A motorcycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can buy. A good motorcycle helmet is a style statement and an investment in yourself.
Take picking a helmet seriously. Find one that’s not only stylish but fits properly, too. A great-fitting helmet is essential for protection, comfort, and performance.
Knowing how to measure a motorcycle helmet is a critical part of the shopping experience. With this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right size helmet, how it should fit, and why visiting a dealer can help you make an informed choice about this all-important piece of headgear.
A properly fitted helmet is essential for comfort, protection, and riding performance.
Knowing how to correctly measure for a motorcycle helmet ensures a snug, secure fit that won’t shift or cause discomfort while on the road.
Helmet sizes vary by brand, so always compare your measurements to a manufacturer’s size chart.
Visiting a dealer for expert fitting helps you find the perfect motorcycle helmet for your head shape and riding style.
Knowing how to measure your head for a motorcycle helmet is important for many reasons. It’s about having maximum protection each time you hit the road. A properly fitted helmet also improves comfort and helps reduce rider fatigue, but the most important factor is that an ill-fitting helmet can put you at risk of serious injury.
Before committing to a new motorcycle helmet, you should recognize the signs of a bad fit. Helmets that don’t fit properly won’t offer the protection and, comfort, and stability you need on the road. Watch out for the following signs that your new helmet won’t fit.
Your helmet might be too loose if:
The helmet shifts when you shake your head from side to side or up and down.
There’s excessive space between your cheeks and padding.
It lifts off your head when you tug on the chin bar.
It moves forward and obstructs your vision when riding.
On the other hand, a helmet that’s too tight might have the following issues:
It creates painful pressure points on your forehead or temples.
The helmet leaves red marks or indentations on your skin after a short amount of time.
It causes discomfort near your ears or jawline.
It’s difficult to put on or remove without excessive force.
Your helmet’s chin strap should be secure and comfortable with minimal slack. The helmet itself shouldn’t tilt forward or backward. If you feel dizziness after wearing it for a short period, it’s not a good fit.
Once you know what type of helmet suits your riding style and needs, it’s time to work on finding the right fit. Taking accurate measurements helps you choose the right size helmet, regardless of brand or style preferences.
Measuring your head for a motorcycle helmet is easy with the right tools. If you can’t visit a dealership or plan to buy online, grab the following:
Soft measuring tape to measure your head’s circumference
Pen and paper to jot down your measurements
A mirror to ensure you are measuring the right part of your head
A friend to help measure for maximum accuracy
If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, you can substitute a string and a ruler. Wrap the string around your head and mark the length you'll measure with the ruler.
Grab your measuring tape, mirror, and pen and paper.
Find the widest part of your head. Place the measuring tape about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure the tape sits just above your ears and wraps evenly around the back of your head, right at the largest point.
Measure your head circumference. Hold the tape snug but not too tight. Note the measurement in both inches and centimeters.
Double-check your measurement. Measure at least twice. If your numbers vary slightly, use the larger number.
Compare your helmet with motorcycle helmet size charts.
Measuring your head size accurately makes it easier to find the right helmet for protection and comfort.
With your head size measurement in hand, the next step is matching your measurement to the correct helmet size. But it’s not that simple. Helmet sizes can vary between manufacturers and styles, so relying on a single “medium” or “large” label isn’t enough. Instead, compare your measurement to the specific brand’s size chart.
Why do size charts matter? Each helmet brand designs its shells and interior padding differently, meaning one brand’s “medium” might fit like a “small” in another. Always check the official size chart before you buy.
Compare your measurements to a motorcycle helmet size chart – like the exampleshere from the Harley-Davidson® [Gargoyle X07 3-in-1 Helmet](https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/h-d-capstone-sun-shield-iii-h1>Capstone Sun Shield III h1> or <a href=) – to ensure a proper fit.
Locate the manufacturer’s size chart on their website or in-store and compare your numbers with theirs. Look for the range that includes your exact measurement.
Check the helmet’s fit type, too. Some helmets are designed for different head shapes. If your chosen helmet doesn’t match your head shape, it might feel too tight or loose in certain areas.
If you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller one. Padding will break in with use. If the smaller size is too tight and creates painful pressure points, opt for the larger size. Sometimes, brands will offer adjustable padding or cheek pads to fine-tune the fit.
Our team of product experts have partnered with industry leading helmet manufacturers, who utilize the latest technology in developing cutting-edge helmets that help protect, increase comfort, and enhance the ride.
What sets Harley-Davidson helmets apart from the rest?
Not only are we offering top of the line helmets, all H-D® Helmets feature unique and custom H-D® styling with use of key colors, graphics and hardware. All styles of H-D® helmets are available through our dealerships, making it easy to find the perfect helmet.
Finding the Right Fit: The Dealership Advantage
While online measurements help narrow your options, experiencing a helmet firsthand at your local dealership offers unmatched benefits. Dealership experts provide personalized guidance, accurate measurements, and ensure you leave with the perfect helmet for your needs. For the best experience and fit, visit your dealership and:
Put on the helmet and have an expert help adjust the chin strap until it's comfortably snug.
Move the helmet from side to side and front to back to check the fit.
Take time to wear the helmet in-store for at least 15 minutes before purchase.
Confirm your complete range of vision to the left, right, up, and down with expert feedback.
Plus, when you purchase at the dealership, you’ll benefit from immediate expert adjustments and the peace of mind that comes with personalized service.
Try a smaller size if there’s space between your brow line and the inner lining – or you can roll the helmet forward or off your head. Your skin and scalp should move as the helmet moves. It should fit as tightly as you can comfortably wear it.
If the helmet becomes uncomfortable, try another size, a different helmet, or a different shell style. Remember to wear eyewear or options like a sun shield while trying on the helmet, especially if they’re a regular part of your rides.
Once you’ve found a helmet that fits well, ensure no part of the helmet obstructs your field of vision to help ensure a functional, comfortable ride.
Measuring your head at home is a great start, but visiting a Harley-Davidson® dealership gives you expert fitting assistance. This hands-on approach can ensure you find a helmet that fits in size, shape, style, and comfort level.
You can try your helmet before buying it, which isn’t available online. In addition, dealers can show you how to make critical adjustments for maximum security. You can even explore styles, from full-face to modular, to find the best match for your riding style.
Find your local Harley-Davidson® dealer to get an expert helmet fitting today!
Why Harley-Davidson® Helmets Are Built for the Ride
Our team of product experts partners with industry-leading helmet manufacturers to offer the latest technology in cutting-edge helmets that help protect, increase comfort, and enhance your ride.
All H-D® Helmets feature unique, custom styling with the colors, graphics, and hardware you know and love. We offer designs for every rider: full-face, modular, or open-face helmets that look great and offer outstanding protection.
No matter your preferences, Harley-Davidson® motorcycle helmets for men provide top-tier protection and style you can trust.
Don’t settle for an ill-fitting helmet. Find motorcycle helmets for women that offer the right balance of protection and comfort.
Measure Right, Ride Confidently
Your motorcycle helmet is more than just gear. It’s your first line of defense on the open road. Taking the time to measure your head properly, compare size charts, and test for a secure fit gives you the best protection, comfort, and riding experience.
Measuring your head size at home is a great start, but visiting a Harley-Davidson® dealership gives you access to expert guidance, different helmet models, and a hands-on experience that lets you find the perfect helmet for your head shape and riding style.
Don’t settle for a motorcycle helmet that’s too loose, tight, or uncomfortable. Find one that fits like it was made just for you.
Explore our helmet collection and ride in confidence and style today!
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Helmet Sizing
A helmet should fit snugly, but it shouldn’t cause pain or create pressure points. Helmets shouldn’t move when you shake your head, but it also shouldn’t be so tight that it leaves marks or discomfort.
You can, but it’s best to measure your head first and check the manufacturer’s size chart. Carefully review the return policy if buying a helmet online so you can exchange sizes if needed.
In most cases, you should choose the smaller size as the padding will break in over time. If it’s uncomfortably tight, look for adjustable padding or consider a different model that fits your head shape better.
Use a soft measuring tape or a string and a ruler to measure your head circumference. Use a mirror to ensure you’re measuring the right part of your head. Write down the numbers in inches and centimeters.
It should be snug with even pressure all around your head. The helmet shouldn’t shift when you move. Cheek pads should press lightly. If it moves easily, it’s too big.
Yes, but use a mirror or ask a friend to help if possible. It can give you a more accurate measurement. If you’re measuring alone, double-check the numbers to avoid sizing mistakes.
Measuring too high or too low on your head can give you an incorrect measurement. You should always measure at the widest part of your head, about one inch above your eyebrows.
Measure your head before you buy a new helmet, especially if you’re switching brands. If you’ve had significant weight loss, or hair changes, or haven’t checked in a few years, remeasure to ensure the best fit.
Advice to Help You Choose
Express the rider inside on and off the bike with genuine H-D riding and casual gear.
Throw it into high gear. Now is the perfect time to revamp your ride.
Show the world who you ride with. Get all your H-D riding and casual gear here.