A helmet is at the pinnacle of every bikers’ safety and protection. But, putting on a helmet that doesn’t fit won’t do the job. It may wobble, make you feel uncomfortable, or even fall off during mishap. So, how tight should a motorcycle helmet be?
Your motorcycle helmet should fit perfectly without significant gaps or excessive space within the foam padding. The helmet should be fastened, and you should be able to place two fingers between your chin and the chin strap to securely fasten the chinstrap without pressure on the jaw. The helmet should be tight, not too tight, so that it will keep you comfortable and safe at the same time.
A properly fitting helmet is extremely important when you are riding a motorcycle. So you need the basic idea of how well should a helmet fit, things to consider before buying one, and what to do if it doesn’t fit right. I will be covering all that throughout this article, so buckle up!
How Tight Should a Motorcycle Helmet Be?
When you’re riding a motorcycle, head injuries are the most likely outcome in case of an accident. purchasing a motorcycle helmet, one of the first things you should decide is how tight the helmet should be. The tighter the motorcycle helmet is, the more protection you will get.
The general rule of thumb is that a motorcycle helmet should fit snugly on the head, with no significant inner gaps when moving your head around in every direction. This way, the helmet stays centered on your head and doesn’t shift as much as a slightly loose one.
Also, your motorcycle helmet should be relatively snug when you wear it. The idea is to make sure that the helmet stays on your head in the event of any crash. If the fit is too loose or there are gaps in the side of the helmet, then it can come off after an impact.
In addition, loose helmets are dangerous because they might fly off your head and expose your neck, head, and face to potential hazards.
If your helmet appears to be too loose, it won’t stay up during a crash. If it’s too tight, you’ll be uncomfortable while riding.
How a Motorcycle Helmet Should Fit?
If you own a motorcycle and have got yourself a helmet, one of the challenges you will face is on how to fit the helmet on your head.
The first step to keeping a helmet fit on your head is getting the right size in the market.
There is one size fit all helmets, and there are some that are of specific size. As you can imagine, getting the ‘fit-all’ design won’t be a perfect fit for you. So the best for anyone to consider is going for a specific size.
Once you have got the right helmet that fits your head, you should place it on your head and use the strap to make necessary adjustments. It has to be firm so that the helmet doesn’t move out of place on your head. If the helmet shakes, tilt or pan while you make any movement, the fit is not right.
A helmet needs to be firm so that it doesn’t get off your head, but keeps you comfortable and convenient throughout the whole ride. And that’s why, you should gather some basic knowledge of things to consider before buying a motorcycle helmet. Let’s move on to that.
Things to Consider to Get a Perfect Snug Fit – Get the Right Size
You need to get the right size specific for your head. So, don’t let others purchase on your behalf. Helmets don’t come in the same sizes, and even if you find a one size fit, they will still have slight variations.
Therefore, getting the right size is important to be comfortable and convenient for whatever duration you have the helmet on you. But the size isn’t the only thing that comes into play. You also need to be aware of things such as-
- Cheek Pads: The cheek pads are also a major factor for consideration. If the cheek pad of the helmet doesn’t conform to your cheek, it will be quite hard to have a snug fit. However, you will surely find one with a cheek pad that perfectly fits you. So, it is not a serious concern but one that you need to consider.
- Helmet Position: The positioning of the helmet also determines if it is a snug fit or not. The helmet should sit upright, and it must not cover your eyes so you can see clearly. All that matters at this point is to ensure it sits perfectly on your head while it doesn’t hurt your ear, and you can see too.
- Chinstrap Adjustment: The chin strap is very important for you to consider. The primary function is to help you get a perfect snug fit by adjusting the strap to fit you. So look for an adjustable design.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Break-in?
When you put on a new helmet, it will most likely feel different from the previous one you are using. Besides, the foam padding inside takes some time to adapt to your head shape. It’s a new model, a new experience, so things may feel slightly off. You may even think it is too tight. Don’t worry! Because motorbike helmets do break-in.
If the measurement is right, after a few days of use, the helmet should feel comfortable, and you shouldn’t notice any extra pressure at all. Remember, helmets need to be worn on your head for a while before you break in, and during this time, the foam padding will expand and create a customized fit for your head.
So, if you get a new helmet today and experience some sort of discomfort, it is normal, and you should get over it in days. The secret with the helmet break-in is that you should use it every day. You should be comfortable with it within days.
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Big?
Fitting a motorcycle helmet can be a somewhat tedious process. You must select the right size helmet, try it on, and then ensure it is safe. If you take the time to get the proper fit, your helmet will not only last longer but offer more safety as well
If you get a helmet too big for you, you should return it to the dealer or store and get a new one that will fit. You should always check out the size chart before making any helmet purchase. Size charts are mostly specific to manufactures. So it may vary time to time.
However, if you come across a helmet that exactly meets your aesthetics but feels a bit stiff, there is a solution. While you can’t alter the exterior design, you can trim or get rid of some padding in the inner to make it a bit comfortable.
Take note that your motorcycle helmet is designed to fit correctly and provide you with the maximum level of protection. If it is too big, you will struggle with enjoying your motorcycle adventure if you have to drive all day with the helmet on your head.
In that case, I will suggest getting a replacement. A big helmet will not only appear ‘alien-like’ on your head, but it will also affect your overall riding performance.
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Helmet Is Too Small?
When you spend a huge amount of money on a quality motorcycle helmet, the last thing you want is to find out it’s the wrong size. Therefore, it is always necessary to test the helmet you want to buy.
Well, the truth is, there isn’t much you can do if the helmet is too small. Most helmets come with size charts, and in some cases, they are not always accurate. So even if the size chart says it is a perfect fit for you, you must test it on your head.
Again, while some love the big helmets, some cherish a compact one. The important thing is that you should get the one that perfectly fits you and provides best protection.
Also, if your motorcycle helmet is too small, you may not hear properly or be comfortable enough to ride safely. That is because your helmet needs to fit snugly against the skin around your face, with no more than a finger’s width between your chin and the bottom of the helmet.
Therefore, if your comfort is at stake and it doesn’t fit you well, returning the helmet for a new one is the right thing to do.
Conclusion
How tight should a motorcycle helmet be? A perfectly snug fit determines your comfort and convenience while you ride. Helmets should not be worn too rigidly and should fit the head comfortably without moving out of place. The best way to determine if your helmet fits correctly is to adjust the strap or buckle to ensure it sits perfectly. If you can only tuck in a finger between the strap and your chin, it shows that the helmet is a snug fit, not too loose or too tight.
Remember, your safety and protection comes first. So, avoid helmet brands that mislead you with flashy designs when the materials used is not up to the mark.
