Where to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet: A Guide to Different Retailers

Motorcycle helmets can be purchased in various places

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	Price	Selection	Support	After-sales service	Convenience
① Motorcycle accessory stores	◯	◎	◎	◎	◎
② Motorcycle shops	◯	△	◎	◎	◯
③ Home centers	◎	△	◯	△	◯
④ Discount stores	◎	△	◯	△	◯
⑤ Electronics retailers	◯	◯	◯	◯	◎
⑥ Online stores	◎	◎	△	△	◎
⑦ Auction sites/Flea market apps	◎	◎	△	△	◯

Motorcycle helmets are often sold at motorcycle shops and motorcycle accessory stores, as well as at home centers and electronics retailers.

Let's take a look at the characteristics and differences of each type of store.

① Motorcycle accessory stores

Motorcycle accessory stores such as Ricoland and Naps offer a wide variety of helmets, making them ideal for those who want to inspect a helmet in person before purchasing.

Not only can you examine helmets in person before making a purchase, but you can also try them on, ensuring you find a helmet that fits you perfectly.

Additionally, store staff can inform you about popular, best-selling helmets, providing valuable advice when you're unsure which one to choose.

<h3>② Motorcycle shops</h3>

Similar to motorcycle accessory stores, motorcycle shops allow you to check the size and design of helmets before making a purchase.

Motorcycle shops have staff with extensive specialized knowledge, and even first-time riders can receive accurate advice on how to choose a helmet and how to wear it correctly.

Motorcycle shops that are authorized helmet dealers also offer reliable after-sales services such as maintenance and repairs, providing peace of mind.

③ Home centers

Large home centers such as Cainz and Kohnan sometimes sell motorcycle helmets.

They mainly sell entry-level models at low prices, making them recommended for those who want to keep their budget down.

However, since they are not specialty motorcycle stores, there are often no staff with expert knowledge of motorcycles, so you may not receive advice when choosing a helmet and will need to decide for yourself.

④ Discount stores

Some discount stores, such as Don Quijote, also sell motorcycle helmets.

Similar to home centers, they mainly sell inexpensive models, making them ideal for those who want to purchase a helmet while keeping their budget down.

However, there may not be staff knowledgeable about motorcycle gear, so you might not receive detailed explanations about helmet specifications.

⑤ Electronics retailers

Some Yamada Denki stores and other electronics retailers sometimes sell motorcycle helmets.

While the selection of motorcycle helmets is not as extensive as at specialty motorcycle stores, many stores sell relatively inexpensive models.

Electronics retailers are numerous and spread throughout the country, so even in areas without motorcycle shops or specialty stores, it may be possible to purchase a motorcycle helmet at an electronics retailer.

⑥ Online stores

Online shopping is also recommended for those who know their helmet size or want to repurchase the same helmet they had previously.

Additionally, those who don't have a nearby store that sells helmets, or a large store with a wide selection, can use online shopping to find a helmet that suits their preferences.

It's also easy to compare prices between online shops to find a cheaper product, but when deciding where to buy, compare prices including shipping costs, not just the product price.

It's recommended to choose a shop not only based on price but also considering after-sales service, such as whether they offer exchanges if the size doesn't fit.

NOLAN N606 WIRING Red /74 M

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-45656

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The "N606 WIRING" is recommended for those looking for a full-face helmet with excellent design.

Thanks to booster technology, it offers excellent ventilation, preventing stuffiness even on hot days, and it's equipped with an inner visor that also functions as sunglasses.

The visor is treated on both sides to prevent fogging and scratching, and the helmet features the "ratchet chin strap" first adopted globally by NOLAN, making it a highly functional helmet.

Product Name: N606 WIRING
Manufacturer: NOLAN
Size: M
Safety Standards: SG Mark, PSC Mark
Selling Price (tax included): 34,153 yen

GT750 Helmet Zoku-hel

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/gt-750

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The "GT750 Helmet Zoku-hel" is recommended for those who want a simple full-face helmet that suits naked bikes and classic motorcycles.

While the term "Zoku-hel" refers to helmets worn by old Kaminari-zoku (thunder tribes) and Bosozoku (biker gangs), and thus might not carry a positive image, they are very practical and consistently popular.

Although full-face helmets themselves are sometimes called "Zoku-hel," generally, helmets with a simple design, like those worn by the main character in the game "Bomberman," are considered Zoku-hel.

Product Name: GT750 Helmet Zoku-hel
Manufacturer: VERTEX
Size: Free size (57-60cm)
Safety Standards: SG/PSC certified
Selling Price (tax included): 9,600 yen

⑦ Auction sites and flea market apps

Auction sites and flea market apps like Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari, which are known for potentially lower prices than online retail stores, are another option.

In most cases, returns are not accepted for reasons such as "it's not what I expected" or "the size doesn't fit," so you need to be cautious when deciding whether to use them.

Many used items are listed and may seem appealing due to their low price, but helmets are fundamentally life-saving equipment, so it's best to avoid used items with unclear handling from a safety perspective.

If the price is extremely low, assume there may be some kind of trouble brewing and avoid it.

Furthermore, issues such as receiving a different product from what was listed, or the actual condition differing from the description, can occur. These problems have even been covered in news and on social media.

If you do decide to use them, be aware of these risks on auction sites and flea market apps due to some malicious individuals.

Recommended stores for beginner riders

Beginner riders first need to know their optimal helmet size, so purchasing from a motorcycle accessory store is recommended.

Motorcycle accessory stores have a wide selection of helmets, allow you to try them on, and provide advice from staff, making it easier to find the perfect helmet for you.

If you want to buy at a slightly lower price, online shopping is also recommended, but there is a higher risk of the helmet not fitting or not sealing properly.

Where and how to buy motorcycle helmets cheaply?

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For those who want to purchase a motorcycle helmet for a slightly lower price, we will introduce places and methods for finding cheaper options.

You can find motorcycle helmets at lower prices in the following places:

Home centers and discount stores
For even lower prices, online stores
Auction sites and flea market apps

Let's look at them in order.

① Home centers and discount stores

Entry-level motorcycle helmets are relatively inexpensive, and you can find them at even lower prices at home centers and discount stores that carry them.

Also, electronics retailers sell entry-level models, allowing you to buy them cheaply, and if you have points, you can get an even better deal by deducting the point value from the purchase price.

Home centers and electronics retailers are available nationwide with many stores, making them convenient to use.

② For even lower prices, online stores

Online stores offer numerous shops selling motorcycle helmets, making it easy to compare prices and find cheaper products.

While you may find lower prices than at home centers or discount stores, shipping costs can apply, so choose based on the total price including shipping.

Also, some shops sell motorcycle helmets at excessively low prices, but products that are too cheap may not meet safety standards, so it's recommended to look for products that comply with safety regulations.

③ Auction sites and flea market apps

Auction sites and flea market apps can potentially offer lower prices than online retailers.

Even new products are often listed at lower prices than on online retailers or in home centers, but since these are individual transactions, caution is necessary regarding potential problems.

You can decide whether to proceed with a transaction by referencing the seller's past ratings, the politeness of their descriptions, and their responses to questions. However, as it's an invisible and peer-to-peer transaction, the risk is high.

Key points to check when buying a motorcycle helmet

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We will explain the minimum essential points to consider and check when buying a motorcycle helmet.

A motorcycle helmet is crucial for protecting your head in case of an accident and is life-saving equipment, so make sure to check the following points carefully before choosing a motorcycle helmet.

Point 1: Safety Standards (PSC, SG Mark, etc.)

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, select a product that complies with safety standards such as the PSC mark and SG mark.

There are also higher standards, such as the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and the SNELL standard, which involves more rigorous testing for certification.

Motorcycle helmets that meet JIS or SNELL standards satisfy higher safety criteria, so those prioritizing safety should choose helmets compliant with these standards.

What is the PSC mark?

The PSC mark is a mark that can be displayed on products that comply with the Consumer Products Safety Act (PSC Act).

Motorcycle helmets without the PSC mark cannot be sold for riding purposes by law, and their safety is not guaranteed.

While most motorcycle helmets on the market display the PSC mark, some inexpensive products may not, so it's important to be careful when choosing.

What is the SG mark?

The SG Mark is a certification mark for products that comply with the safety standards (Safe Goods) established by the Product Safety Association.

The SG mark has two categories: "125cc or less" and "unlimited engine displacement," so choose one that matches your motorcycle's engine displacement.

If you are in an accident on a large motorcycle while wearing a helmet certified only for 125cc or less, your insurance coverage may be denied.

Point 2: Size and Fit

It's also important to check if the motorcycle helmet fits your head properly when you put it on.

If a motorcycle helmet is too large, it may move around while riding or even come off in the event of an impact, which can be dangerous.

Conversely, if it's too tight, it can cause pain to your face, making long periods of use difficult. Therefore, choose a motorcycle helmet that fits your head size perfectly.

Point 3: Purpose

Even simply riding a motorcycle encompasses various scenarios, such as daily commuting, touring, or sports riding on a circuit.

For example, if you're using it for touring, a helmet that's too tight or heavy would be difficult to wear for long periods and cause fatigue. Therefore, a slightly looser and lighter model is recommended.

Choosing a motorcycle helmet that suits how you ride and your purpose will lead to a more comfortable riding experience.

Point 4: Material

Motorcycle helmets are made from various materials such as ABS and FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), so it's recommended to choose a material appropriate for your usage environment.

FRP includes CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic). If you want a lighter helmet, CFRP is recommended, but it is more expensive than ABS, etc.

ABS is a versatile resin material and relatively inexpensive, but it is susceptible to heat and UV degradation. GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) offers better impact resistance and UV degradation resistance compared to ABS.

Point 5: Design and Price

If you have a preferred design or a set budget, choosing a relatively inexpensive motorcycle helmet would be a good option.

However, if the price is too low, safety and comfort might be compromised, such as only meeting minimum safety standards or being difficult to put on and take off.

Ideally, choosing from renowned manufacturers like Arai or SHOEI will ensure safety and provide greater peace of mind.

Point 6: Warranty and After-Sales Service

The warranty and after-sales service for motorcycle helmets are also criteria to consider when choosing.

A warranty is a service that provides free inspection and repair within the warranty period if a defect occurs under normal use.

As an example of after-sales service, SHOEI offers a system for parts replacement in case of damage (excluding some models), ensuring that the product can always be used while maintaining its quality.

According to the SG mark regulations, the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet is 3 years from the date of purchase. This is the period during which its safety and original performance are maintained.

Point 7: Choose based on comfort and ease of attachment/detachment

If you mainly ride your motorcycle in the city, choosing a model that offers high comfort and is easy to put on and take off is recommended.

For commuting or shopping, a jet-type helmet, which is less constricting than a full-face helmet and equipped with a visor for rainy weather, allows for comfortable city riding.

Furthermore, jet-type helmets are easier to put on and take off compared to full-face helmets, and they don't trap heat as much, making them motorcycle helmets that excel in comfort and ease of use.

Summary

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There are various types and shapes of motorcycle helmets, so it's recommended to choose one that matches your riding style and needs.

Motorcycle helmets are sold in surprisingly many places, but if you're buying an inexpensive model, make sure to choose one that meets standards such as PSC.

Also, the SG mark specifies a service life of 3 years for motorcycle helmets, so it's recommended to consider purchasing a new helmet after 3 years from the date of initial purchase.