A motorcycle helmet is an important part of motorcyclist gear. It protects the head, neck, and upper back from injury in a crash. A well-fitting helmet should be snug but not tight around the face so that it does not move when you shake your head or nod yes or no.
The strap should form a Y shape under the ears with one long enough to go over your chin and rest on top of your crown. The strap should be just loose enough to allow blood circulation without being too tight against the skin.
Properly strapping on your helmet before riding is important for safety. Follow these steps to strap up and go!
Table of Contents
Risk of Not Strapping Your Helmet on Properly
Your motorcycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever buy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a properly fitted and strapped-on helmet reduces your risk for a head injury in an accident [1]! That’s reason enough to strap on your lid every time you get on a bike.
There are some common mistakes riders make when strapping their helmets on that could have serious consequences if they weren’t fixed before going out for a ride:
- Tangles in hair;
- Flips or tips the helmet forward exposing the face to debris and bugs;
- Does not stay securely in place making it more dangerous;
Fastening a Double D-Ring Helmet Strap
If you’re wearing a double D-ring strap right now, then congratulations! You are doing it correctly. This is the most common type of fastener for modern motorcycle helmets. Although it is easy to fasten, the double D-ring helmet strap also has some tricks that can keep you safer while riding.
Converting Your D-Ring Strap Into A Quick Release Helmet Strap
Many motorcycle helmets come equipped with a quick-release strap. An awesome upgrade makes it easier to get your helmet on and off but can also make you less safe while riding. The reason is the metal snap-ball that connects the end of the strap to itself could pop open in an accident causing your helmet to fly away from your head and neck.
Echo Quick Release Buckle Helmet Strap
The solution to the safety issues is associated with a quick-release buckle. It’s an upgraded helmet strap called the ECHO Quick Release Buckle that eliminates those potentially dangerous problems. Your motorcycle helmet will have two male ends on either side of your chin section, one for each ear pad.
Simply pull both sides away from each other and you’ll see where they connect together with small metal rings known as triglides [2]. Insert one end through this ring before reconnecting it back into its original position. This creates what looks like one long piece but is still fastened securely in place. The trick here is to pull hard when inserting or removing which takes some getting used to but ensures a safer ride!
RydeWear Motorcycle Helmet Quick Release Buckle
Another option if you don’t want to convert your double D-ring strap is a helmet with a quick-release buckle already installed. For example, the RydeWear MTB helmet comes equipped with an easy snap-on and off chin strap that’s fast but still keeps you safe from debris or accidental opening from wind gusts. It also features the latest in air ventilation technology so you’ll always have cool fresh air blowing against your face especially during those hot summer days!
Get the Proper Shape
When you are buying a helmet, ensure that it is snug in your head. It should not be too tight or loose. If the padding has formed creases after wearing it for some time then this means that there is no space inside so do not buy such helmets. The outer shell of motorcycle helmets usually comes with different designs and shapes to help reduce wind resistance while riding on roads at high speeds so make sure you get one that matches yours perfectly before purchasing them online or offline.
Proper Fit
A helmet should fit snugly and be comfortable. It shouldn’t rock from side to side when you try to move your head if it doesn’t have a proper fit. If you don’t have a mirror that allows you to see the side of your head, look for tell-tale signs that it doesn’t fit right. If there is any space between the ear and helmet along with extra material near the front or back of your forehead (where glasses would sit), this means there isn’t enough padding on either side, preventing an optimal fit.
How to Strap a Motorcycle Helmet Quickly
Method 1: Strapping with a double D-ring Buckle Motorcycle Helmet
The first step to strapping on your lid with this kind of closure is ensuring that both sides of the strap are tucked under and secure against your chin before proceeding any further. It might seem like an unnecessary step but if either side comes undone while riding, there could be very serious consequences for you or other riders behind you who may not have noticed yet that your helmet isn’t properly strapped on anymore.
Some people choose to tuck these straps into their neck rolls or collar instead of securing them just around their chins as recommended by manufacturers because they feel more secure. Tucking the strap into your neck roll or collar is not safe and should never be done because it can cause serious problems in an accident that would otherwise have been prevented by just strapping the helmet on correctly.
The next step to properly securing a double D-ring strap under your chin is to reach behind you with both hands, grab hold of the loose ends of each side of the webbing and pull outward towards either side of your face while simultaneously pushing down on top of your head until everything feels nice and secure against you.
Method 2: Fastening the Helmet without Undoing the Strap
There are helmets that can be fastened without undoing the strap. There is a quick-release mechanism on it and once you pull it, the helmet will snap out of place to allow for easy access. This type of design also allows for one-hand application or removal if necessary.
Here is what you should do:
- Put on the helmet. When placing the helmet down, make sure that the strap is inside of it rather than hanging outside. Then pull the strap over your eyes as you rock your helmet back and forth;
- Push the strap down under your chin with one hand;
- Adjust the strap to keep the helmet in place;
Additional Tips and Warnings:
- When you’re not wearing the helmet, make sure to strap it down securely. This will protect your head in case of an accident or crash;
- Do NOT store your helmet on a motorcycle seat. It can damage the padding and cause it to lose its protective abilities. If you don’t have anywhere else to put it, strap it down securely to the motorcycle;
- Helmets are not designed for use with fairings or windshields, so make sure that these accessories aren’t blocking where the straps attach at each side of the head before trying this out yourself;
- If you have a full-face helmet, make sure to strap the chin part down. This is one of the most common places for them to detach from your head in case of an accident or crash;
- You don’t want it so loose that when you open your mouth, the helmet could slip off though. So once again, finding a perfect fit comes down to trial and error – keep adjusting until you are satisfied;
- Don’t forget also about side straps if possible; they should go between your cheekbones at an angle towards each earlobe for maximum comfortability. The front strap shouldn’t be so short as to feel uncomfortable in any way but also not so long that it’s in the way and gets caught on things;
FAQ
How tight should the strap be?
The strap should be tight enough so that when you open your mouth, the helmet will not fall off. However, it cannot be too tight either because then instead of supporting your head and neck properly, it can cause discomfort or even pain. Therefore, this is where trial and error comes into play. You just have to keep adjusting until you find a perfect fit for yourself!
It’s best if you get someone else to help with strapping up while they check behind your ears – make sure there are no creases on the skin (this would indicate an incorrect tension)
Make sure also that there aren’t any wrinkles in between your eyebrows; if there are, loosen the straps slightly by twisting one finger under each side of the buckle.
The final step is to make sure the strap under your chin isn’t too tight either. If it’s pinching, you’ll just have to experiment with different positions of the hook until you find one that doesn’t pinch or catch on the skin!
How do you tighten a helmet strap?
The straps are adjustable at the back of your head, so you can loosen or tighten them by sliding a tab. The strap should be comfortable but not too loose. The chinstrap should be snug and even, with no slack or tightness in between your ears and eyebrows.
How to get the perfect helmet size?
Measure the circumference of your head with a soft measuring tape. Wrap it around your head about one inch above the eyebrows and ears, across the mid-forehead completely circling the head. It should feel snug but not tight. If you don’t have a measuring tape, use string instead and measure against a ruler or yardstick/meter stick to get an accurate measurement for proper helmet fitment.
Can motorcycle helmets be wrapped?
Yes, motorcycle helmets can be wrapped. Wrapping a helmet is recommended in order to protect the liner from damage or excessive wear and tear when not being worn. If you are storing your helmet for an extended period of time, wrapping it will provide some protection against dust settling on the headliner which could affect its performance once unwrapped.
The technique used to wrap a motorcycle helmet is essentially just replacing the chinstrap with another strap that has been cut down so that it fits around all sides of your chin area securely enough that movement is prevented but without discomforting pressure applied over any part of your face including nose bridge/cheekbones, jawline, etc.
When using this method make sure there’s no way for air to get trapped in between your chin and the strap, otherwise it could cause discomfort when worn.
How much does it cost to get a motorcycle wrapped?
The cost to wrap a motorbike may range from $1,500 to $4,000 [3]. The fee is ultimately determined by the number of distinct components that you wrap, how labor-intensive the task is, and the sort and quality of materials used.
How do you wear a chinstrap helmet?
To wear a chinstrap helmet, strap the chin piece under your jaw. You should be able to slide two fingers between your skin and the chinstrap without resistance. If you can’t get them in there at all or if they feel very uncomfortable when wedged inside, it’s too tight. If you can get them in there but it’s difficult, the helmet is too loose.
Where should helmet straps be?
There are a few schools of thought on where helmet straps should be, and it largely depends on personal preference. Some people like to keep the straps tight under the chin, while others prefer to let them sit loose. There is no wrong answer, although it is important to make sure that the straps are not so loose that they could come undone while riding. Whichever way you choose to wear your helmet straps, just be sure that they are secure and comfortable.
How do you avoid getting neck pain when wearing a motorcycle helmet?
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting neck pain when wearing a motorcycle helmet. First, make sure that the helmet fits properly and is not too loose or too tight. Second, adjust the straps so that they are not too tight or too loose. Third, take breaks often to stretch your neck and relieve any tension. And fourth, if you start to experience neck pain, stop riding and see a doctor.
Is it better to wear a motorcycle helmet with or without glasses?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to wear a motorcycle helmet with glasses, as it can help to protect the eyes from wind and debris. Others find that glasses can fog up inside the helmet, making it difficult to see. Ultimately, it is up to the individual rider to decide whether or not to wear glasses while riding.
What are some of the ways that people have failed to strap on their motorcycle helmets properly?
There are a few common ways that people have failed to strap on their motorcycle helmets properly. First, they may not tighten the straps enough, allowing the helmet to come off in an accident. Second, they may forget to fasten the chin strap, which can also cause the helmet to come off. Third, they may put the helmet on backwards, which will not provide adequate protection in an accident. And fourth, they may not secure the helmet at all, which is the most dangerous way to ride.
Is it necessary to wear a chinstrap when strapping on a motorcycle helmet?
Whether or not you need to wear a chinstrap when strapping on a motorcycle helmet is largely dependent on the type of helmet you have. Full-face helmets almost always come with a chinstrap, and for good reason – they help keep the helmet securely in place in the event of an accident. However, some open-face and half-helmets may not come with a chinstrap, and in these cases it’s generally up to the rider to decide whether or not they want to use one. Ultimately, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use a chinstrap if your helmet allows for it.
What are some of the dangers of not strapping on a motorcycle helmet properly?
One of the dangers of not strapping on a motorcycle helmet properly is that it can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Without proper straps and fittings, a helmet can come loose and fly off, leaving the rider unprotected. Additionally, if the helmet does not fit snugly, it can slide around and obstruct the rider’s vision, which can lead to accidents. In some states, it is required by law to wear a motorcycle helmet while operating a motorcycle; however, even if it is not required in your state, it is still highly recommended.
How do you adjust the chin strap on a motorcycle helmet?
The chin strap on a motorcycle helmet can generally be adjusted by loosening or tightening the straps at the side of the helmet. Some helmets may have a sliding adjustment mechanism, while others may require you to use your hands to tighten or loosen the straps. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before adjusting the chin strap on your helmet.
How do you wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair?
There are a few different ways that you can wear a motorcycle helmet with long hair. One way is to put your hair up in a bun or ponytail and then put the helmet on over top. This will help to keep your hair out of the way and prevent it from blowing around while you are riding. Another way is to wear a scarf or bandana over your head and then put the helmet on over top. This will help to keep your head and neck warm while also keeping your hair out of the way. You can also try wearing your hair in braids or cornrows. This can help to keep your hair from blowing around as well. Whatever method you choose, just make sure that you are comfortable and that your hair is not obstructing your vision in any way.
Are there any tricks to getting the helmet on correctly?
There are a few tricks that can help you get the helmet on correctly. First, make sure that the straps are fastened securely before putting the helmet on. This will help to keep the helmet from coming off in an accident. Second, always put the helmet on frontwards – never backwards. Third, make sure that the chin strap is fastened snugly before heading out for a ride. And fourth, if you are having trouble getting the helmet on, try asking someone for help. They may be able to give you some tips or adjust the straps for you.
Why do people wear motorcycle helmets in the first place?
People wear motorcycle helmets in the first place because they help to protect the rider’s head in the event of an accident. A properly fitting helmet can help to absorb some of the impact and protect the rider’s skull from being fractured. Additionally, a helmet can help to keep the rider’s head cool in hot weather and can also reduce wind noise while riding. Whether or not you choose to wear a helmet is ultimately up to you; however, it is always recommended for safety purposes.
Useful Video: How to Strap on Your Motorcycle Helmet
References:
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet
- https://millennialdiyer.com/diys/helmet-quick-release-buckle-how-to/
- https://costhack.com/cost-to-wrap-a-motorcycle/