Buying your next motorcycle helmet with Speed Addicts will be fun and stress free. If this guide doesn’t result in you achieving a great fit the first time remember Speed Addicts offers free shipping on exchanges and returns. Yes, that’s right we’ll keep exchanging helmets at no charge until one fits your melon. We also offer free custom fitting on models with adjustable cheek pads / headliners (more on that later).

There is no denying that your lid is the most important piece of gear in a skid. Motorcycle helmets are designed to absorb and manage forces caused by an impact and can decrease the risk of head injury by 69%, according to the National Center For Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). That energy mitigation relies, in large part, to your helmet being properly fit and fastened.

Loose fitting helmets may move in the wind and distract the rider. Worse yet, they may be out of position upon impact. Helmets that are too tight will quickly become painful and end your ride. Tight helmets also have a tendency to sit too high on a riders head to properly absorb impacts.

Never bought a helmet online before? Don't worry we're here to help.

Tools of the Trade

String and Ruler or Tape Measure - If you have a flexible tailors tape even better

Riding Buddy - Helpful, but not required

Head Shape

There are generally three head shapes: round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. The most common head shape in the United States is intermediate oval and thus the majority of the helmets on the market are this shape. With that said, there is also a decent selection of round oval and long oval helmets on the market. You may now conveniently search by head shape on Speedaddicts.com

Credit: webBikeWorld.com

The best way to know for sure which head shape you have is to ask a friend to snap a picture from above your head and then analyze it. Before snapping a picture, it is important to flatten your hair as much as possible to really capture the shape of your head. Utilize the graphic shown above to decide.

Head Measurement

Once you have determined your head shape, it is time to measure its size. This could be done on your own, but having a friend to do it for you could prove to be more accurate. The flexible tailors tape comes in handy at this point, if you do not have one available, a string and a ruler will suffice. 

The tape (or string) should run above your eyebrows and around the thickest part of the back of your head as snugly as possible. The length could then be marked on the measuring tape, or if you used a string, you may measure the length that wrapped around your head with a ruler. It is advised that the measurements are recorded in both centimeters and inches. As soon as these details are taken, you can now compare your measurements against a helmet size chart. Below are sizing charts for some of our most popular brands, you may refer to your own research for details on other brands.

Shoei Sizing Chart

Suomy Sizing Chart

Scorpion Sizing Chart

Bell Sizing Chart

Gmax Sizing Chart

HJC Sizing Chart

Manufacturers may generalize fitment and offer only one sizing chart for several models. While some brands fit the same across models, others do not. If your measurement comes in between sizes or you are unsure what size to select for any other reason call Speed Addicts for assistance at 1-866-573-2820.

Note: For precise results, measure your head two or three times. If you manage to get different results, take the largest one. If your measurement falls between two sizes on the chart, choose the smaller size.

Test Fit Your Helmet at Home

Speed Addicts has quickly delivered your shiny, new lid, now what? Buckle up, time for the ‘easy-chair’ test fit. That’s right joe racer, no collecting bugs on the road until you’re sure it’s the correct fit for your dome.

As you are starting to put it on, it may feel tight and uncomfortable especially around the ears. Keep calm, this is normal. To assist with your head’s entry, you may spread the straps to open up the helmet more. Initial minor adjustments to the ears is normal as long as the helmet feels comfortable once its on.

Any tightness that causes extreme discomfort should not be ignored and may be a sign that the helmet is not the right fit. If this is the case, you may do the steps mentioned above again to confirm head size and return the helmet for a different size. Helmets that are a good fit generally squeeze on the cheeks, if so, grab the chin bar to move the helmet around. You should feel your cheeks moving with the helmet and not the helmet sliding. If it slides, it is too large. On the other hand, you may have a helmet that fits just slightly too tight. Note that most helmets tend to feel 10 to 15 percent less snug after the first 15 hours or so of riding as it molds to your head.

You should also check to see how the helmet feels as it comes off. Some helmets might go on without an issue, but if taking it off causes pain or is significantly more difficult than it should be, you might want to consider another helmet.

To really get a feel of the helmet you are trying on, keep it on for about 30 minutes in your home (helmets that have been ridden or worn outside cannot be returned). You want to pay attention to whether any pain is felt on the forehead or temples while you are doing this. If you are feeling unbearable pain on your forehead, you may need a helmet that is more long-oval. If you are feeling the pain on your temples, you may need a helmet that is more round.

Note for eyeglass wearers: You do not necessarily need to size up if everything fits perfectly except for glasses. Instead, consider another model helmet.

Speed Addict’s Addicted Fit Guarantee

Many helmets feature modular padding systems that allow for fitment adjustments. Speed Addicts stocks all available cheek pads and headliner combinations. As long as the helmet was purchased from Speed Addicts and is still new, it’s covered by our “Addicted Fit Guarantee”. That’s right we’ll swap your pads or liner free of charge. Call us for assistance if your fit could be improved by swapping the pads for a different size. In some cases you may require a different shell size, in that case the entire helmet will need to be exchanged.

WARNING - Speed Addicts always recommends reading and adhering to fitment and care instructions provided by your helmet’s manufacturer. This fitment guide is in no way meant to replace these manufacturers recommendations. This guide does not guarantee proper fit or performance in any way. Motorcycling can be dangerous and you assume the risk when you swing your leg over your hog.