Motorcycle Helmets: Size Selection is Crucial! Tips for Choosing and Measuring Head Circumference

The correct size is important for motorcycle helmets

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/89-8267310/

To check the size, put on the helmet, fasten the chin strap, and shake it back and forth and side to side to ensure it doesn't shift.

In addition, a snug fit where your cheeks are lightly pressed is best, but try wearing it for a few minutes to check for any strong pressure or discomfort.

Whether a motorcycle helmet is the right size for you is an important point, and the specific steps are as follows:

Measure your head circumference
Check the helmet size of the manufacturer
Try it on to confirm the fit

1. How to measure head circumference

By measuring your head size before choosing a motorcycle helmet, you can determine the size that is suitable for you.

Looking at your head from the side, measure with a tape measure around the circumference from the highest point of your forehead, passing over the most protruding part of the back of your head.

If you don't have a tape measure, you can calculate your head circumference by wrapping a string around your head and then measuring the length of the string with a ruler.

2. Check the helmet size for each manufacturer

Once you've measured your head circumference, use the helmet size information published by motorcycle helmet manufacturers to find the right size for you.

The size charts for major Japanese helmet manufacturers are as follows:

Arai Helmet Sizes

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Head circumference (cm)	53-54	55-56	57-58	59-60	61-62	63-54

SHOEI Helmet Sizes

	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Head circumference (cm)	51-52	53	55	57	59	61	63

OGK Kabuto Helmet Sizes

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL	Free
Head circumference (cm)	53-54	55-56	57-58	59-60	61-62	63-64	57-59 57-60

Based on your measured head circumference and the size charts published by motorcycle manufacturers, you can determine the right size for your head. However, since the sizing can vary slightly even within the same manufacturer depending on the helmet, it's recommended to try it on before purchasing.

3. Try it on to confirm the fit

Once you know the helmet size that fits your head, actually try on the helmet to confirm the fit.

Put on the helmet, fasten the chin strap, and shake the helmet back and forth and side to side to check if it's too loose or, conversely, too tight and constricting.

Some helmets come with optional inner parts that can be adjusted to the size of your head and face, so it's a good idea to install them if necessary.

Adjustment also possible with fitting service

Some helmet manufacturers offer a fitting service (interior adjustment) that ensures a perfect fit for your size.

They will use optional inner pads and urethane to customize the helmet to fit you perfectly, so if you are looking for a more precise fit, use the fitting service.

In addition to fitting services, some helmet manufacturers also offer services such as suggesting the optimal helmet for your size and usage scenario, and providing advice on choosing a helmet.

Precautions when buying a helmet online

Thanks to the spread of the internet, if there isn't a large motorcycle accessories store with a wide selection or a store where you can buy helmets nearby, online shopping that delivers nationwide can be conveniently used.

Online, the same product is sold by many stores, making it easy to compare prices and buy from a cheaper store. However, shipping costs are also required, so if you want to buy at a lower price, consider the total cost including shipping.

Also, since it's not a physical store, you can't try on helmets, so you need to know your correct size beforehand, which can be a bit daunting for first-time helmet buyers.

FAQ on choosing a motorcycle helmet size

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/BC-5040167/

This section summarizes frequently asked questions and answers regarding how to choose a motorcycle helmet size. If you are considering purchasing or replacing a motorcycle helmet, please refer to this as well.

It includes information such as how to deal with a helmet that has become loose and what to think about foreign-made helmets, making it a useful resource even for those who have already purchased and are using a motorcycle helmet.

Are there any risks if the helmet size is not right?

If your helmet is not the right size, there's a risk that it could come off due to impact in the event of a fall, leaving your head unprotected.

Furthermore, if it's too tight, it may be difficult to wear for extended periods or to put on and take off, so whether the helmet is too big or too small, it compromises safety and comfort.

Although it may be a bit troublesome, it is recommended to measure your head size using the method described earlier and try it on before purchasing to avoid situations where the size does not fit.

What is the average head circumference for Japanese people?

The average head circumference for Japanese men is said to be 57cm to 59cm, and for women it is 56cm to 58cm. The standard size most widely adopted by Japanese hat manufacturers is also 57cm to 58cm.

This is just an average, and there are individual differences, so measuring your head circumference once and knowing your actual measurements will make it easier to choose the right size.

To measure head circumference, look at your head from the side and wrap a tape measure around your head from the highest point of your forehead towards the crown.

If your motorcycle helmet is a little tight, many people choose a slightly snugger size, as the interior will break in over time, creating more room.

However, if it's quite tight, it's unlikely to be resolved even if the interior breaks in. In such cases, if the helmet manufacturer offers a fitting service, you can use it to get the helmet adjusted to your size.

For some helmets, aftermarket inner parts such as interior padding are available, so replacing them with parts that fit your size should alleviate the tightness.

If the size simply doesn't fit, continuing to wear it will cause pain and fatigue, so although it costs money, it's recommended to consider buying a new one.

What should I do if my motorcycle helmet becomes loose?

If your motorcycle helmet becomes loose after prolonged use, you can replace the inner lining or add padding to restore it to an optimal condition.

To check if it's loose, put on the motorcycle helmet, fasten the chin strap, and shake the chin strap up, down, left, and right.

If the helmet alone slides and moves, it means the helmet is loose. If your head moves with the helmet, then the fit is appropriate.

How to avoid a "big head" (matchstick) silhouette?

With jet-type helmets like those from momo DESIGN, where the helmet shell only reaches around the ears, the helmet is accentuated and feels like you're wearing a large headpiece, making your head appear disproportionately large.

If you choose a jet-type helmet, opt for one where the helmet shell covers the ears, or choose a full-face helmet to make your head appear less large.

Since a smaller helmet shell relatively emphasizes the head, making it appear larger, it's recommended to choose a helmet with a larger shell.

Arai, SHOEI, and OGK Kabuto's jet-type helmets with visors have larger shells but sleek designs, making them less likely to give you a "big head" appearance.

Do overseas helmets fit Japanese people?

Japanese manufacturers produce helmets based on the average Japanese physique and head size, while overseas manufacturers produce them based on the sizes of foreigners living in their home regions.

In particular, some people find European-made helmets to feel tighter around the temples and chin compared to domestic helmets like Arai and SHOEI, but there are individual differences, so always try them on before purchasing.

Arai is said to have a sleek design, and SHOEI a wider design compared to Arai, but overseas helmet manufacturers generally have sleeker, sharper designs than these domestic brands.

Recently, some overseas manufacturers have started selling "Asian fit" models tailored to the body types and head sizes of people in Asia, including Japan, so it's less common now for Japanese people to have difficulty finding a suitable size compared to before.

Summary

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/88-6363075/

If your motorcycle helmet is the wrong size, you may experience pain or, conversely, the helmet may slide around when you move your face.

If the helmet doesn't fit your head size, it will be difficult for it to perform its original function, so choose a helmet that fits your head perfectly.

Measuring your head size will make it easier to find the optimal helmet size, so measure your head size using the method introduced here and use it as a standard for choosing a helmet.