There are few things more freeing than hopping on the back of a motorcycle and cruising down winding roads with the wind against your skin. However, when you do feel the call to ride, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to safety.
The options available for safety gear are nearly infinite, so it can feel a little overwhelming when deciding what’s right for you.
You’ll almost certainly want a comfortable motorbike jacket and pants made mostly for riding since they’ll be made of protective and durable material and likely include padding of some kind.
Boots and gloves are also incredibly important, and you may consider elbow, shin, and knee guards for even more protection.
However, with all of that in mind, the most important thing you’ll invest in when it comes to staying safe on your motorcycle is a helmet.
There has always been quite a bit of controversy over the idea of choosing to wear or not to wear a helmet, but the answer to the question of whether or not it’s needed is a resounding yes!
Check out this complete guide to women’s full-face motorcycle helmets to learn all you need to know about helmet options and safety.
How To Choose The Right Women’s Motorcycle Helmet?
There are three basic types of motorcycle helmets to choose from: ½ helmet, ¾ helmet, and (our favorite) the full-face helmet.
The ½ helmet is pretty puny when it comes to protection. This option provides the absolute least amount of coverage possible. The top of your head will be covered while the back and sides will remain partially exposed.
The ½ helmet also doesn’t offer any protection for your face. This creates somewhat of a problem if you find yourself in a situation where you need the coverage of your helmet to be protected.
Typically, if a rider chooses the ½ helmet, she’ll also opt for protective eyewear like goggles or glasses.
The ¾ helmet is slightly more impressive than the ½ helmet. The coverage will be similar to a full-face helmet but without the same facial content.
Unlike the ½ helmet, the ¾ helmet will provide the complete range to the back and sides of your head. Some options will even include flip-down visors for eye protection.
The full-face helmet is definitely what’s recommended in terms of safety. If you’re going to go to the trouble of wearing a helmet, you may as well choose one that can truly protect you as much as possible.
You’ll have full coverage around your entire head, as well as added protection at the base of your head. Only a full-face helmet can offer protection for your chin and jaw.
Whatever helmet type you choose, it should comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Be sure to look for the DOT stick on the back of the helmet to confirm that it meets the required safety standards.
Find The Perfectly Fitting Women’s Helmet For Motorcycle
Almost as dangerous as not wearing a helmet at all is wearing one that doesn’t properly fit your head. The last thing you want in the event of an accident is for your helmet to go flying!
Start by wrapping a soft measuring tape horizontally around the circumference of your head—approximately an inch above your eyebrows. Most helmet brands will provide size charts online based on the measurement of your head.
Sizes can run anywhere from XS all the way up through XXXL—and for some manufacturers even larger.
Because each head is uniquely sized and shaped, you can adjust the padding in your full-face helmet to create a perfect fit. Some manufacturers also offer different helmet shapes, such as a round oval versus a long oval.
Trying out different options and feeling the way each one fits on your head is crucial in the process.
When you’re trying on your helmet, be aware of any uncomfortable pressure points. Immediate discomfort can mean your helmet is too small. Consider sizing up and adding some extra padding to create a snug but comfortable fit.
If your motorcycle helmet fits properly, it will not rotate forward if pushed up from the back. Similarly, the helmet should not easily shift from side to side if pushed.
Inspect Your Helmet For Signs Of Damage
Before purchasing the lightweight women’s motorcycle helmets, be sure to give it a thorough inspection. First and foremost, check the label on the inside of your helmet and make sure the date on the label is no more than five years old.
Remove the comfort liner and check its condition, then check the EPS (expanded polystyrene) for damage.
Inspect the shell for cracks, gouges, deep scratches, or other signs of trauma.
Check the visor for cracks or scratches that could obstruct your vision.
In addition to the initial inspection, it’s so important to make a habit out of regularly checking your helmet for signs of damage. If you do find anything problematic as you inspect your helmet, know that it’s time for a replacement.
How To Keep Your Motorcycle Helmet Clean?
One of the disadvantages of a full-face helmet is how hot it can be in there—particularly on a warm day. When you think about how many hours you’ll be spending in your helmet, the amount of sweat you’ll likely be expelling is a lot.
The last thing you want is to be able to smell your helmet as you ride. So, what’s the best way to keep your helmet clean?
You’ll want to avoid using any chemical cleaners on the inside of your helmet because it could potentially damage the protective liner. Use a mild soap like baby shampoo or gentle laundry detergent.
A towel soaked in warm water can help rinse out the suds.
For the exterior of your helmet, another towel soaked in warm water is a good way to help loosen caked-on dust, dirt, and bugs off of the shell.
To avoid scratches, be sure to use soft, microfiber towels and apply minimum pressure. You can also use an automotive polish on the shell of a gloss helmet.
Cotton swabs are great for cleaning out the vents and joints. Finish up with an automotive wax to prevent water spots and grime from sticking. Let your helmet and liner airdry overnight and you’re ready to ride!
Consider wearing a bandana with your helmet to help protect your liner from sweat and other oils that can seep through.
Add The Finishing Touches
There are so many accessories available that can really help you customize your helmet in the exact way you want. From speakers to cosmetic accessories like fur and mohawks, there are so many things you can do with your helmet.
LED lights don’t simply look cool; they also provide an extra layer of visibility. Nighttime riding can be particularly dangerous, but a flashy, LED-lit helmet, it allows other drivers to see you more clearly.
Similarly, even the seemingly cosmetic accessories such as decals, helmet covers, or brightly colored mohawks are great ways to stand out and be seen on the road.
If you purchase speakers for your helmet, you can actually opt for Bluetooth so that you’re able to communicate with other riders around you or talk on the phone.
This can be especially helpful in terms of communication because it’s generally more difficult to talk with those near you when wearing a full-face helmet.
Where To Purchase Your Helmet?
While there are a lot of amazing options available online and a good deal of information to sift through, making your purchase at a brick-and-mortar store gives you the opportunity to try on different sizes and different brands.
Particularly if this your first motorcycle helmet, it can be a great idea to actually give a few a try before settling on one. In-person shopping also means you’ll be able to get assistance from an expert and ask any questions you might have.
If you’d prefer to do your shopping online, the best thing you can do is read reviews thoroughly before deciding on anything.
A final note on safety
Motorcycle accidents can lead to some of the most severe injuries seen on the road. Head trauma can be life-altering. The most important thing you can do on the back of a motorcycle is to wear a helmet. Remain alert and aware of other drivers around you and make yourself as visible as possible.
If you do find yourself in an accident, don’t wait to take action. Get the medical attention you need and reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.