Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
You know you need a motorcycle helmet, but which one do you get? The wrong purchase won't give you the vital protection you seek, so it's important you find the right helmet. We've created the following buyer’s guide to help you narrow your search and find the ideal fit. If you have any questions or want to explore motorcycle helmets for sale, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. Our dealership is based in Westminster, California, and we also serve those in Los Angeles and Orange County.
1. Know the Motorcycle Helmet Types
Motorcycle helmets are broken down into a few different categories.
Half Helmets:
- provide the least amount of protection, leaving the rider's face fully exposed
- often chosen by cruiser and chopper lovers
- require a close fit because it could easily roll off otherwise
- best left to experienced riders
Open Helmets
- provide a middle amount of protection, covering the rider's ears and part of the jaw
- may come with a visor to protect the eyes from weather
- best left to experienced riders
Full-Face Helmets
- provide the best protection, covering the most of the rider's head
- come with face shields so riders don't need additional eye protection
- often include extra padding to improve comfort
- a great option for new riders
2. Look at the Crash Test Ratings
Motorcycle helmets can come with crash test ratings, which tell you how the model performed in a mock crash. These tests can be done by government agencies (such as the Department of Transportation) and non-profits (such as Snell, which was founded after sports car racer Pete Snell died from head injuries).
The crash test results can tell you many things, such as:
- how the helmet absorbs shock
- how the helmet stands against hitting a sharp object
- how well the chin strap remains closed without popping open
- how much you can see on each side
3. Research the Best Fit
You'll get better protection from a cheap, well-fitting helmet than you would from an expensive, ill-fitting option. A helmet that fits right will feel slightly tight, but never too much pressure.
Finding your measurements will help you find the right fitting helmet. Head size correlates to how big of a helmet you will need. Head shape correlates to how well the helmet lines up with your forehead, jaw, and so on. Look up sizing charts online and determine your measurements before you visit a store.
4. Try Motorcycle Helmets On
Once you visit a helmet store, you will want to try on various models and conduct the following tests:
- move your head from side to side (it shouldn't wiggle)
- move your head forward (it shouldn't slide off)
- wear the helmet for several minutes (it shouldn't leave red spots, pinch your jaw, or feel stuffy).
5. Decide What Motorcycle Helmet Features You Want
Motorcycle helmets can come with various features to improve your ride. For example, some models offer extra padding to improve comfort. This is especially valuable if you will be riding for extended periods of time. Another common motorcycle helmet feature is Bluetooth® capabilities. This allows you to communicate with others in a group ride who also have Bluetooth capabilities in their helmet. Think about what features you want, then look for matching helmets.
Ready to explore motorcycle helmets for sale? You'll find a range of choices at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. Our expert staff is happy to answer questions and help you find the best match, so stop by and visit our dealership today.We proudly serve those in Los Angeles and Orange County, California.