One of the most important things to make sure of if you want to ride a motorcycle is that you’re wearing protection, particularly for your head.
Quick Guide:
Unlike other forms of transportation, there’s far less protection when riding a bike, and so you have to make sure you’re wearing a helmet that is going to keep you safe, not only from accidents but from the elements too.
Making sure that the sun, wind, and rain aren’t affecting your ability to see is as important as making sure your motorcycle is in good working order.
Finding a motorcycle helmet that meets all of these crucial requirements while looking good and fitting comfortably can be difficult. There are a lot of manufacturers out there, producing a vast array of motorcycle helmets in various styles and with a lot of features.
In this guide, we’re going to review some of the best beginner motorcycle helmets available and highlight their standout features, as well as discuss the most important things that buyers should know about motorcycle helmets.
If you have any particular questions that you can’t find an answer to in the article, check out the FAQ at the bottom of this piece for some further information regarding some of the most common questions about bike helmets.
Best Beginner Motorcycle Helmets
Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet
Bell is one of the most well-known helmet manufacturers in the world, and their knowledge provides protection for a wide range of sports and hobbies.
Their pedigree for high-quality protection makes them a reliable brand that beginner riders can trust to provide excellent protection as well as a host of great features.
The Qualifier comes in a wide range of sizes and colors enabling you to cater your first helmet to your exact size and taste, and the sleek lines of this helmet make it a great-looking lid regardless of which color you choose.
The high-quality lens is UV-protected to help protect your eyes and has an anti-fog, anti-scratch design helping maintain great visibility at all times. The visor can also be swapped easily thanks to convenient click release mounts.
The antibacterial and removable liner makes it easy to keep clean and the antibacterial treatment helps prevent it from smelling even after long hot journeys.
The Qualifier also has solid ventilation and has a double-D chin strap for simplicity and safety, just make sure to adjust it properly before you put on your bike gloves.
Rated to DOT certification this helmet meets federal safety standards giving you the peace of mind you need to focus on riding.
Pros:
- Wide Range of Sizes and Colors
- Great Lens – UV-Protected, Anti-Fog, and Anti-Scratch with ClickRelease Mounts.
- Good Ventilation
- DOT Approved
- Double D Chin Strap – Simple and safe, but not easy to use with motorcycle gloves.
Cons:
- Tinted Visor Available Separately.
- Lightweight Polycarbonate/ABS Shell Construction
- Click Release Shield for fast, easy and tool-free shield replacement
- II anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield
- Padded Wind Collar drastically reduces wind and road noise
- Removable/washable interior. Contoured cheek pads. Integrated speaker pockets. Padded chin strap with D-ring closure. Industry-leading Five-year warranty
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 20:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet
The 1Storm modular helmet is a DOT-approved flip-up design that gives all the protection of a traditional full face helmet and the versatility and comfort of an open face helmet too.
There are several added features that make this a super appealing helmet for beginners. A dual-lens system gives great eye protection in both the open and closed configurations, helping give you peace of mind and clear visibility at all times.
The lining is removable and washable, making it well suited for long days in the saddle. The six well-placed ventilation intakes reinforce the comfortability of this helmet, and it has good airflow helping to keep you cool.
There are a variety of visual designs available as well as several sizes to ensure a great fit regardless of your head size.
Finally, the quick release chin strap ensures a secure fit and is easy to use while wearing motorcycle gloves. This makes this helmet well suited for delivery drivers and other people who may need to remove their helmets fairly frequently or quickly.
However, the fact that this is a flip-up helmet means that you can also choose to leave the helmet securely in place and simply lift the front of your helmet, helping the chin strap last longer and remain comfortably in place without adjustment.
Pros:
- Dot Approved
- Versatile Flip Up Design – Provides the comfort of an open helmet with the protection of a full-face helmet.
- Dual Lens System
- Removable and Washable Lining
- Quick Release Chin Strap Buckle – Allows for easy adjustment while still wearing your gloves.
Cons:
- Simpler Sizing Options
- DOT Approved; Size XL (59-60 CM,23.2/23.6 Inch)
- Advanced Modular/Flip up and Dual Lens Design (inner smoked lens/outer clear shield);
- Light Weight Durable Aerodynamic Thermoplastic Alloy Shell
- Beautiful Glossy UV Protective Finish
- Removable and Washable Padding
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 20:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
GLX Unisex-Adult GX11
The GLX GX11 is another great full-face design that provides several appealing features and offers great value to beginner motorcyclists.
The first thing to note is the DOT certification, so that you know you’re getting a helmet that performs its most essential function well, and exceeds all regulatory requirements.
With the peace of mind that this helmet protects you well, we can now look at the other great features, starting with the quick-release chin strap. This is a really nice touch on a full-face helmet, allowing you to easily remove the helmet as much as you need to without also removing your gloves.
The helmet has good ventilation thanks to two upper placed air vents and four exhausts, ensuring a fast airflow and positive air pressure that will keep you cool.
On longer rides or hotter days, the liner is fully removable and washable, and it also provides great stabilization and insulation during high-speed riding.
The inclusion of an additional tinted visor makes this helmet great value for money and allows you to easily customize your setup depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Pros:
- Included Tinted Shield
- Removable and Washable Liner
- Quick Release Chin Strap – For easy adjustment while still wearing your gloves.
- Good Ventilation
- DOT certified
Cons:
- Only Available in Black
- Boasting a compact, aerodynamic DOT shell design with sharp and aggressive styling for impeccable impact protection to excel whether short-distance street performance or long-distance touring comfort.
- Multiple conscientiously designed ventilation panels effective in streamlining the cooling process to assist with freshening the rider's experience. Large lower vent shutters for ease of use with riding gloves.
- Trendsetting springs for precise functionality ensuring a superior wind and water sealant layer. Unique 3D molded shield designed to ensure a distortion-free view throughout the entire field of vision.
- Removable Breath Guard rerouting the rider’s breath to reduce shield fogging. Inserted Chin Curtain designed to reduce wind turbulence and noise. Quick-Release Chin Strap for effortless usage.
- Fully removable, washable, and replaceable microfiber inner material that absorbs sweat without compromising comfort or security. Plus the GLX One-Year Limited Manufacturer.
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 20:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
Another great value DOT certified helmet, the ILM full-face helmet comes with several added extras that make it a versatile helmet for various conditions.
The advanced ABS shell provides great protection that meets all government safety regulations, and the helmet has a sleek aerodynamic design that reduces drag and wind noise.
The Inclusion of a quick release strap makes it convenient to remove while wearing gloves and easily adjusted for added comfort and stability.
The interior liners are removable and washable which is essential for full-face helmets, and the ventilation slits can be easily opened or closed to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions.
The ILM is also of great value thanks to the inclusion of several optional extras including an additional visor, meaning you will be able to choose from a smoked or clear style lens.
The addition of a neck scarf for winter riding further adds value and indicates that ILM value your comfort not only in the heat but also in difficult winter conditions.
Pros:
- Two Visors Included – Smoked and Clear
- Neck Scarf Included – Great protection from the elements in winter.
- Quick Release Clasp
- Removable Liner
- DOT Certified
Cons:
- Simple Size Selection
- Prone to fogging up
- 2 Visors Included: Clear + Smoked and 1 Neck Scarf for Winter Use
- Streamlined Aerodynamic Design Reduces Wind Noise and Drag
- Advanced and Lightweight Durable ABS Shell
- Quick Release Clasp and Strap and Removable Inner Lining Pads
- Meets or Exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 21:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Daytona Helmets Motorcycle Half Helmet
![Daytona Helmets Half Skull Cap Motorcycle Helmet – DOT Approved [Dull Black] [XS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415vb-txr5L.jpg)
The Daytona half helmet offers something very different from a lot of helmets available today. The old-school skull cap design is far simpler than a lot of designs, but simplicity has a lot of advantages of its own.
On the safety front, this helmet is one of the most low-profile helmets that has a full DOT certification, making it super safe and meeting all safety requirements.
The benefits of the half helmet design are that this helmet allows for great peripheral vision and maneuverability. This helmet also has unparalleled ventilation… not bad for a helmet without a single vent!
The Daytona comes in a wide range of sizes making it a very comfortable helmet that emphasizes comfort and style, while still providing great protection.
The drawback is the obvious lack of face and eye protection, so you will definitely need to provide your own sunglasses or goggles to ensure you are providing your eyes with protection from dust and debris as well as wayward insects.
The inclusion of a free head wrap and carry bag make the Daytona a great simple option that doesn’t require extensive washing or fiddly clamping systems to provide excellent safety and comfort.
Pros:
- Wide Size Range
- Dot Certified
- Free Head Wrap and Carry Bag Included
- Great Visibility – Open face helmets offer unparalleled peripheral vision and comfort, just make sure to wear your own sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes!
Cons:
- No Eye or Face Protection
- Lightweight, DOT-approved half shell skull helmet meets & exceeds D.O.T. FMVSS 218 safety standards
- 1/2 shell biker helmet hugs head for a secure, snug fit that provides superior comfort
- Y-strap lock retention system provides quick-release with sliding adjuster for precise positioning
- Proper biker headgear & riding gear for safety & comfort on motorcycles, cruisers, scooters & mopeds
- Moisture-wicking inner liner fabric help keep your head cool and comfortable for warm weather riding
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 21:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer’s Guide
The benefit of modern helmets and their advanced, feature-packed designs also means it can be hard for beginners to pick a helmet that meets their needs.
The variety of designs and features, as well as the sheer number of excellent brands, can make researching helmets a daunting and tiring task.
In this buyer’s guide, we will highlight the key features to look for in your next motorcycle helmet, whether it be a replacement for an old favorite or something new.
Helmet Design – Which Style of helmet
One of the most immediate things to consider when buying a motorcycle helmet is the style of helmet you want to wear. There are three main styles in the simplest terms, however, there are several more specific subcategories.
The main three are the full-face helmet, flip-up helmets, and open-face helmets, all of which offer various advantages and disadvantages depending on their design.
For example, the full-face helmet typically provides the most comprehensive protection due to its sturdy solid design. However, these helmets can affect your visibility and peripheral vision, and can also fog up in certain conditions.
The flip-up helmet sometimes referred to as modular helmets, offers a great compromise between the open face and full-face helmets as they can be worn both open or closed depending on the conditions and preferences of the rider.
Finally, the open face helmet offers the simplest form of protection, providing a little less security than the other helmet designs, but also giving great peripheral vision as well as being highly comfortable.
They are often lighter and don’t fog up themselves, as they can be worn with sunglasses or goggles depending on the rider’s preference.
Sizing – Find the perfect fit
Another highly important consideration of the helmet is how well it fits, particularly if you’re purchasing your helmet off the internet.
This is important because it ensures that the helmet will protect you properly, as well as being comfortable enough to wear for long journeys in a variety of weather conditions.
While we highly recommend trying on a helmet before purchasing one, we realize this may not always be possible. To ensure you are buying the right size you will need to measure the circumference of your head.
Typically this is done by using a tape measure wrapped around the widest part of your head, typically above the eyebrows and around the rear of your skull like a headband. This will give you a number to work with when looking at what size helmet to buy.
Typically you should always check with each specific manufacturer what their size recommendations are, as these can vary quite a bit.
You may fit a medium from one brand but may need a small in a different brand. The key thing is to make sure of this yourself, regardless of which brand you’re using.
Lining – Which Affects has the Lining
Helmet linings affect a variety of factors including comfort, noise protection, and how easy it is to wash. Most linings nowadays should be removable and easily washable, and it’s worth checking for this feature as it will make your life a lot easier.
Protection – Helmets with Certification
We recommend always using a helmet that is appropriately rated by your transport authority, wherever you are in the world.
In the US the main certification you will see a lot from good helmets is a DOT certification. This certifies that a helmet meets the safety requirements set by the Department of Transportation.
You may sometimes also see FMVSS 218 used in the US, which means Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218, and is essentially the standard that helmets have to meet to be DOT certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tinted visor?
A tinted visor can be a great addition if you live somewhere sunny and find glare to be an issue.
Indeed some helmets actually come with an additional tinted visor which is something to look out for if you’re searching for a new helmet.
You can also purchase them separately for most brands.
Whether you need one or not depends largely on how the weather is where you ride, however, it can make riding much safer and more comfortable in bright conditions, so is definitely worth being aware of.
How can I avoid fogging on my lens?
Fogging is one of the most annoying and dangerous things that can affect motorcyclists while riding, and it can be notoriously difficult to solve.
The key thing to do is find a helmet that has good ventilation, to minimize the heat and moisture build-up inside the helmet.
If you’re still having issues, pin-lock visor systems may be worth looking into. These systems essentially add a second sealed lens to your helmet to prevent fog build-up.
A lot of helmets nowadays come with fog-resistant lenses as standard so make sure of this also.
Can I use headphones or a Bluetooth headset with a motorcycle helmet?
This depends largely on the fit of your helmet and how much space the interior lining allows for earphones. There are dozens of different Bluetooth systems specially designed for motorcycle helmets out there.
Some helmets do cater to this need, especially as a lot of motorcyclists today work as delivery drivers and such, so always check for this feature before you make a final decision on a helmet.
