and narrower side-to-side, which is a common fit issue for many with large heads. It’s a premium, high-quality helmet with excellent ventilation and a plush, comfortable interior that can be adjusted for a more customized fit.
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2. Shoei RF-1400
The Shoei RF-1400 is a highly regarded all-around helmet that is also a great option for those who need a larger size. Shoei’s helmets are known for their comfortable “intermediate oval” head shape, which fits a wide range of riders. The RF-1400 is available in multiple shell sizes, which helps keep the overall helmet profile from looking disproportionately large, a common concern for bigger helmets. It’s also quiet, well-ventilated, and features a Pinlock anti-fog shield.
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3. HJC i10
For a more budget-friendly option, the HJC i10 consistently receives high praise from riders with larger heads. HJC is a brand that generally offers a good fit for “round oval” to “intermediate oval” head shapes and often provides a generous fit. The i10 is a simple, no-frills full-face helmet that provides excellent value and is available in sizes up to 5XL in some models, making it a reliable choice for a wide variety of riders.
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4. Bilt Nomad Modular Helmet
Bilt is a brand that has made a name for itself by offering an impressive range of sizes at an affordable price point. The Bilt Nomad Modular Helmet is a great choice for riders who need an extended size, with some models going up to 5XL. The modular design adds convenience, and the helmet is often lauded for its ability to fit larger, rounder head shapes where other helmets might be too tight.
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5. Schuberth C5
The Schuberth C5 is a premium modular helmet that is also a good option for those needing a larger size. Schuberth is a German brand known for its engineering and focus on a quiet, comfortable ride. The C5 is designed with an “intermediate oval” head shape and is available in a variety of sizes, often with a fit that is comfortable for those with a larger cranium. Its advanced features, including a new proprietary shell and a quiet design, make it a top-tier choice for touring riders.
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6. Bell Qualifier
Bell is a legacy brand in the motorcycling world, and the Bell Qualifier is a popular choice for its solid performance and accessible price. While it may not have the luxury features of some of the other helmets on this list, it’s known to fit a wide range of head shapes and is a good go-to for many riders who need a larger size. The Qualifier is available in sizes up to 3XL, and its simple design and various graphic options make it a versatile helmet for street riders.
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7. Icon Airflite
The Icon Airflite is a helmet for riders who want to make a statement with their style. Beyond its aggressive and unique look, the Airflite is also a practical choice for those with big heads, as it features a comfortable fit and is available in a 3XL size. Icon has a reputation for helmets that fit a “long oval” head shape well, and the Airflite’s internal sun visor and ample ventilation make it a functional and stylish choice.
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8. Scorpion EXO-T520
The Scorpion EXO-T520 is a full-face helmet that provides a great balance of features and affordability, and it’s another brand that offers larger sizes. Scorpion’s helmets are known for their “AirFit” cheek pad system, which allows riders to pump air into the cheek pads for a snug and customized fit, a huge plus for those who often find a helmet’s cheek pads to be too tight. The EXO-T520 is available up to 3XL.
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9. Klim Krios Pro
For riders who need a larger size in an adventure-touring helmet, the Klim Krios Pro is a high-end, lightweight option. Made with a carbon fiber shell, this helmet is designed to be extremely light while offering top-notch protection. It’s a great choice for those with an “intermediate oval” head shape who want a helmet with an external peak, a wide field of vision, and the ability to fit a larger size without feeling bulky.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Motorcycle Helmets for Big Heads
What size helmet do I need if my head measures over 60cm?
A head circumference of 60cm typically puts you at an XL in most brands, but the range varies enough that you shouldn’t assume. Arai’s XL runs from 60–61cm, Shoei’s from 59–60cm, and HJC’s from 60–61cm — same size label, meaningfully different fit. Always cross-reference your exact measurement against the specific brand’s size chart before ordering, and pay attention to whether a brand offers XXL or XXXL options if you’re measuring above 62cm. Several brands, including HJC and Bell, extend their sizing further than most.
Are there helmets specifically designed for larger head sizes?
Not many brands design specifically for large heads, but some accommodate them better than others. HJC, Bell, and Scorpion tend to carry wider size ranges and are frequently recommended in large-head rider communities for their more generous fit through the XL and XXL range. Arai and Shoei make excellent helmets but their extended sizes can be harder to find and are often a special order. If you’re consistently between sizes or finding that XL helmets fit everywhere except the temples or forehead, head shape — not just circumference — may be the issue.
Does head shape matter as much as head size?
It matters just as much and possibly more. A helmet that’s the right circumference but the wrong shape will create pressure points — typically at the temples for long oval heads wearing a round oval helmet, or across the forehead for round heads in a long oval shell. The three primary head shapes are round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. Shoei and HJC tend to fit intermediate oval heads well. Arai builds most of their helmets on a round oval shell. Bell and Scorpion lean intermediate to long oval. Getting the shape right eliminates the pressure point problem that gives large-head riders the most grief over long rides.
Why do so many helmets stop at XL?
It comes down to sales volume — the market for XXL and XXXL helmets is smaller, and tooling separate shell sizes is expensive. Most manufacturers build two or three shell sizes that cover their full range, which means XL and XXL often share a shell with L, adding only liner thickness to adjust the fit. This works reasonably well for some riders and poorly for others, depending on how the padding compression affects the internal geometry. Brands that invest in a dedicated large shell — rather than a padded-down medium-large shell — tend to produce noticeably better fits at the top of the size range.
Can I stretch a helmet that’s slightly too tight?
Within limits, yes — and it’s often the right move. New helmets are designed with break-in compression in mind. A helmet that feels snug but has no pressure points may loosen slightly over the first ten to fifteen hours of wear as the EPS liner and cheek pads conform to your head shape. A helmet with actual pressure points — spots that hurt within twenty minutes of wearing — is too small and won’t break in enough to fix the problem. The distinction between “snug” and “pressure point” is the most important judgment call in helmet fitting, and it’s one reason trying a helmet on before buying is worth the trip to a dealer.
