Selecting a correctly sized helmet is an essential component of motorcycle safety. Yet, many people do not know how to select the helmet that is best suited to the size of their heads. In fact, most people tend to select helmets that are too large and will not provide them with much protection if they are involved in an accident.  Sizing a motorcycle helmet is very easy and it won’t take you very long to do,  plus it can save your life.

Things to Look for When Sizing Your Motorcycle Helmet

The most important rule to remember when selecting the correctly sized motorcycle helmet is that it should fit snugly on your head. At the same time, it shouldn’t be so tight that it feels uncomfortable and cannot be worn for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

In order to accurately determine the helmet size that is right for you, you should measure your head with a cloth measuring tape. Be certain to measure about ½ inch to an inch above your eyebrow, just over your ears and at a point in the back of your head that results in the largest possible measurement.  Measure it a couple of times so you can get an average and consistent size for your head. You can measure in inches or centimeters.

Whether you are able to measure the circumference of your head or not, it is a good idea to try on a few helmets in order to determine the size that is best suited for you. If a helmet is the proper size, it should provide uniform pressure around your head and on your cheeks. The pressure the helmet places on your cheeks should be enough to make your cheeks squeeze in slightly so you are almost biting the inside of your cheek.

Things to Avoid When Selecting the Properly Sized Motorcycle Helmet

When trying on helmets, there are a few things to look for that will indicate that the helmet is too large. For example, if the helmet slides on easily, keep in mind that this means it will come off easily during an impact as well and means it won’t provide much protection if you are in an accident. In addition, you should not be able to easily twist the helmet from side to side. If you grab the chin of the helmet and move it from side to side, your skin should move along with the helmet.

Another area to check is where the helmet meets your forehead. If you can fit your finger in this area, the helmet is too loose and may actually get pulled off your head by the wind as you ride. Similarly, you should not be able to pull the front of the helmet down on your face so it covers your eyes or so the chin piece is below your chin.

If the motorcycle helmet feels too tight on your head, your head does not touch the top of the helmet, you can’t pull the helmet down completely over your ears or if it’s painful in any way then you should get the next size larger.

Taking your time to find a helmet size that is the right one for you is an essential part of motorcycle safety. Even if you plan to purchase your helmet online, it is a good idea to try on helmets at a store if possible in order to get a general idea about which size to purchase.  Try on different styles of helmets since different name brands may fit the head differently.  While measuring your head is the starting point for the sizing procedure,  remember that due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size helmet.  Helmets also vary in shape.  Some are oval while others are more round.  This will make a difference!

1) If you own a helmet with a removable interior lining, it can be removed and washed either by hand in cool water using a neutral cleaning agent or in a washing net in the washing machine on the delicate cycle.  This can be done while you are cleaning the outside of the helmet.  Fixed padding can be wiped with a damp cloth containing a neutral cleaning agent.  After cleaning, let all pieces of the lining dry thoroughly out of direct sunlight before installing them back into the helmet.  This is very important in order to prevent unpleasant odors from developing.

2) Clean the exterior of the helmet with warm water and soap. If the helmet is extremely dirty or if there are dried bugs on it, place a wet towel on it for a few minutes to soften the dirt. This will help soften the caked dirt and lessen the chances of  scratching the finish.

Never use any solvents or abrasive cleaners! This can ruin the helmet’s finish.

Most helmets have a thin protective coating to give them a distinctive shine, but with frequent cleaning, this coating may eventually rub off.   Automotive wax can be applied to protect the paint finish, but other harsh chemicals should be avoided to keep from damaging the high-gloss finish.  Do not apply the polish unless the helmet’s exterior is thoroughly clean.

3)  Plastic Parts (including the shield) should not be cleaned with anything containing solvents.  Acid or alkaline based corrosive cleaning agents, such as window cleaners containing ammonia, should also be avoided.  Just like the preliminary cleaning of the helmet’s exterior, use a wet towel to first soften any dirt and then wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.  

The shield should only be cleaned using a soft cloth or a cotton swab with cool water.  Even if the exterior of the helmet’s face shield is coated with an anti-scratch film, it can be damaged if caked dirt, grime, and bugs are not softened and wiped first. 

If the interior of your face shield has been treated with a no-fog shield coat,  do not rub as it might cause premature wear and scratching of this coat. Instead, pat the interior with a towel until it is dry.

The following information available helps you to install saddlebags on your motorcycle.

1) Take exact measurements:
The very first thing that you should consider is to take the exact measurements. Take measurements from the base of the seat and ending at the exhaust pipes. Then you will need to measure from back lights to the front of the motorcycle.

2) Comparability, resizing and installation of brackets:
In this process make any special changes to your measurements. Keep the saddlebags two inches away from the exhaust pipes so that they will not burn. If the shocks of your motorcycle are visible and they are not looking good to you then a slanted saddlebag would be better.

3) After determining all the measurements make comparison between the two measurements. By comparing the two different measurements you will be able to decide regarding which size of bags you need and which bags would easily fits to your motorcycle.

4) Another option is to install throw over saddlebag with easy brackets. You will also have the advantage of being able to remove the bags whenever you want. These are saddlebags that have straps and supports. In case of these bags you do not have to remove your seat.

Regardless of which mounting option you use make sure it fits your life style. In short determine your daily needs before purchasing the Motorcycle luggage of any kind.

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