The most important piece of equipment you will buy for riding is the helmet. It is the only thing that protects your head in a crash; and you will be wearing it for hours every day. A helmet of the wrong size both reduces protection and gives you a headache within half an hour. In this guide we explain helmet selection in four steps: type, size, certification and budget. We also summarise the legal rules and fines about helmets in Turkey.
Step 1: Choose the helmet type
| Type | Protection | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Full-face | Highest; full protection including the chin | Every rider, especially for speed and long distances |
| Modular (flip-up chin bar) | High; close to a full-face when the chin bar is closed | Glasses wearers, those who stop often in the city, touring riders |
| Open-face (jet) | Medium; open chin | Low-speed city scooter use |
| Adventure | High; peak + visor | Those who ride tarmac and dirt together |
| Motocross | Off-road focused; no visor, used with goggles | Enduro and motocross riding |
If you are unsure, a full-face helmet is the safest default. In a fall, the face and chin can also hit the ground; an open-face helmet leaves that area exposed. If you will use an open-face helmet, limit it to low-speed city riding.
Step 2: Measure the size correctly
Helmet size is determined by head circumference. To measure, take a tailor's tape measure and measure your head circumference about a finger's width above your eyebrows, over your ears and across the most prominent point at the back of your head. Repeat the measurement two or three times and take the largest value. Then look at the brand's own size chart; the same size letter can correspond to different centimetres between brands.
Fit tests in the shop
- Snugness: A new helmet should press lightly on your cheeks. The inner padding settles a few millimetres with use; a helmet that feels loose on the first try will become even looser over time.
- Rotation test: Put the helmet on, fasten the chin strap, hold the helmet with both hands and try to turn it left and right. The helmet should move together with your head, and your skin should slide with it. If the helmet turns freely on your head, it is too big.
- Forward-backward test: Try to push the helmet up from the back. If it slides down over your eyes at the front, or seems about to come off at the back, the size or shape is not right.
- Pressure points: Keep the helmet on for 10–15 minutes. If a distinct sore spot forms on your forehead or temples, that shape does not suit your head shape. Brands have shells for different head shapes (round, oval).
If you will buy the helmet online, first try the same size of the same model in a shop; also check the return conditions.
Step 3: Check the certification
The standard in force in Europe is ECE R22.06. This standard replaced 22.05 and includes more comprehensive tests: the impact test points rose from 6 to 18, and a rotational impact test and visor tests were added. In the EU, the production and sale of 22.05-approved helmets ended between summer 2023 and early 2024; using a 22.05 helmet you already own is not prohibited.
The situation in Turkey is this: wearing a helmet is compulsory, but whether the helmet meets a particular standard is not in practice checked in traffic, and we could not confirm a regulation making 22.06 mandatory. This does not mean it makes sense to buy an uncertified helmet. There should be a sewn-in ECE label on the back of the helmet or on the chin strap; if its number starts with "06" it is 22.06 approved, if with "05" it is 22.05 approved. Unlabelled, "decorative" or "bicycle-type" helmets are not suitable for a motorcycle.
Step 4: Set the budget
According to Pusulamoto equipment data, the typical price ranges in Turkey are roughly as follows:
| Type | Economy | Mid | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-face | 1,956 – 5,216 TL | 5,355 – 14,322 TL | 15,650 – 58,770 TL |
| Modular | 3,795 – 6,270 TL | 5,590 – 16,340 TL | 16,298 – 54,690 TL |
| Open-face (jet) | 2,385 – 4,990 TL | 5,100 – 13,558 TL | 13,590 – 45,390 TL |
As the price rises, the following generally improve: a lighter shell material (composite, carbon), a quieter build, better ventilation, a pinlock visor that prevents misting, a sun visor and intercom readiness. But the basic protection is present in every certified helmet in the right size. If your budget is limited, a cheap but perfectly fitting ECE-approved helmet is always safer than an expensive but loose one. You can see current products and prices on the relevant category pages.
Details: visor, ventilation, weight
- Visor: A clear visor is essential for night riding. For sunny weather, a built-in sun visor is practical. To avoid misting problems, prefer a pinlock-compatible visor.
- Ventilation: In the Turkish summer, ventilation channels make a serious difference to comfort. Check that the chin and top vents can be opened and closed with a glove on.
- Weight: On a long trip every 100 grams is felt in the neck. Full-face helmets are generally between 1.3 and 1.7 kg.
- Fastening mechanism: A double D-ring is the safest and standard solution; micrometric buckles are practical.
- Accessory compatibility: For communication, an intercom, and for spare visors and pinlock, see the helmet accessories page.
Helmet rules and fines in Turkey
Under Article 78 of the Turkish Highway Traffic Act (KTK), a protective helmet is compulsory for the motorcycle rider; it is also widely accepted to be compulsory for the passenger. With Law No. 7574, which came into force in February 2026, the fine amounts rose:
- First offence: 2,500 TL
- Second offence within 1 year: 5,000 TL
- Third and subsequent: 10,000 TL
With the regulation change you must also wear goggles if your helmet has no visor, the rider and passenger must use protective gloves, and reflective clothing must be worn at night. For the rules and other fines see the licence and rules page; if you use a motocross helmet without a visor, add suitable motorcycle goggles.
When should a helmet be replaced?
The impact-absorbing inner layer of the helmet (EPS foam) does its job by crushing in an impact and does not return to its original form. For this reason it is recommended that you replace a helmet that has been in a crash or has dropped onto a hard surface, even if no damage is visible from outside. For helmets that have not taken an impact, manufacturers generally also recommend replacement every few years; loosening of the inner padding, a worn strap and visor scratches are signs it needs replacing. We recommend not buying a used helmet, because you cannot know its history.
Conclusion
The right helmet is one of a type suited to your use, that fits your head circumference exactly and is ECE-approved. A full-face helmet is the safest default, a modular helmet is practical for the city and touring, and an open-face (jet) helmet is only for low-speed city use. Be sure to try the helmet before buying, and plan your budget together with the rest of the equipment. Besides the helmet, for choosing a jacket, gloves and boots see our equipment guide; if you are buying a new motorcycle, for the total cost see the cost calculator and for choosing a motorcycle the motorcycle finder.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my helmet size?
Measure your head circumference in centimetres, passing a finger's width above your eyebrows and over the rear bump of your head, then look at the brand's size chart. Be sure to do the rotation and forward-backward tests in the shop.
Is it prohibited to use an ECE 22.05 helmet?
In the EU it is not prohibited to use a 22.05 helmet; only new production and sale have ended. In Turkey too, a regulation making 22.06 mandatory could not be confirmed; even so, if you are buying new, prefer 22.06.
How much is the fine for riding without a helmet?
After Law No. 7574, 2,500 TL for a first offence, 5,000 TL for a second within a year, and 10,000 TL for a third and subsequent.
Is an open-face (jet) helmet safe?
It protects the skull but leaves the chin and face exposed. It is acceptable for low-speed city use; for speed and long distances we recommend a full-face or modular helmet.