Head out protected in a full-face design covering the brain, face and jaw. Light colours increase your chances of being seen.
Compare helmet safety ratings and results below.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
HELMETS
HELMETS OVERVIEW
What to look out for when buying a motorcycle helmet.
01
IMPACT ZONES
02
VISIBILITY
03
VENTILATION
04
BE SEEN
01 - IMPACT ZONES
FRONT AND SIDES
Opt for a full-face style designed to protect the brain, face and jaw. Open-face helmets will only protect the brain. A helmet fits when your cheeks are snug against the interior.
02 - VISIBILITY
LINE OF SIGHT
A well designed flip or visor won’t reduce your ability to see what’s happening around you. Visors must comply with the appropriate standards for motorbike riding. Clear lenses are more versatile than tinted because they suit both day and night riding.
03 - VENTILATION
AIRFLOW IS KEY
Keep cool with a combination of vents that open and close to suit you. They’ll reduce the temperature inside a helmet, but may increase noise. Earplugs can help if it’s an issue.
04 - BE SEEN
LIGHTEN UP
While a dark coloured helmet blends into the background, light colours increase the chances of being seen. Hi Viz works hard at keeping you visible. Two tone helmets, particularly white and fluro colours, are a good option.
BUYING GUIDE
A full-face or closed helmet gives you protection where it’s needed. If you come off your bike, it’s likely your helmet will absorb impact to the side and front of your head. All helmets featured are CE-certified and marked with the Australian Standard 1698 or ECE 22.05. To compare helmet safety ratings and results, head to the CRASH ratings website.
01 - Set budget
Allow for a new helmet in your budget. Always avoid buying one second hand. Ensure it carries a sticker proving it meets the AS 1698 or ECE 22.05 standard.
02 - Prioritise Fit
Ask someone to pull the helmet up and over your head by lifting it from the back. If it comes off or slips over your eyes, adjust the straps and try again. If it still moves, try a different brand.
03 - Check choice
Research the model’s performance in a crash. More independent advice on the best helmet protection in Australia is available. If the helmet rates poorly, try on different designs.
04 - Mix colours
The less black on your helmet, the more likely other road users will see you coming. Mixing white, Hi Viz and bright colours with darker colours helps you stay seen.
05 - Maximise vision
Invest in a flip visor or motorcycle-designed goggles. With your visor down, hold the handlebars and turn your head to make sure you can comfortably see behind you. If you wear glasses, check you can slide them on and off without removing your helmet.
06 - Noise control
Search reviews and gather opinions from owners about a helmet’s noise level. Earplugs offer some protection against distracting wind noise and permanent hearing damage.
TYPES OF HELMETS
Motorcycle helmets have safety ratings too. See how different styles and brands of motorcycle helmets stack up in a crash by heading to the CRASH ratings website.
BUYING SECOND HAND
Buying second hand can be a good option for the budget conscious rider wanting the safest gear. When shopping for second hand gear, use the information below check the safety features to look out for and search the safest options for jackets, pants and gloves.
01 - Test the fit
Try the gear on with clothing you normally wear while riding. Check that it is snug and comfortable in your normal riding position.
02 - Impact protectors
Impact protectors must remain securely in place to work effectively. Check your protectors fit with the gear, especially over your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
03 - Seams and stitching
Make sure there’s no splits at the seams. They should have two or three lines of stitching to prevent seams bursting on impact.
04 - Shop local
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are good places to snag bargain second hand gear. Use their filters to search locally. Always try the gear on before you buy.
FIND A STOCKIST
We’ve compiled a list of Victorian motorcycle retailers where you can buy the latest and safest gear. If you decide to buy gear online, it’s a good idea to shop around and find gear that fits you best first. Most online retailers have physical stores and the larger retailers offer all popular motorcycle gear brands.
