The 7 Best Motorcycle Helmets in 2023 – By Experts

If you genuinely enjoy riding a motorcycle, you probably love to do little tricks and maneuvers with it, and that’s why you’ll also be very keen on equipping yourself with gear that keeps you safe should anything go wrong.

The most important piece of safety gear would be the helmet as it protects the most critical area, and that’s why you should make sure you’re getting one that’s reliable and robust.

In this article, I’ll review the best motorcycle helmets that provide you with the safety you need when riding a 2-wheeled vehicle without compromising the sleek and stylish look that naturally comes with riding motorcycles.

Comparison Table

Preview	Helmet	Rating	Price
Best Overall	Bell Qualifier	Rating: 4.6/5	View on Amazon
Best Multi-Form Helmet	ScorpionExo	Rating: 4.6/5	View on Amazon
Best Open-Face Helmet	Bell Pit Boss Half Helmet	Rating: 4.4/5	View on Amazon
Most Lightweight	BELL Custom 500 Special Edition	Rating: 4.3/5	View on Amazon
Best Ventilation	LS2 Valiant Modular Motorcycle Helmet	Rating: 4.3/5	View on Amazon
Best for Men	Shoei Men’s Rf-1200	Rating: 4.5/5	View on Amazon
Premium Pick	Shoei Neotec II Helmet	Rating: 4.6/5	View on Amazon

The 7 Best Motorcycle Helmets in 2023 In this section, I’ll delve into the details of each of the options, listing their pros and cons so you can figure out which ones may be suitable for you.

1. Bell Qualifier – Best Overall

By being affordable, protective, and super stylish, the Bell Qualifier really combines everything you’d look for in a motorcycle helmet.

This polycarbonate helmet comes with an elegant design that works on reducing hammering and lifting, while the cheek pads are contoured in a way that provides you with comfort. 

Also, the removable liner is an incredible advantage as it means that your helmet would be a breeze to clean. What’s more, the interior is made of microfiber and is both antimicrobial and antibacterial.

At 4.85 pounds, this helmet is pretty lightweight, and that’s thanks to the lightweight polycarbonate and ABS shell construction. Still, it comes with enough padding around the wind collar to minimize wind and road noises.

Moreover, the Bell Qualifier comes with speaker pockets and a regular, clear visor. You could get a tinted one if you’d like, but it’ll be pretty costly, so if that is important to you, you might want to look for another helmet.

Overall, the visor is pretty impressive as it’s a transition one with light reactivity, featuring a NutraFog coating with anti-fog and anti-UV coatings.

Bottom Line

Suppose you’re looking for an incredible motorcycle helmet that combines pretty much everything you could ask for yet comes at a very affordable price. In that case, you’ll find none better than the Bell Qualifier.

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2. ScorpionExo – Best Multi-Form Helmet

Another option with a sleek and stylish look is the ScorpionExo, being a little out there for some showing off to go with extreme riding. It’s also super versatile, making for an overall top-notch multi-form helmet!

For starters, it comes with an advanced LG polycarbonate shell that’s exclusive to Scorpion and works on reducing weight while providing maximum impact dispersion. The helmet weighs 3.97 pounds, making it quite comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Moreover, the ScorpionExo comes with a tinted sun-visor that you can retract, which works on reducing eye strain in any light conditions. Not only that but for night-time riding, the ScorpionExo is equipped with dark smoke and an extra clear visor. You can easily remove the front mask thanks to the handy neodymium magnets.

The best part about it, though, is that it comes with detachable parts that enable you to turn it into virtually another helmet form. You can make it an open-face one by taking off the muzzle or a half-shell by taking off the side flaps. However, I would wear this helmet as a half-shell one, as only the top part of it is DOT-certified.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the Covert’s muzzle doesn’t provide the best ventilation, so you might need additional protection if you go on rides in colder weather.

Bottom Line

If you want dashing looks and a style that pretty much can’t be beaten, the ScorpionExo is the best option you can opt for. Besides the looks, it’s also a high-quality helmet with enough protection and comfort.

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3. Bell Pit Boss Half Helmet – Best Open-Face Helmet

Being the first half helmet or open-face helmet on my list, the Bell Pit Boss really did make me feel like a boss while I was wearing it. Though it wasn’t packed with features like the Bell Qualifier or ScorpionExo, that makes sense since it’s not a full-face helmet.

With Bell, there’s no worrying that you won’t be getting top-notch quality, and the Pit Boss doesn’t disappoint. With a vintage look and an appealing shape, the Boss comes with a nice set of decals that you can choose from. 

The most notable feature about this helmet is the “Speed Dial” fitting tool, which is a little knob you can find on the interior at the back to help you fit the helmet perfectly and snugly on your head. A better fit means that you’ll get more security with the helmet sitting well on your head with no wobbling during your ride. 

Moreover, the Pit Boss comes with a drop-down sun visor, which spares you the need to buy shades or goggles. Not to mention, the helmet uniquely presents you with a removable neck curtain that gives you the freedom to choose between more comfort or more ventilation, or you can even use it for a communication device!

Bottom Line

While you can probably find cruiser helmets on the market at a much lower price, the Pit Boss is still worth every penny with its vintage looks and reliable performance.

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4. Bell Custom 500 Special Edition – Most Lightweight

The Bell Custom 500 Special Edition is another open-face option, but this one is really the lightest protective helmet you can get out there, weighing only 2.8 pounds. This is thanks to the low-profile, carbon fiberglass composite shell that plays a huge role in keeping the weight of the Bell Custom 500 to a minimum.

From the name, you can tell that you’ll have plenty of room to customize your helmet to your preferences with this model that makes use of many attachable accessories. So, if you like to own things that are personal to you, you’ll love what the Bell Custom 500 has to offer. You can even fit it with a compatible shield visor.

I loved that this helmet comes with five different liner types for each size; anyone can find an option that sits just right on their head for guaranteed protection.

The antibacterial interior is made from leather-micro suede, though it’s not removable, which could be a bit of a hassle when it comes to cleaning. Still, the helmet is well-padded and comes with D-ring closure as well as a strap keeper.

Bottom Line

For a helmet that’s under the $120 mark, the Bell Custom 500 is an incredible choice. It’s comfortable, safe, and super lightweight, so you can wear it for extended periods without suffering from neck strain.

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5. LS2 Valiant Modular Motorcycle Helmet – Best Ventilation

The LS2 Valiant Modular motorcycle helmet is both safe and stylish, and it’s a lot more than mere support for your head. The fact that it weighs 4 pounds and is a full-face helmet serves to show how much precision and thought were put into its manufacturing, nay and crafting.

It comes with an impressive twin shield system with a drop-down sun shield that you can control with a cable slider to provide yourself with proper protection from the sun. That’s apart from the protection it offers with the ultra-light, strong, and flexible shell that uses LS2’s KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) and the thick foam lining with plenty of padding.

The chin bar can be flipped 180 degrees to enable you to switch between an open-face or a full-face fit. Additionally, the padding isn’t only breathable and hypoallergenic but also removable to facilitate washing and cleaning.

What I love about the LS2 Valiant is that it provides protection but still doesn’t compromise ventilation and breathability. The “thermoformed” construction uses breathable threads for the padding, which are already designed to prevent any hotspots from forming inside the helmet. 

Combine this with the adjustable ventilation system, and you get the perfect ventilation, even in the face of sudden changes and in any condition. Finally, the quick-release chin strap only takes you a couple of seconds to take off or put on.

Bottom Line

The best thing about the LS2 Valiant helmet is that it suits riders in both cold climates and warmer areas, hitting the perfect balance between comfort and safety.

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6. Shoei Men’s Rf-1200 – Best for Men

Whether it’s for street touring or racing, the Shoei Men’s Rf-1200 is a high-end helmet that will provide you with the functionality and comfort you need.

The Rf-1200 is inspired by its hugely successful predecessor, the Rf-1100, with a more polished design and improved technical features, although it only comes in 4 sizes.

Though not the lightest, the helmet is lightweight enough at 5 pounds. It comes with a snug fit designed to increase comfort and security. To improve neck motion, the cheek pads are specially designed to allow plenty of head movement, enabling you to turn your head in any direction with complete ease.

Moreover, the airflow is enhanced thanks to the four upper exhaust outlet vents, three upper air vent intakes, and large lower three position vents. The excellent ventilation lets cooling air pass without any obstruction through the tunnels in the EPS liner, while the ventilation system also helps keep the visor fog-free.

The pin-lock-ready CWR-1 shield provides you with a broad visual field, getting rid of fog and protecting your eyes from UV rays. It also comes with an eye port gasket to seal water out to increase safety if you ride through the rain.

Bottom Line

The Shoei Men’s Rf-1200 is a high-end motorcycle helmet that comes with improved aesthetics and technical features. With a great aerodynamic design, it minimizes noise caused by the wind and provides great airflow and ventilation to keep your head cool.

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7. Shoei Neotec II Helmet – Premium Pick

The Neotec II had a lot to live up to, being Neotec I’s successor, one of the world’s leading flip-front helmets, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

The Neotec II has a huge price tag, which is justified by the extremely comfortable and aerodynamic design, as well as the features it offers to improve on the experience of the previous model.

The major improvement on this helmet is the quietness, which comes thanks to the improved sealing around the neck. The liner firmly seals against your chin and head, helping keep unwanted vibrations and sounds out.

On the other hand, ventilation didn’t see much improvement from the previous model. This model comes with vents in the forehead and chin as well as exhaust vents in the back. The chin vent brings airflow into the helmet to keep you cool and keep the visor fog-free.

The air coming from the chin and forehead vents is directed towards the exhaust port to prevent eye irritation, so the design is pretty well-thought and effective.

The face shield blocks UV rays and keeps distortion and haze to a minimum, while the visor is pin-lock prepared and uses a spring-loaded system to pull the visor into the helmet smoothly.

While the audio and communication system relies only on the Sena SRL motorcycle Bluetooth, which is built for the helmet, you can use other ones by installing them. However, you’ll have to use some makeshift methods to finish that installation process, which adds to the cost of the already pricey helmet. However, if you stick to the specialized system, you’ll get a super quiet and convenient ride.

Bottom Line

The Shoei Neotec II is a high-end motorcycle helmet that comes with an enhanced design based on its predecessor. The improved design seals the area around the neck, working with the liner to increase noise dampening. The ventilation wasn’t majorly improved but still provides excellent airflow to keep your head cool and dry even on the longest rides.

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Motorcycle Helmets Buying Guide and FAQs

When you’re shopping for a motorcycle helmet, you’re not only shopping for one that looks good sitting on your head; you have to make sure that it’s reliable and performs as great as it looks. Here are the most important factors to consider when you’re shopping for one and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Fit and Shell Size

This is the one thing you have to get right above all, as your safety is directly proportional to how snuggly your motorcycle helmet fits. 

Typically, you’ll find 3, 4, and up to 5 shell sizes if you’re shopping at a high-end company. However, average brands typically only provide a couple of shell sizes for the seven available sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.)

Naturally, the former are more expensive as they’re more personalized and, therefore, more costly to make. But if you’ve got the money, they’re definitely worth it because they provide you with a much more precise fit and, therefore, better protection. Also, higher-end helmets usually include pieces of foam and pads to increase how well they fit the shape of your head.

Make sure to look at the head shape stated for the helmet as some people have round-shaped skulls and others have oval-shaped ones. Knowing this allows you to get a helmet that fits better.

Riding Purpose

Different riding purposes get different kinds of helmets, and the industry has been focusing on making specialized helmets for years. That’s why you have to consider the model you’re riding, whether it’s vintage or modern, and whether you’ll stray off-road with your vehicle.

Protection

Right after deciding on the purpose of your rides, or at least the majority of them, you’ll have to move on to picking a helmet that provides just the right type of protection for that. This means the degree to which a helmet would absorb impacts upon falls. 

While safety standards and ratings are important and serve as a good compass to how safe the helmet is, you have to consider that they usually focus on the crown and not the chin bar’s structural quality. That’s why I highly recommend checking that area, especially on a more expensive helmet, as it makes all the difference between a high-end and low-end option.

When we’re speaking about protection, we have to mention full-face, open-face, and flip-front helmets. A “J” on the label signifies an open-face model, while a “P” signifies a full-face model, and a “P/J” signifies a flip-front that you can open or close during your rides.

• Full-face: A full-face helmet entirely protects your head, but make sure you get one with a “P” rating as some models have the looks of a full-face helmet but only provide the protection of open-face ones. Steer away from “NP” ratings, which signify that a helmet is “Not Protective.”
• Open-face: These are great for summer rides as they keep you cool and ventilated. However, they don’t offer any protection in case you hit your face in a crash. Some open-face helmets do come with built-in visors, but you would still be better getting a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from any debris or stones that may fly around during your ride. 
• Flip-front: Flip-front helmets are flexible and give you the best of both worlds; almost the full protection of a full-face one and the convenience of an open-face one. A “P” rating means you can only legally ride with the chin bar down, while a “P/J” rating means that it’s dual-homologated as both an open-face lid and a full-face lid model.

Construction Materials

The materials from which your helmet is made have a major impact on how safe it is. Usually, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite of both is used in the shell, lining, and padding or foam.

If you’re looking for a very high-quality option and have the money to spare, you might want to look into ones that are crafted individually. Most of the time, the more affordable, mass-produced options don’t provide the same quality, but some options are just right for general purpose use.

Interior

I’d highly advise getting a helmet with a removable interior to be able to clean it more easily and keep it well-maintained. Try to look for a chin skirt and a tight seal around the neck if you’re going to use your helmet in the winter, especially that those provide you with more quietness.

A removable chin skirt provides you with more ventilation during your rides and makes it easier to keep the helmet on during warmer summer days.

Visors

The quality of your visor and hardware could really affect the performance of your helmet. An aspect you might want to consider is the visor’s pivot mechanism and making sure that it’s not cheap and prone to break. Others include whether the visor is pin-lock read or not, whether it’s available in photochromatic or tined versions, whether it’s anti-fogging, and whether it comes with tear-off posts.

Closure System

Most options you’ll find on the market use a double D-ring closure system, and that’s pretty much the standard that’s been there for years. However, some modern helmets come with ratcheting chin-straps or Fid-locks, and some even use novel systems, so make sure you get one that guarantees the helmet won’t fly off your head upon impact.

You might also want to look into the emergency removal system, enabling first responders or EMTs to remove the helmet off your head without moving your spine, head, or neck around too much.

Ventilation

Honestly, the reason many riders take their helmets off from time to time is that they feel suffocated. That’s why ventilation is a really critical aspect to consider when choosing a motorcycle helmet.

With all the thick padding that’s needed for protection, you might not get all the comfort and breathability you need to keep the gear on in the first place. That’s why you should look for built-in ventilation options, which include intake and exhaust ports as well as visor or viewports.

You’ll usually find those located around the forehead and mouth if you’re checking a full-face or modular model. Good ventilation also prevents the visor from fogging, though I’d say the most effective way is the pin-lock insert.

Weight

It’s essential to consider how much your helmet weighs, especially if you plan to travel a lot and wear it for extended periods. Weight is a factor that many manufacturers compete over, and that’s why you’ll be able to find extremely lightweight options that still provide exceptional protection.

Extra Features

Who doesn’t love spoiling themselves a little? Especially if they’ve got the budget for it. Some common amenities to look for in a motorcycle helmet include internal drop-down visors, removable beaks, and built-in Bluetooth for communication.

Some helmets come with noise-control or soundproofing systems, which are excellent for rides with some freeway time to provide you with quietness, especially at higher speeds.

If you’re buying a helmet for racing and tracking, you don’t have to worry about this as earplugs would usually be the way to go, so you don’t need a helmet to mitigate sound.

Understanding the Ratings on Your Helmet

I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed the little logos and stickers on the back of your helmet, but I’m also sure that you might not be aware of what each acronym means. If you’re having trouble with those, here’s a list containing the most common ones you’ll find and how to decipher them.

• DOT: U.S. citizens likely know what DOT ratings are – a set of standard rules put by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This one certifies that the helmet meets the minimum standard required by Federal law to be legal for use on roads.
• ECE: This one is DOT’s  European equivalent, and it certifies that the helmet meets the minimum requirements set by the Economic Commission for Europe.
• FIM: FIM rating means that the helmet can be used for racing and that it has been homologated for it by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). Many on-tracking activities and racing require this certification.
• SHARP: This rating is some sort of supplement to the ECE one, and it’s a voluntary certification that replaces the conventional methods of failing and passing for a star-rating system. Any SHARP-certified helmet by nature has already met the ECE standards.
• SNELL: This is also a certification that is issued by the Snell Memorial Foundation. SNELL’s rating provides a strong idea regarding a helmet’s safety standards and means that the helmet is suitable for urban and street use.

What Are the Laws Regarding Black Visors? and Do I Need a Sunshield?

Plenty of helmets come with a sunshield that you can slide down. However, some manufacturers like Arais don’t include them because they think they compromise the helmet’s safety, especially that it creates some space between your brow and the front of the helmet, which may reduce visibility.

A separate black visor would be a good option for reducing the number of layers in front of your eyes and, thus, maintaining the highest possible visibility.

A visor should come with a BSI kitemark or UNECE 22.05 to be legally usable. Also, at least 70% light should be transmitted, which means that visors with a dark tint are illegal.

Is Investing in an Expensive Motorcycle Helmet Worth It?

When it comes to helmets, it’s actually not about the price but more about meeting and exceeding the safety standards. You want your helmet to exceed them, and if that costs you more money, it’s definitely a worthy investment. In the case of unfortunate scenarios, you could end up regretting opting for cheaper options of lower quality. Any investment you’re making is actually an investment in your safety and wellbeing, not the helmet itself.

How Tight Should a Full-Face Helmet Fit?

A good way to test your helmet’s fit is to put it on its front and make sure that it’s only one inch above your eyebrows, maximally. Otherwise, it won’t be snug and might move back and forth or sideways when you’re on the vehicle. If the front sits below eyebrow-level or way above it, then it’s most probably too big for you.

Are Full-Face Helmets Safer Than Open-Face Ones?

Any comparisons between full-face and open-face helmets are a losing battle for open-face helmets. Studies have shown that the highest impact rates affect the face, especially the shield area or the front chin, both on the right and left. That’s why full-face helmets are much safer and provide full protection in case any accidents happen.

Is a Full-Face Helmet Better Than a Modular One?

In terms of safety, both of them could be quite close. Still, full-face helmets don’t come with any hinges or mechanical components that put you under any risk or increase the helmet’s weight, so they’re a better option for riders that appreciate traveling light.

Should I Wear a Full-Face Helmet on a Cruiser?

The risk-on cruisers isn’t as high as it would be on a racing bike, but it’s always best to play it safe, so you should opt for a full-face helmet. This is because you’d probably be spending plenty of time on a cruiser, which increases the chances of going through an accident.

How Often Should a Motorcycle Helmet Be Replaced?

The general consensus by motorcycle manufacturers is that helmets should be replaced every five years, even if they haven’t suffered any significant impacts that could mess with the helmet’s impact protection.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve gone over the best motorcycle helmets on the market, I hope that you were able to finalize your buying decision, or at least narrow it down as much as possible. If you haven’t, I’m here to put it all together one more time.

If you ask me, I’d recommend the Bell Qualifier. It combines affordability, comfort, the robustness of build, and stylish looks.

And if you care about the latter, I’d recommend the ScorpionExo for its premium design and killer looks with a matte finish. Not only does it look great, but it also performs well and offers great protection. However, it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag.

Finally, the Bell Pit Boss would be an excellent choice for you if you’re more into open-face helmets, will be riding on a cruiser,  and don’t plan on going too fast on a highway.

If you feel like you still haven’t met the perfect fit, make sure to refer to our buying guide while settling on a purchase. It’ll help you stay on the right track while choosing!

In all cases, stay safe and don’t let attractive price tags fool you into opting for the relatively cheaper options. Your safety comes first, and if a motorcycle helmet isn’t keeping you safe, you shouldn’t buy it, even if it’s for pennies!