A motorcycle helmet is a sign of a true motorcyclist. Even if you don’t want to wear one, you need one. It’s the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have. A helmet has to fit well to offer the most protection and comfort, so use these tips to get a great fit:
Is the helmet the right size? Measure your head in centimeters at about eyebrow level and find a helmet in that size. Strap the helmet on, and then shake your head left and right and up and down. Push back on the chin bar on a full-face helmet to be sure it won’t slide too much. Try to roll the helmet off your head forward. If you can, it’s too loose.
Also be conscious of pressure points that could become painful while wearing the helmet — especially in the forehead. If possible, wear the helmet in the store for at least 10 to 15 minutes to see if pressure points develop.
Is it comfortable to wear? Try on a lot of different helmets, because each one will have a different feel.
Is the eye positioning good? Ideally, your eyes should be centered in a full-face helmet’s eyeport.
Does the helmet have a federal Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker that shows it passed stringent testing? If it doesn’t, it’s an illegal helmet and can’t be worn while riding on the street in states that require riders to wear DOT-approved helmets.