Head circumference bigger than published helmet measurement

mattyork · L Plate Warrior Joined: 20 Feb 2017 Karma :

Hi folks, complete newbie to motorcycling and the forum so apologies if this is a dumb question.

I have recently bought a HJC IS-17 which essentially feels comfortable, if a little snug as generally seems to be the advice online and in the shop I bought from. However there is one issue that is causing me a little concern so I wanted to check people's thoughts on this.

I bought a Medium helmet, which the size chart says fits a 57-58cm head. However, when I measure my head circumference with tape measure, I come in at 60cm. Is it normal to have a head circumference slightly larger than the stated measurement of the helmet? Or is it likely that the helmet is too small? And is this dangerous? (Most advice on sizing seems to caution more about the dangers of helmets that are too big).

Thanks a lot for any advice.

Beehive Bedlam · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Karma :

If the helmet fits snug and you can't spin it while it's on your skull it's fine.

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

If it fits, properly, as in you cannot rotate your head side to side or forwards and back inside the lid if you hold it, and can't get your hand up the back of your head, then it's fine.

As a rule of thumb (or head?) It's always much better to try a lid on for fit before you spend out for it. Sizing means very little as they can vary quite significantly in shape too - and fit is all important.

Oldie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Karma :

Snug is good - no need to worry.

SuperMike · Scooby Slapper Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Karma :

If it fits it fits. I have a bit of a big nugget and it took me a while to find my perfect lid.

Interestingly enough, I had an old box helmet (40 quid) that was a 58 - 60cm. I then brought and couldn't get on with a HJC in a 62cm I think it was and then I got into an Arai in the end. My head measurement is 63cm. When I went to the shop to buy the Arai the guys gave me a monster 65cm Schuberth which just didn't fit right - was walking round the shop with it.

With a 63cm head there is no way a 60cm Arai should have fit and I said can I try it on more just to satisfy my urge to wear an Arai. Turns out it fitted like the proverbial Cinderella's slipper.

Anyway, heads are funny things. The helmet should feel snug but not like it is pressing into your head. It was an expensive mistake getting the HJC on the recommendation of the motorbike shop that it will break in and get looser. It never did.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

B Button · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 18 Dec 2016 Karma :

Circumference isn't everything. Heads vary in fore and aft vs. side to side dimensions and helmet sizes can't ever cope fully with these infinite variations.
I got an HJC 3 months ago which felt comfortable and snug in the shop with no undue pressure points. But after 30 minutes riding the front rim bears on my forehead, becoming seriously uncomfortable after an hour. I can get a bit of relief by making sure the liner pulls down in front of the rim, but it's not ideal and I think it's heading for the loft - shame, it's great otherwise.
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BSA Sunbeam 250 scoot (1965), Van Van, Bandit 650 SA

Ben90 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Feb 2014 Karma :

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

I'd never buy another HJC. Bought the CS-12 (I think, years ago now) for my first lid; it practically disintegrated after 12 months - top vent spring popped out, visor mechanism came loose and lost a plastic lug screw, breath guard warped and couldn't be refitted, stitching at back started to unpick itself and was scratching against my neck. Terrible, terrible lid.

tony_d123 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Karma :

The size is a rough guide, but they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. I am a medium with Arai but small with AGV. That's why you must try before you buy.
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Blackpool, Lancashire

mattyork · L Plate Warrior Joined: 20 Feb 2017 Karma :

Thanks everyone for your comments, which have reassured me that the helmet is the correct size.

I did try on the helmet, and many others, and this one felt good. (I said it 'essentially felt comfortable' because, not having worn a full face helmet before I'm not used to the feeling and I can't be 100% sure - it feels snug but doesn't hurt like a Scorpion I tried which was obviously too small and really dug into my forehead in a painful way).

It was just the numbers that were alarming me - if my head is exactly 60cm and the measurement given on the helmet is 58, I was worried that I was squeezing into a lid that might be designed for something smaller than my skull. But it sounds like if it feels like it fits then it shouldn't matter that the number on the label is lower than the actual circumference of my head. Just like @SuperMike with his 60cm Arai and 63cm head.

Cheers all.