How To Make A Motorcycle Helmet Quieter 2023 [12 Expert Tips]

If you ride a motorcycle, the loud engine and wind noise can be an uncomfortable distraction and even damage your hearing. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make a motorcycle helmet quieter so you can focus on the ride.

In this blog, we'll understand how to make a motorcycle helmet quieter to create a more peaceful riding experience.

We'll discuss ways to minimize wind noise and advise on selecting a quiet helmet and other equipment that can help reduce sound levels. Get ready to hit the road with peace of mind!

What Causes Noise Inside The Helmet?

Vibrations and wind cause the noise inside a motorcycle helmet. Vibration is created as the bike moves, with components such as the engine, exhaust and other parts producing noise.

Wind noise is created when air passes over the surface of the helmet while riding, creating a loud whistling sound.

Air pressure builds within the helmet as the rider cumulates speed, creating a vacuum between it and the rider's head.

This disturbance causes air turbulence and produces noise inside the helmet. Other sound sources include engine noise, road noise, and turbulence the bike's aerodynamics created.

How To Make A Motorcycle Helmet Quieter?

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but the wind noise from your helmet can make it difficult to enjoy. Several options are available if you're looking for ways to make your helmet quieter.

Choose A Good Fit

Helmets with aerodynamic design features such as vents and spoilers can significantly minimise wind noise. Look for helmets with padding and lining material designed to absorb sound. The quietest helmets are full-face designs with a snug fit around the neck and ears.

Wearing Earplugs

Earplugs can reduce wind noise inside the helmet significantly. Look for plugs with an NRR rating of 25 decibels or higher to ensure decent soundproofing.

Check the label on your earplug package for safety information before using them.

Add Windproofing

Adding windproofing material to the outside of your helmet can help reduce noise significantly.

Try sticking some adhesive foam or rubber strips around the edges and vents of your helmet to create a barrier between it and the wind. You can also try adding an aftermarket visor for added protection from wind noise.

Wear A Neck Gaiter

A neck gaiter is an effective way to reduce wind noise while riding. It fits snugly around the base of your helmet, forming a barrier between it and the wind. Consider wearing one made from fleece or other breathable fabric for added comfort.

Windscreen

Installing a fairing or windscreen on your bike can also help make your helmet quieter. The windscreen will block the airflow and deflect it away from your helmet, reducing noise levels significantly. Be sure to choose the right size and shape for your motorcycle.

These are some of the ways to make a motorcycle helmet quieter. You can enjoy a peaceful ride with reduced noise levels with the proper setup.

Make Sure That Your Visor Is Properly Closed

It is essential always to ensure that your visor is adequately closed when riding. A visor not closed correctly can allow wind and noise to enter the helmet and cause discomfort.

Use A Scarf

Using a scarf or balaclava can help reduce noise levels inside the helmet. The fabric of the scarf or balaclava will act as a barrier between the helmet and the wind. Be sure to choose one made from breathable material for added comfort.

Add Wind Blocker On Your Motorcycle

Adding a wind blocker or deflector on your motorcycle can help decrease the noise level inside your helmet. The wind blocker will redirect the airflow away from your helmet, reducing noise levels significantly.

Use A Balaclava

A balaclava is a type of headgear designed to cover the entire head and face, with openings for the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Balaclavas are often worn in cold weather activities such as skiing and motorcycling to protect against wind chill and keep the wearer's neck and face warm.

Balaclava also prevents wind from entering the helmet, reducing noise and turbulence caused by air.

Improved Riding Posture

A proper riding posture helps minimize air resistance, reducing the sound of wind noise. Keeping your arms close to your body, shoulders relaxed, and back straight can help reduce air drag and make your ride quieter.

Keeping a low centre of gravity by leaning slightly forward can also help reduce sound levels from the bike's engine.

Using A Chin Curtain With Helmet

Wearing a chin curtain with your helmet can help reduce wind noise and buffeting, making for a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The chin curtain keeps wind from coming in through the bottom of the helmet and helps prevent turbulence that can cause noise.

It also helps to distribute air pressure across the entire face evenly, which minimizes the noise from entering the helmet altogether.

Earmuffs For Motorcycle Helmets

Wearing earmuffs with your helmet can help make your ride quieter by blocking out external noises. Earmuffs are a barrier that absorbs sound waves and prevents them from reaching your ears.

This is beneficial because it decreases the sound entering your ears, reducing the overall noise level and making the ride more comfortable.

What Are The Factors Affecting Helmet Noise?

Helmet Type

The type of helmet you wear can significantly impact the noise you experience when riding your motorcycle. Generally, full-face helmets are quieter than their open-face counterparts because they provide more coverage and block out most wind noise.

Modular helmets (which can be flipped up) offer some of the best protection against wind and noise, but they may also be the heaviest option.

Build Material

Helmets made with fiberglass or carbon fibre shells provide better sound insulation than those made with polycarbonate materials. Additionally, many helmets feature interior padding, which helps reduce road and engine noise.

Air Venting

Air vents are a great way to reduce noise levels inside your motorcycle helmet. By allowing air to flow through the helmet more easily, air vents can reduce wind noise and make it easier to hear other sounds while riding.

The type of air vent you choose will affect how much noise it reduces. Full-face helmets typically have larger vents with more coverage, which allows more air in and out of the helmet and therefore reduces wind noise more effectively.

Visor

A too loose or tight visor can cause vibrations that create noise inside the helmet. To reduce this noise, it is essential to ensure your visor matches your requirements correctly. You must make sure the visor is not too tight or too loose.

Too tight will cause more vibration and noise; if it's too loose, wind can enter through the gap between the helmet and visor, creating additional noise.

Why Are Some Helmets Noisy?

Some helmets are noisier than others, and the source of this noise can vary. The most common noise sources in helmets are wind, vibration, and ill-fitting components.

Wind noise occurs when air passes through the gap between the helmet and your head. To reduce wind noise, wear a scarf or padded helmet support to block the air from entering.

Vibration is another common noise source inside helmets, caused by moving components such as visors and vents. A well-fitting visor can help reduce this type of noise.

Lastly, an ill-fitting helmet can cause excess noise due to air leakage and poor insulation from outside sound sources. Purchasing a helmet that fits appropriately eliminates much potential for noise, making it quieter overall.

Things You Should Know Before Buying A Helmet

Purchasing a helmet can be a daunting task, especially for inexperienced riders. However, knowing some essential factors to consider before buying can make the process less intimidating.

• Ensure that the helmet is certified by a professional organization or government agency. This certification indicates that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety standards.
• Check the helmet's fit and size to ensure it fits snugly and comfortably on your head. A loose or ill-fitting helmet is not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous.
• Consider the riding you will be doing, as this will determine the appropriate helmet required for recreational use, racing or off-road adventures.

By considering these factors, you are sure to make an informed decision when purchasing a helmet that will keep you safe while you ride.

Also, remember to look for helmets that provide the best sound insulation, as this will help reduce noise levels and make your rides more enjoyable.

FAQs Regarding Motorcycle Helmet

Conclusion

Making a motorcycle helmet quieter is essential for both enjoyment and safety. Since many noise components vary from person to person and between different helmets, selecting the fitting helmet for you can be challenging.

However, when researching helmet options, remember that materials play an essential role in the overall sound quality of a helmet.

A loud material or tightly fitted helmet can decrease your hearing awareness. Notably, picking out a good motorcycle helmet should involve understanding how helmets work, how you ride and how much noise your environment contains.

With such knowledge and these tips, you'll ensure your motorcycle adventures are as safe and enjoyable as possible.

With this how to make a motorcycle helmet quieter blog post, we hope you understand what makes a great helmet and all the components necessary for optimal performance.