Last updated: February 10, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Riding a motorcycle generates a lot of noise, some of it comes from the engine and some from passing traffic. Wind bouncing off the motor and helmet, on the other side, makes the most noise. In a full-face helmet, the sound of air being displaced around the head at high speeds can reach 115 db.
Lucky for us, there are some things you can do to stop it or make it more bearable. In this article, we’ll go through safe and method to reduce helmet noisy for a smoother and quieter ride.
Please note:
Nothing we have recommended will affect the safety of your helmet. Please refer to the helmet safety scheme to stay safe!
IN THIS ARTICLE
5 Ways to Make a Motorcycle Helmet Quieter
Since helmets are such an integral part of your motorcycle kit, you should think about making it even more convenient. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, riding a bike would still involve some wind, and all that force creates a lot of noise. There are a few options for reducing noise whilst staying safe.
1. Choose a High Quality Brand
It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality helmet before considering any of the noise reduction options. This will keep you safe and protected but also keeping you comfortable and reducing noise.
When it comes to unwanted noise, the helmet may be the biggest culprit, as low-quality materials and loose fittings often cause further disturbances. This is particularly true with visors, and in addition to the obvious recommendation to ride the bike with the visor down, make sure it’s properly attached and doesn’t rattle in the wind.
When looking for a specifically quiet helmet, there are two main features to keep in mind:
- Aerodynamic – this will reduce wind noise hitting the helmet face on
and
- Number of vents – the lower amount of vent, the less air will get into the helmet. Therefore, reducing noise. This however will have a negative effect on comfort and breathability
2. Make Sure It Fits Properly
A properly sized motorcycle helmet is the first step in ensuring complete protection as well as reducing wind noise. If the helmet is too large, it will not have enough protection and will also allow for a lot of airflows, resulting in a lot of unwanted noise.
How to Measure Helmet Size?
Measure across the circumference of the head, around the forehead right above the brows, above the ears, and across the back of your head with a flexible measuring tape. This is the approximate size of the helmet you’ll like to try on.
Another critical step is to put it on and ensure that the size is suitable for you. It should be fairly tight while being comfortable to wear. The skin should move with the helmet, and new helmets should still feel a little tight at first so they can loosen with use.
How to tell if a motorcycle helmet is too small?
Even if the helmet should fit you snugly, there’s a risk it’s too small. To be sure, put it on to see if it gives you a headache, red marks on your cheeks and forehead, or causes you too much pain. You may need to experiment with different brands and designs before you find the right one. Take your time, since it will save you a lot of hassle with noise and safety in the future.
How to Make a Motorcycle Helmet Fit Better?
If you’ve purchased your helmet but aren’t sure if it’s the right size or is causing too much noise, there are a few things you can do to improve its fit. The helmet is easy to wear, secure, and quiet when it sits comfortably on your head.
If the helmet seems to be a little too small, try removing some padding to see if it will fit better. If the helmet is a little too big, you should apply some padding. Many helmets now have different cheek and rest of head padding, making it easier to match nearly any head shape.
Also Read: Why Are Motorbikes Allowed to Be So Loud?
3. Invest in Motorcycle Earmuffs
Earmuffs, particularly if you live in a colder environment, can be a wonderful addition to your helmet. Not only can this keep the ears warm, but it will also reduce noise by 65 percent.
Furthermore, they are perfectly harmless because they do not completely obscure all sounds and you can always hear plenty. If you spend a lot of time on your motorcycle, these earmuffs are a smart investment because they are comfortable and easy to clean.
4. Look into Earplugs
Earplugs are by far the simplest and most convenient way to shield your ears while still making your motorcycle helmet quieter. Starting with the most economical options, traditional foam earplugs would suffice.
They’re affordable, convenient to use, and can be found almost everywhere. However, they do not suit all the same way and can only be used once.
There are also silicon models, which, while a little more costly, can have more convenience and security. They are reusable and, since they are engineered to promote airflow, they prevent ear infections.
There are also kits available for making personalized earplugs if you want to take it a step further. These earplugs take some getting used to, but they should be the most convenient to use.
5. Dress Appropriately to Reduce Noise
You might assume that dressing has anything to do with the noise, but you’d be mistaken. Consider taking off all accessories prior to the ride to minimize vibrations and noise. Cover your neck with a scarf to prevent the wind from going under your helmet and to muffle the sound.
Find a strong wind guard and balaclava if you want to invest in some motorcycle gear. These two accessories are a must-have for serious motorcycle riders, as they can make every trip more relaxed and quieter. The aim should be to reduce airflow, which these things accomplish.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Helmet Quieter
To summarize, noise can be very harmful and inconvenient when riding a motorcycle. Wear high-quality motorcycle helmets that suit you well if you want to prevent irreversible hearing damage. You may also invest in one of the many available products to help minimize noise.
Overall, a comfortable and quieter ride is safer because you can focus on the road rather than being distracted excessive noise.
