Supermoto Helmet Style
A Supermoto helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you will buy. What style of helmet you choose is of course down to personal preference.
In the early days of Supermoto, riders typically favoured wearing the lighter motocross helmet and goggles. These are still a popular choice with Supermoto riders.
However, if you’re doing a lot of high speed riding then a motocross helmet is not designed for this and won’t be safe or practical.
There’s nothing wrong with using a proper sports bike helmet either, although for off-roading this will prove far from ideal.
A good compromise is to buy a dual sport helmet. These combine all the great features you’d want from a motocross helmet but for street riding.
Whatever style of helmet you choose it’s important that you don’t buy on just looks or marketing hype. A £100 helmet could be better suited to your shaped head than a £600 one.
As with most motorcycle gear it is always best to try on as many different brands and sizes as possible until you find the correct fit.
Helmet Safety
When buying a helmet for the European market you need to look for one that complies with the UN/ECE Regulation 22.05 which will be marked with a UN ‘E’ mark – the first two digits of the approval number will be ’05’.
In America helmets have to meet the DOT standard (Department of Transportation) to obtain the right to place the ‘DOT’ sticker on the back of the helmet.
The manufacturers must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) known as FMVSS 218.
FMVSS 218 describes in great detail the requirements for ‘DOT’ certification of all helmets sold in the United States for use by motorcyclists.
Any helmet that doesn’t meet the ‘DOT’ standard cannot legally be sold in the U.S.A.
There is also the Snell Memorial Foundation (a not-for-profit organization) that has been dedicated exclusively to head protection through scientific and medical research, standards development, helmet testing and public education.
Snell maintains independence from helmet manufacturers but allows them to meet the ‘Snell approval’ if they wish to be tested.
Helmets that are sold in the U.S.A are not required to meet the Snell standards. Snell publishes a list of motorcycle helmets that are certified on their website.
For Supermoto racing in the UK you will need a gold ACU sticker for your motocross or full face helmet.
The ACU is the internationally recognised National Governing Body for motorcycle sport in the British Isles. Without a gold ACU approved helmet you will not be able to race.
Helmet Colour
Most riders will get a colour that goes well with their bike or clothing. But it’s worth remembering that a helmet is the highest point when you’re on the motorcycle and it tends to be what other motorists see first.
So choosing a highly visible colour to maximise your safety does make sense. Think carefully if you’re considering a black/grey or camouflage patterned helmet.
Although it may look cool, from a safety point of view it might not be the best choice if the rest of your clothing is a similar colour.
Helmet Lining
Liners vary in material, designs and comfort, the latter being the most important one. Most liners help draw away moisture from your head and are breathable to keep you cool.
If it doesn’t feel comfy when you first try it on you will have problems later. You need to ensure there are no pressure points around your cheeks, temples and forehead.
Make sure there’s enough front to back room and that your chin isn’t pressing against the inside of the chin bar.
Even if the helmet feels comfortable in the shop, once you’re out riding you may have a headache after 15 minutes. So it’s always best if you can go out for a quick spin and try it out.
Only when you’re out on the bike with wind pressure and noise will you be able to judge if the helmet is the right fit. The helmet should feel tight but without any painful pressure points.
If you wear glasses look for designs that have removable pads at the side which makes it a lot more comfortable.
Helmet Ventilation
Helmet vents come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Having air flow through your helmet is now considered an important part of the design.
Common places for vents are on the chin bar, above the visor and exhaust vents on the rear of the helmet.
How effective these vents actually are can only be judged when you’re out riding.
The vents want to be easily shut off or opened whilst wearing your gloves and you want to be able to feel the air flow being directed onto your face.
Generally the combination of good ventilation inbuilt into your helmet and having the visor opened a few millimetres should achieve a nice balance even on the warmest days.
Helmet Fastening
The chin strap should have smooth padding that feels comfortable and won’t rub on the neck.
There are two ways to fasten the strap, the D-Ring attachment or a snap-in quick release system.
You can’t really go far wrong with the tried and trusted D-Ring. It is fully adjustable, very reliable and doesn’t have any springs or plastic parts that can wear out or break.
Quick release systems can be fiddly so make sure you’re happy how it works or it will become annoying very quickly.
Look for a strap that has Velcro or a button where the remainder of the strap can be secured up, as having excess strap dangling at speed can end up whipping your neck.
Note: Always carry your helmet using the fastened strap or in a helmet bag. Carrying the helmet by the chin bar will eventually deform the internal padding and cause drafts.
WARNING: The sound of wind rushing over your helmet and in bad fitting cases howling around gaps near your ears will damage your hearing over time. It is always recommended that you wear earplugs on every ride, especially on long trips. Some helmet designs let in more noise than others so it’s very important you get the right fit.
How To Measure For A Helmet
You need to measure the circumference of your head.
The best way to do this is to ask a friend to measure your head with a soft tape. The tape should run above your eyebrows and around the back of your head, including the widest part.
If you haven’t a soft tape then you can use some string and just mark it at the widest point and then straighten it out next to a ruler.
Best Supermoto Helmets
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Whether you ride on the street or dirt or both, the Sierra II has the features you need for your next two-wheel adventure.
Combining a full windscreen and a visor with a drop-down tinted shield, the Sierra II helmet will get you anywhere you want to go.
The O’Neal Sierra II helmet has a high-grade aerodynamic moulded ABS shell that will keep you safe. Updated with sleek, race-inspired stylings, this helmet will make a welcome addition to your kit.
All O’Neal helmets are designed using the latest technologies, allowing your head to stay cool with multiple vents and ultra plush liners.
The latest in manufacturing techniques ensures these helmets will surpass the world’s toughest safety standards.
Equipped with a built in sun visor that can be adjusted or removed easily, this allows the option to use goggles if you prefer.
The inner lining is fast at wicking away sweat to keep you cool & dry. The adjustable ventilation on the mouthpiece, combined with a total of 17 vents will keep you comfortable while riding.
Overall a great looking, safe and comfortable helmet. When it comes to protection and safety, trust the company that’s been producing protective equipment for over 40 years, trust O’Neal.
Features:
- Shell is constructed with ABS
- Weight: 1590g
- Moisture-wicking, removable/washable air channelled comfort liner
- Vent holes for optimal ventilation
- Integrated face shield with UV protection
- Height adjustable helmet shield
- Padded chin strap with double-D safety lock
- Meets DOT and ECE 22.05 safety standards
- Designed for street, enduro and adventure bikes
- Replacement parts available
The Fox V2 Voke motocross helmet sets the standard for a mid-level helmets with a pro-level feature set. Including new safety technology and an injection molded shell, giving you protection to match your performance goals.
Designed with MIPS™ (Multi-directional Impact Protection system) technology, which is scientifically proven to reduce rotational forces on impact.
A visor designed to release in the event of a crash, and dual-density Varizorb™ EPS liner to take impact protection a step further. This is a motocross helmet that’s got your back, every ride.
Fit and feel aren’t forgotten either, with six specific shell and EPS sizes for a more true-to-fit feeling, plus removable and washable liners and cheek pads that wick away sweat and manage potential odor.
Features:
- Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™)
- Magnetic Visor Release System (MVRS™) is designed to release in the event of a crash
- Dual density Varizorb™ EPS liner is meant to provide improved protection by spreading the forces of impact across a wider surface area
- Lightweight, injection-molded PC & ABS shell construction is intended to disperse energy in the event of a crash
- 6 shell and 6 EPS sizes for a precise fit
- EPP/PU Chin bar maintains lower weight while helping to manage energy during impact
- Removable, washable XT2® comfort liner and cheek pads are antimicrobial and manage odor while wicking moisture away from the head
- 11 intake and 4 exhaust vents for optimum airflow
- ECE 22.05
The O’Neal 2 Series Slick motocross helmet is constructed using a lightweight ABS shell. Updated with sleek, race-inspired stylings, the 2 Series helmet will make a welcome addition to your kit.
All O’Neal helmets are designed using the latest technologies, allowing your head to stay cool with multiple vents and ultra plush liners. The latest in manufacturing techniques helps these helmets to surpass the world’s toughest safety standards.
The clear coated graphics resist sun damage and peeling. Overall, the design of the 2019 2 Series helmet is sharp and the colors are crisp.
When it comes to protection and safety, trust the company that’s been producing protective equipment for over 40 years, trust O’Neal.
Features:
- ABS Shell Construction
- Shell weight: 1450g (+/-50gr)
- Ultra plush removable and washable padded liner keeps you cool and dry by wicking away sweat
- Multiple air vents for ventilation and cooling
- Rubber roost nose guard
- Durable multi-colored clear coated graphics
- Double D release chin strap
- Adjustable visor design
- Meets DOT and ECE 22.05 safety standards
- ACU Gold Approved
All O’Neal helmets are designed using the latest technologies, allowing your head to stay cool with multiple vents and ultra plush liners. The latest in manufacturing techniques helps these helmets to surpass the world’s toughest safety standards.
The O’Neal Sierra II Adventure helmet has a high-grade aerodynamic moulded ABS shell that will keep you safe. Updated with sleek, race-inspired stylings, this helmet will make a welcome addition to your kit.
A built in sun visor can be adjusted or removed easily, this allows you the option to use goggles if you prefer.
The sweat-absorbing liner can be removed and washed, if needed. Equipped with ventilation channels throughout to ensure a comfortable temperature inside the helmet.
When it comes to protection and safety, trust the company that’s been producing protective equipment for over 40 years, trust O’Neal.
Features:
- Aerodynamic and lightweight ABS shell construction
- Ultra-plush removable, sweat absorbing & washable padded inner liner keeps you cool and dry by wicking away sweat
- Multiple air vents for optimal ventilation and cooling
- Internal sun visor
- Pinlock® 30 fog-resistant insert lens included (not mounted)
- Height adjustable helmet shield
- Adjustable peak
- Double-D safety lock
- ECE 22-05 certified
The Westt Cross is full-face motocross helmet in matte black. It has a double visor, a transparent and removable polycarbonate visor facilitating its cleaning as well as the use of external goggles.
Full-face motorcycle helmet, especially designed for motocross, off-road, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and quad bikes. It comes with several adjustable ventilation points for a cool and comfortable ride.
Features:
- Lightweight ABS shell (1600g +/-50g) with shock absorbent multi-density EPS
- ECE R22.05 certification
- Double visor, anti-scratch polycarbonate visor that’s easy to remove for cleaning and integrated drop-down sun visor.
- Multiple air vents for ventilation and cooling
- Removable padding
- Washable lining
- Quick-release micro-metric buckle with reinforced chin strap.
The MX-9 Adventure helmet has been born from the off-road experience that Bell has gained over the years.
It’s made from lightweight polycarbonate and comes in three different shell sizes for the best possible fit. Remove the visor and add goggles, you now have a fully fledged off-road helmet.
From the roughest single track to urban blacktop, the MX-9 Adventure gets you there in style. Bell has taken the MX-9 and added even more capability with an integrated anti-fog and anti-scratch face shield.
The shield flips up and leaves enough room for goggles in extreme conditions, or can be removed completely.
Conversely, the adjustable visor can be removed for a stealth street look. MIPS protection, Velocity-flow ventilation, and a removable, washable, anti-microbial liner round out a highly adaptable package.
Features:
- Lightweight polycarbonate outer construction
- Mips – multi-directional impact protection system
- 3 shell and EPS sizes for a personalised fit
- Removable integrated visor
- Velocity-flow ventilation system
- Moisture wicking, removable and washable liner
- Padded chin strap with D-ring closure and strap keeper
- Five year warranty
- MIPS technology
- Adjustable mouth vent
- ACU Gold approved for track use
- Certification – ECE 22.05
Final Thoughts
If possible it’s always best to go into a store and try on as many different brands of helmet as you can. This is by far the best way to find a helmet that will fit you correctly.
If you decide to purchase a helmet online then always make sure the retailer has an exchange policy if the fit isn’t correct.
Tip: Don’t leave your helmet in direct sunlight and never clean it with any household cleaning products as they have aggressive additives. Always clean it with warm water and a soft cloth.
Never buy a second-hand helmet!
You have no idea what might have happened to it, how it’s been cared for, or how the interior has compressed over time to suit the previous owner’s head.