Here at Swann insurance, we’re big on safety. Whilst motorbike insurance may cover your Motorcycle if it is accidentally damaged, stolen or burnt, wearing a helmet correctly helps to protect your head in the event of an accident . Making sure your helmet fits correctly is important as it is the most crucial piece of equipment you wear. Motorcycle helmets should be replaced every five years, so it’s imperative that you understand how they should fit.
While it may seem simple, you can reach speeds of hundreds of kilometres per hour when riding. If you somehow come off your bike, it’s not ideal timing for your helmet to be slipping off.
Don’t buy an old helmet
Firstly let’s get this out of the way. Whilst your helmet needs to fit correctly, we recommend buying a brand new helmet from a reputable retailer. Helmets can look new and seem as if they don’t have any cracks, but you can’t see cracks or minor fractures inside the helmet. Similar to insurance, you should look at a helmet as an investment in your safety.
Measure your head
Using tailors tape, measure horizontally around your head one inch above your eyebrows. Around your forehead will be the largest measurement. This measurement is your helmet size respective to the brand and style. We also need to point out that not all helmet sizes are the same, nor are they created equally. How one manufacturer makes a helmet compared to another will vary. Here’s a blog to help you understand the latest in helmet technology. No matter how seasoned the rider is, this is always an ideal procedure to ensure the correct fit when buying a new helmet.
Determine your head shape
Once you’ve got your head measurement, your next step is determining your head shape. It will fall into one of the three categories listed below.
Round oval
No head is perfectly round. If you have this head shape, your head will be more rounded than it is but still slightly oval.
Intermediate oval
This is when your head shape has slightly more length front to back than it does side to side. Intermediate oval is the most common head shape.
Long oval
This is when your head is considerably oval, your head shape is long and thin.
If you’re having trouble distinguishing the shape of your head, take a picture from above or have a friend look down at your head. Flatten your hair as much as possible to see the overall shape.
Type of helmet
There is an overwhelming array of helmets and brands to choose from. Motorbike helmets can be categorised into the six styles listed below.
1.Half
Half helmets only cover the top half of your head. They leave your face fully exposed and provide the least protection out of all helmet styles.
2.Open face
Open face helmets are favourite amongst motorcycle riders who love to go for long rides. Open face helmets don’t cover the face but cover the forehead and base of the skull.
3.Full face
Full face helmets provide the most significant coverage and are considered the safest option among all helmet types. They protect the chin line and completely cover the entire face.
4.Modular
Modular helmets are a combination of full face and an open face helmets. They include a chin bar and visor that can be flipped up when needed.
5.Off road
Off-road helmets, more commonly known as dirt bike helmets, are designed to be as light as possible with the most ventilation.
6.Dual sport
Similar to a dual modular helmet, a dual sport helmet uses the features of an off road helmet and a full face helmet. They provide enhanced view along with increased ventilation and airflow.
The try on
Once you’ve measured your head, figured out your head size and picked the style of helmet you need, it’s time to go into the store and try them on. You can do a whole range of small tests in the store to ensure your helmet fits correctly. You also need to keep in mind that a helmet should be snug. It should feel firm but at the same time not feel like your head is about to burst. You shouldn’t be feeling any specific pressure points anywhere on your head.
Chipmunk cheeks
If the helmet doesn’t do this already, push your cheeks up. When you talk, you should scrape the inside of your cheeks with your teeth without discomfort.
Up and down and side to side
You can do this on your own or grab someone else to help. Hold the helmet firmly and shift it up and down and side to side. It shouldn’t cloud any of your vision when pushed down and shouldn’t cover your eyebrows. If you can easily spin the helmet around your head or move it from side to side, this is a key indicator that you need to go a size down. Remember, it should be a snug fit.
Tilting forward
Again you may need someone to help. Get them to push the helmet upward, and you tilt your head forward. If it can be pulled off, you know it’s too loose.
Temples
You shouldn’t be able to fit a finger between your helmet and your temple. If you can do this, size down. If you feel pressure on your temples, the helmet is not oval enough for your head shape.
Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes
Whilst it might seem like a silly thing to do, sit in the store with it on for 15 to 30 minutes. If you plan on going on an hour or longer ride, the chances of it being uncomfortable will usually show in the first 15 to 30 minutes. Again it should feel tight but with no overall discomfort in any particular place.
We want to reiterate the importance of ensuring that your helmet fits correctly. Your motorcycle helmet ensures your safety. We know that having chipmunk cheeks isn’t the coolest look, but it’s worth it for how much damage can be avoided.