How Should a Motorcycle Helmet Fit?
You can get a blister from wear and tear on your shoes. If your shirt doesn’t fit right, you’re going to look pretty silly, and if your hat is the wrong size, you’re going to look stupid. Similar is the case with a motorcycle helmet. But here we guide you on How Should A Motorcycle Helmet Fit.
Several studies have indicated that up to 25 percent of riders wear incorrect-sized helmets. In other words, what is the best way to determine if your motorcycle helmet fits properly? We will address these questions in the following article.
How Should a Motorcycle Helmet Fit?
It is a terrible thing to do. Motorcycle helmets that are the wrong size can be truly dangerous, no matter how small or large they are. If you wear a helmet that is too large, it can fall off in an accident, while a helmet that is too small can cause damage to your eyes or cause headaches.
What about a helmet that is too small?
To fit a motorcycle helmet properly, follow these steps:
- Taking the helmet off completely should require the use of its straps.
- If you are wearing a helmet, it should fit snugly but not be so tight that you experience pain or discomfort.
- The helmet should be placed on your head so that it puts pressure relatively evenly on its surface.
- The helmet must remain centered on your head when you move your head or rotate your neck.
- As a cyclist, your helmet speakers should not press against your face uncomfortably using a helmet communication system.
- By moving or swapping your cheek pads, you can adjust fit on most helmets, but be sure it fits correctly on the crown and forehead first.
- A new helmet (which you should always buy) may not feel entirely comfortable at first, but hopefully, you’ll get used to it over time. Your head’s general shape plays a vital role in finding the right helmet. Getting a better understanding of your head shape will help you accomplish that.
Finding the Right Motorcycle Helmet Shape
It is first essential to determine what helmet shape will fit your head shape when choosing a motorcycle helmet. The following are the three most common types of helmets:
It is a relatively long and narrow oval.

- It is a simple shape that approximately the same in length and width
- Oval shape: Circular in shape, roughly the same size on both sides
- An excellent way to know your head shape is to check it. The most common shape is the medium oval. You can do this comically simply: ask another person to stand over your head and feel for your head shape while you are seated. Take a photo of that person from above if they cannot tell.
Measuring Your Head
After you have determined your head’s actual dimensions, you are ready to get an accurate quote. You should have someone else do this for you, much like when you determined your head shape. If possible, ask the person in step three to stay and measure with a tailor’s tape measure. Use the following method to have someone measure the circumference of your head:
- You should wrap your head around the tape measure. As you wrap the tape measure around your head, keep it an inch above your ears and also measure an inch above your eyebrows.
- The other person should record the measurement.
- Take the subsequent larger measurement (or two if necessary).
Finding Your Size
As we are answering the most confusing question, how should a motorcycle helmet fit? You’ll need to check your measurements against the sizing chart from a manufacturer once you’ve taken them. Select a motorcycle helmet brand you like and observe their helmet sizing chart to determine what size to buy. Any reputable website that sells motorcycle helmets should have easy access to this information.

The helmet sizing chart will differ depending on the manufacturer. You should check the size chart for each brand when considering options from different brands.
Evaluating How a Motorcycle Helmet Fits
The only way to determine whether a motorcycle helmet fits appropriately will be to try it on yourself. Motorcycle dealerships and stores may allow you to try on helmets. You can also order online and try one on at home. Be sure to consider the standards and other factors we discussed in our discussion of helmet fit:
Are there ventilation features on the helmet? Are there any air currents, or does the room feel stuffy? Is the helmet comfortable to wear over your glasses while you are riding? Does your helmet feel comfortable enough to wear for at least 10 minutes?
What is the DOT approval of the helmet? It is necessary to satisfy this standard. However, it is better to choose a model that is Snell- or ECE-approved.
Would you like to know more about how a motorcycle helmet should fit and what to look for when buying one? We’ve listed the pros and cons of each type of motorcycle helmet in our guide to motorcycle helmet types, so go check it out!
Why Fit Matters
The fit matters a lot that why many riders remain confused about how should a motorcycle helmet fit? As well as protecting you from impacts, helmet fit is crucial for a variety of other factors that affect your riding experience.
The following are some benefits of wearing a motorcycle helmet:

- At high speeds, minimize helmet lift
- Helmet shifting is significantly reduced or eliminated while riding
- To make the room more comfortable, maximize airflow and ventilation
- Eliminate condensation and fog
Helmet Fit Test
To determine whether a helmet is fitting correctly or not, there are several things you can do. Having the rider take the helmet off, secure the chin strap, and then tighten it before any fitment is performed works best for us in our shop.
Grasp the leading edges of the helmet (chin bar of a full-face helmet or 3/4 or half helmet) after tightening the chin strap to a comfortable level.
You should always point your head straight forward, and you should move the helmet from left to right and from up to down.
Tips For Measuring For Helmet Size
A helmet needs to be measured for size before ordering to ensure it fits properly. If you do not have seamstress tape, try wrapping non-elastic string, rope, etc., around your head after measuring the circumference. Lay this down, along with a tape measure, to determine the circumference.
Take your measurements from 1″ above your eyebrows, then the most significant part of your back.
During your measurement, be sure the tape is not too tight but snug enough to measure accurately. There should be just enough slack between the tape measure and your scalp that an average ballpoint could fit in between.
Fitted hat sizes can serve as a general measurement guide. The more you measure for size, the more precise your measurements will be
Helmets should tend to pull the head in the direction in which you are pulling and rebound back to its original position when you release the pull.
Final Thought
Finally, you have read the complete guide on how should motorcycle helmet should fit. This info article will help you upgrade your knowledge to choose the best fit helmet. If you still have any queries in your mind, don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section.