How Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Noise

 

Helmet Fit Improves Noise Isolation

A quiet motorcycle helmet starts with the right fit. When I switched from a loose helmet to one that hugged my jaw and cheeks, the wind noise dropped right away. 

Padding that seals around the neck and cheeks blocks more turbulence and keeps the ride quieter. I noticed that when my helmet fit snugly, I didn’t need to crank up my music as much.

Helmet Design Affects Noise Levels

The quietest helmet I’ve worn had a smooth, aerodynamic shell and a tight visor seal. The Shoei RF-1400 and Schuberth C5 both use thick neck rolls and chin curtains to keep the wind out. 

I’ve seen riders on forums say that these features make a bigger difference than you’d expect. A person even said, “I could barely hear the wind even at 120” with the RF-1400. Helmets with fewer vents and less external hardware also tend to be quieter.

Accessories Reduce Helmet Noise

Adding a noise-reduction helmet accessory can help. I tried the Windjammer PRO Tour 2, which wraps around the base of my helmet and blocks air from rushing up inside. 

It fits most full-face helmets and cuts wind noise a lot, though it took me a few tries to get it installed right. 

Some riders add a NOJ Quiet Rider helmet skirt for the same reason-it seals the neck area and keep the noise down.

Earplugs and Noise-Canceling Devices

Earplugs are the simplest noise-canceling helmet solution. I use Alpine MotoSafe Tour earplugs for long trips, and they cut wind noise by about 17dB without blocking out traffic or sirens. 

Some friends prefer EARPEACE Moto earplugs, which have a higher 26dB rating and are reusable. On a few rides, I tried true wireless earbuds with active noise canceling, like the Sennheiser Momentum 3, and they worked well inside my helmet, especially with foam tips.

Bike and Screen Adjustments Help

Sometimes, the bike matters as much as the helmet. When I adjusted my windscreen to direct air higher over my head, the noise inside my helmet dropped. 

If your bike has a low screen, sealing the neck area of your helmet is key. With a tall screen, making sure your visor seals tight is more important. I’ve seen forum posts where riders say even small changes in screen angle make a big difference.

Table: Practical Ways To Reduce Helmet Noise

Method	What I Noticed	Example Product or Tip
Snug helmet fit	Less wind sneaks in, ride feels quieter	Shoei RF-1400, Schuberth C5
Neck roll or helmet skirt	Blocks turbulence from below	Windjammer PRO Tour 2, NOJ Skirt
Earplugs	Cuts wind noise, keeps alerts audible	Alpine MotoSafe, EARPEACE Moto
Active noise-canceling earbuds	Music and calls clearer, less fatigue	Sennheiser Momentum 3
Adjust bike windscreen	Directs air away from helmet, less noise	Raise or angle windscreen
Tight visor seal	Stops whistling and wind leaks	Shoei RF-1400, Arai Quantic

Forum Comments On Noise Reduction

I’ve read plenty of posts where riders say, “Earplugs are number one. Then close the neck to the helmet gap.” Another user mentioned, “A combo of ANC earbuds, foam tips, and a good helmet, and you’ll only hear horns and sirens.” I combine several of these tips to give the best results.

Choosing The Quietest Helmet

When I wanted the quietest helmet, I looked at noise ratings and user reviews. The HJC RPHA-91, Schuberth C5, and Shoei Neotec 2 all get high marks for noise isolation. 

Each uses thick padding, tight seals, and aerodynamic shells to keep things quiet. I found that even a few decibels with less noise made long rides more comfortable and less tiring.