Your Comprehensive Guide to a Perfect Motorcycle Helmet Fit
Hello, fellow riders! As enthusiasts of everything motorbiking at 2Brothers Powersports, we are deeply aware of the thrills this hobby brings. Alongside the thrills, however, comes a significant responsibility – safety. One of the critical elements of motorcycling safety is wearing a properly fitted helmet. Today, we delve into the nitty-gritty of ensuring your motorcycle helmet is a perfect fit.
Why a Properly Fit Helmet Matters
A well-fitting helmet is vital in ensuring your safety while riding. It can reduce the severity of potential injuries in case of an accident, and thereby lower the risk of fatalities. Helmets are designed to absorb the energy of an impact, protect against penetration from sharp objects, and prevent your head from hitting hard surfaces. An ill-fitting helmet can slide off or shift, rendering these safety measures ineffective.
Decoding the Fit
Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure that your helmet fits perfectly:
- Understanding Your Head Shape: Helmets aren't one-shape-fits-all. Human heads generally fall into three categories: round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. Try to determine your head shape by looking directly down on your head from above - a mirror helps with this.
- Measure Your Head Size: Using a soft tape measure, measure your head's circumference about an inch above your eyebrows and across the largest portion at the back of your head. This measurement, typically in centimeters, will give you your helmet size.
- Try It On: Once you've got your size and shape, it's time to try some helmets on. The helmet should fit snugly around your entire head. Remember, it should be tight enough not to roll off but not so tight that it's uncomfortably pressing into your head. Pay attention to pressure points as an indication of a too-tight fit.
- Perform the Roll-off Test: With the helmet's chin strap securely fastened, try to roll the helmet off your head by pushing it upwards from the back. A properly fitted helmet should not roll off.
- Check the Cheek Pads: Your cheeks should lightly touch the helmet's cheek pads. You should be able to slide your fingers between your cheek and the helmet cheek pads, but it should feel snug.
- Assess Vision and Neck Mobility: In a full-face helmet, your field of vision should be completely unobstructed. You should also be able to move your head and neck freely without any strain.
Factors to Keep in Mind
When fitting your helmet, consider the following:
- New Helmets are Tight: When you first wear a helmet, it might feel a bit too snug. This is normal. Helmet interiors tend to loosen up over time, so it's better to start with a tighter fit.
- Consider Your Riding Style: Off-road riders may prefer a tighter fit to prevent the helmet from moving around during aggressive riding. On the other hand, cruiser riders might prefer a looser fit for comfort during long rides.
- Choose the Right Helmet Style: The fit can vary between different types of helmets - full-face, open-face, half-helmets, and modular. Your safety requirements and riding style should determine the type of helmet you choose.
- Adjustments: Some helmets offer customization options like interchangeable cheek pads or liners to achieve a better fit.
- Helmet Age: Helmets age, just like everything else. If your helmet is over five years old or has sustained an impact, it's time to replace it, even if it seems undamaged.
In Conclusion
Securing a proper helmet fit might seem like a time-consuming task at first, but remember, your safety and comfort on the road are well worth the investment. Choosing a helmet isn't just about style or price; it's about getting a perfect fit to protect your head effectively.
Even after you've found the perfect helmet, it's important to routinely check its condition and fit. Just like your motorcycle, your helmet requires regular maintenance to ensure it's still providing the protection you need.
On a final note, never borrow a helmet. A helmet is personal to its wearer's head shape and size. What works for one person might not work for another. Plus, you cannot be sure if a borrowed helmet has been damaged or is past its lifespan.
At 2Brothers Powersports we're not just passionate about the thrill of riding; we're passionate about doing it safely. We know that a helmet isn't just another accessory; it's a lifesaving tool and a statement that you value your life and the lives of those around you. We are here to help so give us a call at 608-781-3360 or stop into our store located 905 Oak Avenue South in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
When you next cruise along the vibrant, winding roads of the Coulee Region, do so with the confidence that your helmet is not only perfect for your style but also for your safety. Don't compromise on fit. Remember, a well-fitted helmet isn't just a requirement; it's your silent partner, your safety blanket, and your last line of defense on the open road.
Ride safe, ride free, and let the road continue to inspire adventure!
