Helmets for motorcycles are one of the most essential protective items you can have while riding. They shield your head and skull in the event of a collision, and they can be quite heavy!
In fact, an average motorcycle helmet can weigh anywhere between 2 pounds (2.1 soccer balls) to 4 pounds (4.2 soccer balls) plus. That might not seem like a lot, but riding at high speed can make a big difference in how safe (or pain in the neck) you feel.
I’ve checked hundreds of motorcycle helmet details and found out what is the average weight of a helmet. Let’s check that out and also see why the weight of motorcycle helmets tends to vary so much!
How Much Does A Motorcycle Helmet Weigh On Average?
The average motorcycle helmet weight is approximately 3.5 (+/- 0.11) pounds. That’s equivalent to the weight of 13.5 adult Golden Hamsters; quite an interesting way of measurement, huh! The weight of a motorcycle helmet depends on the build materials, sizing, inner paddings, and other factors.
It’s also worth mentioning that helmets can vary in weight based on the model and types. Some will be lightweight, such as a half helmet, while something like a modular helmet will be heavier. A good rule of thumb is to always wear a helmet that fits comfortably and weighs enough to protect your head.
Motorcycle Helmet Weight Factors
# Materials (Shell Constructions):
A motorbike helmet is made to protect your head in case of a crash or collision. And depending on the brand, model, and helmet price, the build materials also vary. For example, the ECE-rated Bell Eliminator Carbon helmet weighs about 2.4 pounds (which is insane!), and its shell is made of carbon fiber. On the other hand, something like Bell Qualifier weights about 3.7 lbs; has a Polycarbonate shell, and it’s much more budget-friendly. Some types of helmet shell materials are-
- Carbon fiber shell: Super lightweight
- Fiberglass shell: Lightweight
- Polycarbonate shell: Not so lightweight
# Helmet Sizes:
Helmet weight depends on the size of the helmet, as you might have already expected. Motorcycle Helmet comes in extra small size to 3XL sizes; it can go up to 5XL for some helmets. And most quality helmets have more than one shell size to give you a perfect fit helmet while being safe. Take the AGV K6 helmet, which comes in 4 shell sizes.
# Internal Padding And Accessories
Helmet inner padding and accessories such as Bluetooth can make a difference between a light and a heavy helmet. Many helmets have internal safety mechanisms such as MIPS, which we can see in the Bell Star DLX MIPS Helmet. Also, the Bluetooth helmets often have the speakers and the com unit pre-installed inside the helmet. Take the Sena Outrush Helmet, which has a Bluetooth device installed, but it’s not the lightest helmet out there.
Types of motorcycle helmets with weight range
# Full-face Helmet Weight Range
Because they completely enclose the rider’s head, full-face helmets are widely regarded as the safest option. And that’s why this type of helmet is heavier than the 3/4 helmets or the half helmets. However, this isn’t that bad as one of the lightest full-face helmets. The ECE-rated Bell Eliminator Carbon weighs 1027 grams according to their details. So, we can say the weight range of a full-face helmet is around 2.5 lbs to 4.5 lbs.
# Modular Helmet Weight Range
Modular helmets tend to be a bit heavier than a full-face helmet as they have the flip-up ability. Also, they are made for convenience and commuting. You’ll find additional accessories such as an internal sun visor, com unit compatibility, and more. However, there are some pretty exceptions, such as the AGV Sportsmodular weighing only 1390 grams in the first shell. And considering that the average weight range of a modular helmet is around 3 lbs to 5 lbs.
# Open-face Helmet Weight Range
Open-face helmets are the lightest type of helmets for motorcycle riders as the chin area remains open. There are fewer materials used, which means it’s lighter, that’s stating the obvious, but it’s a fact. Helmet weight can be delusional, as the Bell Mag-9; an open-face helmet weighs about 3.4 lbs. That’s the same as a decent full-face helmet. Also, one of the lightest spotted at 1060 grams in the Bell Custom 500 Carbon helmet details in Bell’s helmet details. So, the average weight range of an open-face helmet will be around 2 lbs to 4 lbs.
Conclusion
This article talks about some of the things that affect a helmet’s weight. As you might’ve already guessed, the lighter you want your helmet to be, the more you’ll probably have to pay for it. But the secret souse is the fitting of the helmet.
So make sure to try on different helmets and find the one that fits best. Ultimately, the weight of the helmet is just one factor to consider. You can ride hundreds of miles wearing a helmet if it’s balanced and fits you properly. Hope you found out about the average weight of a motorcycle helmet.
Good Day!