Imagine this: you’re cruising down a dusty trail, the wind in your hair, and the open road stretching before you. Adventure motorcycle riding is all about freedom and exploration. But what if your head isn’t protected by the best gear? Choosing the right adventure motorcycle helmet can feel like a puzzle. There are so many kinds, and they all promise different things. It’s tough to know which one will keep you safe and comfortable on your epic journeys.
You want a helmet that can handle anything – from rocky paths to highway speeds. But how do you find one that’s tough enough, breathable enough, and still looks good? Many riders get overwhelmed by technical jargon and the sheer number of choices. They worry about making the wrong pick and compromising their safety or their comfort on long rides.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this post, we’ll break down exactly what makes a great adventure motorcycle helmet. We’ll talk about the features that matter most, like ventilation, visor systems, and shell materials. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a helmet that fits your riding style and budget perfectly, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Our Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Helmets Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Helmets Detailed Reviews
1. O’Neal Sierra Helmet
Rating: 9.4/10
The O’Neal Sierra Helmet in Flat Black (Large) is a solid choice for riders looking for reliable protection and comfort. This helmet uses a tough ABS shell to keep you safe. It also features a comfortable inner lining that helps manage sweat. You can easily remove and wash this liner to keep your helmet fresh. A built-in face shield offers good visibility, and the chin strap is padded for comfort and secured with a double-D closure. Plus, a special pad on the side helps keep your goggles from slipping.
What We Like:
- The ABS shell provides strong protection.
- The removable and washable liner keeps things clean and comfortable.
- The integrated face shield is convenient.
- The padded chin strap with a double-D lock ensures a secure fit.
- The goggle traction pad is a smart feature for keeping goggles in place.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 1590g (with a 50g tolerance), it might feel a bit heavy for some riders compared to lighter options.
Overall, the O’Neal Sierra Helmet offers good value with its protective features and comfort elements. It’s a dependable option for many riders.
2. ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Adventure Street Adult Motorcycle Helmet with Bluetooth Ready Speaker Pockets DOT ECE Approved (Solid Matte Black Large)
Rating: 8.6/10
The ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Adventure Street Adult Motorcycle Helmet in Solid Matte Black is a versatile helmet built for riders who crave adventure. It offers a blend of comfort, safety, and adaptability for various riding styles.
What We Like:
- The advanced polycarbonate shell is both lightweight and strong, offering excellent impact protection.
- Its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind noise and lift for a smoother ride.
- The ventilation system, with its dual-position mouth vent and channeled EPS, keeps you cool and comfortable.
- The KwikWick C liner is moisture-wicking and removable, making it easy to keep clean.
- It’s designed to accommodate eyeglasses comfortably with its KwikFit cheek pads.
- The EverClear shield provides fog-free and scratch-resistant vision with UV protection.
- The tool-less shield system makes switching between goggles or different shield types quick and easy.
- Built-in speaker pockets allow for easy installation of Bluetooth communication systems.
- It meets strict DOT and ECE 22.06 safety standards, ensuring your protection.
- The wide eye port offers great peripheral and downward visibility, and it fits most goggles when the shield is removed.
What Could Be Improved:
- Pinlock shields are sold separately, which is an added cost if you need anti-fog capabilities.
The ScorpionEXO AT960 is a solid choice for riders seeking a feature-rich and adaptable helmet. Its combination of safety, comfort, and versatility makes it a great companion for any street or adventure ride.
3. ILM Dual Sport Adventure Motorcycle Helmet with Pinlock Compatible Sun Visor Snowmobile ATV Dirt Bike Off Road Casco Model WS902 (Matte Black
Rating: 9.3/10
The ILM Dual Sport Adventure Motorcycle Helmet is a great choice for riders who want safety and comfort. This helmet is designed for a variety of riding styles, from off-road adventures to everyday commuting. It offers excellent protection and features that make your ride more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Safety First: It meets DOT and FMVSS-218 safety standards. The ABS shell and EPS foam work together to protect your head in case of an accident.
- Clear Vision: The helmet has a big outer visor that you can remove. It also has an extra-wide opening for your eyes, giving you a great view of everything around you. Plus, it’s ready for a Pinlock 30 to stop fogging (you have to buy that separately).
- Sun Protection: A handy built-in sunshield drops down to block the sun’s glare, so you can see the road clearly.
- Stay Cool: Seven vents are placed around the helmet to let fresh air in and keep you cool.
- Comfortable Fit: The inside padding is soft and can be removed. It has fewer seams to prevent uncomfortable pressure points on your head.
- Easy to Use: It features a quick-release clasp for easy on and off, and a removable chin curtain to block wind and debris.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Pinlock 30 anti-fog insert is not included with the helmet.
This ILM helmet offers a good balance of safety, features, and comfort for many riders. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a versatile and protective helmet.
4. Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet (Gloss White – Large)
Rating: 9.3/10
The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet in Gloss White, size Large, is built for riders who crave adventure. It’s a helmet designed to keep you safe and comfortable on all your journeys, whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising the open road.
What We Like:
- It’s super light because it uses a polycarbonate and ABS shell.
- The MIPS system adds an extra layer of protection for your brain.
- You get three different shell and EPS sizes, so it fits lots of people well.
- It meets the DOT safety standard, so it’s approved for riding.
- Bell backs it with a really long, five-year warranty.
- The helmet comes with a clear shield that resists fogging up.
- You can easily take the shield off or put it back on.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the clear shield is great, it would be nice if it came with a tinted or mirrored option too.
- For some riders, the ventilation might feel a little less than some higher-end helmets.
This helmet offers a fantastic blend of safety, comfort, and value for any adventure rider. It’s a reliable choice that gives you peace of mind on every ride.
5. LS2 Helmets Blaze II Adventure Motorcycle Helmet W/SunShield (Gloss White – Medium)
Rating: 8.9/10
The LS2 Helmets Blaze II Adventure Motorcycle Helmet in Gloss White, size Medium, is a fantastic helmet for riders who want comfort and safety on all their adventures.
What We Like:
- The built-in sun shield is super handy. You don’t have to stop and switch out face shields when the sun comes out.
- The helmet is made with a strong material called Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA). This makes it really good at protecting you if you have a crash, and it’s not too heavy.
- It has a special emergency release system. This means if there’s an accident, helpers can take the helmet off safely.
- The chin strap is easy to buckle and unbuckle, and it’s approved for safety (DOT and ECE).
- The helmet has vents that let air flow through. This keeps you cool and comfortable, even on long rides.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the KPA shell is great, some riders might prefer an even lighter shell for very long distances.
- The gloss white finish looks good, but it can show dirt and scratches more easily than darker colors.
This helmet offers a great mix of smart features and solid protection for any type of ride. It’s a smart choice for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Choosing Your Next Adventure Motorcycle Helmet
Adventure motorcycle helmets are built tough. They protect your head on bumpy roads and wild trails. Picking the right one makes a big difference in your comfort and safety. This guide helps you find the perfect helmet for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
1. Versatility: On-Road and Off-Road Ready
Adventure helmets often have a peak or sun visor. This shields you from sun glare and low-hanging branches. Many also let you remove the peak. This lets you use them for faster, on-road riding too. Look for helmets that do both well.
2. Ventilation: Stay Cool on Long Rides
Good airflow is super important. You want vents that open and close easily, even with gloves on. Helmets with chin vents, top vents, and exhaust ports keep you cool. This stops sweat from making your ride uncomfortable.
3. Visor and Shield Options: Clear Vision Always
A clear visor is a must. Some helmets come with anti-fog coatings. Others have a Pinlock-ready shield. This helps prevent fogging up, which is dangerous. You might also want a tinted or mirrored visor for sunny days.
4. Comfort and Fit: The Foundation of a Good Helmet
A helmet must fit snugly. It shouldn’t move around when you shake your head. Check the lining. It should be soft and removable for washing. Many helmets have cheek pads you can swap. This helps you get a perfect fit.
5. Safety Certifications: Peace of Mind
Always look for safety stickers. DOT (Department of Transportation) and ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) are common. These mean the helmet meets safety standards. Snell is another certification that means it’s tested even more.
Important Materials
Outer Shell: The First Line of Defense
Helmet shells are made from different materials. Polycarbonate is common and affordable. Fiberglass is lighter and stronger. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest, but also the most expensive. The shell protects you from impacts.
Inner Liner: Absorbing the Shock
The inside of your helmet has a liner made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). This foam crushes on impact. It absorbs the force of a crash. A good EPS liner is crucial for protecting your brain.
Comfort Liner: The Soft Touch
The part that touches your skin is the comfort liner. It’s usually made of soft, moisture-wicking fabric. This keeps you dry and comfortable. Removable and washable liners are a big plus.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Improvements:
- Aerodynamics: A well-designed helmet cuts through the wind. This reduces buffeting and noise.
- Quietness: Some helmets have better noise reduction. This makes long rides less tiring.
- Build Quality: Look for smooth finishes and sturdy latches.
- Weight: Lighter helmets are more comfortable, especially on long trips.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Ventilation: If a helmet doesn’t breathe well, it gets hot and sticky.
- Noisy Design: Loud wind noise can be very distracting.
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastics can break easily.
- Bad Fit: A helmet that doesn’t fit right is unsafe and uncomfortable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Adventure helmets are for riders who tackle mixed terrain. You might ride on highways, then gravel roads, and then forest trails. These helmets are designed for this. They offer good protection and ventilation. They also have features like peaks to block sun and debris.
For a rider who does a lot of off-roading, a helmet with great ventilation and a chin bar is important. For someone who splits their time between commuting and weekend touring, a helmet that can have its peak removed is ideal. The best helmet is one that suits how and where you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between an adventure helmet and a street helmet?
A: Adventure helmets usually have a peak to block sun and debris. They also tend to have better ventilation for off-road riding. Street helmets are more aerodynamic for high speeds.
Q: Do I need a Pinlock insert?
A: A Pinlock insert is a second lens that attaches to the inside of your visor. It creates a sealed air pocket to prevent fogging. It’s very helpful in cold or humid weather.
Q: How often should I replace my adventure helmet?
A: You should replace your helmet every 5-7 years. Even if it hasn’t been in a crash, the materials can break down over time. Always replace it after any impact.
Q: Can I wear sunglasses with an adventure helmet?
A: Many adventure helmets have space for sunglasses. Some also have a built-in sun visor that you can lower.
Q: Is a heavier helmet safer?
A: Not necessarily. While materials play a role, a well-designed lighter helmet can be just as safe as a heavier one. Weight mainly affects comfort.
Q: What is an “anti-fog” coating?
A: This is a special treatment on the inside of the visor. It helps prevent moisture from forming droplets, which makes it hard to see.
Q: How do I clean my helmet’s liner?
A: Most comfort liners are removable. You can usually hand wash them with mild soap and water. Let them air dry completely before putting them back in the helmet.
Q: What does “dual-sport” mean for helmets?
A: Dual-sport helmets are a type of adventure helmet. They are designed to be good for both on-road and off-road riding.
Q: Can I use a motocross helmet for adventure riding?
A: Motocross helmets are great for off-road but usually don’t have a face shield. You would need to wear goggles. For mixed riding, an adventure helmet is usually better.
Q: What is the best adventure helmet for beginners?
A: For beginners, look for a helmet that is comfortable, has good ventilation, and meets safety standards like DOT or ECE. Brands like HJC, Scorpion, and Shoei offer good options in various price ranges.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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