How To Choose the Perfect Motorcycle Helmet

In this vid I head to the SportsbikeShop in Leeds to find out how to choose the perfect motorcycle helmet, as I begin the custom helmet process with PaintNation.
I try on a range of lids - the Klim KRIOS PRO, the Arai Tour X4, the AGV AX9, the NEXX X.WED 2, and the Shoei Hornet ADV, and find out how to fit a motorcycle helmet correctly,
In the next vid in this series, I'll sit down with Phil from PaintNation and begin the design process.
Hope you enjoy the vid folks, keep SUBSCRIBING, keep SHARING, keep LIKING, and keep letting me know what you think in the COMMENTS section below!
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[@SamVBikes]

Nice vid mate! In the process of upgrading to a new lid and thinking of going for a peaked one. Heard a few stories of humming noises on them from the peaks vibrating at speed etc. Have you clocked that at all with your experience? On a SuperAdv with a clip on screen so barely any wind hitting me at all, but heard that might make it worse!

[@teapotone]

I’ve never had this with the Shoei Hornet I usually wear bud

[@SamVBikes]

@@teapotone Damn... that means I've actually got to open my wallet now 😂 Cheers and have a good weekend!

[@kov7494]

If you ever find yourself in Leeds we do offer a test ride option on the shoei hornet. Just pop to sportsbikeshop in Leeds on your bike bring your driving licence and we will let you take one out for a few hours. Steph 👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

@@kov7494 That's a cracking idea! Thank you Steph!

[@Sion_Jones]

Never had it with the Aria tour x4 either

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

Mate, thoroughly enjoyed this! Great series idea, pal. Let’s give a big HIGH FIVE to Stephanie, she’s a natural in front of the camera, and she dropped knowledge on us 👍🏻 As a Shoei man myself, I liked your final choice. SportsbikeShop looks mega. Can’t beat 1 on 1 service! Look forward to Part 2 with Phil. 🔜🔝🎥🆒

[@richardsalsman1069]

Yeah Stephanie was definitely great, great knowledge and tips.

[@nickturnbull4302]

Stephanie fitted my helmet in her Leeds shop. Thoroughly recommend her and her store they are so helpful

[@boyle1990]

Can't fault sportsbikeshop for their customer service. Great vid Bruce!

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@grumpsrides6074]

Great advice, never knew about pushing the back of the lid either?! Over 35 years of riding, and still learning 👍

[@richardsalsman1069]

I didn’t know that one either. Sure makes more sense than shaking your head.

[@bobholley6202]

Never knew about pushing the back of the helmet either. Great vid brother!

[@teapotone]

Cheers Bob 👍

[@dsimon9s29]

Thanks for posting. She might have been nervous, but she was a natural. Good video.

[@timparsons8515]

Superb....you should do more of this stuff...jeans, gloves, jackets, etc...brilliant job sir. Well done.

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Good video 📹 Bruce...Steph is just the kind of salesperson you want when buying a new lid! Quite refreshing to see and hear some good knowledge. I'm definitely an Arai person shape wise...and my beloved Tour X is now 10yrs old and really needs replacing. Cheers, Steve

[@HippoDrones]

I love the SportsbikeShop, fantastic customer service, and awesome variety of lines

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud, aye that was the first time I’d been in any of their stores and I was really impressed by the setup too 👍

[@HippoDrones]

@@teapotone I also won a free trackday off them so they get bonus extra love from me! :D

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha nice one 👏👍

[@thor8640]

Great video, just goes to show that a well sorted dealer with very knowledgeable sales staff like Steph, makes a huge difference. Our dealers over here in the colony are not too bad but seeing the selection of sportsbikeshop - boy do I wish we'd have a dealer like that.

[@davem3008]

Crackin intro Bruce, had to play it back ... thought I was hearing things 🤣🤣

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha cheers min 👍

[@highlandriders9696]

I do much of my bike apparel shopping through Sports bike Shop and just wish they would open a Scotland store. Nice video dude, looking forward to seeing what Paint Nation does for you.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@shawngreenwood7825]

Love this one Bruce, Thanks Steph for being on camera when she was very nervous. We don't have shops like the SportsbikeShop hear in Canada. My dealer was awesome but had to order helmets just like I would and when you have a huge head like mine it was very hard to fit. I had to go Amazon in the end to get my LS2 Pioneer with a peak in white and 4XL. Yes, I am a fatty head bugger. lol! I am really looking forward to the next step with Paint Nation and what Phil can do to a helmet. (Hope it is Phil, sorry if it isn't) Love your podcast and found the recent interviews very interesting. Keep on!

[@teapotone]

Cheers Shawn, Aye it’s Phil at PaintNation, glad you’re enjoying the podcast too bud 👍

[@kellyabercrombie9769]

Shoei makes a great lid for sure. Personally, I’ve found HJC to work great for me. I’m so confident in them that I bought my current one online and it worked out beautifully, just as I knew it would. Your advice is absolutely solid though and for my next helmet I may just head into the shop. Maybe I will be so fortunate as to find an awesome rep like Stephanie. Great video sir!

[@TheTimberwolf01]

Fair play Bruce this is a brilliant video. Picked up a lot of tips on proper fitting of a helmet. It really is something you need to get right the first time. Have to say Steph is very good at her job too! Makes it so much easier when you deal with someone who actually knows what they're talking about.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Noel, glad you found it useful bud 👍

[@aunoates6617]

A great video, and was wondering when I could fit a long ride in to check this place out. Then Steph shocked me by mentioning that there is a branch 8 miles from my house! Can’t believe I didn’t know that!

[@teapotone]

Nice one! 👍

[@ydarbg]

Great show Bruce 👍

[@teapotone]

Thanks Ger 👍

[@PCERules]

I’ve bought online when I’ve bought the model before but that customer experience is well worth it. Great video!

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@GSHants]

Really helpful video as just looking to replace mine so thanks for that, and big thumbs up to Stephanie too, a credit to Sportsbike shop. like many others here 40 years on bikes and I never knew about pushing the back of the helmet thing!

[@marksmith1747]

I saw you filming this while choosing my first lid 👍

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha cheers Mark 👍

[@bigalex7942]

Great informative video. Keep it going Bruce.👍

[@nigeltankard6977]

Thanks for this great information

[@stitch3163]

Steph did superb in front of the camera and what a great shop! While I was secretly hoping that you would pick a different lid, I knew in my heart of hearts that Shoei would win. Great vid, Bruce.

[@stevie150365]

Steph was great, great advice , cracking vlog big man

[@teapotone]

Cheers Stevie 👍

[@UsernameKate]

Steph is a legend!! Great video Bruce!! 📹

[@teapotone]

Thanks Kate, aye Steph knows her stuff eh! Your Scotland trip looked awesome on Instagram, looking forward to watching the vids 👍

[@MikeB-fp2nw]

All I can say is - Gud on you getting to that shop the way traffic and road works are at the moment

[@billy4rocks]

Ive owned a Nexx xwed2 for a few years now, probably the best lid ive ever owned.

[@roadwarrior8560]

That beard would drive me mad tying the helmet strap!! Sportsbikeshop are tops.

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, aye I do miss the magnetic strap on the Ruroc 🤷‍♂️👍

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@teapotone You could any advice for touring the Scottish Highlands? is it worth doing the Applecross pass?

[@teapotone]

100% - it’s a must-ride if you’re on a bike in Scotland. Go to Ardnamurchan Point to - most Westerly point on UK mainland. It’s a bit of a trek but worth it

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@teapotone Thanks mate!! looking forward to it.

[@Sion_Jones]

Had lots of different helmets over the years, but when I tried the Arai Tour x4 on, I knew instantly that it was the one for me. Like you said, we all have different shaped heads, and trying on in store is essential. I'll buy my next Tour x4 online now though as I know it's the perfect fit.

[@teapotone]

Nice one 👍

[@SX1000ninja]

Perfect timing Bruce 👍👍 I’m switching from my Neotec 2 flip front to a peak/adventure helmet. Brilliant vid and top marks to Sportsbike shop……I have spent literally thousands at their shops and can honestly say they are top for price and customer service 👍👍 Bring that shop to Birmingham ASAP 👍👍 your doing really well Bruce with this YT stuff so well done mate 👍👍

[@teapotone]

Thanks very much bud 👍

[@oldnewbiker2269]

Looking forward to the design stage, and I'll be keeping my eyes and ears open regarding the Birmingham store opening.

[@S_SLSLSLS]

One of the things SBS offers which is great to test the fit is the try it for an hour service. Also price match and great returns and customer service

[@guyolsen3353]

Love Steph, She is very helpful and the rest of the Leeds staff are brilliant. Only problem you end up spending lots of money.

[@barryjmarling]

Great video,Stephanie was a natural,regularly use sports bike shop always fantastic service and great prices,good to hear there opening a store in Harlow.👍🏻

[@mac46rr]

Nice vid Bruce. I’m an Arai head😁😆 Though currently have an HJC RPHA70. Which is good but not an Arai😉🙂

[@mplus1338]

I’ve bought and binned lids after a couple of days due to the forehead pressure that you don’t really feel until you’ve done a full day on the bike. In this instance, thank you Bruce for giving me the finger. 👉🏻

[@teapotone]

😂 My pleasure bud 👍

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

Excellent vid Bruce👌 like you, the Shoei Adv Hornet was the helmet that fit me best 6 months ago, but I was more impressed with that store than the one I bought it from🙂 i want to get a lighter lid like the Klim krios pro so I'll definitely give those guys a go😉 cheers bud, your channel rocks🎸 👍

[@teapotone]

Nice one Dwayne, thanks bud 👍

[@digger8180]

Sportsbike shop are top notch in my opinion 👍🏻

[@neilmurrell281]

When I think of the shite lids that didn't really fit me well ... this is top advice. Took me years to realise to buy the best I can afford too cos cheap crap is er well cheap crap. 👍

[@stimpyueediot]

I bought the $600 Shoei because i figure my life is worth $600.

[@RichO1701e]

Leeds, a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one! I travel from Teesside to the Leeds branch, they have excellent staff there, I've tried many a lid on in their store. Wish they'd open a store near Newcastle

[@Dave619.]

Great start to the series. I get all my gear from Sportsbikeshop. Never been in store though, always used them online!

[@stijn435168]

What about shoei personal fit system why didnt you do that because its realy worth it it wil only take 20min and the feedback i get from our customers is realy amazing great video 👍

[@5coaly]

Really informative, thanks! Although my hubby is not very happy with you because I've only gone and bought a new Shoei Neotec 2 lid today !! 🤔😁 I love it!👍

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha good work 👏👍

[@ticthedog9413]

👍 Great video with sound advice from Steph

[@scottyuk]

Enjoyed the vid but great to hear there will be a new store coming to Harlow, Essex 😁👍

[@richardsalsman1069]

Great video Bruce some good fitting tips. Looking forward to the custom painting.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Richard 👍

[@sootylum]

Great video.

[@simonbeal2148]

Looking forward to the next 2 videos 👍

[@garethburningham9467]

I've only worn shoie for years. I've tried other brands and nothing else comes close to fitting as well as a shoie.... Great vid by the way bud 👍

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I totally agree mate I’m from Australia and ( if I can will buy from one of my local motorcycle dealers. If not another one in the Country ( a last will go eBay or elsewhere ) supporting our own economies is important part of providing Jobs etc ,👍

[@scottbuchanan5426]

Loved the wee Doric opening Bruce! And to answer your question, nae bad loon fit like yersel? 😄👍🏻

[@teapotone]

Ay chavin ken 😉 Cheers min 👍

[@beans4491]

Great video Bruce, more to it than meets the eye eh?

[@teapotone]

Cheers Beans! 👍

[@TisMeJohnDee]

Very informative video brilliant tip from Stephanie. Considering her first time on camera she was really good. You've mentioned the tv show a few times now Bruce, any idea when it's on sorry if you've mentioned on instagram but it's not my cup of tea. Take care mate.

[@teapotone]

Hi John, We start recording in August so should be ready to air in September all going well 👍

[@simonrobinson7536]

Can’t believe you were in Leeds, could of met you and had a brew, should get myself on instagram I suppose. She is a font of knowledge on bikes is the manager

[@patrickshea-simonds5827]

Great video and Steph's a credit to SportsbikeShop - obviously fit is only part of the picture in terms of what to choose but some areas such as noise difficult to judge unless you research properly beforehand. Have been seduced by a good looking lid before only to find it was too noisy!

[@teapotone]

Aye good point there Patrick, no substitute for solid user feedback, or going out and riding in one of you can 👍

[@JEmmertz]

Solid advices here, Bruce! I hope to fit into a Klim Krios Pro, but the local dealer doesn't seem to provide them, so might have to change brand or dealer shortly. The Klim is so so light so it would be a shame if it didn't fit, but the safety of the noodle will remain top priority.

[@brucekendall52]

Looked a great shop.Much better to pay the shop a visit rather than buying on line for something like a helmet purchase.Cheers.

[@carloscarvalho1961]

NIce vid. I used to buy all my gear from online Sportsbikeshop, now with Brexit, things became much more complicated! Aside that, I myself have a Shoei and there is one thing great also about it: No matter the speed I dont feel the peak!

[@teapotone]

Cheers Carlos, Aye I don’t feel the peak either, at any speed 👍

[@petersmith2691]

Very good vid mate, I like this type of vid where you can learn something.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@jamiedolleryify]

I spent months looking for the right lid and ended up going with Shoie too most comfortable for my fat head 👍

[@scottaird6762]

Wish they would open a shop in the Glasgow area

[@nikoscoulson]

Another great informative video 👍. I’ve got one of the Hornets and have a Shoei transition visor. Definitely a great add on.

[@teapotone]

Wow I didn’t even know you could get them for the Shoei’s! Cheers bud 👍👏

[@nikoscoulson]

@@teapotone It's called a Shoei CNS 2 Photochromic Visor. Don't get one from outside the UK as you'll get stung £40+ on import charges. You live and learn.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@AManAstray]

Bruce, they are great at the Leeds store. Got my latest lid from them as they're local to me. Good insights to buying a helmet. Learned something new...didn't know about the push forward and finger on the forehead. Thanks for that. Only gripe....when I was trying different helmets, had to wear a plastic balaclava for obvious reasons. Looked like a muppet. You being a celeb didn't need to...humph! :-) Can't wait to see the custom paint.

[@leighhorrocks2941]

Good vid I am in the market for a new Helmet as well perfect timing. Like you shoe helmets fit me like a glove. What do you expect being power full and attractive men. Keep up the good work love the content.

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

AGV and Arai never seem to fit me, amazing the difference between brands. Thought I had an odd shaped bonce 😳 I almost always go back to Shoei. Interesting video 👍

[@ryoder]

I've long had a problem trying to find a lid to fit my oversized melon. One day I was test riding a bike at a shop, and they asked what size helmet I needed. I gave my usual answer: "The largest one you have", and they handed me a helmet for the ride. As I got back, it occurred to me it was unusually comfortable. I took it off and looked at the brand: Shoei. Oh hell; Out of my price range. I'm currently using a helmet I bought from a guy on Craigslist who had just sold his GS, and was selling his & her helmets ("her" being the ex-wife). I bought his XXXL Schuberth C3 for 1/6 of the new price. It is the first full coverage bike helmet I've ever owned that fit properly.

[@kandydavins]

Had to pay 35$ to send back a wrong size helmet with RevZIlla, I recommend supporting your local cycle shop!

[@raycollington4310]

This was a useful and informative video Bruce and the Sportsbike shop lady was excellent. Did you consider a flip-front type and does having a beard that you could lose a badger in, have any affect? This is great public service broadcasting mate, thank you.

[@robchisholm72]

Would have put money down you'd stick with the Shoei bud. Looking forward to the design/finished product.

[@stephenchapman8344]

👍

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

This is why I always go to a shop to buy a new helmet, and try as many as i need to, till i find the best fit in the ranges and price in my buget

[@AGardenShed]

Love Sportsbikeshop. The store in Boston is amazing as it’s connected to the main warehouse. Took the plunge on a shoei hornet a few months back. Very disappointing compared to my gt air 2. Thought being a adventure helmet the ventilation would be really good. Unfortunately not.

[@teapotone]

Really? I’ve never had an issue with ventilation on them and I’ve worn them in temps up to 49 degrees in the Sahara? 🤷‍♂️

[@AGardenShed]

@@teapotone it’s a good helmet but the ventilation is poor compared to the gt air 2. The vents on that are amazing though. But on the plus it had the typical all day comfort and build quality I’ve come to expect from shoei. Bought my hornet for trail riding. Got it bedded in on the road then first experience on the trails came off, broke my leg and the helmet had to go in the bin. For road use I’d highly recommend trying thr gt air 2. It’s a lot quieter, more aero dynamic, vents are better and you have the internal sun visor. Brilliant touring helmet.

[@stimpyueediot]

My Shoei fits me like a laz-y-boy chair that i have sat in for 20 years. it knows me.

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, aye I know that feeling too 😂👍

[@matthiasjoseph]

0:52 you look like Hulk - except green is missing ;-)

[@Donkeys_Adventure]

Don’t know if it’s just the fish eye lens but damn Bruce you got a licence for them guns 💪 😂👍 Also does having the helmet painted affect the warranty in any way ?

[@Zbroja69]

Hi, is it possible to return an item purchased online to the shop in Leeds (or any other shop)? Or does it have to be returned to the main shop?

[@teapotone]

Contact their customer support bud and ask 👍

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

I never knew about all the taxes, although I always try to shop local

[@richardwitherstone7396]

Great review, people that buy on line do annoy me, shops like this with advice not just motorcycle gear will disappear if we don't support them! Then you'll be forced to go on line and the price will go up anyway, without the personal service.

[@teapotone]

Aye absolutely 👍

[@northernninjarunner5506]

I went back with HJC this time just fits the head

[@richardsalsman1069]

I have an Arai head for sure

[@almaspuding]

One thing I'd like to add is that the idea of "shoei head" and "arai head" is not relevant any more. Previsouly that was the case, but now manufacturers are using different head shapes for different models. For example, the Shoei gt air 2 and xr1100 fit me very nicely (i'm a long oval headshape) but the shoei hornet is a bit too round for my head. Similarly, the arai tour x4 is too round for my head but the arai signet x is just right. LS2 helmets fit my long oval head nicely as well. I could barely get my head in a Nexx and it's a total no go for a Nolan.

[@keithgreig7136]

Usually a Shoei / Arai man but last time tried the Nexx which in my experience has been awful build quality and interior fell to bits just out of warranty. Sorry wouldn't touch Nexx again with a barge pole and going back to the main 2 players.

[@percusski]

How did they establish the starting size for each helmet, maybe the ones that weren't comfortable were not the correct size?

[@teapotone]

I know my head size so they used that as per each helmets sizings. They know what they’re doing bud

[@agro6821]

The one thing you need to do first to determine your size is to take a head measurement with a tape measure. My helmet size is a medium which is a 56 to 58 but not every brand fits me so it would be easy to walk out of the shop with a large being the wrong size. Most shops don’t take a measurement which I think is weird but anyhow just something to think about before a major purchase.

[@teapotone]

OR just try them on and see if they fit 🤷‍♂️

[@agro6821]

TeapotOne That’s exactly why there are so many new riders with a helmet one size to big.

[@kov7494]

Definitely a good idea to take a measurement to give you a starting point. If you are being fitted correctly in a shop this step isn’t a necessity. Great tip if you have never worn a helmet before though 👍🏻

[@kov7494]

But I have to agree…the best way to get a good fitting helmet is to ignore the tape and try them on, I would always recommend popping into a shop for advice from someone who knows exactly what they are doing 👍🏻

[@stimpyueediot]

Idea for these stores is to have a mock up bike that you can sit on with a hurricane fan in the front so when you try the helmet you can hear how loud it is.

[@Tolandur]

i think you can get a test ride on your own bike with most of the helmets they sell..... at least they did the last time i went to get a new lid

[@teapotone]

Yep that’s right 👍

[@banditbeggers533]

How long can a helmet last.

[@douglaswinton826]

What’s happened to your Ruroc helmet???

[@teapotone]

I got some Shoei lids at the start of the year for the TV show as they’re the kit sponsor, so I’ve been back wearing them this year. I like the look of the Ruroc Atlas 2.0 and I love the magnetic chin strap, but it’s too loud and doesn’t have a peak (I prefer peaked lids).

[@wilkie777]

Spend many a day trolling through their website sadly they've no sites in Scotland and don't have plans to do so. So I remain restricted when it comes to trying on different brands 🤘

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

I’m a Shoei man myself just can’t find any other helmet that fits my “bid”head😃👍

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

I could only get HJC and Shark to fit but for quality I keep going back to Shoei 👍

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

Bruce, you’ve found your perfect sidekick in Stephanie, a natural on camera. 👍

[@SyberiousGraphics]

Do you just let your beard hang or do you do something with it

[@teapotone]

I use beard oil but that’s it