Is my helmet too big?

[Mungel]

Puns away smutty lot...

But on a serious note, would an excess of wind noise indicate that my helmet is too big for my head?
I have always worn ear plugs, since day one. I just assumed that the level of wind noise generated was normal. However, after reading different posts on here (talking about listening to music, or the pleasing induction roar of certain bikes) I am now thinking that the wind noise I experience might be way above normal and could be the result of an ill fitting lid.

I know that different helmets will have different levels of wind noise due to design differences and the like, but I'm quite certain that the wind noise from mine is generated around the base.
Recently, I have found that raising my shoulders and burying my neck into the jacket reduces the noise dramatically.
I must look like a complete twat whilst doing it, and I can't see properly so have only done it for brief moments, but the reduction is huge. I can hear the engine, which is new to me...

To give you an idea of the level of noise, after 50mph I can't hear the engine anymore. After 60mph I could not hear my IPod at full volume.

So, back to the point, I have deduced that my helmet is too big - far too much up/down, side to side play. Could this be the cause of my excessive wind noise? Or is it normal to have painfully loud wind rush (without earplugs)?

p.s. I never could understand people on here, saying that they didn't bother with earplugs!? I would be deaf by now, if I didn't wear them every ride. I wear earplugs too much anyway - sleeping, at work, while playing gigs (drums)
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Mungel
ZZR600 (dead) - ZX9R (sold) - FZ1S

[alun111]

If your helmet is far too big I'd suggest replacing it anyway. The single most important factor with a helmet is that it fits you correctly. The better the fit the more likely it will protect you better in an accident.

So regardless of whether the lid is letting too much wind noise through or not, if it doesn't fit you properly go and a buy a new one.
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Summer: '00 Honda CB600F Hornet
Winter: '93 Suzuki GSF 400 Bandit VP Variable Valve
Past Bikes: Lifan LF100-5 Lifan LF125-A Honda C70

[Paulington]

Yeah replace it, I don't wear earplugs and I have no problem with wind noise whatsoever, can you feel the wind actually in your helmet with the visor up or down?

I was always told if you put your helmet on you should have no play side/side or up/down and if you bite down your teeth should just scrape your cheeks (not quite bite them but not miss them entirely).

Give it a try but replace it anyway, an ill-fitting lid is just as bad as not wearing one at all.
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"Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."
Current Vehicles: '89 Kawasaki KDX200, '99 Yamaha XV535, '00 Honda ST1100 Pan-European, '08 Suzuki GSX-R1000, '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 2.0 TDCi, '15 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport Turbo.
CBT: 27/08/08. Theory: 04/09/09. Module 1: 16/09/09. Module 2: 01/10/09.

[DEN MONKEY]

you really should have an idea if your helmet is too big or not regardless of wind noise.
I would suggest the style and make of helmet would have more to do with it then size but it could certainly be playing a part, but how much is up for debate.

Ultimately you want the helmet to be as tight as possible and even bordering on uncomfortable when you first get it so it loosens up a little but is still snug once it relaxes.

Just go to a reputable shop and try a bunch on and ask for advice there.

Any chance of friends having a few different helmets they might let you try on for a quick blat ? just to see if there is any difference?
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meh

[mooserx]

My lid fits perfectly but is quite noisy, especially with the visor up.
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TL1000r-handful.

[Mark65]

Hi
With my helmet i have slight squirrel cheeks, and i can feel the helmet in contact all around my head. Also i cannot insert my pinky finger up the front of my helmet, and when i move it side to side or up and down it grips the skin on my face, but it is noisier than my last helmet but i can quite happily ride with the visor open at 50 without my hearing being bothered. But when its really windy i close the visor because at that speed the open face pulls my head back a bit.

Mark
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07 Yamaha YBR125, 07 Honda CG125 , 15 CBR300R (Chocolate Crank, Deaded), 16 CB500FA, 19 Honda Forza 300, 70 Suzuki SV650

[Finglonga]

[Moonie]

[Mungel]

Thanks for the opinions.
I will go and buy a new, better fitting helmet tomorrow.
Who knows? I might get lucky and get a quieter one in the process.
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Mungel
ZZR600 (dead) - ZX9R (sold) - FZ1S

[carlperkins00...]

[Bikeless]

I had a fitting at 3 different Arai dealers just to check and they all did the same,i assumed i was always a medium 57/58 but after fitment turned out i was a 56.They test it by trying to stick a finger between the padding and your forehead and then looking to see if your cheeks are too crushed or not enough.For me this fitting caused pain on my temples at first but after about a month the helmet was perfect when it settled in.

[alun111]