The Best Way to Try on a Helmet

• Hold it by the chinstraps. The bottom of the helmet should face
you with the front pointing down.
• Put your thumbs on the inside of the straps, balancing the
helmet with your fingertips.
• Spread the sides of the helmet apart slightly and slip it down
over your head using the chinstraps.

The helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit too tight until it
is in place correctly. Be sure it sits squarely on your head. It shouldn't
be tilted back on your head like a hat. Remember, if your helmet is too large, several things could happen: it will move around and up and down on your head when you least want it to; it can be noisy and let in wind; worst of all, it may come off in a crash!

Once the helmet is on your head, make a few other fit checks before
fastening the straps.

• The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing
uncomfortably.
• There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads.
• If the helmet has a neck roll, it shouldn't push the helmet away
from the back of your neck.
• On full-face helmets, press on the chin piece. The helmet or face shield should not touch your nose or chin. If it does, it will surely do so at speed from wind pressure.

A lot of good helmets are available today, in a range of prices. One look around your dealer's helmet display will convince you that nearly any decoration you could want on a helmet is already available. Many manufacturers are color-coordinating their helmets with the newest motorcycle models. And the days of heavy or cumbersome helmets are over. They’re made of lightweight, modern materials and are improved each year. Manufacturers are also working to make them less expensive, stronger and more comfortable.