Motorcycle Riders! | Your Helmet is (probably) too Big

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@renatooi88]

“A man with 5 bikes in his garage is a happy man.” Anonymous

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

At one point I had 7 in my stable... 🤦‍♂️the maintenance and other costs are insane. Unless you're Jay Leno with unlimited 🤌$$.. YMMV👌.

[@mikemerrill175]

I had 5 at one time. I recall a spider web of battery tender wires and maintenance hours spent equal to ride hours. Perfect (for me anyway) is a: GS, light weight DS, & a mid size track bike.

[@renatooi88]

@@mikemerrill175 I have a GS now. I loved it. Best bike I’ve ever owned.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

@@renatooi88 ,, Dealer serviced?? or DIY??

[@renatooi88]

@@PaydayGabeBCNV dealer

[@markkitaoka8783]

As a former racetrack instructor, one of the first things we discussed and physically showed students during the first day of classroom session was the proper helmet and glove sizing. We performed the same tests you have done in this video. I'd estimate that 95% of students had helmets too large for their heads. My high side at 140 MPH resulted in an airlift ride to a trauma center gave me some 'cred' with students about knowing how to size helmets. Thanks for posting this video. It may save a life or prevent TBI (traumatic brain injury) that someone would carry for the rest of their lives.

[@vtrack1963]

My first helmet was a Scorpion EXO AT950 in XL. I almost quit riding because it fit too snugly (several pressure points). I had to stop every 40-45 minutes for a “helmet break”. I had a severe headache after every ride. I changed the helmet inserts from XL to 2XL and solved the problem. New helmet is a Shoei Neotec II in 2XL. It is a higher quality helmet, fits a bit more snugly, and is comfortable to wear. I spent the last few weeks riding in the Western USA and saw many riders with no helmet at all. While I always ride with a helmet, it didn’t bother me in the least. They make their choices, and I make mine.

[@kee7678]

I"m a size Medium and that Large EXO AT 950 hurt my head so badly on for 45 seconds and never even considered it after that, sad to say. I"m still looking....

[@sarahdell4042]

Really informative video for people who probably never think about this. I’m really strict about getting that proper fit. I’ve found I will usually have to order a size up in cheek pads, to get that “perfect” fit regardless of which helmet. Also, simply washing the cheek pads with water will remove all the oils from your skin and bring it back to that tight fit.

[@timm1583]

I think I'm ready for the opposite I have been waiting for my shoei cheek pads to break in but it's been like 2000 miles.

[@Geshmaal]

@@timm1583 yup, I find the top of my head is my issue in terms of fit but a lot of brands end up fitting loosely on my cheeks if I want a helmet that doesn't compress my brain. Thankfully Shoei and Arai seem to fit properly up and down on me - means I just have to go premium!

[@jeffreyarvik5936]

Good video, as always. I think it's important for people to note that helmets have different shell sizes (you briefly touched on this in the video). A helmet manufacturer might sell 6 different sizes of one of their popular helmets, and they might make them with three different shell sizes: XS and S - Shell Size 1 M and L - Shell Size 2 XL and XXL - Shell Size 3 I have a giant head (8 inch fitted hat size). I might be thinking "I'm not sure if I should go with XL or XXL". I might try them on, and find that I feel like i'm truly in the middle of those sizes. I'm like you - when in doubt, I'm going to default to the smaller size. So i get the XL. If i find that this size isn't breaking in like I thought it might, or that it's just too tight, I can buy the XXL size replacement pads for the helmet ($50ish dollars, depending on the brand), and effectively change my XL to an XXL (or vice versa). So long as I have the proper shell size, and the manufacturer sells replacement inner pads, I can adjust to the different sizes which make up that shell size. If people watching this think they might have the wrong helmet size, they should check to see if they might be able to fix the situation with a mere pad swap, and save hundreds of dollars versus buying a brand new helmet.

[@shugyoforyou211]

Good advice! 👍

[@Nezarus0]

Thanks a lot for this. I am getting into adv riding pretty much on my own with zero motorsports experience. I measured carefully and got my beautiful Hornet X2, but without any real clear guidance on fit I was feeling very paranoid that it wasn't tight enough--it is plenty snug. This cleared me right up! Doing a longer pressure-point test right now as I watch this.

[@brianmorse8811]

My dealership did a great job with all the help in fitting me with my last helmet. It's been 4 years since and the helmet recommended expiration is 5 years old. Thanks Ian, I think this is very important for the motorcycle community.

[@oldbigmo6208]

once again you are wright on with your content. What I really enjoy about your channel is you come up with things that we really need to know and explain it in a way that is easy to understand. I learn something from every video, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

[@johnussher6990]

When I bought my Krios Pro I swapped between a small & Medium . I walked around the shop for more than an hour with a small on my head debating with myself if I could stand it on my head all day if I bought it. I did & I can.

[@kee7678]

I'm the same size as you and I do the same thing. I heard to guys TODAY, tell me the exchanged theirs for a Shoei and an Arai as the quality was far better than the Klim Krios Pro, I'm very surprised so now trying to figure it out...

[@davebethell1]

Great fitting guide. It is very difficult in the UK to review helmet shapes, as manufacturers and stockists don't tend to specify what models fit what shaped head. I have looked at Revzilla before for guidance, but the helmet shapes sold in Europe are sometimes different to the helmet shapes in the US for the same model. After trying on numerous helmets I opted for a Shoei, but still had to 'ease' the helmet eps foam to prevent pressure (hot spot) on my forehead. Adopting the advice I was given in the shop (which is the same as you stated in the video) I realised that the other two helmets I have are too large (or have 'relaxed'), and definitely don't fit me correctly anymore, that is if they ever did in the first place. Buy what fits rather than be guided by brand, style, or colour. A poorly fitting helmet could do more damage to you in an accident if it's the wrong size.

[@johnanderson9735]

Great video. I tried on several helmets before I learned that I was an XL intermediate oval with HJC. The Intermediate oval is my basis, but I have found that sometimes mfg’s change sizes during their manufacturing process. An XL with HJC no longer fits me, some models are way to tight, I would have to a 2XL. Arai XD4 XL is now a great fit. The shape seems to be the best starting point for me.

[@jaybosher6144]

I had this same issue. my first hjc was a large and shape was perfect. the newer model at xl fits but has horrible pressure points. helmet shape is so important but manufacturers don't stay the same between model updates

[@artwebb6939]

I was wearing the wrong size helmet until the last time I went to buy a new one Shout out to the pros at my local Cycle Gear for taking the time and effort to actually measure

[@porkchop10]

Padding only breaks in so much...that first one was definitely way too big out of the box. The smaller one still slides on your skin too easy. My Shoei was tight out of the gate, but not painful. Padding broke in maybe 10%, and feels like it's vacuumed to my noggin in the best way. I still have to pry it off, but have zero movement on my skin in any direction, and it's perfectly comfortable.

[@BuckingFastard]

I’ve been there when I was 18. The dealer literally just sold me a helmet that I had no clue about. It used to pull off my head at 150 plus. I learned the hard way back before KZbin. Now needing a new helmet at 35 years old again, I’m looking to get the exact helmet you have… for a much slower bike. Many helmets and bikes later I know what I need. Hopefully this video really helps people.

[@kee7678]

Did you get that helmet? How is it?

[@BuckingFastard]

No, I bought the bell version and it was great.

[@chiptaxfree]

More great stuff for the motorcycle community. Thanks.

[@Mathew187187]

Good video my dad taught me years ago put the helmet on and grab the front and turn it if helmet moves on your head and your head doesn’t turn its to loose.

[@ageofexploring]

Tight, but not painful when you try it on. If you can, wear it for a while in the shop. If there are no hot spots, it fits tight, you’re probably good to go. Loose is bad.

[@steveh545]

man, i really loved the intro, with the music. bring it back! we've chatted helmets previously. Strongly recommend buying from a dealer (or wherever you go to try on the helmets), if you're switching brands. If you're not switching brands...follow Ian's links of course!. I was gung-ho on the Krios, like everyone else, but went the Arai route. They fit COMPLETELY different. i think the top down oval/intermediate/long is only half the story. I got the hot spot right on top of my head with the Krios. I went back a couple of times trying to tell myself i could make it work. then came to my senses. Maybe a different combination of internal pads would shift the helmet up. I don't think you can specify the size of the helmet, and the pads. You just buy whatever size 'fits' and then change pads later? Maybe i have a point head. a cone-head?? But i've heard other reviewers talk about the pressure on top of the skull.

[@roadglide]

100% agree Ian. Helmets are often purchased to large. Excellent helmet fitment suggestion. Appreciate the content.

[@thomascoburn]

too

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

Klim have cheek pads in various sizes - for the fine tune - great episode as always👍🏻

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the tip!

[@GabenHood]

Medium summer for tightness, Large for winter so theres room for a beanie/balaclave etc.

[@tomekvilmovskiy6547]

There was obvious example of WAY too big helmet. IRL this kind of difference is between 2 size levels - like M and XL. Also, my head is 57cm - clearly M-size for any manufacturer's chart. And I was using M helemets and... suffered. The first 0.5-1 hour of any ride was just fine, then in 1 hour I was getting pain in ears, 0.5 hour later - all the head. Once on 4-hour ride I had to remove half of lining just because the pain was unbearable. Then I bought another bike and was given 2 used helmets for free with it, both were L-size. And that was amazing! Now I buy just L-size.

[@SmokinZen]

I usually have had problems with head shape and painful pressure points, I had to use a baseball to crush in those areas. Which helped but after long rides I still feel it. Now I have an LS2 carbon fiber and wowza

[@madmaxthemotomutt6464]

I got a medium scorpion at950, it’s really tight, but the more I wear it the more comfortable it get!

[@My_Ride]

I also thought, that my helmet was to small for me at the start, but after 1 week it fitted my head perfectly. So it really depends on which brand you get how tight the helmet should be at the start tbh.

[@jokermtb]

I had a Shoei helmet where it fit good in the head area, but far too tight in the cheek area - was able to order thinner cheek pads and dial in the fit perfect - not all brands offer this 'fine tuning'. My new HJC rpha 90 fit's a bit snug, but I know once the comfort padding sacks out it should be about perfect - it's a bit like sizing snowboard boots too! Better to be on the snug side at all times, because you don't want a loose helmet (or boots!). I'm a bit of a 'princess and the pea' when it comes to helmets so I tend to order at least two sizes when trying helmets mailorder because invariably, if I only order one size, murphy's law will no doubt apply and it'll be the wrong size! Great deep dive into something people rarely give a second of consideration to.

[@caridinaintruder4218]

Another thing to keep in mind concerning the part at your forehead: A little space is required. Press against the back of the helmet with both hands, while someone else puts his/her index finger between your forehead and the liner. Does this not fit: helmet is too small. Is there too much space: helmet is too big. Does it fit properly: helmet is good. Not doing this, and having too little space in between, will make wearing the helmet very uncomfortable and painful. Not doing this, and having too much space in between, will make your head a "punching-bag" for your helmet, which will result in headaches.

[@joemangune]

Thanks. Knowledge is power. I'm now fully educated. 👍

[@rusty456]

Hey! Just wanted to say thank you for this video. Helped me a ton buying my Krios Pro last week. Big fan of your channel! Keep up the good work

[@dhalfyard]

Does your Krios sit with the front air vent lower than your mouth and nose? Trying to figure out if the air vent should be in line with my mouth? As my nose and mouth would breathe against the visor

[@jarrodleis4046]

Great video on an important subject. I just purchased an Arai XL x4 direct from Japan to replace my old Arai XL x3. I thought I would be safe ordering on line because I was more less ordering the same helmet. Unfortunately I discovered that there is a major difference between Japan market and American market Arai helmet sizing. The Japan XL even has a smaller shell than the American XL. An expensive mistake.

[@jokermtb]

yes - there's something called 'asian sizing' where the entire size range is shifted smaller in relation to what we'd consider 'normal' sizing. It's also a term that's disappearing too, but I won't get into that here

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

I made that mistake when I went to Okinawa the first time and the airline lost my luggage. Don't buy Japanese underwear - just go without. Trust me. It's not just a matter of waist size either, ouch.

[@1990-t1j]

Nothing I didn't know but a good video, nonetheless. The best-fitting brand I have worn: Caberg: I have a full-face and an open face helmet.

[@arthurb8631]

I just figured this out myself. I had a large Krios Pro carbon and it was huge. Figured it out when I bought a naked bike and it bobbled everywhere.

[@filipledoux3565]

Interesting. Just bought new Motoz Rallz tires based on your video’s: very happy with these. Fortunately I can keep my helmet ;-) Thanks for your content. Maybe small thing: we Europeans never have a clue how much an Inch is in centimeters ;-) Greetings from Belgium

[@mikeboyer1114]

An inch is 2.54 cm or 25.4 mm :)

[@ReizePrimus]

"Your", not "You're". Damn you got me to click, you got me.

[@0HARE]

Thanks for this thorough run-down of helmet sizing. I am definitely in the market for a new helmet, and will take your advise seriously. Rock On

[@gunnsteinnjonsson9166]

If l hadn't listen to the sails person when l bought my last helmet l would have bought one size bigger which would have been too big for me. The helmet felt too tight but now it is perfect 👍 Good video, thanks 🙂

[@BigRockMoto]

Great point

[@happyswissjoe]

Thanks for the informative videos (for noobs). It is great to see people making such educational content.

[@bobbybrandnew3277]

You are a true biker. Love your channel.

[@sonicpower687]

Thanks for the information glad to know the squirrel cheeks is a good thing that was the only problem I was having and you explained it wonderfully

[@petermacgregor9805]

You should not be able to move the helmet up and down. It should be snug!Find a dealer or a store that has someone who knows how to properly size and fit helmets. My dealer had a person that has worked specifically in the helmet industry. She fits professional bike riders. Most stores won’t let you return a helmet. So I would recommend that once you find what you think is the right size- wear it in the store for at least 30 min or so to make sure you don’t get any headaches. If the helmet is too tight you will get a headache! Manufacturers that offer many different size options rather than just S M L are preferred and will be able to fit you much better. Also, look for a helmet that allows you to replace the inner linings when they wear out. Helmets don’t last forever. Look over the outer shell to see if the colors have faded. If so, it is usually time to replace it!

[@ronsexton3685]

Yes about the shell size! I tried the Klim, but is was the XL and the top edge was on my eyebrows! Too low! The medium was fine, above my eyebrow but too small. Maybe large would have been just right, but they didn't have a Large to try on. So, yes, the shell size matters! As you have shown, The XL was too large on me and moved too much as you demonstrated for helmet too large.

[@aka_pierre]

For many of us, who have heads that are rounder than Arai's US market helmets (i.e., the Quantum), we literally have no choice.

[@pataltman68]

Great video, very descriptive and informative.

[@Mastercammatt]

Thanks Ian, great video as per usual, very informative. Keep them coming.

[@johnnyblue4799]

If you got a helmet that's too big after breaking in, you might be able to buy thicker replacement padding.

[@ko4gpa]

That’s what I did. I needed an xl but the cheeks were to loose so I got thicker cheek pads.

[@robertrobert5533]

Sehr gut erklärt 👍

[@MrAngrychairs]

Really great video! I really enjoy your contant and its also very helpful. I have a question, how much space do you have on your forehead? Can you still put a finger between your helmet and forehead? In my local dealer they said: if there is no space for at least one finger the helmet is to small. Is this correct? All the best, keep on the great work. Christoph

[@heyspookyboogie644]

I knew this stuff before buying my helmet, and I think overestimated how much it would “break in”. It crushes the F out of my ears now after a few hours. Probably should have went with a large over a medium.

[@nignatovskiy9901]

My helmet is too big for me a little but I would choose comfort over gettin a headache after an hour of riding

[@rickdelmonte1682]

Ian, I appreciate the quality of content you are creating, and your point about fit is excellent. I love Revzilla, but I would urge folks to find a good local dealer to get the helmet fitted in person. I have two Arai helmets, bought both at a great local Dallas dealer. I spent over an hour on each purchase with a knowledgeable sales person. Is an oval a better fit than an intermediate oval? Do you need thicker or thinner cheek pads? This is why you pay so much for an Arai, so you can get a very customizable fit. It seems hard to imagine sending helmets back and forth in the mail to achieve this.

[@charlesm.2756]

I'm obviously late to the party on this one, but I'd like to add that being bald adds a totally different dynamic to helmet fitting. When measuring with a full head of hair, you will have some "cushion" built into the measurement. If you are bald, that is NOT the case. People with a full head of hair may have up to 1 cm of compression room. Bald people won't have anything. So, if your bald head circumference is close to the upper threshold of the helmet size, consider sizing up, or that helmet (which "should" fit) will probably be REALLY tight! Ask me how I know 😅

[@frank_jk]

Thanks Ian, great video. Question about helmet color: does it make a difference safety wise, or is it personal preference? I read/heard somewhere that white helmets stand out more than others on the road.

[@BigRockMoto]

white or yellow or neon green,,, it makes a difference

[@sonicpower687]

I'm 6,2 220 lbs and I just bought a large it fits good but the cheek pads are a little tight so I took them out and have them being squished under some books.

[@sandwaves5642]

Nice helmets u have 😃😃👍👍 Good, informative clip ! Right on time - as now, many will buy their new helmets... unlike myself, who does it in the end of the season - SALE ☝☝😆😆

[@ianferrier235]

Great points ian, thanks.

[@jeg569]

Was ill advised by a Scottish Shoei dealer when buying a GT Air II, they didnt have different skull cap sizes, so they padded out the top of the skull with foam padding, a £600 helmet including comms. The helmet is very noisy and makes my neck and backside ache after 30 miles.

[@ThisTall]

My problem with helmets is the size that fits my head well, is always to tight for my checks.

[@bryanreilly4117]

Ian can you also do a video on your helmet set up with the gopro? I'm looking into adding a mic and not sure what's best/how to do it properly.

[@wyojess]

Just what i was looking for

[@Moondoggy1941]

I have a large head and when I put one on at a show, it was brutal.

[@footlongsubzero1128]

My new helmet is tight on my temples. Everything else seem to check out about your movement tests and the squirrel cheeks

[@fredzuccarelli]

I think you mean "Your"......at first I thought you were calling us, your followers, helmets!!! 😆 🤣 😂

[@trekOCLVone]

Yes - size and shape.

[@expmaster6662]

Would you sell the Large Klim Helmet?

[@joemeyer2726]

Buy from experts that size you, not just size but different manufacturers make better for different head shapes

[@StansE250]

I’m pretty disillusioned at this point … decades of road/sport riding, wearing Arai Signet GT. Now venturing in to Dirt / Dual-Sport, only to find out that virtually Zero reputable brands offer any segment helmets with a Long Oval fitment. I’ve emailed about a dozen, and of those that respond, they say that due to the US market being 80% Intermediate Oval, that is where they park their designs. I’m pretty desperate to find a True LONG OVAL shape for adult Dirt / Dual-Sport. Even RevZilla had only TWO options (one Discontinued, one in XS only) ! 😩 I’d love suggestions from ANYONE with true Long Oval experience … 🙏

[@chrisvito007]

Great work !

[@pappaclutch3266]

Did you read my my mind Ian?

[@davidforeman2734]

Thanks for sharing.

[@stevelee6667]

good job

[@yoshimitsu411]

Instead of buying a new helmet, would it be easier to buy replacement pads and head liner that are thicker?

[@bobbybrandnew3277]

Thats my question. What did you figure out ??

[@yoshimitsu411]

@@bobbybrandnew3277 I ended up getting my head measured correctly, then trying out different brand helmets in that size and buying one that fit perfectly. I also bought bigger replacement cheek pads for a second open face helmet that was the same shell size as the one for my head which then made the helmet just perfect.

[@bobbybrandnew3277]

@@yoshimitsu411 that's such helpful info thank you for responding!

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Perfect again. Thanks

[@SPENJERE]

thank you.

[@BigRockMoto]

No worries!

[@mikeguitarification]

Do you have a CRF300L for review now? looking forward to that if the case.

[@wrangler10]

what is your opinion on that bmw connected ride cradle ?You think is better solution over zumo xt ?

[@FZ500]

Isn't also the yellow helmet too big? Considering it's brand new and will loosen up over time.

[@mikewilliams8311]

How much for the large Klim helmet?

[@richardbragstad2381]

$750

[@TLE1977A]

What about MIPS safety feature? AFAIK its to aod movement of head inside helmet in an accident?

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I bought my first helmet at my local second-hand shop. Thank God I never had to put it to the test. But the older I get the older I want to get. So I'm much more interested in safety and wearing the right gear. My current helmet fits according to your criteria, but how old can it be before I should be thinking about a replacement?

[@BigRockMoto]

5 years or so... depends on how much you have used it

[@pipotube2]

OMG!!! You have a Bike for each day of the week, all are ADV...

[@BigRockMoto]

only 3 are mine

[@bikesbluesrallies7768]

Good info

[@jirex1]

Whet gopro mount r u using on klim krios pro please? Thx

[@marekhlina74]

will buy the big one)

[@IAmYourReflection]

How noisy is the Krios pro in the hwy?

[@lukasschindler4004]

That CRF 300L .......🤤

[@j.r.2353]

me laughing with my xs size superiority

[@Hansengineering]

You Are Helmet is (probably) too Big

[@BigRockMoto]

That was a big oops

[@PVillager]

Wrong use of "you're".

[@blucz883]

I bough my first helmet when I started size L.. Its comfy for me and I didnt know what size to order becouse my old communist era helmets sizes were kinda not like new ones.. I order second helmet when I have passager with me so I can take friends (maybe gf If I will have one) for a ride with me.. I take the older bigger helmet for me and new one for my passeger.. But othervise I would take the new one that is size M.. Im glad Im not only one who had bigger helmet then he should..

[@LTVoyager]

You are helmet is too big? 😂 Actually, the issue with most motorcycle riders is that their head is too small. 😁

[@Makingsenseofinsanity]

Fix the title typo please. 😁

[@BigRockMoto]

Done

[@darren1922]

I tell people all the time that their helmet is too big for them just by the way they put it on and off.

[@MotorDanko]

Your?

[@lefterisbampaidis5446]

I'm again surprised that non native English speakers speak English more correctly.

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

Good- mine pinches my cheeks! Uncomfortably

[@ad78]

Most people is see, they care about their hair.

[@GoodkatNW]

I am not a helmet

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

People still wear helmets?