Which motorcycle helmet to choose: the complete guide

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February 20, 2018

Like the belt for the motorist, the wearing of a helmet for a motorcyclist is compulsory. Since 1973, each user of motorized two-wheelers must wear an approved helmet, under penalty of being inflicted fine of up to € 750 and one withdrawal of 3 points on the license. To find your way around the motorcycle gear, here are some tips.

Which motorcycle helmet to choose: the complete guide

Buy an approved helmet

The helmet must be certified according to the European standard. Under the chinstrap, you will find sewn a white label which certifies the ECE approval.

Little reminder : the law also applies to the passenger. The approved helmet must also be securely fastened, otherwise its protective capacity is no longer guaranteed. And that applies to both large engines and scooters. The road safety figures remind us that head injuries are the leading cause of severe disability and death among motorcyclists. It is therefore essential to buy an approved motorcycle helmet to avoid head shock.

Your helmet must therefore include a label certifying compliance (ECE 04/22, 05/22) and be provided with four retro-reflective stickers glued to the front, back and on each side.

There are still green labels linked to the French NF approval, but they are tending to disappear. A helmet, preferably bright color for high visibility, must not interfere with the peripheral field of vision or the possible wearing of glasses. And don’t forget, helmets are not just motorcycle accessories: they must be replaced after a violent shock.

The most important points for choosing a motorcycle helmet

Size

The helmet must offer optimal support. While knowing your head size is good, that is not enough. Even if the vintage helmet appeals, do not focus only on aesthetics: priority on comfort !

The motorcycle helmet must not create pressure on the forehead or behind the head. Also think that the foams inside will settle. Be careful not to take a size too big, the helmet must not move if you turn your head quickly. You should not be able to pass your finger between your forehead and the foam of the helmet.

Also, not all brands cut the same. So don’t hesitate to try several and compare the level of comfort for each of them.

The weight

A helmet weighs on average 1400 grams, but its weight varies according to the materials (polycarbonate or fiber) and the types. On long journeys, these few grams make the difference for cervical. Comfort comes at a price. A carbon helmet with fiber mix will be lighter, but much more expensive.

The different chinstrap systems

Easy to use, the quick hitch system is the most common. The so-called "micrometric" helmet attachment is easy to use with a notched tab that fits into the locking system.

Even simpler, the "automatic" helmet attachment which clips like a seat belt: you just need to adjust the strap length first.

There is also the double D jugular, which is more resistant to tearing. Its adjustment is very precise and does not move. It is the only chinstrap system accepted for track driving.

Other criteria that may be taken into account when choosing a helmet: accessories

Ventilation

A quality helmet must be sufficiently ventilated. The aeration and ventilation system helps evacuate the mist during the cold period (at night, winter) and prevents from suffocate in summer heat.

Also find The complete guide to the motorcycle license.

Remember that the more ventilation systems a helmet has, the noisier it will be. Against fog, remember to clean the visor screen regularly with suitable products. There are anti-scratch and anti-fog visors.

Sun screen

Now very popular, the sun visor is not just an accessory. She prevents the driver from being dazzled by aggressive light and can simply be raised when entering a tunnel, for example. Sunscreen is much more practical than wearing sunglasses under a helmet, even if it adds weight to it.

Choose your helmet according to its use

Full face helmet

It provides optimal protection since it covers the entire head. Adapted to long journeys and effective in the face of bad weather, it reduces the impact of noise and wind on the face, deflects insects and any thrown objects … It is suitable for road or sports use.

For 100% urban use, full-face helmets are inconvenient: sometimes poorly ventilated, they are not very comfortable in summer, and mist tends to form on the visor in winter.

The jet helmet

Its protection at high speed in particular is less since it does not protect the face or chin. The jet helmet is on the other hand prized for its light weight and comfort in urban use, especially in summer.

The modular

This is the compromise between the jet and the integral. If he is relatively heavy, the modular helmet has a chin bar which provides a minimum of protection. Ideal for peri-urban.

All terrain and adventure helmet

The adventure helmet, waterproof and insulated from the outside, is perfect for large spaces with its visor and good ventilation. The all-terrain cross helmet, with its massive chin bar, long, contoured visor, suitable for sport or competition use.

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