The Rumblist Moto Market Guide to Motorcycle Helmets
A good motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment a motorcyclist can buy. Finding your perfect helmet may take time. But the protection it provides, not to mention the style, can mean the difference between good riding and great riding.
Browse all motorcycle helmetsCurrent deals on motorcycle helmets
Here are just a few of the many motorcycle helmets currently available from other riders on Rumblist Moto Market.
New Harley Davidson never worn helmet
Khris in NC. Only $199 >
Shoei RF-SR - XS - Like New!
Rubber Side Down in NY. Only $250 >
Biltwell Lanesplitter xxl
Jake in NY. Only $159 >
Ls2 strobe with Cardo edge
Giovanni in CA. Only $300 >
Motorcycle Helmet Types
Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of tried-and-true types. Some offer more protection, some offer less. All offer a style for every rider.
Full Face Helmets Complete head and face coverage and the best protection.
Modular Helmets Protection like a full-face helmet, but the front flips up at the chin bar.
Dual Sport Helmets Full coverage with a peak to help keep the sun and trail debris out of your eyes.
Dirt & Motocross Helmets Elongated peaks and chin bars, and open ports for goggles.
3/4 Open Face Helmets Classic looks with protection around the top, sides and back of your head.
Half Helmets Minimum coverage for riders who want to feel the wind in their hair and bugs in their teeth.
Helmet Accessories Googles, visors and more add personality and protection to your lid.
How to find the right motorcycle helmet for you
The fit of your motorcycle helmet is an essential piece of your riding experience. An uncomfortable helmet can result in distracted riding, slower reaction times and an overall bummer of a ride. Motorcycling is supposed to be fun, right? Make sure to find the right helmet.
Motorcycle riding is fun. The wrong helmet will make it no fun very quickly.
No matter what helmet type you choose (full face, dirt, etc) selecting the best one for your head type is essential.
Find your head shape
Everyone's head is different. And once you figure out what your head shape is, you'll be on your way to finding your perfect helmet.
To find your head shape, use a mirror. Or have a friend look down at the top of your head.
When it comes to helmets, head shapes usually come in three styles: round oval, intermediate oval (the most common) and long oval.
Now that you know your head shape, it's time to measure.
Grab a cloth measuring tape. (Not a metal tape measure.) Wrap it around your head above your eyebrows, and circle it around the widest point at the back of your head.
Once you have the measurement, write it down. You'll need it when looking at helmet size charts.
Fitting your new helmet
Armed with your head shape and size, you have all the info you need to buy your new helmet.
When you try it on, make sure it's not too loose. It shouldn't move when you shake your head.
Keep it on for about 30 minutes. The pressure should be even around your head. If you feel like some spots have more pressure than others, that's a red flag. It may not be very uncomfortable now, but it will be over time.
For more info, check out the DOT's website about helmet fitment.
A Fast History of Motorcycle Helmets
Just like motorcycles, there are motorcycle helmets available in every type, style and cost range for every kind of rider. But it wasn't always that way.
Motorcycle helmets weren't always the stylish fiberglass and foam creations we know today. In fact, they were nothing more than leather caps when they first hit the scene, back around 1914.
Since those early helmets didn't provide much protection, it took a long time before they caught on. And even longer before they became mandatory.
It wasn't until World War II (after the death of Lawrence of Arabia on a Brough Superior SS100) that helmets became mandatory for riders in the British Army.
Motorcycle helmet development continued in the decades after the war. The 1970s brought the first full-face helmets, followed by the DOT-approved safety requirements we're all familiar with, in 1974.
However, as helmet construction and materials improved, prices went up to cover costs. Today, some motorcycle helmets sell for thousands of dollars. Rumblist has a wide variety of new, like-new and gently used motorcycle helmets at great prices.
The majority of US states require at least some riders (17 and younger, for example) to wear a DOT-approved helmet. So it's important to find a good helmet, and even better when it's at a good price.
Got questions about motorcycle helmets?
If you're curious about a specific Rumblist listing, feel free to message the seller. If you have general helmet questions, drop us a line at help@rumblist.com.