Tag: Motorcycle Helmet

Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Helmets

Note: The latest motorcycle helmet articles appear near the bottom of this page. 

The most important piece of motorcycle gear you can own is your motorcycle helmet. Why? It’s simple it protects your brain, and well, without your brain, you’re not riding anywhere. I will always advocate for you to wear a motorcycle helmet. 

I live in a state where helmets are not required equipment for a motorcyclist, but I still wear one every time. I recommend the “All The Gear, All The Time” philosophy, but if I’m being 100 percent honest, I don’t always wear all of my gear, but I never throw a leg over a bike without a helmet on. You shouldn’t either. Make sure to wear a motorcycle helmet every time you get on a bike. 

Here you’ll find tons of information about motorcycle helmets, including the best helmets, the types of helmets, a history of motorcycle helmets, and much more. Let’s dive in. 

Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Helmet?

The basic answer to this question is safety. According to numerous studies, motorcycle helmets do a lot to protect you, including reducing the risk of head injury by 69 percent and the risk of death by 42 percent. The simple fact of the matter is that a motorcycle helmet could save your life. 

Thousands of people every year die in motorcycle accidents. Oftentimes, those accidents are not their fault, meaning the motorcyclist didn’t do anything wrong and was hit by a driver in a car, SUV, or truck. Don’t take a chance. If you ride without a helmet, no matter how good of a rider you are, you’re putting yourself at risk unnecessarily. 

The risk of injury or death when riding a motorcycle will never be zero and we all know that, but risk can be greatly reduced by wearing a helmet. And not just some of the time, but all of the time. 

Also, motorcycle helmets protect you from the elements. Yep, it’s not all about protection from an accident. Wind, rain, and other types of weather can wreak havoc on your hearing, eyes, skin, and more. A helmet can’t completely mitigate these issues, but it will help. Ultimately a motorcycle helmet will just make your ride more comfortable and better. 

The next time you go for a motorcycle ride, be sure to put on a helmet, and if you don’t have a motorcycle helmet, I have plenty of great suggestions for you. 

Types of Motorcycle Helmets

As you probably know, not all motorcycle helmets are the same. There are several different types of motorcycle helmets. While the absolute best type of motorcycle helmet comes down to personal preference, I will say that the different types do have different things they’re good at. 

Full-face helmets, for example, offer the best in terms of safety and protection from the elements. But before I get into specifics about the different types of helmets out there, let’s list all of them. 

• Full-Face Helmets
• Modular Helmets
• Dual Sport Helmets
• Open Face Helmets
• Half Helmets

Let’s get into the specifics of each type of motorcycle helmet and what makes them special. 

Full-Face Helmets

Full-face helmets in my mind are the best all-around helmet option out there. You get supreme safety and protection from the elements, plenty of cool styles to choose from, high levels of comfort, and a lot of great features. There are also plenty of excellent options out there at various price points. 

Full-face helmets are defined as helmets that cover the entire head. Protection goes from the base of the skull around the entire head and then over the face and chin. There’s a cutout around the eyes and nose that is then covered by a visor.

See the latest articles on this type of helmet.

Modular or Flip-Up Helmets

Modular helmets are honestly my favorite type of helmet out there. They offer the high levels of protection and comfort that a full-face helmet does with similar styles to boot, but they are more versatile and provide more ways for you to wear the helmet, which in some cases depending on the weather can actually make them more comfortable. 

Modular helmets come in many different unique designs, but they are all defined by one key characteristic, the chin protection area—often called the chin bar—flips up and out of the way so the rider’s face can be exposed. This makes them easy to wear like an open-face helmet and also makes these helmets especially easy to take on and off. 

See the latest articles on this type of helmet.

Dual Sport, Adventure, and Dirt Bike Helmets

Dual sport and dirt bike helmets are helmets designed for riding an off-road motorcycle. They feature a similar full-face design but are specially formulated so that dirt riders can comfortably wear them. They are usually extremely lightweight and are designed to optimize airflow for the rider because riding off-road can get extremely hot and is very active. 

Dual sport helmets are similar in style to dirt bike helmets, but true dirt bike helmets don’t have any road-going features. However, dual sport helmets offer some elements of other full-face or modular helmets. This is especially true for adventure motorcycle helmets which need to have a lot of on-road features because adventure riders spend as much time on the street or touring on highways as they do on trails and dirt roads. 

See the latest articles on this type of helmet. 

Open-Face Helmets

Open-face helmets are especially popular in the cruiser motorcycle rider crowd. Many of them are sorta old-school and I would say that many cruiser motorcycles are also old-school. However, there are very modern versions, and you don’t have to be a cruiser rider to wear one. 

Open-face helmets are defined as helmets that do not have a chin bar that covers the riders face. These helmets can have a clear visor that helps protect the rider from wind or the elements. There are an extremely wide variety of open-face helmets out there. And they’re extremely popular because of this versatility. Personally, I think every rider should have an open-face helmet in their shed or garage. There’s nothing better than cruising around on a nice in one of these helmets. 

See the latest articles on this type of helmet.

Half Helmets

Last but certainly not least, I have to talk about half helmets. These are actually a type of open-face, but they provide helmet protection to even less of the head. Again, these are common choices for cruiser riders who really want to feel the wind in their hair or hate wearing a helmet and want to wear the smallest one they can find. 

I have worn a few half helmets in my day and I have been mostly unimpressed. However, I know plenty of riders who love these helmets, and I can recognize that what I like not everyone is going to like. So, for the right rider, this is the right helmet. 

See the latest articles on this type of helmet.

What to Look for in a Motorcycle Helmet

Now that we’ve covered the types of motorcycle helmets available out there, you can start to think about what you should look for in a helmet that you’re thinking of buying. 

Safety

First and foremost, I’d say safety is the most important aspect of any helmet. While full-face helmets offer the safest option, even open-face helmets can give you a good level of safety. You want to find a helmet that has a polycarbonate or fiberglass or carbon fiber shell and an EPS liner inside of it. Avoid brand names you don’t recognize, and look up the safety certifications of the helmet before buying. 

There are numerous helmet safety certifications out there. DOT is for the United States and is the bare minimum that a helmet has to have to be legal in the U.S. ECE is for Europe and some other parts of the world. Then there’s Snell, which is primarily for racing helmets. Lastly, I’d point to FIM, which has especially stringent helmet safety ratings. Helmets that meet FIM standards are typically the best. This doesn’t mean a helmet with just DOT certification is a bad helmet, but you just need to read up on the helmet and its attributes. 

Fit and Comfort

Aside from the shell and EPS layer, helmets have a lot of other stuff to make them fit right and feel comfortable on your head. You should look for a helmet with a comfort liner that is removable and washable. It should also have good cheek pads that are also removable and washable. Lastly, things like chin guards, breath deflectors, and sun visors can add to the comfort levels of a helmet. Generally, a helmet with all of those things will be a comfortable helmet if it fits your head shape. 

Head shape is the next thing that you need to think about and it arguably has the biggest impact on your overall comfort because it will keep you from having pressure in any one area. There are three different head shape types that motorcycle helmets are divided up into the following: round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. Most of us will fall into the intermediate oval category. However, if you have a round oval or long oval head shape, you really need to make sure you buy a helmet properly shaped for your head. A good helmet seller will have this information readily available. 

Price

Price is the last thing you have to consider. Obviously, if you didn’t have to consider this, we’d all just be wearing the most expensive helmet you can find. Price is a big concern. The good news is that there are tons of great helmets out there at all price points. 

I would say you’ll need to spend at least $100 on a motorcycle helmet. Otherwise, you’re likely getting a piece of junk. However, if you keep an eye on my deals and discounts posts, you’ll likely find some good options for less from time to time. 

Motorcycle Helmet Should Fit

When searching for a motorcycle helmet, it is important to ensure that it fits properly. A helmet that is too big or too small can leave you uncomfortable and unsafe on the road. Here is how to find the perfect fit for your motorcycle helmet.

Measure Your Head

Before you go shopping, measure the circumference of your head with a cloth measuring tape. This will help you determine which helmet size you need.

Look For a Snug Fit

When you try on the helmet, it should fit snugly but not too tight. It should be able to move slightly as you move your head. If you are able to move the helmet more than one or two inches, then it is too big.

Check the Cheek Pads

The cheek pads should fit comfortably against your cheeks. You should not feel any pinching or discomfort. If the pads tend to push your cheeks up and you can’t breathe comfortably, then the helmet is too small.

Test Out the Chin Strap

The chin strap should be adjusted so that it fits snugly and securely under your chin. It should not be too tight or too loose.

Test Out the Visor

The visor should fit securely and should not move when you open and close it. It should not block your vision in any way.

Finding the right helmet fit is essential to ensure your safety while riding a motorcycle. By following these steps, you can find the perfect fit and make sure you are comfortable and safe on the road.

Best Helmets You Can Buy

People often ask me “what’s the best helmet to buy?” This is hard to answer without having a clear idea of how the person rides and what they plan to do. Someone riding across the country on a cruiser is going to need a very different helmet from someone who rides five miles to work every day. 

With that in mind, I will say the best helmet you can buy is the safest one you can easily afford that’s designed for the type of riding you want to do. I have a lot of articles about the best kinds of helmets out there. Below you’ll find a list of some of these articles. 

• The Best Cafe Racer Helmets
• The Best Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets
• The Best Sportbike Motorcycle Helmets
• The Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets
• The Best Dirt Bike Helmets

I often publish new articles about great helmets and that means I would check back often for other motorcycle helmet lists, reviews, and news. 

Best Motorcycle Helmet Brands

As I mentioned above, if I were you, I’d stick to the best motorcycle helmet brands. What does this mean? It means brands that have a strong track record for designing and building quality products with excellent reviews from both the press and customers. 

Here’s a list of some of the brands I personally interact with and trust:

• AGV
• Arai
• Bell
• Biltwell
• Fly Racing
• HJC
• Icon
• Klim
• LS2
• Nexx
• Nolan
• Scorpion
• Sedici
• Sena
• Shoei

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you’d like to see a full list of brands that I know and trust, I suggest you check out the page I created for motorcycle gear brands. 

Motorcycle Helmet History

The crash helmet history really starts in 1914 when a doctor (Dr. Eric Gardner) noticed a lot of head injuries in motorcycle riders. He worked with a man named Mr. Moss of Bethnal Green to create an early version of the helmet. 

This helmet was presented to the Auto-Cycle Union but wasn’t liked much by the members. However, later that year, it was decided that riders of the Isle of Man TT races should wear them. 

It wasn’t until 1935 that helmets really became a thing, though. That was when T.E. Lawrence, the famed war hero, died while riding a motorcycle. He crashed while trying to avoid other people on the road. He went over the handlebars and had he been wearing a crash helmet, he might have survived, according to the Welsh government. 

While Lawrence’s crash brought the helmet into the limelight, there was still a long way to go before there were truly good motorcycle helmets. The next milestone is a 1953 patent for a motorcycle helmet. It was the first specifically for a motorcycle. In 1954, the first motorcycle helmet featuring a special fiber shell was made by AGV. In 1957 Snell started after a tragic auto racing accident. 

In 1966 there was the American National Safety Standard of Motorcycle Helmets, which was the first example of homologation. Then in 1967, Giacomo Agostini competed in a Grand Prix with a full-face helmet, and things really got rolling. 

In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, there were more and more countries insisting on the use of helmets by riders. Since then, those battles about laws have continued. In the U.S., for example, some states require a helmet and some don’t. 

Motorcycle technology has greatly evolved. What started as little more than a metal or fiberglass shell with a slightly softer interior has changed to highly complex shell materials and multi-layer EPS interior liners to keep people’s heads safe. Today’s helmets are highly complex and there are several safety organizations and standards.

As I mentioned above, FIM’s standard is the most stringent and DOT is what’s required for the U.S. At the very least, you need a helmet that is DOT certified. Anything else is great, but if you really want a supremely safe helmet. Get one with a FIM or Snell rating. 

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle riders are required by law to wear a helmet in some states but not all. Also, some states have age requirements for helmets. So, a rider under a certain age, will be required to wear a helmet whereas a rider above that age won’t. This also varies by state. 

Motorcycle helmet laws constantly change as lobbyists and citizens and state legislatures battle it out. Some people argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and that it should be up to the person and not the state to make that decision. Others say that in the interest of public safety and in order to keep insurance rates at reasonable costs, helmets should be required for all riders. 

Personally, I don’t care if helmets are required by law or not. I think you should always wear one. Whether or not the law says you have to doesn’t factor into my decision-making. I don’t care if a state requires one or not, I’m going to wear a helmet every time I get on a bike, and I think you should too. 

If you want to learn what states require a motorcycle helmet and what ones don’t, you can check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list. The IIHS keeps a detailed list of all states and the relevant helmet laws. I would still check the government website of the state you plan to ride in to be sure, but the IIHS list is a good place to start. 

Where to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

Knowing where to buy a motorcycle helmet is easy. You can go to a local motorcycle dealership and get one of the helmets they have in stock. You can also shop online for a motorcycle helmet. 

I recommend shopping online. The reason for this is that you have a wider selection. Shopping in person is great if the dealership or gear seller has what you’re looking for, but online shopping allows you to read a lot of reviews, product details, and see images and videos of the helmet before purchasing. All of this stuff is great if you’re looking for the perfect helmet. 

If you don’t know where to shop online, here’s a list of online retailers I recommend:

• Amazon
• Revzilla
• Cycle Gear
• J&P Cycles
• eBay

A few notes on the retailers above. If you’re shopping at Amazon or eBay, just note that these are general retailers, meaning they’re not specialized in motorcycle gear. Because of this, you’ll often find a lot of sub-par helmets in the product listings. You’ll also find plenty of great helmets from brands like Shoei, HJC, and Arai. Before you shop at Amazon or eBay, make sure to go to these sites knowing what you’re looking for. 

As for Revzilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles, these are motorcycle-specific online retailers. These guys know their stuff, and generally, don’t carry much junk in their inventories. You can trust the reviews and information you find on these sites, and the customer service is generally on-point. If you have questions or concerns about a helmet before buying it, call them and speak with someone who knows the products intimately.