A flat track motorcycle helmet is a full face off-road helmet, worn by riders who race on oval dirt tracks on bikes derived from road machines. Flat track racing is one of the oldest forms of motorcycle sport in America: riders slide sideways around a dirt oval, their steel-shod boots dragging on the ground as they steer with the rear wheel. The speeds are high, the racing is close, and the helmet is the rider’s main protection against falls, flying dirt, and contact with other bikes.
Flat track looks similar to speedway from a distance, but the bikes and the racing are different. Flat track bikes are heavier, have brakes, and are based on production road bikes. The riders wear full leathers and full face helmets, and the races last longer than a speedway heat. This guide explains what makes a flat track helmet different, and what riders look for when choosing one.
What Kind of Helmet Do Flat Track Riders Wear?
Flat track riders wear full face motorcycle helmets made to a racing standard. The helmet covers the whole head, including the chin and jaw, and has a visor or goggles that protect the eyes from dirt and dust. The shell is hard and smooth, built to resist impacts and to slide rather than catch if the rider’s head touches the track.
These helmets are made to a motorsport standard, which means they have been tested for the kinds of impact found in racing. A normal road helmet may look similar, but it is not built for the same conditions. A flat track helmet is designed around the speeds, the loose dirt surface, and the crash risks of oval racing.
Inside the helmet, padding holds it snug so it does not shift at speed. Flat track involves hard acceleration, sideways sliding, and the constant vibration of a bike on a rough dirt surface. A helmet that moves around would be a distraction when the rider needs to focus entirely on the track and the riders around them.
Why Do Flat Track Riders Use Goggles or a Visor?
Flat track riders need to protect their eyes from dirt and dust. The bikes throw up a constant spray of soil, and at racing speed that spray can cause serious eye injuries. Some riders use a visor, while others use goggles with a full face helmet. Both options protect the eyes, and the choice is a matter of personal preference.
Goggles have an advantage on a dirt track: they seal against the face and keep dust out, even when the rider is sliding sideways and the air is full of dirt. A visor can let in dust around the edges, especially in a strong crosswind. Many flat track riders prefer goggles for this reason, often with tear-offs so they can clear the lens during a race.
The visor or goggles must also give a clear view in the conditions of a flat track. The light can change quickly as the sun sets, and the dust in the air can reduce visibility. A clear, scratch-free lens is essential, and riders keep spares close at hand.
How Does a Flat Track Helmet Differ from a Speedway Helmet?
In general terms, the two helmets are very similar, because both are full face helmets built for oval dirt racing. The main differences come from the bikes. Flat track bikes are heavier and faster than speedway bikes, and they have brakes, so the speeds on the straights can be higher. The helmet needs to be stable at those speeds, with good aerodynamics to reduce drag and buffeting.
Another difference is the surface. A speedway track is loose shale, while a flat track is usually a prepared dirt or clay surface. Clay is smoother than shale, but it still throws up a lot of dust, especially as the track dries out during a meeting. The eye protection matters just as much in flat track as in speedway.
The length of the races is different too. A speedway heat lasts only a few laps, while a flat track main event can run for much longer. That means comfort and ventilation matter more in flat track, because the rider is wearing the helmet for a longer time and working hard throughout the race.
If you want to understand how helmets manage the forces of a crash, reading about what MIPS is for helmets is a useful starting point. MIPS is a technology used in many modern helmets, and the basic idea — that a helmet should manage rotational forces as well as direct impacts — is relevant to flat track riding too.
What About the Peak and Ventilation?
Many flat track helmets have a peak, though it is often shorter than a motocross peak. The peak shades the eyes from the sun and deflects dirt thrown up by the bike in front. It also protects the goggles from mud and stones. A peak that is too long can catch the wind at speed, so flat track riders often choose a shorter one.
Ventilation matters a great deal in flat track, because the rider is working hard in a full leather suit and a helmet, often in warm weather. Good airflow keeps the rider cool and stops the goggles from fogging up. A fogged lens on a fast dirt oval would be dangerous, so ventilation is a safety feature as well as a comfort one.
Most flat track helmets have vents at the chin, the forehead, and the top, with channels inside that move air across the head. The chin vent is particularly important, because it directs air across the inside of the goggles. Without that airflow, the rider’s breath can fog the lens quickly.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Flat Track Helmet?
Fit comes first. The helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay put when you shake your head. It should not press hard on your forehead or temples, and the visor or goggles should sit comfortably in front of your eyes. Try the helmet with the goggles you will use, because the two work as a pair.
Next, check the standard. Make sure the helmet meets the standard required by the track or the racing organisation where you will compete. Different organisations have different rules, and a helmet that is fine for one track may not be accepted at another. Always check before you buy.
Finally, think about weight and ventilation. A lighter helmet puts less strain on the neck over a long race, and good airflow will keep you cool and keep the goggles clear. In flat track, where the races are longer than in speedway, a helmet that is comfortable for the whole event is a real advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a flat track rider use a motocross helmet?
A: In general terms, yes, if it meets the standard required by the track. Many flat track riders do use motocross-style helmets, often with goggles and a shorter peak.
Q: What is the difference between flat track and speedway?
A: In general terms, flat track bikes are heavier, have brakes, and are based on production road bikes, while speedway bikes are lighter and have no brakes. Flat track races also tend to last longer.
Q: How often should a flat track helmet be replaced?
A: In general terms, a helmet should be replaced after any hard impact, if the shell or liner shows wear, or when the standard it meets is no longer accepted. Regular checks help catch problems early.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
