The definitive guide to motorcycle helmet fitting

In this review, the chap in the cap tackles one of the thorniest subjects in the entire motorcycle apparel business; namely, how to make sure you get the perfect-fitting motorcycle helmet. In this video, Chris tackles a number of issues that are very rarely raised in motorcycle shops.
For whatever reason, most motorcycle shops don’t want to get too involved in detailed discussions about how helmets should fit. There are, in all probability, a number of reasons for this. In some cases, it comes down to a lack of knowledge; a surprising number of people serving in motorcycle shops simply know very little about how a helmet should fit. Some, let’s face it, are just too darned lazy to care. More shockingly, we have learned, some shops don’t want to get involved because, if there’s a problem down the road, they don’t want to be implicated!
We take a different view, and we enjoy sharing with our customers whatever knowledge we have on a particular subject. And so Chris tells us why a good fit is so important. He talks about what constitutes a good fit. He explains why your 58cm. head measure is only a starting point, and shows us why the really important issue is matching the shape of your head to a helmet that mirrors it.
He tells you how to test for a good fit, and what to look for. Of course, the shape of your cranium is one dimension, but he goes on to explain that the other consideration is the shape of your face, because again all our faces are different.
He finishes off his dissertation by showing how the best brand, as far as customising the fit is concerned, is Shoei. It only takes a matter of seconds to remove a headliner and a set of cheek pads, and given this he wonders why most retailers don’t offer their customers this free service.
The bottom line is that this is not rocket science. The theory is pretty straightforward. Motorcyclists need to understand how it all works, and be prepared to put comfort and safety before considerations of colour and style. You then need merely to find a retailer that has the confidence, the determination, and importantly the equipment, to make a helmet fit your head.
This is not one of Chris’s shortest videos but, from a safety and protection standpoint, it might just be the most important subject he has tackled. If you can afford to spend some time listening to what he has to say, you’ll come out the other end knowing more than you did. When you next buy a helmet, you’ll know what you need to do to avoid getting a crippling headache, and how to make sure you are as comfortable and well protected as you possibly can be.
But put the kettle on. Halfway through, you’re probably going to need a cuppa!
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[@tnetroP]

Chris fitted me for a helmet. I had measured myself but he disagreed with my measurements. He suggested I size up, but also swapped the cheek pads and lining for thicker ones and then got a second opinion. I wore it an hour a night for a week while sitting at home and I must admit it felt like it was too tight at first. But by the time I used the helmet on my CBT it fitted like a glove and was very comfortable. It was a little more expensive and less convenient visiting the store but I don't regret it at all. I'd go back to Motolegends for a helmet in the future. No regrets, great service and much better than buying a random helmet online.

[@1life2pono]

The best video on the internet for how to fit a helmet. Thank you!

[@wot-a-noob7257]

Absolutely the best helmet fit tutorial i have seen! Kudos.

[@sdcorrey]

This should be required watching for new riders. I see a lot of comments online from folks who complain of a forehead hotspot followed by bad recommendations to "modify" the EPS when, in fact, they bought the wrong helmet for their head shape.

[@olironrider8918]

Excellent, informative, and well presented..!! This tutorial should be made mandatory viewing as part of a comprehensive training program for all sales staff. It’s all about trying to be as safe as possible. 👍👍

[@Omar-kw5ui]

most sales staff i've met don't actually ride and don't own MC gear. I was asking a sales assistant the other day about advice on MC helmets and he had no clue.. what's the point in hiring these people who don't ride and then don't even give them training.

[@adrianhill407]

I’ve just been into a big retailer of bike gear in Leeds, Yorkshire. I told the man I know nothing about bike gear (coming back to riding after a long break). I asked for advice about getting the correct size helmet. Was told “just try a few on, see what fits”. It is a massive shop with loads of everything. I left without spending, completely overwhelmed.

[@JMMACxXxSHELZ]

I bet you put anothuh shrimp own the bahbie!?

[@ontheway4034]

Thank you so much for this excellent video. It’s the best one I have seen on proper helmet fitting. Sadly, every shop I have been to has basically pointed at the shelves and said to try them on. I wish I could go to your shop!

[@sarge2665]

What a wonderfully informative video. And I can honestly say in over forty years of riding and buying helmets I've never had any dealer taking the time or going to the lengths Chris talks about here to ensure a correct fit! Once again he proves to be an absolute mine of information, he truly knows his stuff. Once again a great video, well done. And whilst being honest I must confess that probably most, if not all the helmets I've bought have been chosen solely on the looks/style of it!!

[@gaetanparent6125]

What a great way to hammer out such an important subject. Thanks Dr Chris

[@SethJayson]

This is the best helmet fitting video I've seen. I seem to be between sizes for the one that mostly fits me, and I was just going to shim the slightly large one a bit with some 1/4 sponge/felt under the liner -- exactly as you're describing.

[@albertorudi5168]

Very professional, probably the best video about helmet management. Thank You! (and even my doctor has so many pens in his pocket ;))

[@WhiskyJackR]

I have a HD (Harley-Davidson) Boom Audio No2 helmet which is size large and fits great, my friend bought this and it was too small for him so I had plenty of time to try it out before I bought it off him. I also have a Shoei GT Air that I ordered on line in a size large and even after having changed out the cheek pads for the thinest and using it for a couple of months I realised that I just cant wear it and it will never get better. I should have returned it day 1 but the instructions said it's supposed to be snug and may be uncomfortable at first but will improve and be comfortable after a while! Your approach to helmet fitting is similar to how we used to assess new product shoe fitting in Clarks. I was an product engineer there for many years in my former life. My experience has taught me that if you buy a helmet online you will be very lucky if you get a good fit and so I wont be doing so again. When the time comes for a replacement helmet I would love to make the trek from 'The Lizard' to see you guys for a proper helmet fitting 😉👍 Old Guys Rule

[@davidorourke1123]

Made a visit to the shop last weekend for a helmet and jacket, Sean looked after me, friendly, professional service and a great atmosphere, purchased an Arai & Belstaff will definitely be returning. The coffee and biscuits went down well.

[@xsiteeu]

Can’t understand how this channel has so few subscribers... in depth with everything they review + presenter is far from annoying

[@jjanggajo]

I agree with you.

[@esr243]

Hello there, I think I don’t learn as much elsewhere than here on all matters you present, review and sell well. Bravo ! I love your nonsense classic modern approach

[@7arkhwf]

👏 well done Chris, by far best helmet fitting guide there is.

[@guitarplayerforu]

Great video. I'm a new rider who's starting to learn next year, but planned on starting in 2020 originally, so bought my gear in late 2019. I got the vast majority from J&S Accessories, including my helmet. I told them I was new to it and had very little knowledge to no knowledge about gear fittings, I'd measured my head size and I was a large in Shoei, so I reserved it before going, and they got me to try the helmet on and do some of the checks shown in this video, the 3 people who checked the fit about 3 or 4 times for me and then reassured me that it was fine are actually bikers themselves. It fits comfortably, Snug, presses my cheeks and moves the forehead skin and doesn't move around, I find it very quiet and my glasses fit well in it too. Although I've only worn my helmet for 3 lessons and as a my pals pillion last year, I uploaded a video in 2019 of me doing checks and one biker said it looked too loose to him, yet others said it looked fine, So I'm going to make a few videos later and message Shoei and ask what they think. I'd hope a reputable place like J&S accessories, the staff who are bikers and served me wouldn't sell me an helmet knowing full well the fit wasn't correct and how paranoid I was. The helmet is very comfortable and feels like it fits me well, it definitely moves the forehead skin and I've tried to roll it off and move it side to side and it wasn't moving around. I'll wait and see what Shoei say later, Hopefully they'll say it's fine 🤞

[@Comrade134]

I certainly would like to visit Surrey just to have a proper helmet fitting done right!

[@damienford3587]

Chris, thank you. This is a truly great presentation..

[@ThatOneRightThere]

I thought I understood the analogy when it was described in detail... But the visual demonstration really hammered home the message

[@agkinares]

I ride motorcycles since 1987 and had no idea about most of these. Thanks a lot for this very informative video, and as I look more into your channel, for all the other videos as well. Great work!

[@Motolegends]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sultanwot7152]

Thank you. I can't express how much you helped me on this matter. A great informative video.

[@orhancebi5288]

This is an very important video! Excellent quality of explaining 👌

[@albertolazaro471]

Wonderful lecture! Very informative and entertaining. I wish my lectures were as good as yours. Thank you very much, Chris.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

So that explains the pressure on my ears from my shoei helmet. Even though I like it but I guess shoei is not for me because I have a round head. Schubert is probably more me. I will try this brand today. I just hope I meet a sales rep like Chris. Someone who’s concerned about my comfort and safety.

Depends which Schubert, S2 are intermediate oval, not round. And newer versions of C3 (lite) also intermediate oval, no more round oval like the previous version.

[@PadmaDorjee]

This is the most comprehensive video I seen on helmet fitting. Thank you very much! I wish I saw this earlier today as I came home with sore cheeks from buying a helmet. I hope what you said is true about the cheek pads because the circumference is great. Thanks again.

[@PeterMurphyceltic]

brilliant helmet guide that every biker should watch!!!

[@pter7531]

Absolutely brilliant, an eyeopener. Thank you very much!

[@duwomaiishgabrielle9498]

Nice presentation👍🏽👍🏼👍🏽👍🏼

[@steveschwartz2571]

This is so helpful and the most informative presentation on KZbin 👍 thank you! I wish I could pay you back by purchasing a helmet from you guys - if only you were 16,926 kilometres closer

[@krzysztofkapusta1388]

Extremely useful video and wonderful lecture! Thank you guys, as always you been very helpful!

[@MrBeracah]

Excellent covers all the variables. Thanks

[@ShortyTW867]

Got to love Chris (the chap in the cap)! Thank you for the complete information. I 'm in Southern California and I have a feeling I will need to take a trip to Guildford to get the job done correctly. Thank you again.

[@ntcommie]

Brilliant. These are definitely important information you have provided. Thanks Chris.

[@affonsofranco7682]

Best helmet video I’ve ever seen!

[@magna-mogg6598]

You are a brilliant Man !!!!! Thank you very much for your expertise, Helmets and Pin locks just what I needed help with.

[@h3398]

The best and easiest to understand explanation❗👍

[@RedZeshinX]

You should go for a close-cropped buzz cut, your facial features remind of Jason Statham so you'd pull it off well (would definitely look better than your present 'do). Baker-boy caps are notoriously well suited to men with closer shaved cuts, you're halfway to where you should be.

[@tockingwatches2377]

This is very helpful and I’m planning to purchase my first helmet this week.

[@michaelmorley6522]

I stumbled across your channel yesterday, serendipity me thinks. Picking up my new bike in Alton on March 1st, I will be in to see you later that day. Looking forward to it.

[@Motolegends]

We'll see you on your new BMW or Ducati in March then!

[@michaelmorley6522]

@@Motolegends correct, BMW. However may not be 1st, got to pick up the bike and get then get the tracker fitted. BMW charge too much for exactly the same tracker from another approved dealer who happen to be Yamaha over where I live in Twickenham. I also decided not to buy another BMW helmet as you reviewed two on your channel one of which I shall get.

[@cdnrider6200]

great job , thx for the info

[@defylifeadventure]

Re-visited this video as I've always worn an S in HJC, Arai, Schuberth etc.. (which is usually a 55-56cm), yet I recently measured my head and found it to be closer to 57cm. Oddly never had any issues with hotspots or pressure points in 15 years of riding.

[@randersson3672]

I have to go trough some pain before I get perfect fit, I'm right at the end of small and at the bottom of medium..so I learned to buy small and suffer for some hours, I have a Shoei head, there is NO way I can use a Schubert no matter of size.

[@paulgettings4134]

Very informative I will come and see you for my next hemet

[@paulforst8274]

SIMPLY SUPERB, thanks Chris

[@martinfoster5163]

Great demo of helmet fitting. Love it. I’ve had issues with headaches in my temple region. It’s agonizing after about 1 hours then I have to stop for about 20 minutes to get the headaches to stop. It turns out my skull has grown. I used to be a 58cm in my late teens but grew to a 61cm by middle aged. I believe I’m an intermediate oval. Anyway, I finally found a very comfortable helmet which I can wear for hours without discomfort....It’s a Bell Race Star.

[@chrisball4959]

This was brilliant Chris.

[@calumstacey-grant7406]

Extremley useful video, very well put together and informative. I'm new to biking and this channel has been very helpful. Thankyou! First time I've commented on a youtube in years (and I watch a lot of youtube)

[@cliveroughley2779]

Very useful! Great presentation.

[@My_bike_and_me]

Yet another great video full of great info. Chris, you guys did a great job in getting my Shoei to fit perfectly👍

[@bradhouse313]

I am in the market for a new helmet and found this video very informative. I am an older rider (45 years on bikes) and wear hearing aids. I find it very difficult to put on/ take off a helmet with my hearing aids now. Any recommendations on how you would handle that in a fitting?

[@kittycat6195]

Such a great informative video. Thank you!!!

[@MrEye4get]

Exceptionally informational video!!

[@Motolegends]

Thank you so much!

[@bazazback]

Awesome I learned so much watching this and glad I did, I always thought I could save a few Bob buying online but no more I’d rather go into an experienced shop like motolegend and get fitted up in person, in fact if I didn’t live so far away I would definitely go and visit the motolegend guys Brilliant video guys and thanks 👍

[@1990sourav]

Extremely well done. Thanks

[@toddaod295]

Definitive indeed! Well done!

[@fr4413]

Informative and funny at the end. Enjoyed.

[@cramster3495]

What an excellent video. It's getting harder to buy things from anyone else.......

[@VoxJ]

immensely useful. Thanks!

[@judeoko]

Good video, I wish youd done this video years ago, I've found with buying and spending £k realised shoe fits best, and agv. I bought a bell bullet helmet and could not wear it so still in box 3 years later.

[@mikeburton7077]

Thank you for a very informative vid, made me realise my old Bell does not fit properly

[@trevorleggo1777]

Excellent information, thanks from all the way downunder, wish you were selling here...

[@saylorlucysmagicaladventur922]

Great video

[@gregclaydon6727]

Brilliant ! Thank you

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Very informative

[@richedwards4651]

Always good quality and informative video's, tea break not included 😆

[@tonytramonti5828]

Ian Mckellan knows his shit when it comes to helmets

[@GrimYak]

Bought a xxl LS2. Their chart says i should be only a large but large and XL squeezes my head like a melon that i get a massive headache the first 2 seconds. Problem is manufacturers do not really have a universal standard of sizing. They should also print head shape recommendations on the helmet itself.

[@waynecharlton954]

I'm having this problem just bought a f70 kesta carbon hjc this is the second helmet from the sportsbike shop in the uk so now got to send this helmet back for XXL

[@pedrodacruz3488]

JUSTE PERFECT, thank you..

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Chris, I really enjoyed this video. I myself am pretty fresh to motorcycling and I purchased a shoei which I am happy with but on purchasing it I was left to my own devices as far as getting one that fits. I'm happy with my choice in that I can barely close an open mouth before biting my cheeks but I never would have thought to even check for that before this video. Do you have an opinion on earplugs and the wearing of head gear (ski mask) underneath the lid. I find it helps slide the lid on and off easier.

[@fr4413]

Yes, a silk ski mask (very thin) helps me with helmet putting on.

[@digger8180]

Your getting good at this😎👍🏻

[@dantae666]

It's a shame you guys don't sell HJC

[@saylorlucysmagicaladventur922]

Very nice

[@gcanaday1]

It's hard to find something near me that fits. Bell, Arai, Shoei, and the others the store carried either were just too damned small (forget chipmunk cheeks, you have to be able to get them on) or gave me a headache almost immediately - for the ones I actually could get on! I ended up with a XXXL modular Sedici. My head must be double the size of the average Japanese and a whole lot less of a circle...

[@Roxxles]

The finger test, are you testing the soft liner or the hard liner? A lot of videos say you shouldn't on be able to push more than the tip of your finger up the front of the helmet when pushing the helmet forward. The helmets I've tried I can fit a fingers width between my forehead and the hard liner in places when pushing the helmet foreward. A size smaller where I can't do this I get a headache 😢. I'm so confused.

[@AntonioSabella]

great video, possibly one of the best I have seen. I am at the point where I am willing to surrender to finding any good helmet, and keep on using my old one. Unfortunately here in Canada the brick and mortar retailers do not let you take the helmet home, have staff that will not help you much.. so the only chance is to keep on ordering online and testing. I do try on some helmets and they seem to fit ok at the retailers, but when i order them online and try them, i have headaches after the hour to hour and 20 min mark! Any advice on best brands for a round head? 😔

[@sanjeevdm]

Good stuff!

[@MrBeracah]

Hi Chris why do the helmet manufacturers make three styles in each size fitting ? Thks

[@elegantinfusions]

Great vlog, I am living in South Wales, just about to get back on the motorcycle scene after 30 years, is it worth driving all the way to Guildford, could well be.

[@seb81123]

Impressive training Chris ! Thank you so much :) Any plan to franchise your brand ? We need your knowledge widespread in the world and only a team of trained evangelists trained from your school can success this general public security mission ! And I am not kidding. Regards Sebastien

[@Deadonkey85]

So with the shoei range. What is the difference in size between a medium with the thinner lining and a large with the thickest liner? Does that make them essentially the same size?

[@andykasim5922]

Thank you for your clear explanation! Just asking about helmet head liner, this one is exchangable within the same shell size right?

[@samweller3080]

Great lecture as usual. Btw, what's the brand of the helmet you put on at the end? I love it! :)

[@kt6167]

Great! I have a square shap as head....

[@archerxo1]

UK excellence. Much appreciated

[@Fee.1]

I wear a large in shoei but an XL In Arai judging by how hard it is to put the large arai on, do they get much easier to put on over time ?

[@rsilvers129]

Very confused that you said Shoei is more of an oval than Arai. My understanding is the Arai Signet-X is the longest oval, and Shoei are medium oval. Maybe you meant the Arai Quantum. That being said, I have seen evidence that Shoei is more oval than HJC.

[@billlyl3725]

Masterclass

[@seanhunter111]

Instructions unclear. I couldn’t get the helmet to fit snugly over the cap. Joking aside, this is an excellent video.

[@raymondminnaar5592]

Can I buy a FLY Racing adv helmet that was manufactured in 05/2016 but it was never used from the dealer? It is new

[@Fee.1]

Do you sell those head measuring things ?

[@MadMax69.]

Hi lads can you help me please I have 56 cm very around head shape my old Arai RX7 was Medium and very comfortable but I think to by size Small because size Small is 55-56 cm and Medium is 57-58. Please help me decide which size is better and which Brand for around head shape is the best. Thanks all of you lads all the best from Ireland 🇮🇪 👍

[@gizzyguzzi]

how come I can't buy a helmet based on my Cephalic Index?

[@the.communist]

Shoei n arai might be head n shoulders above the rest but their price is quite a few heads and a few shoulders above the rest as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@battsonbikes1919]

Hi Chris and fellow bikers, Have you heard of the new Koroyd materials used in the new Klim helmets, looks really interesting. I think it might be the new normal in future helmets instead of EPS. Of course you have they are in the background lol.

[@Omar-kw5ui]

I'm pretty sure they made a video on it.

[@daveross7]

Epic!

[@HarryMac-Scotland]

“Aria & Shoei are head and shoulders above other helmets”, wouldn’t you say their SHARP ratings are disappointing, especially against some less expensive brands?

[@piotr.ber94]

You didn't mention how properly make head measurment to determing size. This can be helpful because if I have 57 cm head size for example and I wear helmet in medium size and it will be hurts my temples I will know that interior shape of it helmet is not for me instead try size up helmet.

[@shawnmclean7932]

Have you tried an Arai?

[@PeterMurphyceltic]

Buy an HJC RPHA11. Never let me down.

[@mazzarin2]

Thanks for this video! The part how not to measure at 26:01 was especially useful! I went to a helmet store to try on a new helmet: the salesperson was rotating it up and down on my head and said it was a poor fit because it moved too much >.