How To Make A Motorcycle Helmet Quieter

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be a noisy one. The wind, the road, and the engine can create a lot of noise inside your helmet, which can be annoying and even harmful to your hearing. Fortunately, there are some ways to make your helmet quieter and enjoy a more comfortable ride. In this article, we will explain what causes helmet noise, how to make a helmet quieter, and what are the quietest helmets on the market. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about helmet noise and soundproofing.

What Causes Helmet Noise?

Helmet noise is mainly caused by wind turbulence, which is the chaotic movement of air around your helmet. Wind turbulence can be affected by several factors, such as:

The Type of Helmet

Open-face helmets, half helmets, and modular helmets tend to be noisier than full-face helmets, because they expose more of your face and head to the wind. Full-face helmets can also vary in their noise reduction capabilities, depending on their design and aerodynamics.

Venting

Vents are useful for cooling and ventilation, but they also create openings for the wind to enter your helmet. The more vents you have, the more noise you will hear. Some helmets have adjustable vents that you can close or open depending on the weather and your preference.

Helmet Aerodynamics

The shape and features of your helmet can influence how the wind flows around it. Some helmets have spoilers, wings, or other aerodynamic elements that can reduce wind drag and noise. However, these elements can also create more noise if they are not well-designed or positioned.

Level of Seal by the Visor

The visor is the part of the helmet that covers your eyes and face. It can also act as a barrier against the wind and noise. However, if the visor is not properly sealed or fitted, it can create gaps that allow the wind to enter your helmet and create noise. Some helmets have visors that can be adjusted to different positions or angles, which can affect the level of seal and noise.

Strategies to Make a Helmet Quieter

If you already have a helmet that you like, but you wish it was quieter, there are some things you can do to improve its soundproofing. Here are some tips and tricks to reduce the noise inside your helmet:

Soundproofing Your Motorcycle Helmet – Expert Tips

One of the most effective ways to soundproof your helmet is to use ear muffs or ear plugs. These devices can block out most of the wind and road noise, and protect your hearing from damage. However, you should be careful not to block out too much sound, as you still need to be aware of your surroundings and communicate with other riders. Here are some types of ear muffs and ear plugs you can use:

• Helmet earmuffs: These are specially designed ear muffs that fit inside your helmet and cover your ears. They are usually made of soft foam or fleece, and have a thin layer of plastic or metal to reflect the sound waves. Some helmet earmuffs also have speakers or intercoms built-in, so you can listen to music or talk to other riders. Helmet earmuffs can reduce the noise by up to 25 dB, depending on the model and fit. You can find helmet earmuffs on Amazon¹ or other online stores.
• Ear plugs: These are small devices that you insert into your ear canal to block out the noise. They are usually made of foam, silicone, or wax, and have different shapes and sizes to fit your ears. Some ear plugs are disposable, while others are reusable and washable. Ear plugs can reduce the noise by up to 30 dB, depending on the type and fit. You can find ear plugs on Amazon² or other online stores.

Improving Fit

Another way to make your helmet quieter is to improve its fit. A helmet that is too loose or too tight can create gaps or pressure points that allow the wind to enter or create noise. A helmet that fits snugly and comfortably can seal out most of the noise and improve your safety. Here are some ways to improve your helmet fit:

• Adjust the straps: The straps of your helmet should be tight enough to keep your helmet in place, but not too tight to cause discomfort or restrict your blood flow. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the strap and your chin, and the strap should not be twisted or tangled. You should also check the buckle and the fastener for any damage or wear, and replace them if necessary.
• Replace the pads: The pads of your helmet are the parts that touch your head and face, and provide cushioning and comfort. Over time, the pads can wear out, lose their shape, or get dirty. This can affect the fit and the noise level of your helmet. You should replace the pads of your helmet every few years, or whenever they become loose, damaged, or dirty. You can find replacement pads on Amazon³ or other online stores, or contact the manufacturer of your helmet for the right ones.
• Use a liner: A liner is a thin layer of fabric that you wear under your helmet to provide extra comfort and protection. A liner can also help reduce the noise inside your helmet, by filling in any gaps or spaces between your head and the helmet. A liner can also absorb sweat and moisture, and keep your helmet clean and fresh. You can find liners on Amazon⁴ or other online stores, or make your own from a bandana or a scarf.

Appropriate Clothing and Neckwear

The clothing and neckwear that you wear when riding can also affect the noise level inside your helmet. Some clothing and neckwear can create wind resistance, turbulence, or flapping, which can increase the noise. Some clothing and neckwear can also help reduce the noise, by blocking the wind from entering your helmet or creating a buffer zone around your neck. Here are some examples of clothing and neckwear that can make your helmet quieter or noisier:

• Quiet clothing and neckwear: These are clothing and neckwear that are tight-fitting, smooth, and streamlined, and do not create any wind resistance or turbulence. They can also cover your neck and chin, and prevent the wind from entering your helmet. Some examples of quiet clothing and neckwear are leather jackets, turtlenecks, balaclavas, neck gaiters, and wind blockers. You can find these items on Amazon⁵ or other online stores, or in your local motorcycle shop.
• Noisy clothing and neckwear: These are clothing and neckwear that are loose-fitting, rough, or bulky, and create a lot of wind resistance or turbulence. They can also expose your neck and chin, and allow the wind to enter your helmet. Some examples of noisy clothing and neckwear are hoodies, scarves, collars, and zippers. You should avoid wearing these items when riding, or tuck them in or zip them up to reduce the noise.

Maintaining Proper Posture

The way you sit on your motorcycle can also affect the noise level inside your helmet. Your posture can influence the angle and the direction of the wind hitting your helmet, and create more or less noise. Here are some tips to maintain a proper posture when riding:

• Keep your head up: You should keep your head up and look ahead, not down or sideways. This will help you see the road better, and avoid any obstacles or hazards. It will also help you align your helmet with the wind, and reduce the noise. If you need to look down or sideways, you should do it quickly and briefly, and return to your normal position as soon as possible.
• Keep your back straight: You should keep your back straight and relaxed, not hunched or arched. This will help you breathe better, and avoid any fatigue or pain. It will also help you maintain a stable and balanced position on your motorcycle, and reduce the wind drag and noise. If you need to lean forward or backward, you should do it smoothly and gradually, and return to your normal position as soon as possible.
• Keep your arms and legs tucked in: You should keep your arms and legs tucked in and close to your body, not spread out or flailing. This will help you control your motorcycle better, and avoid any accidents or injuries. It will also help you reduce the wind resistance and noise, by creating a more aerodynamic profile. If you need to stretch your arms or legs, you should do it carefully and sparingly, and return to your normal position as soon as possible.

Use of Windshields

A windshield is a transparent shield that is attached to the front of your motorcycle, and protects you from the wind, the rain, and the bugs. A windshield can also help reduce the noise inside your helmet, by deflecting the wind away from your head and helmet. However, not all windshields are created equal, and some can actually make the noise worse, by creating more turbulence or reflection. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a windshield for your motorcycle:

• Size: The size of your windshield should match the size of your motorcycle and your body. A windshield that is too small or too large can create more noise, by allowing the wind to hit your helmet directly or by bouncing the wind back to your helmet. A windshield that is just right can create a quiet zone behind it, where the wind is calm and the noise is low. You should measure the height and the width of your windshield, and compare it to the height and the width of your motorcycle and your body, to find the optimal size.
• Shape: The shape of your windshield should match the shape of your motorcycle and your helmet. A windshield that is too curved or too flat can create more noise, by creating more drag or more reflection. A windshield that is slightly curved and slightly angled can create a smooth airflow around it, and reduce the noise. You should look at the profile and the angle of your windshield, and compare it to the profile and the angle of your motorcycle and your helmet, to find the optimal shape.
• Material: The material of your windshield should be durable, clear, and scratch-resistant. A windshield that is too thin or too thick can create more noise, by vibrating or cracking. A windshield that is too cloudy or too scratched can create more noise, by distorting or reflecting the light. A windshield that is made of high-quality polycarbonate or acrylic can create a clear and quiet view, and reduce the noise. You should check the thickness and the clarity of your windshield, and look for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if necessary.

Visors and Improvements

The visor is the part of the helmet that covers your eyes and face, and protects you from the wind, the sun, and the debris. The visor can also affect the noise level inside your helmet, by creating a seal or a gap between your helmet and your face. Here are some ways to improve your visor and reduce the noise:

• Choose the right type of visor: There are different types of visors available for different types of helmets and riding conditions. Some of the most common types are clear, tinted, mirrored, photochromic, and pinlock. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and can affect the noise level inside your helmet. You should choose the type of visor that suits your needs and preferences, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.
• Adjust the position of your visor: The position of your visor can affect the seal and the gap between your helmet and your face, and affect the noise level inside your helmet. Some visors have different positions or angles that you can adjust according to the weather and your preference. You should adjust the position of your visor to create a tight and comfortable seal, and avoid any openings that can let the wind in. However, you should also make sure that your visor does not touch your nose or mouth, as this can cause fogging or discomfort.

To adjust the position of your visor, you can follow these steps:

• Open the visor as far as it will go, sliding it up on to the top of the helmet.
• Locate the release mechanism. This appears like a thumb tab or button on the sides of the visor.
• Press the release tab or button, one side at a time. Once the tab is released, the visor will feel loose.
• Slide the visor up or down to the desired position. You can use the notches on the helmet as a guide.
• Press the visor firmly into the helmet until it clicks into place. You should hear a snap sound when the tab is locked.
• Repeat the process for the other side of the visor.
• Test the visor by lifting it up and down, and check the seal and the gap.

Helmet Accessories

There are some accessories that you can add to your helmet to make it quieter, such as:

• Chin curtain: A chin curtain is a piece of fabric that attaches to the bottom of your helmet, and covers your chin and mouth. It can help reduce the noise by blocking the wind from entering your helmet from below, and by keeping your breath inside the helmet. Some helmets come with a chin curtain, or you can buy one separately on Amazon⁷ or other online stores.
• Extra chin padding: Extra chin padding is a layer of foam or gel that you can insert inside your helmet, and place under your chin. It can help reduce the noise by filling the gap between your chin and the helmet, and by absorbing some of the vibrations. Some helmets have extra chin padding, or you can buy one separately on Amazon or other online stores.
• Wind blocker: A wind blocker is a device that attaches to the back of your helmet, and extends over your neck and shoulders. It can help reduce the noise by creating a buffer zone behind your helmet, where the wind is calm and the noise is low.  Some wind blockers also have speakers or intercoms built-in, so you can listen to music or talk to other riders. You can find wind blockers on Amazon or other online stores.

Quiet Motorcycle Helmets – Top Picks

If you are looking for a new helmet that is quiet and comfortable, you might want to consider some of the following models. These are some of the quietest helmets on the market, according to user reviews and expert ratings. They also have other features that make them suitable for different types of riding and preferences.

Shoei RF-1400

The RF-1400 is a versatile and stylish helmet that can suit different types of riders and riding conditions. It has a Snell and DOT safety rating, which means it meets the highest standards of protection. It also has a removable, washable, and customizable interior, which makes it easy to maintain and fit. The helmet comes in various colors and graphics, and has a price range of $499.99 to $599.99, depending on the design. You can find more information and reviews about the RF-1400 on the web, or visit your local motorcycle shop to try it on. The RF-1400 is a great choice for anyone looking for a quiet, comfortable, and high-quality helmet.

Shark EVO GT

The Shark EVO GT is another modular helmet that can transform from a full-face to a jet-style helmet with a simple flip of the chin bar. The EVO GT is an updated version of the Shark EVO One-2, which had some issues with the chin bar mechanism and the visor seal. The EVO GT has improved these features, as well as the aerodynamics, ventilation, and comfort of the helmet.

The EVO GT has a thermoplastic shell that comes in two sizes, covering the range from XS to XL. The helmet weighs about 3.7 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the average modular helmet. The helmet has a Pinlock-ready face shield that also features an internal sun visor that can be operated with a slider on the top of the helmet. The face shield has a central locking button that makes it easy to open and close, and also lifts up automatically when the chin bar is flipped up.

The chin bar mechanism is one of the main selling points of the EVO GT, as it allows the helmet to be used in both full-face and open-face modes. The chin bar can be flipped up and over the top of the helmet, creating a jet-style helmet with a large opening for the face. The chin bar can also be locked in the open position, making the helmet dual-homologated for both modes. The chin bar has a venturi vent that helps reduce fogging and noise.

The EVO GT has a plush and comfortable interior that is made of microfiber fabric and is removable and washable. The helmet also has speaker cutouts and is compatible with the Sharktooth communication system. The helmet has a micrometric buckle for the chin strap, which is easy to use and adjust. The helmet has a Snell and ECE safety rating, which is impressive for a modular helmet.

The EVO GT is a versatile and innovative helmet that offers the convenience and flexibility of a modular helmet, as well as the safety and comfort of a full-face helmet. The helmet is suitable for touring, commuting, and urban riding, and comes in a variety of colors and graphics. The helmet is priced at $469.99 for solid colors and $499.99 for graphics, which is reasonable for a premium modular helmet.

Conclusion

Choosing a quiet motorcycle helmet can be a challenge, as there are many factors that affect the noise level inside the helmet, such as the shape, size, fit, ventilation, aerodynamics, and accessories. However, there are some helmets that stand out for their quietness and quality, such as the ones we have reviewed in this article. These helmets offer a balance between noise reduction, comfort, performance, and style, and can enhance your riding experience.

Of course, no helmet can completely eliminate the noise of the wind and the road, so it is always advisable to wear earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing and enjoy your ride. Also, remember to check the fit and the safety ratings of the helmet before you buy it, as these are the most important aspects of any helmet. We hope this article has helped you find the best quiet motorcycle helmet for your needs. Happy riding!