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Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle helmets are a vital piece of equipment to any rider, and a legal requirement. We take a look at the options available, and answer some of the most common questions.
Which motorcycle helmet is best?
“Best” is subjective, and often comes down to budget and your requirements.
Someone riding a 50cc moped around the city will have different considerations and requirements to someone riding a high speed sports bike through countryside and motorways.
However, there are many brands out there which are reputable with a wide range of helmets on offer, depending on your need and style.
Remember to check our helmet sizing guide to make sure you get the right size!
A guide to Safety Labels
Helmets often come with a label inside stating a letter, in accordance with their safety rating and to what level they have been rated.
- P - Protective - Found on full face helmets
- NP - Not Protective
- J - Jet - Usually used on open face helmets
- P/J - Protective / Jet - Often seen on flip up helmets.
Types and Designs of motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of styles depending on your need and desire.
Full face helmets will offer the most protection, but can be uncomfortable and claustrophobic. On the other end of the scale are open face helmets which offer less protection but are often seen around cities.
Quiet motorcycle helmets
We do wonder if the advent of electric motorcycles will reduce the need for quiet and ear protective helmets. For now however, if you ride a petrol motorcycle it may be more comfortable to opt for a helmet with sound proofing technology in.
Especially useful for longer distances, they contain extra padding and will reduce the amount of road and engine noise. Wearing ear plugs is also suggested.
It is important to note however, that the quietness of a helmet will vary depending on your riding style, position, the bike you ride and your hearing quality. As such it can be extremely subjective with each individual experiencing the “quietness” of a helmet differently.
Pictured: Viper RSV 171 Bluetooth Helmet. Incldes communication and noise cancellation tech.
Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Open face helmets offer cool, comfortable summer riding with great visibility. However, in the event of a crash they offer little in the way of protection to your face should the worse happen.
Some helmets that are open come with visors, but if not goggles provide a much more pleasant ride to protect against stones, dirt and wind.
Pictured: Airoh Retro open face helmet with visor.
Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
Completely enclosing your head, full face helmets offer extra protection but can be a little claustrophobic for some. You won’t be able to wear glasses, either.
However, they are the most common in design thanks to the extra protection they give, not only in the event of a crash but also against the elements and road debris.
Pictured: Viper F656 Retro Full Face Helmet
Flip Up Motorcycle Helmets
Offering a fantastic balance between safety and convenience, flip up helmets give the protection of a full face but the flexibility of riding with it open face.
The safety rating of these will depend on each device, depending on the rating quality of the chin bar. Some may qualify as full face, others as "Jet" or Open face.
On some models, the chin will flip right back 180 deg letting you ride without the extra wind resistance.
Pictured: Viper RS202 Flip Helmet
Retro Motorcycle Helmets
A popular style, retro helmets are available as both Open or Full face styles. Brands such as Bell, Viper and Stealth all have vintage offerings whether that be a retro-union jack helmet, or clean lines and chrome highlights with luxury suede interiors.
Retro open face helmets put you in the style of a chic Italian city in the 60’s, surrounded by Vespas and are a big hit with those desiring the style of the Mod scene from the 60s.
Pictured: Stealth Retro Helmet
What motorcycle helmet should I buy?
All safety helmets are rated to a certain safety rating, and will offer protection in the event of an accident.
However, when it comes down to a device you will be using almost daily, it’s important to not skimp too much, especially when it could save your life.
The more premium end of the helmet market will see more comfortable, intuitive designs that fit well and may offer more pleasant longer journeys.
More premium helmets will have:
- Higher quality materials
- Stronger in accidents
- less likely to degrade in urban use
- More comfortable to wear
- Custom sizes
- Some cheaper helmets may use the same outer shell size, and vary the interior. Premium models may have multiple outer shell sizes to appear less unwieldy and more bespoke
- Comfort
- Better interior materials
- More ventilation
What is the UK law surrounding helmets?
If you ride a moped or motorcycle, you must wear a helmet at all times.
Other protective clothing items such as trousers or jackets are not legally required but are recommended for additional safety.
The law to ensure all riders wear helmets was brought in in 1973, and in most countries it is also a requirement. Not wearing one is not only illegal but may impact on any subsequent insurance claims.
In short, you must wear a helmet. Luckily there are many modern and cool designs that allow your personality to shine, as well as giving options for personal preference and comfort. Let us explore the types available.
Helmets should be approved to British Standard BS6658:1985, or any EU equivalent to this standard. US standards such as DOT are not legal for UK use.
Eye protection or Motorcycle goggles are also heavily recommended by UK law, though not required.
What is the UK law surrounding helmets?
Don’t stuff gloves or hang from your wingmorror - this will make the interior dirty and cause damage.
Avoid placing on the fuel tank - oil and petrol will damage the lining.
Motorcycle Helmet Sizes
Helmets come in several sizes, usually indicated in centimeters based on the circumference of your head. 52cm is considered very small, and will step up every 1-2cm up to 64cms for an extra large.
All heads are different shapes, so it’s important to measure thoroughly to ensure a comfortable fit.
Remember to check our helmet sizing guide to make sure you get the right size!
How long do motorcycle helmets last?
Short answer: about 5 years. In any helmet, glues and materials used will start to deteriorate. General wear and tear, oil and grease from hair, cleaners and cosmetics all contribute to slowly wear away at the build quality of the helmet.
Helmets are pretty robust items that are designed to take a bit of rough and tumble but ultimately protect you in the event of a crash. That means if it looks cracked or has weaknesses forming from being knocked on the floor or in the garage, it should be replaced.
There's not a fixed amount of time in which a helmet will last, however replacing every 5 years or so should ensure that no weaknesses have formed in the plastic.
Keep away from petroleum products such as fuel or cleaning products, and some paints. These can cause corrosion to the outer shell. Equally, the interior of your helmet does most of the work in an accident and you should avoid keeping any items inside of it as this may also damage it.
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