MOTORCYCLE HELMET GUIDE
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT MOTORCYCLE HELMET: YOUR GUIDE TO SIZES, TYPES AND WHAT TO LOOK OUT
FOR.
*Complete size guide at the end of this article
Essential tips to finding your perfect fit:
-
Be aware of the unique features and
strengths of the helmets you may be looking at
-
Take time to familiarise yourself with
the construction, size and homologations before choosing your helmet
-
Features key for any type of helmet
include its maximum safety, the field of vision and your comfort
Some features of different helmets:
-
Full-face: closest to what professional
riders wear, particularly light, with advance sport aerodynamics
-
Modular: great comfort and
practicality, can be opened when stationary
-
Adventure: inspired by the off-road
style of riding, their peak protecting against the sun and any debris, can be used in
different configurations
IMPORTANT! The innermost layer with respect to the shell of the helmet is EPS, expanded
polystyrene, which is there to absorb the force of impact. EPS is not an elastic material,
so it doesn't return to
its original shape after compression following an impact. THAT MEANS IT CAN NO LONGER ABSORB
IMPACTS IN THE COMPRESSED AREA. WHICH IS WHY A HELMET THAT HAS CUSHIONED AN IMPACT MUST
BE REPLACED.
MEASURING YOUR HEAD:
Using a tape, measure around your head about an inch above the ears, across the
forehead (about an inch above the eyebrows), and over the natural bump at the back
of your head. The measurement should lie somewhere within 50-64cm (on average).
CHOOSING THE CORRECT HELMET SIZE:
*Complete size guide at the end of this article
Once you chose your preferred helmet, use your measurements as a guide to the size you
choose. When your measurements lie between sizes, lean towards the smaller size as the
lining of the helmet will give slightly over time, so you need it to be snug without being
uncomfortable at time of choosing.
Using the table provided by the manufacturer to find the corresponding size will give the
correct measurement or size you should try on. Heads with the same measurements can have
different shapes, it is always a good idea to try a helmet before committing to it.
TRYING IT OUT:
When you put your new helmet on for the first time move it around to make sure the crown
feels like the correct size. Keep it on for some time and make sure you are comfortable,
push against the forehead are as that is most likely to feel uncomfortable.
When fastening the retention strap do not make it too tight against the throat, on the other
hand, do not let it be loose so that the helmet could come off easily.
Check if you can get a couple of fingers between the top of the cheek pads and your cheeks.
If you can then you might need a size smaller, though, you could buy larger cheek pads to
fill in the gap. Make sure this is not too loose as it will limit the safety of the helmet.
The visor protects you against more than air and insects, it acts as a shield protecting your
face against impact. When trying on your helmet, make sure the width of the visor, both
horizontally and vertically, gives you a wide enough field of vision. It is important you do
not have obstructed vision when riding with your helmet on, if you feel it is not the
correct width do check for other helmets with a bigger visor.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
You need to pay attention to the safety of the helmet you ultimately choose.
For those who use their bikes a lot, it is best to opt for a helmet with an outer shell in
composite fiber or carbon fiber.
For short or medium urban and touring use, thermoplastic resin helmets are a good choice,
especially for those new to riding, or those not looking for a featherweight or race
performance.
Consider the composition of the absorbent layer, which is safer if it is in EPS that varies
in density depending on the points of the head it must protect.
Ventilation: increased heat slows down reflexes and affects rider perception. It is important
that you look out for the helmet that does not give you the air flow and ventilation system
you need to ride comfortably. Helmet shapes with more aerodynamics and fluid heighten rider
comfort and reduce air resistance.
WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR HELMET
A helmet’s life cycle depends on many things: where, how, how often it is used, and the care
taken with it. Some components of the helmet, like the EPS, tend to deteriorate over time.
The general suggestion is to change your helmet at least every 5 years.
Before the 5 years, you should replace your helmet if there are clear visible signs of wear
on the shell, the straps, EPS, or the mechanisms, or when the helmet absorbs an impact.
SIZE GUIDE
(Use as a generic guide only, may not apply to some brands)
| SIZE |
CENTIMETERS |
INCHES |
HAT SIZE |
| X SMALL |
53-54 |
20 7/8 - 21 1/4 |
6 5/8 - 6 3/4 |
| SMALL |
55-56 |
21 5/8 - 22 |
6 7/8 – 7 |
| MEDIUM |
57-58 |
22 1/2 - 22 7/8 |
7 1/8 – 7 ¼ |
| LARGE |
59-60 |
23 1/4 - 23 5/8 |
7 3/8 – 7 ½ |
| X LARGE |
61-62 |
24 - 24 3/8 |
7 5/8 – 7 3/4 |
| 2X LARGE |
63-64 |
24 3/4 - 25 1/8 |
7 7/8 - 8 |
| X LARGE |
65-66 |
25 5/8 - 26 |
8 1/8 – 8 1/4 |
QUICK GUIDE ON HOW TO MAKE SURE THE SIZE YOU CHOSE IS CORRECT
A helmet too tight will be uncomfortable, whilst one too loose will not fulfil its protective
functions.
Helmets provide maximum protection only when the size is correct.
FIVE STEPS TO MAKING SURE THE SIZE YOU CHOSE IS CORRECT:
-
Put the helmet on and fasten it, make sure the strap is neither too loose nor too
tight; it must be close-fitting, but nor uncomfortable.
-
Once on, there should not be a gap between the head and padding. The helmet
should fit snuggly around the whole face.
-
You should not feel any pressure points, especially in the front area and on the
nape of the neck. It is best to keep the helmet on for some time to make sure there are
no uncomfortable contact points.
-
Tilt the helmet sideways and up and down. A full-face helmet of the right size should
not move around, the cheeks should remain in contact with the cheek pads
following their movement. If the helmet moves around, the size is wrong.
-
To test the retention, with the helmet fastened on, tilt your head slightly
forward and apply light pressure at its rear bottom edge. The helmet must not slide
forward.
MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING GUIDE: GLOVES
How to find the best fit for your motorcycling gloves:
Remember that sizes vary between manufacturers, some gloves may fit slightly different to
what you expect based on your measurements.
Choose the right motorcycle gloves style:
What will you use them for?
-
Shop MotoGB gloves offer a maximum
level of protection for track and fast riding, but they can be uncomfortable and
restrictive for long touring rides. Similarly, touring gloves probably won’t be the best
fit for short trips on your motorbike, you will definitely need them if you will be
spending lots of riding time on your bike.
What kind of weather do you usually ride in?
-
Certain gloves offer better protection
from the weather conditions you ride in. The correct pair of gloves should not only fit
comfortably on your fingers, it should protect your hands from the temperature, wind,
rain, sun, etc. You might want to look for all-weather gloves made of textile if you are
looking for one reliable pair for all year around. If you want to ride in warmer
temperatures, you should consider a pair of lightweight leather riding gloves to keep
the heat off.
-
Depending on the nature of your riding
you will require different levels of abrasion protection, you should keep this in mind
when choosing your motorcycle gloves.
What to look out for when choosing your motorcycle gloves:
-
Finger Feel: make sure the gloves are
not too tight, but not too loose so that they could slip off. Feeling comfortable in
your motorcycle gloves will allow you to have better control of your vehicle and in turn
will make your ride safer.
-
Size & Fit: do the gloves have
adjustable straps, will they fit under or over your motorcycle jacket, do they fit well
and comfortably?
-
Features & Protection: look at what
level of protection the gloves offer; will it be compatible with your motorcycling
tendencies? Look at the length of the gloves and whether they are comfortable for you.
-
Construction: figure out what material
suits your needs best and look for gloves made in such material, will it be leather or
textile? The material of your motorcycle gloves will affect their feel, quality, and
lifespan.
How to measure your hand size:
-
Using a flexible tape measure
around the palm of your hand below the knuckles excluding the thumb
-
Measure your hand in a fist for
a more accurate measurement
-
Holding you hand out flat
measure the length from the tip of your fingers (longest) to the base of your
hand
MOTORCYCLE GLOVE SIZE GUIDE *(1 INCH= 2.54 CM)
| GLOVE SIZE |
|
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
2XL |
3XL |
| SIZE NUMERIC |
INCHES |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
| HAND CIRCUMFERENCE |
CM |
15 |
18 |
20 |
23 |
25 |
28 |
30 |
| HAND LENGTH |
CM |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
23 |
*Women’s glove sizes will vary to this size guide slightly.
If you plan on wearing under gloves, remember it might be useful to size up to allow a
comfortable fit.
MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING GUIDE: JACKETS
How to find the perfect motorcycling jacket:
-
Always consider the origin of the
jacket you are looking at, as UK sizes are different to European sizes.
-
If you have a wider neck, look for a
jacket with an adjustable collar.
-
If you like to tuck your gloves in to
your jacket, look for a jacket with adjustable cuffs.
-
CHEST/BUST: using tape measure
the fullest part of your chest/bust
-
WAIST: measure around the
narrowest part, your waist
-
HIPS: measure around the
fullest part of your hips
Choose the right style of motorcycle jacket:
Think about the style of the jacket you want and whether it is compatible with your style of
riding.
-
Leather jackets offer more abrasion
protection; however, these are not waterproof motorcycle jackets and can be quite heavy.
-
Textile jackets are often waterproof,
but might not be the right fit for a sports motorcycle bike.
-
Short jackets are good for sports
bikes, they will not be too baggy and ruck up at the front.
-
Longer jackets suit touring and upright
bikes, keeping your waist warmer.
If you are looking for the perfect motorcycling jacket all year round, look out for ones with
a removable thermal lining.
How to choose the safest motorcycling jacket:
It is good to have CE approved armour in the elbows and shoulders, but look further for CE
back protection. Many jackets will have a pocket where you can add protective gear to make
your jacket safest for the road. Look for abrasion resistant materials such as polyester, or
cordura fabric.
For your comfort and safety, look for a jacket which has adjustability in as many parts of
its construction as possible; ribbed stretch panels at elbows allow easy flexing with the
body, adjustment tabs at cuffs, neck collar, waist, arms, etc. allows for a snug yet
comfortable fit. Feeling comfortable in the motorcycling jacket you choose is essential for
a stress-free ride with high mobility for your safety.
MEN’S MEASUREMENTS GUIDE *(INCHES/ 1 INCH= 2.54 CM)
| SIZE (INCHES) |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
2XL |
3XL |
| CHEST |
34-36 |
36-38 |
38-40 |
40-42 |
42-45 |
45-48 |
48-51 |
| WAIST |
28-30 |
30-32 |
32-34 |
34-36 |
36-39 |
39-42 |
42-45 |
| COLLAR |
14 |
14.5-15 |
15.5-16 |
16.5-17 |
17.5-18 |
18.5-19 |
19.5-20 |
| TROUSERS SHORT |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
| TROUSERS REGULAR |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
| TROUSERS LONG |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
WOMEN’S MEASUREMENT GUIDE *(INCHES/ 1 INCH= 2.54 CM)
| SIZE (INCHES) |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
2XL |
| NUMERIC SIZE |
6 |
8-10 |
12-14 |
16-18 |
20-22 |
24 |
| BUST |
30 ¾ |
32 ¼- 34 ¼ |
36 ¼- 38 |
40 ¼- 42 ½ |
45- 47 ¼ |
49 ½ |
| WAIST |
24 |
25 ½- 27 ½ |
29 ½- 31 ¾ |
34- 36 ¼ |
38 ½- 41 |
43 ¼ |
| HIPS |
33 ¾ |
35 ½- 37 ½ |
39 ½- 41 ½ |
43 ¼- 45 ¼ |
47 ½- 50 |
52 ½ |
| TROUSERS SHORT |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
| TROUSERS REGULAR |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
| TROUSERS LONG |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING GUIDE: TROUSERS & JEANS
How to find the perfect fit for your motorcycling jeans and trousers:
Note that ladies’ clothing is cut differently to men’s clothing, and they do vary depending
on manufacturer.
Think about how you like to wear your jeans/trousers, fit your preferences to the style and
size to find the perfect match.
How to measure yourself
-
WAIST: measure the narrowest
part of your torso, as you would with a normal pair of jeans or trousers
-
INSEAM: measure from the top of
your inner leg along the inside seam to the bottom of your leg
-
Many trousers will have length
options from regular-short-long, depending on your height and the length of your
legs you want to consider which is the best option for you.
Choose the right style of motorcycle trousers:
Leather will give you really good protection, especially when fitted with additional CE
approved armour in the knees and hips. They can be worn on their own and will provide a snug
fit. However, leather trousers may not be the best option for colder days, and they are not
waterproof. Textile trousers tend to be a bit baggier as the material doesn’t stretch. The
closer fitting, the more protection they offer. Some denim jeans are also fitted with CE
certified protective gear which allows you to stay comfortable and safe.
Look out at how the trousers you choose fit around your waist, whether they have Velcro, if
you will need a belt, or if they zip up to the jacket. Also, make sure they are the right
fit for the boots you will be wearing. Leather trousers are usually worn inside the boots,
whilst textile trousers are worn outside to keep the rain out of your footwear.
MEN’S MEASUREMENTS GUIDE *(INCHES/ 1 INCH= 2.54 CM)
| SIZE (INCHES) |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
2XL |
3XL |
| CHEST |
34-36 |
36-38 |
38-40 |
40-42 |
42-45 |
45-48 |
48-51 |
| WAIST |
28-30 |
30-32 |
32-34 |
34-36 |
36-39 |
39-42 |
42-45 |
| COLLAR |
14 |
14.5-15 |
15.5-16 |
16.5-17 |
17.5-18 |
18.5-19 |
19.5-20 |
| TROUSERS SHORT |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
| TROUSERS REGULAR |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
| TROUSERS LONG |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
WOMEN’S MEASUREMENT GUIDE *(INCHES/ 1 INCH= 2.54 CM)
| SIZE (INCHES) |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
2XL |
| NUMERIC SIZE |
6 |
8-10 |
12-14 |
16-18 |
20-22 |
24 |
| BUST |
30 ¾ |
32 ¼- 34 ¼ |
36 ¼- 38 |
40 ¼- 42 ½ |
45- 47 ¼ |
49 ½ |
| WAIST |
24 |
25 ½- 27 ½ |
29 ½- 31 ¾ |
34- 36 ¼ |
38 ½- 41 |
43 ¼ |
| HIPS |
33 ¾ |
35 ½- 37 ½ |
39 ½- 41 ½ |
43 ¼- 45 ¼ |
47 ½- 50 |
52 ½ |
| TROUSERS SHORT |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
| TROUSERS REGULAR |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
| TROUSERS LONG |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING GUIDE: BOOTS
Motorcycle boots are an essential part of each rider’s motorcycle attire. The protection and
comfort they provide is vital in ensuring you are safe and comfortable. This is why choosing
the correct pair of riding boots is key.
Ladies’ footwear will run smaller than men’s; you can use your shoe size as a guide for the
best fit for your motorcycling boots, though depending on the material and manufacturer the
sizes may vary.
Choosing the perfect style of boots:
-
Depending on how you like to wear your
boots, inside or outside your trousers, have a look at the shin protection to make sure
you will have a comfortable fit.
-
Decide the level of protection you will
require for the style of riding you engage in as some boots have more protective
features which might not be needed or comfortable for your style of riding.
-
Be weary of certain protective features
such as metal toe guards, as they might scratch your bike as you mount it.
-
Adventure off-road boots offer lots of
protection, but you might struggle with the changing of gears if it is a sports bike you
ride. Touring boots will be great for long journeys, and harsher weather conditions as
they are waterproof and warm, but it could get too warm if you are riding on track in
the summer
-
You might have to consider owning
multiple pairs for the different conditions you ride in, to ensure the perfect fit and
suitable protection.
Finding the perfect fit:
Leather boots will likely feel stiff at the start, they usually give in after some wear, if
after trying them on they do not feel comfortable it may be the size which is the issue.
Your motorcycling boots should never be too stiff or too tight with no room to move, they
should not feel uncomfortable. You should have mobility in your motorcycle boots so that you
can ride safely and comfortably, but not so much that your foot could twist in case of
accident.
How to measure your feet:
-
Rest your bare foot at a right
angle to a wall, keeping the heel right up against the wall.
-
Using a tape measure the
distance between the wall and the tip of your foot.
-
Repeat for your other foot, use
the bigger measurement as a guide for your size.
SHOE SIZE CONVERSION GUIDE
MEN'S
| EU |
UK |
US |
Foot length (cm) |
| 39 |
5.5 |
6 |
24.6 |
| 40 |
6.5 |
7 |
25 |
| 41 |
7 |
7.5 |
25.4 |
| 42 |
8 |
8.5 |
26.3 |
| 43 |
9 |
9.5 |
27.2 |
| 44 |
9.5 |
10 |
27.6 |
| 45 |
10 |
11 |
28 |
| 46 |
11 |
11.5 |
28.9 |
| 47 |
12 |
12.5 |
29.8 |
WOMEN’S
| EU |
UK |
US |
Foot length (cm) |
| 35 |
2 |
4 |
21.2 |
| 36 |
3 |
5 |
22.1 |
| 37 |
4 |
5.5 |
22.9 |
| 38 |
5 |
6.5 |
23.7 |
| 39 |
5.5 |
7 |
24.6 |
| 40 |
6.5 |
8 |
25 |
| 41 |
7 |
8.5 |
25.4 |
| 42 |
8 |
9.5 |
26.3 |
| 43 |
9 |
10 |
27.2 |
![Alpinestars Speedforce Black US11.5 [45]](https://bikes.motobank.co.uk/smgb/imgs/mgb/id-514986/speedforce-black-11-5.jpg)
![Alpinestars Speedforce Black US8 [40.5]](https://bikes.motobank.co.uk/smgb/imgs/mgb/id-450767/speedforce-black-8.jpg)
