A helmet does more than any other piece of kit to improve your odds of surviving a crash, and in Turkey, as in most countries, it is compulsory for both rider and passenger. But a helmet that is the wrong size, uncertified or worn out will not protect you as it should. And alongside the helmet, a proper jacket, gloves and boots protect the rest of your body when it meets the tarmac.
This guide covers how to measure your head, choose between helmet types, read the ECE 22.06 label, run fit tests in the shop, pick CE-certified jackets, gloves and boots, and know when a helmet needs replacing. It draws on the UN ECE 22.06 helmet regulation, the European EN standards for protective clothing, the MSF, RoSPA, the UK SHARP helmet rating scheme and helmet manufacturers’ guidance.
Before you start: measure your head
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows, over the tops of your ears and around the widest point at the back. Keep it snug but not tight, repeat two or three times and note the largest figure in centimetres. For many brands 55–56 cm is a small, 57–58 cm a medium and 59–60 cm a large, but size charts vary, so always check the chart for the exact model.
What you’ll need
- A soft tailor’s tape measure
- Somewhere to note your measurement
- Your glasses, if you wear them
- 15–30 minutes to try helmets on in the shop
- A clear idea of how you ride (commuting, touring, sport)
- A budget for helmet, jacket, gloves and boots
1. Get the right size and type of helmet
Protection starts with fit. Then choose the type that suits the way you ride.
Pick a size from your measurement
Compare your head measurement with the model’s size chart; if you fall between two sizes, try the smaller one first, as the liner beds in by a few millimetres with use. Head shape matters too: some brands suit rounder heads, others longer, oval ones. If one brand presses on your forehead, try a brand with a different shell shape.
Decide on a helmet type
A full-face helmet gives the most complete protection, including the chin, which crash studies show takes a large share of facial impacts. A modular (flip-up) helmet suits glasses wearers and riders who stop often; if you intend to ride with the chin bar up, choose one marked P/J. An open-face (jet) helmet is light and cool for scooter commuting but leaves the chin and face exposed.
2. Check the certification and try it on
The label shows the helmet has been tested; the fit test shows it actually suits your head. If either is missing, it is the wrong helmet.
Look for the ECE 22.06 label
On the label sewn to the chin strap, look for a circle with an “E” and a country number, and an approval number starting with “06”. That is the current ECE 22.06 standard, which adds rotational impact tests. Avoid cheap helmets that say “meets ECE” but carry no approval number, and look up independent results such as SHARP ratings for the model you are considering.
Run the fit tests in the shop
Put the helmet on and fasten the strap: the cheek pads should press firmly on your cheeks, you should not be able to slide a finger between your forehead and the liner, and there should be no single painful pressure point. Hold the helmet with both hands and twist it side to side; your skin should move with it rather than the helmet spinning on your head. Push it up and forward from the back; it should not roll off. Keep it on for 15–20 minutes, because a hotspot that starts in the shop becomes unbearable on a long ride.
3. Choose an armoured jacket and gloves
In a fall, your hands, shoulders, elbows and knees usually hit the ground first. Protection should be proven by a label, not a sales pitch.
Choose a CE-rated jacket
Look for an EN 17092 label on the jacket; protection classes run from AAA (highest) through AA, A, B and C. Shoulder and elbow armour should be EN 1621-1 and back protectors EN 1621-2, and Level 2 armour absorbs more energy than Level 1. Many jackets only have an empty pocket for a back protector, so buy one and fit it. Bright colours and reflective panels help drivers see you.
Wear certified gloves
When you fall, your hands go down first by instinct, so wear gloves even in summer. Choose a pair labelled EN 13594, with palm sliders and knuckle protection (marked KP); Level 2 offers more protection than Level 1. A wrist strap or closure keeps the gloves on in a slide. Check you can grip the bars comfortably and still feel the brake and clutch levers.
4. Pick your boots and track your helmet’s age
Ankle and foot injuries are among the most common in motorcycle crashes, and helmets do not last forever.
Wear boots that cover the ankle
Motorcycle boots certified to EN 13634 are tested for height, abrasion, cut and crush resistance; choose a pair that covers the ankle bones and has an oil-resistant, non-slip sole. Short ankle boots suit commuting, while taller boots are better for touring and faster riding. Trainers and laced shoes can come off in a fall, and loose laces can catch in the chain.
Replace your helmet in time
Most manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet about five years after first use (and no more than seven years after manufacture); the production date is usually on a label inside. A helmet that has taken a hit in a crash or fallen hard onto concrete may have crushed foam (EPS) even if the shell looks fine, so replace it. Never buy a second-hand helmet, and never clean one with petrol or solvents.
Tips
- Try the helmet and jacket together and make sure the collar does not clash with the helmet.
- If you wear glasses, try helmets with them on and check the arms are not squeezed.
- For misting, choose a helmet with good vents and a Pinlock-ready visor.
- Do not hang your helmet on the mirror or handlebar; it damages the liner and it may fall.
- Spend most of your gear budget on the helmet, but do not put off buying gloves and boots.
Things to watch out for
What to avoid when choosing a helmet and gear:
- Riding with the chin strap undone or loose.
- Buying a helmet a size too big because it “feels fine”.
- Using an uncertified, unlabelled or second-hand helmet.
- Carrying on with a helmet that has taken an impact.
- Painting, drilling or gluing accessories onto the helmet shell.
- Riding without gloves or in short sleeves in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my helmet size?
Measure around your head 2 cm above the eyebrows and over the widest point at the back, in centimetres, and compare it with the model’s size chart.
Is an ECE 22.05 helmet still OK?
A 22.05 helmet in good condition still protects you, but when buying new, choose ECE 22.06, which is tested more thoroughly.
How often should I replace my motorcycle helmet?
Typically about every five years from first use, and straight away after a crash or a hard drop.
Are open-face helmets safe?
They protect the skull but not the chin or face. For faster or longer rides, a full-face or P/J-rated modular helmet is safer.
Safety note: The suggestions on this page are for general information and do not replace the instructions of a tradesperson, service technician or manufacturer. Look after your own safety, take care with cutting tools, heat, electricity and gas, and make sure children only try projects under adult supervision. For details, see our Safety Notice and Disclaimer.
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