Motorcycle helmets on clearance

Full-face, modular, jet: three levels of protection

The type of helmet determines the level of protection. The full-face, like the LS2 Storm, with a fixed chin guard, offers the most protection for the face and is suitable for both fast roads and tracks. The modular, like the LS2 Advant, lifts its chin guard with a button: handy for talking when stopped or refuelling without messing up your hair. P/J approved models like the Advant can even be used with the chin guard open and locked. The jet, like the Nox Premium Heritage or Revenge, leaves the face exposed: nice for city riding and scooters, it doesn't protect the chin or jaw in case of a slide.

Other clearance items

The motorcycle clearance also features:

• Gear, jackets, gloves, and boots.
• Off-Road.
• Luggage.
• Maintenance.

All clearance items are gathered on the motorcycle page.

ECE approval and French regulations

In France, wearing a helmet is mandatory for both the rider and the passenger, and it must be approved: the label stitched on the chin strap indicates the European ECE standard, in its 22.05 or 22.06 version, with the latter being the most recent, which includes additional tests for oblique impacts. The helmet must also feature four reflective stickers, at the front, back, and on each side. A model from a previous collection maintains the same approval as its current version. However, any helmet that has been involved in a fall, even without visible damage, should be replaced, as the internal polystyrene shell does not reform after an impact.

Shell, weight, and head size

The shell of a helmet is made of injected polycarbonate, fibreglass, or composite, which is lighter and more expensive. Arai, a family-owned Japanese company that designed the first motorcycle helmet in the country in 1952, still shapes its shells by hand near Tokyo. The weight, often between a kilo and a half and a kilo eight for a modular, can be felt after several hours of riding. For the size, measure around the head above the eyebrows and ears: a new helmet should squeeze the cheeks without point of pain, as the foams compress by a few millimetres in the first weeks.

Visor and intercom: equipping your helmet

A helmet can be enhanced with equipment that attaches to it. The iridium visor Nox for jet helmets, tinted and reflective, reduces glare in bright sunlight, but it's reserved for daytime riding. The bluetooth intercom clips to the side of the helmet: Cardo, Sena, and Exo-Com offer solo kits to listen to GPS and make calls, or in duo mode to chat with a passenger. Jet helmet models use a stick microphone, while full-face helmets have a microphone attached inside the chin guard. In France, wearing earphones while riding has been prohibited since 2015, but speakers built into the helmet remain allowed.

Frequently asked questions

What motorcycle helmet should I choose if I wear glasses?

The modular is the most practical: with the chin guard lifted, you can put it on without taking off your glasses. On a full-face helmet, check that the cheek pads allow the arms of the glasses to pass without pressing on the temples; some brands provide grooves for this.

Which motorcycle helmet is the quietest?

A well-fitted full-face or modular helmet, with a waterproof visor seal and a snug collar, blocks noise better than a jet. Size matters too: a helmet that is too big lets air in around the neck and whistles more.

When should I replace my motorcycle helmet?

After any fall or impact, even without visible damage. Without an incident, it's recommended to replace it every five to seven years, as the foams and absorbing materials age with sweat and ultraviolet exposure.

Jet or half-jet helmet: what's the difference?

The jet covers the head and ears, often featuring a long visor that extends below the nose. The half-jet, more compact, stops just above the ears or barely covers them: lightweight and airy, it's meant for urban journeys at moderate speeds.

How do I clean the inside of a motorcycle helmet?

The removable foams can be hand-washed in lukewarm water with mild soap, then air-dried, away from a source of heat. For a fixed interior, a special helmet cleaning foam, applied and then wiped off, is sufficient.