How To Make a Motorcycle Helmet Fit Better? Detailed Guide
Get ready to experience comfort like never before with a properly fitting motorcycle helmet.
Do you often find yourself facing discomfort and pressure points while riding with your motorcycle helmet? This is a common issue faced by many riders. I, myself, have faced this problem numerous times.
If you’re wondering how to make a motorcycle helmet fit better? adjusting the fit is the solution you need. It’s important to understand that simple tweaks, such as adding or removing padding and adjusting the chin strap, can significantly improve comfort and ensure a better fit. So, don’t hesitate to make these adjustments to get the most out of your helmet!
Keep reading to learn the detailed steps to make a motorcycle helmet fit better and experience the freedom and comfort of a perfectly fitting helmet.
Table of Contents
How to Make a Motorcycle Helmet Fit Better: Step-By-Step Guide
Motorcycle helmets are crucial safety gear that can protect your head from injuries during accidents.
However, a poorly fitting helmet can compromise its ability to protect you and cause discomfort and distractions while riding.
This comprehensive guide will show you how to make your motorcycle helmet fit better and improve your safety and comfort.
Step 1: Measure Your Head
The first step in finding the right helmet fit is to measure your head. Use a soft tape to measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and ears. This measurement will help you select the appropriate helmet size.
Step 2: Try on the Helmet
Once you’ve selected the appropriate size, try on the helmet. Ensure it sits level on your head, with the chin strap snugly secured. The helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight, with no gaps between the helmet and your head.
Step 3: Check for Proper Fit
With the helmet on, perform a few checks to ensure it fits properly. The helmet should not move or shift on your head, and you should be able to comfortably move your head and neck.
Additionally, make sure the helmet does not put too much pressure on any one part of your head.
Step 4: Adjust the Padding
Adjust the padding if the helmet feels too loose or has gaps between the helmet and your head. Most helmets come with removable padding that can be adjusted to provide a better fit.
Ensure the padding is snug but not too tight and that there are no gaps between the padding and your head.
Step 5: Adjust the Straps
Adjust the straps if the helmet is moving or shifting on your head. The chin strap should be snugly secured with no slack.
The side straps should also be adjusted so that the helmet sits level on your head.
Best Helmet Fit Accessories to Improve the Fit of Your Motorcycle Helmet
If your helmet is slightly loose, you can use helmet-fit accessories to improve the fit. Here are some of the best helmet-fit accessories:
Cheek pads
Cheek pads can help fill gaps between your cheeks and the helmet’s interior, ensuring a snug fit.
Cheek pads are made from foam or other soft materials to provide a comfortable fit and absorb impact forces in the event of an accident.
They can also reduce wind noise and other external sounds while riding, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Helmet Liners
Helmet liners can help you adjust the helmet’s fit according to your head shape and size.
Helmet liners help you adjust your helmet’s fit to your head shape and size, providing comfort, insulation, and anti-microbial properties to protect against bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Chin Curtains
Chin curtains can help reduce wind noise and prevent wind from entering the helmet, making the ride more comfortable.
Chin curtains are a stylish addition to a motorcycle helmet that creates a barrier between the rider’s chin and the wind, reducing the amount of cold air that enters the helmet and making the ride more comfortable in colder weather conditions.
They come in various materials, colors, and designs, allowing riders to personalize their helmets to their tastes.
Not all motorcycle helmets come with chin curtains, so it is recommended to check the specifications of the helmet before making a purchase. Additionally, some riders may prefer alternative methods for reducing wind noise and turbulence.
Breath Guards
Breath guards can help reduce fogging of the helmet visor, improving visibility. Breath guards are a specially designed accessory that can be attached to the interior of a motorcycle helmet.
They are made of soft, flexible materials that can conform to the shape of the rider’s face, creating a seal that helps prevent breath from escaping upwards toward the visor.
They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of helmets and rider preferences, ranging from easily removable to integrated into the helmet lining. They provide a simple and effective way to enhance the safety and comfort of a motorcycle ride.
The Importance of Helmet Fit for Safety While Riding a Motorcycle
A helmet is critical safety equipment that protects the head and brain during a motorcycle accident.
However, wearing a helmet is not enough; it must fit correctly to prevent injuries. Here are some reasons why helmet fit is essential for your safety while riding a motorcycle:
Protection from Head Injuries
A correctly fitting helmet is designed to absorb impact forces and distribute them evenly over the helmet’s surface, reducing the risk of serious head injuries in the event of a crash.
A too-loose helmet can easily come off during a crash, exposing your head to potential injuries.
Prevents Distraction
A loose or ill-fitting helmet can move around during a ride, causing distractions that can lead to accidents.
For instance, a helmet that slides down over the eyes or obstructs your vision can lead to poor judgment, making it difficult to see and react to hazards on the road.
A correctly fitting helmet stays in place, allowing you to focus on the road ahead and react promptly to potential dangers.
Better Visibility
A correctly fitting helmet ensures a clear line of sight, allowing you to see and react to your surroundings while riding.
An ill-fitting helmet can obstruct your peripheral vision, reducing your awareness of other road users and potential hazards. A properly fitting helmet should not obstruct your vision, ensuring maximum visibility while riding.
Comfort
A comfortable helmet is crucial for a more enjoyable and less tiring riding experience.
A too-tight or loose helmet can cause discomfort, leading to fatigue, headaches, and other discomforts that can affect your ability to concentrate on the road.
A helmet that fits correctly provides a snug yet comfortable fit, ensuring you can ride for extended periods without discomfort.
How to Break in a Motorcycle Helmet
- A new helmet can take time to break in and become more comfortable. Here are some tips to help you break in your helmet:
- Wear the helmet around the house for short periods.
- Use a hairdryer on the low heat setting to warm up the helmet’s interior and soften the padding.
- Take the helmet for short rides to help it conform to the shape of your head.
- Avoid leaving the helmet in direct sunlight or a hot car, as this can cause the interior padding to break down.
When to Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet
Ensuring your safety while riding a motorcycle should always be your top priority. One of the most critical pieces of safety equipment you have is your motorcycle helmet. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it?
Age
The age of your helmet is one of the most critical factors to consider when determining whether it’s time to replace it. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every five years, regardless of use.
The reason for this is that the materials used in the helmet, such as the foam and padding, can deteriorate over time, reducing the helmet’s effectiveness in protecting you in an accident.
Damage
If your helmet has been dropped or hit, it may be compromised even if there is no visible damage. The outer shell may have cracked, and the foam inside may have compressed, reducing its ability to protect you in an accident.
You should also replace your helmet if it has been in an accident, regardless of whether there is visible damage.
Wear and Tear
Over time, the padding and lining inside your helmet can wear out, making it less comfortable and reducing its ability to protect you. You should inspect the lining regularly and replace it if worn or damaged.
Fit
If your helmet no longer fits properly, it’s time to replace it. A too-loose or tight helmet can be uncomfortable and may not provide the necessary protection in an accident.
You should always try on a helmet to ensure a proper fit before purchasing it.
Style and Technology
Finally, you may want to replace your helmet simply because of its age or because new helmets offer better technology or a more modern style.
Newer helmets may have better ventilation, be more lightweight, or offer better protection than older models.
Conclusion
Your motorcycle helmet is not just an accessory, and it’s a critical piece of safety equipment that could save your life. Therefore, it’s essential to replace it periodically to ensure maximum protection.
If your helmet is over five years old, has been damaged, shows signs of wear and tear, no longer fits properly, or you want to upgrade to a newer model, it’s time to invest in a new one.
Don’t compromise on your safety – prioritize it by getting a well-fitting and updated helmet today. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make your motorcycle helmet fit better, enabling you to ride confidently and safely.
FAQS:
Q1. How tight should a motorcycle helmet be?
A1. A motorcycle helmet should fit snugly without being too tight. It should be snug enough that it doesn’t move around on your head but not so tight that it causes discomfort or pressure points.
Q2. Can you stretch a motorcycle helmet?
A2. No, you cannot stretch a motorcycle helmet. It is important to choose a helmet that fits properly from the start.
Q3. How often should you replace your motorcycle helmet?
A3. You should replace your motorcycle helmet every 5-7 years or sooner if it has been involved in an accident.
Q4. What is the most common mistake people make when fitting a motorcycle helmet?
A4. The most common mistake people make when fitting a motorcycle helmet is choosing a size that is too large, which can compromise the helmet’s ability to protect your head in an accident.