How To Tell If A Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Small?

Last Updated on January 3, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

When you wear a motorcycle helmet if it feels too tight and the helmet is pressing against your forehead then it means the helmet is too small for you. Moreover, if you can’t move your head freely while wearing the helmet then it is also an indication that the helmet is small for you.

Key Takeaways

• In order to get the perfect size helmet, you should measure the circumference of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows
• You must check the size chart that is inclosed by the helmet manufacturing company to get a clear idea
• You must try the helmet before making the final decision; the helmet should be snug but not too tight for comfort
• If you plan to wear the helmet with a hat or a beanie then you should choose the larger size helmet

Motorcycle Helmets Sizing Chart

Adult Size	Inches	Hat Size	CM
XXSmall	20 – 20.5	6 ⅜ – 6 ½	51-52
XSmall	20.87 – 21.26	6 ⅝ – 6 ¾	53-54
Small	21.65 – 22.05	6 ⅞ – 7	55-56
Medium	22.44 – 22.83	7 ⅛ – 7 ¼	57-58
Large	23.23 – 23.62	7 ⅜ – 7 ½	59-60
XLarge	24.02 – 24.41	7 ⅝ – 7 ¾	61-62
2XLarge	24.80 – 25.20	7 ⅞ – 8	63-64
3XLarge	25.60 – 26.00	8 ⅛ – 8 ¼	65-66
4XLarge	26.40 – 26.80	8 ⅜ – 8 ½	67-68
5XLarge	27 – 27.50	8 ⅝ – 8 ¾	69-70
Youth Size
Small	19.15 – 19.50		49-50
Medium	20.10 – 20.45		51-52
Large	20.87 – 21.26		53-54

How To Get The Right Size Of The Motorcycle Helmet?

To get the right size in a motorcycle helmet, you will have to consider some key aspects. This is important since it is not advisable to ride a motorcycle without this protective item. Also, a high level of quality in a motorcycle helmet could save your life. A large number of traffic accidents are fatal to motorcyclists.

The right helmet can reduce the chance of serious head injury. So, it’s a must to get the right helmet for you. Here, are five important things to consider if you want to enjoy the right motorcycle helmet. Besides, there are a variety of designs that can give you the right personality. 

1. Determining The Size Of The Helmet And The Size Of Your Head

In this case, you will have to measure your head to get the perfect helmet size. Here, you should start measuring your head exactly on your forehead above your eyebrows. This point will be useful to measure the entire circumference of your head.

You should also consult the helmet size chart of a specific manufacturer. In general, different size charts are not usually the same among all helmet brands.

Of course, all these sizes are similar to each other. A large number of motorcyclists already have a certain favorite brand. In particular, today you can find a lot of options with different characteristics and advantages. Once you can get the right helmet size the next choice will be much easier.

In turn, the motorcycle helmet must provide the appropriate characteristics to maintain its optimal physical integrity. The materials used in the manufacture of a helmet must be of the highest quality. In particular, a helmet that is too hard is not recommended as this may have little impact absorption.

Also, it is necessary to consider that there is a great variety of designs that can be adapted to the personality of each person. So, if you have a very powerful motorcycle it is not recommended to have a basic and poor-quality helmet. This way your helmet will be asymmetrical with your motorcycle.

2. Determine The Appropriate Helmet Design

As we have mentioned, you will find too wide a variety in the design and shape of a helmet. This is necessary not only for the appearance of the helmet but also for the shape. In general, motorcyclists’ heads do not have the same shape. So, the helmet manufacturer must consider this aspect within the variety of models he can offer.

Even some heads that are the same size may not use the same particular helmet. This happens because in the measurement the results of the two heads are the same. However, the shape of each head prevents anyone from wearing a particular helmet. So, it is necessary to consider the specific appearance of a helmet to find the best option.

In these times, it is possible to find a narrow or oval design of the helmet on one side. There are different shapes of helmets to offer some type of helmet to all the motorcyclists that exist today.

Another well-known form is the intermediate design or neutral form of a helmet. In particular, this design is the most universal among those existing in the market.

Also, other helmets have a round design for those with really round heads. To know the perfect type of helmet for you, you must have a mirror. Here, an oval helmet will be the best option if your head is long and narrow. On the other hand, the intermediate option would be the most appropriate if you are not sure of the size of your head.

3. Test The Helmet

Testing the helmet is one of the most important steps you will have to take to acquire the perfect model. You can start by placing it on your head and pulling the chin straps out. This way, you can widen the helmet so you can put it on. In this case, it is important to consider all the aspects we have taken into account regarding firmness and comfort.

Once you have put the helmet on, you should try to move it to different sides. If the helmet turns too easily, then it means the size is too big. In particular, the helmet should turn very hard and find resistance in the forehead skin. If you can feel a good level of comfort and firmness at the same time, then it is the right helmet.

You can also make upward and downward movements to continue to test the firmness of the helmet. In this way, you will be able to take full advantage of your new helmet. This is very important since the right helmet will protect you even more from a traffic accident. In particular, the pressure exerted by the helmet should be uniform throughout your head.

Additionally, we can consider that many of today’s helmets include pads to protect the driver’s cheeks. In this case, these pads can be customized to obtain better use of these components. So, your helmet should not only be firm and comfortable on your forehead but also on your cheeks.

In this case, it is necessary to consider that helmets often break over time. So, to take advantage of the whole life of this protection element, you must get the right size. Even in case of a traffic accident, you should not continue to use the same helmet. Here, the damage produced drastically reduces the level of protection for your head.

4. Checking Helmet Retention

Another necessary step you should take is to check that the helmet you have chosen is correct. You can start by fastening the chin strap. When this strap is fastened correctly, you can continue. At the same time, the helmet must be worn correctly and you must keep your head steady at all times.

To put your helmet on correctly, you must pull the bottom edge of the helmet down. If you try to remove the helmet and it comes off, then the size would be too large.

In this case, your helmet should remain steady despite your attempts to remove it. If you are in a traffic accident, the impacts you have suffered could remove your helmet before the most significant impact.

That is why checking the retention of the helmet is one of the most important steps. So, if your helmet is too big, you can have it checked by a smaller workshop. If the helmet is still too big, then you can continue to test the smaller sizes. Of course, in these cases, you will have to go back to the previous step to find the correct helmet size.

5. Walking With A Helmet On

Finally, you should walk with your helmet on to check that the comfort and firmness are balanced. If you use or decide to use glasses when riding your motorcycle, you should wear them. This way, you can make sure you can wear the glasses with the helmet on your head. You should consider that not all helmets are ideal for use with glasses.

In particular, it is recommended that you keep your helmet on for about 10 minutes. That way, you will be able to tell if there are pressure points on your head. If this happens, then you should consider another size of helmet. In particular, the size may be the right one so you should consider another shape for your helmet.

Next, you should get on a motorcycle similar to yours. In this case, it is not necessary to ride your motorcycle yet. You should simply get on a motorcycle and turn your head to either side. The most important thing is to detect if you have proper mobility and comfort. Red spots may appear on one side of your face if the helmet is pressing too hard.

You also need to consider that the helmet can break and compress over time. After wearing your helmet for a few hours, it will then begin to adapt to the shape of your head. So, after about 4 hours the helmet should feel comfortable and fit the driver’s head.

The life of a good-quality helmet is about four or five years. Of course, the helmet should not suffer any kind of blow or accident. If this happens then you should replace your helmet with a new one. It is very important to get the right helmet so that your head is not damaged in any way.

References:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-buy-and-size-a-motorcycle-helmet

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/new-rider/choosing-kit/2012/january/proper-helmet-fitment/