Helmets · The racing standard, explained

FIM homologation, decoded

There's road-legal, and there's race-legal. The FIM label on a chinstrap is the toughest test a helmet can pass — and from 2026 it gets tougher. Here's what FIM, FRHPhe-01 and the new 'FIM2' actually mean.

FIM · SINCE 1904
FRHPhe-01 (2019) · FRHPhe-02 FROM 2026
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One body, since 1904.

First, who?

One body, since 1904.

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme — the FIM — has governed world motorcycle sport since 1904. From its base near Geneva it writes the rules for MotoGP, World Superbike, Motocross and more, across 123 national federations. So when the FIM puts its name on a safety standard, it does it with the crash data of the fastest racing on earth behind it.

ECE gets you on the road. FIM gets you on the grid.

Road-legal vs race-legal

ECE gets you on the road. FIM gets you on the grid.

Every street helmet sold in Europe has to pass ECE 22.06 — the road standard. FIM homologation is a second, tougher exam layered on top: a helmet must clear ECE first, then survive the FIM's racing-specific tests at higher energies and more angles. One is the minimum to ride. The other is the minimum to race a world championship.

FRHPhe-01: the first race ticket.

FIM #1

FRHPhe-01: the first race ticket.

In 2019 the FIM introduced FRHPhe-01 — its first helmet homologation, worn in MotoGP that June and required across FIM circuit road racing from 2020. It tests harder than the road: higher impact speeds, more points on the shell, and every model homologated size by size, not from a single sample. This is the label people mean when they say a helmet is 'FIM approved.'

What 'FIM2' raises

2026FRHPhe-02 mandatory
+18%Higher linear impact
+4%Higher rotational load
48mmNew hemispherical anvil, 7.5 m/s
FRHPhe-02: tougher — and off-road too.

FIM #2

FRHPhe-02: tougher — and off-road too.

From 1 January 2026, FRHPhe-02 becomes the standard — recommended since 2025. It hits harder (linear impacts up to 18% higher, rotational about 4% higher) and adds new exams built around brain injury: oblique and hemispherical-anvil tests for rotational forces, a Skull Fracture Criterion, a check that the visor can't fly open, and a quick-release cheek-pad system for medics. And for the first time it reaches beyond the track — bringing motocross, enduro, speedway and rally into the programme.

Spot it in seconds

Is it really FIM-homologated?

01

Find the label

Look for the FIM Racing Homologation label sewn onto the chinstrap — not a sticker on the shell.

02

Scan the QR

Every label carries a QR code that links straight to that helmet's homologation certificate.

03

Match model + size

FIM homologates each model and each size. Confirm your exact size is on the official FIM homologated-helmets list.

04

Check the phase

FRHPhe-01 or -02. For 2026 FIM competition, you'll want an FRHPhe-02 helmet.

Do you actually need FIM?

Be honest about your riding

Do you actually need FIM?

  • Road & commutingNo. A current ECE 22.06 helmet is the legal and sensible choice.
  • Track daysUsually ECE 22.06 is enough — but always check your organiser's rules.
  • Club & national racingOften required; many paddocks now ask for FIM homologation.
  • FIM world championshipMandatory — and from 2026 it has to be FRHPhe-02.
  • Want the toughest lid made?Then FIM homologation is the highest bar there is — race or not.

FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace.

Every helmet here carries FIM homologation — the label sewn on the chinstrap, cleared for the grid. Race-legal full-face lids we stock, from Shoei and Suomy to Airoh, LS2 and NHK.

FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 1
FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 2
FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 3
FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 4
FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 5
FIM-homologated, on Inter-Pace. — 6
A road helmet is built to be legal. A FIM helmet is built to be raced.

The verdict

The highest bar a helmet can clear.

FIM homologation is the toughest, most race-realistic helmet test in the world — and from 2026, 'FIM2' (FRHPhe-02) raises it again. Whether you're chasing the grid or just want the safest lid made, look for the label on the chinstrap.

Shop race helmets

Homologation is listed on each helmet's product page — browse the Helmets collection.