Top Harley Helmets Reviewed: Brutal Looks, Real Protection
Evan Rally
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You didn’t spend all that time wrenching on your bike just to throw on some weak-looking helmet that ruins the whole setup. If you ride a Harley, your gear should look the part. Plain and simple.
For a long time, the choices were garbage. You had slick-looking novelty lids with no protection, or race helmets that didn’t belong anywhere near a cruiser. It always felt like you had to pick between style and safety.
Not anymore.
Now there are helmets that do both. They’ve got the low-profile look you want, with safety standards and comfort that holds up on long rides.
Now you’ve got options that look right and do the job. Proper protection, clean lines, and built to hold up mile after mile.
This guide pulls together the ones that are worth your money.
The Top Picks for Harley & Cruiser Helmets
If you’re done with helmets that don’t fit the culture, start here. These lids are celebrated for their aggressive looks, quality builds, and rider-focused features.
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Best Modular 
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It combines Simpson's iconic, intimidating Bandit styling with modern features like a lightweight composite shell, drop-down sun visor, and comms pockets. Pure attitude, backed by great protection. | Two aggressive looks in one. This helmet can be run as a full-face with a protective chin bar or easily converted to an open-face lid. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and certified for both modes, offering unmatched versatility. | This helmet blends premium comfort with unmatched build quality, ideal for long-distance rides. Its quiet, aerodynamic shell and ultra-smooth modular mechanism set it apart on the road. Backed by top-tier ventilation and ECE 22.06 certification, it's built for serious touring. |
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It combines Simpson's iconic, intimidating Bandit styling with modern features like a lightweight composite shell, drop-down sun visor, and comms pockets. Pure attitude, backed by great protection.
- Drop-down sun visor built in.
- Great airflow.
- Bluetooth and glasses friendly.
- Tends to run small.
- Vents aren’t adjustable.
- Can get noisy at speed.
Two aggressive looks in one. This helmet can be run as a full-face with a protective chin bar or easily converted to an open-face lid. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and certified for both modes, offering unmatched versatility.
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate/ABS shell
- Integrated anti-fog, UV-protected drop-down shield
- Removable chin bar for two-in-one functionality
- Slightly heavier than some other modular helmets at 3.2 lbs
This helmet blends premium comfort with unmatched build quality, ideal for long-distance rides. Its quiet, aerodynamic shell and ultra-smooth modular mechanism set it apart on the road. Backed by top-tier ventilation and ECE 22.06 certification, it's built for serious touring.
- Comfortable wear all day
- Quiet, aerodynamic performance
- Flip-front convenience at stops
- Integrated comms & sun visor
- Faceshield lock is sometimes stiff
- Heavier weight may fatigue neck on long rides
Common Myths About Cruiser Helmets
Don’t get sidelined by bad advice. Let’s bust some myths that float around the cruiser scene.
“You have to sacrifice safety for style.” False. This used to be the case, but not anymore. Helmets like the Simpson Ghost Bandit and Biltwell Gringo SV are proof you can have classic or aggressive looks with modern DOT and ECE certifications. You don’t have to wear a novelty helmet to get the right style.
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“A half helmet is all you really need.” This is a personal choice, but a risky one. While half helmets offer the most freedom, they provide the least protection, leaving your face and jaw completely exposed. Statistics consistently show the chin bar area is a major impact zone in motorcycle accidents. Helmets like the Bell Broozer offer an open-air feel without sacrificing that critical chin protection.
“All full-face helmets are for sportbikes.” Nope. While many full-face helmets are designed for a racing tuck, models like the Shoei RF-1400 are engineered for a more upright riding position. They offer superior aerodynamics, quietness, and protection that benefit any rider on a long haul, cruiser or not.
“A helmet is a helmet. Just get one that’s DOT approved.” False. DOT is the minimum legal standard in the US. The ECE 22.06 standard is a more rigorous European certification that tests for a wider range of impacts. A helmet that is both DOT and ECE certified, like the Gringo SV or Scorpion Covert FX, has passed a higher level of safety testing.
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The Best Helmets That Match the Bike
These are our detailed recommendations for helmets that deliver the attitude, style, and protection a cruiser rider demands. For more options, check out our main Best Cool-Looking Motorcycle Helmets article.
Simpson Ghost Bandit Helmet
If you want your helmet to make a statement before you even fire up the engine, the Simpson Ghost Bandit delivers like nothing else. It brings that unmistakable “don’t mess with me” attitude that’s been a staple of Simpson’s auto racing heritage, but make no mistake—this lid is purpose-built for motorcycles. The angular lines, signature visor slits, and stormtrooper-meets-streetfighter design make it one of the most recognizable helmets on the road.
Functionally, it’s more than just looks. The lightweight composite shell is aerodynamically shaped for better stability at speed, and it comes with a drop-down internal sun visor, multiple front and top vents, and speaker cutouts for your comm system. The Ghost Bandit isn’t trying to out-quiet a Shoei, it’s a little louder, sure, but it’s made for riders who care more about attitude and airflow than whisper-quiet touring.
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With DOT and ECE safety ratings, it’s not just for show either. Whether you’re on a cruiser, a custom, or a naked street bike, the Ghost Bandit brings aggressive style with rider-focused features. If you want a helmet that turns heads at every stoplight and doesn’t compromise on safety or function, this is it.
The Catch? It’s not a quiet helmet. The aggressive venting and shell shape lead to more wind noise than a premium touring lid. The fit is intermediate oval but can run slightly small for some.
The Silver Lining: Unmatched aggressive styling that defines the outlaw look. It’s surprisingly lightweight and packed with modern, practical features like a sun visor and speaker pockets.
Alternative Option: The Scorpion EXO-Covert FX offers a different, more modern take on aggressive styling with the added benefit of being lighter and having a more traditional full-face feel.
Aggressive design with real rider features. Think fighter pilot meets Mad Max, with comfort and tech baked in.
- Drop-down sun visor built in.
- Great airflow.
- Bluetooth and glasses friendly.
- Tends to run small.
- Vents aren’t adjustable.
- Can get noisy at speed.
Our Rating 4.7/5: The Ghost Bandit is the real deal if you want something that looks tough and rides just as well. The fit’s snug but comfortable once it breaks in, the drop-down visor works like a charm, and the build feels solid all around. Venting could be better on hot days, and sizing can be tricky, but if you’re on a Harley and want a helmet that matches the attitude, this one hits.
If aggressive looks are your top priority, you might also like these skull motorcycle helmets that lean hard into attitude and edge.
Bell Broozer Helmet
Why choose between a full-face and an open-face when you can have both? The Bell Broozer is a true two-in-one, with a removable chin bar that clicks on or off in seconds. In full-face mode, it has a sharp, aggressive look that leans hard into that streetfighter aesthetic. Pop the chin bar off, and you’ve got a legit 3/4 helmet that’s perfect for low-speed cruising or hotter days.
What really makes the Broozer stand out is that it’s P/J dual-certified (ECE), which means it’s been tested for safety both with and without the chin bar. You also get a lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell, adjustable vents, and a drop-down inner sun shield. Bell even includes both clear and dark smoke visors in the box, which is a nice touch. The fit is snug and sporty, and the quick-release ratchet strap is way more glove-friendly than a D-ring.
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It’s not the quietest helmet on the road, and it doesn’t have all the plush polish of something like a Shoei GT-Air, but that’s not why you buy a Broozer. You buy it for the attitude, the versatility, and the convenience. And on all three counts, it delivers. For city rides, weekend blasts, or anyone who wants one helmet to do the job of two, it’s a seriously compelling option.
The Catch? With the chin bar removed, you get that open-face wind noise. The main visor doesn’t have multiple detents, so it’s either fully up or fully down.
The Silver Lining: Incredible versatility. You get two distinct, certified helmets in one package. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and the chin bar mechanism is brilliantly simple and secure.
Alternative Option: The LS2 Bagger Helmet brings classic cruiser style with a modern twist. Its lightweight fiberglass shell, removable neck skirt, and speaker-ready design make it a solid choice for riders seeking comfort and functionality. While it doesn’t have the aggressive edge of the Broozer, its clean lines and practical features appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look.
A versatile, aggressive helmet that seamlessly transforms between full-face and open-face styles.
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate/ABS shell
- Integrated anti-fog, UV-protected drop-down shield
- Removable chin bar for two-in-one functionality
- Slightly heavier than some other modular helmets at 3.2 lbs
Our Rating 4.5/5: The Broozer is all about attitude and flexibility, it looks aggressive, fits comfortably, and swaps from full to open-face in seconds. It runs loud and gets breezy without a windshield, but the styling, dual certification, and lightweight feel make it worth it. Just be ready for some wind noise and keep a cloth handy.
Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet
If you ride cross-country like it’s your day job, the Shoei Neotec 3 is the modular helmet that earns its spot in your kit. Being able to flip the chin bar up to grab fuel, talk to your buddies, or just breathe at a red light without taking your lid off is a luxury that quickly feels like a necessity. The Neotec 3 takes everything that worked about the previous model and refines it. It’s smooth, quiet, incredibly well built, and dialed in for upright riding.
Shoei didn’t skimp here. You get a wide internal sun shield, a Pinlock-ready visor with the insert included, and Sena SRL2/SRL-Mesh comm system compatibility built right into the shell. The aerodynamics are excellent for highway cruising, and the comfort liner feels like something from a luxury touring helmet. It’s also ECE 22.06 certified, which gives you peace of mind on safety.
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Yes, it’s pricey. And no, it doesn’t have that aggressive streetfighter vibe like a Simpson. But for long-haul comfort, weather versatility, and day-in-day-out performance, the Neotec 3 isn’t just good, it’s the best in the modular category. If you’re serious about touring, this is the helmet that earns its keep.
The Catch? It’s one of the most expensive helmets on the market. Its style is more “touring function” than “cruiser badass.”
The Silver Lining: Unparalleled comfort, quietness, and convenience for long-haul riding. The build quality and features are absolutely top-of-the-line, making it a worthy investment for serious riders.
Alternative Option: The Shoei RF-1400 offers similar premium quality and quietness in a traditional full-face design at a slightly lower price point.
A premium modular helmet built for long-distance comfort and low noise, with a versatile flip-up chin bar, wide sun visor, and integrated speaker pockets for seamless comms.
- Comfortable wear all day
- Quiet, aerodynamic performance
- Flip-front convenience at stops
- Integrated comms & sun visor
- Faceshield lock is sometimes stiff
- Heavier weight may fatigue neck on long rides
Our Rating 4.8/5: The Neotec 3 brings premium fit, finish, and functionality, refined aerodynamics, solid speaker cutouts, and smooth modular operation. Comfort and build are top-notch, and the fit is true for most long-time Shoei users. That said, airflow is limited, and the sun visor could be darker. A top-tier modular for touring and commuting, just be ready to pay for the quality.
Biltwell Gringo SV Helmet
The Biltwell Gringo SV is what happens when retro design finally meets modern function. Biltwell helped spark the whole throwback helmet movement, and the SV version is their most practical take yet. You still get that smooth, round, no-frills look straight out of the 1970s, but now with actual vents (yes, vents) and a proper face shield that locks down with a nice, solid click.
The “SV” stands for Shield and Vents, and both are nice upgrades over the original Gringo. You get brow and chin vents for better airflow, and the face shield is anti-fog, optically correct, and has strong detents so it stays where you put it. And here’s the kicker: the Gringo SV meets the new ECE 22.06 safety standard, which is no joke. That makes it one of the few retro lids out there that backs up its good looks with legit protection.
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Inside, you’ve got a soft, removable liner, speaker pockets, and an overall fit that feels better dialed-in than earlier versions. It’s the kind of helmet that looks perfect on a stripped-down Triumph, a Dyna, or anything with some vintage soul. If you want old-school cool with new-school safety, this one nails the formula.
The Catch? A few guys on RevZilla have knocked it for being loud at speed and a bit light on padding. The shield can let in some air too, so don’t expect touring-helmet quiet. But if you’re picking a lid for its looks and solid safety, the Gringo SV still hits the mark. It’s the kind of helmet you wear when you care more about riding than babying your ears.
The Silver Lining: The style is timeless and authentic. You get the benefit of the latest ECE 22.06 safety rating in a clean, retro package at a very accessible price point.
Alternative Option: If you love the retro style but want more premium features and a quieter ride, the Shoei RF-1400 offers top-tier performance, though with a more modern aesthetic.
Retro café‑racer style meets modern ECE 22.06 safety, with five vents and a clear full‑face shield—offering cool comfort, classic looks, and legit protection.
- Exceptional airflow keeps head cool
- ECE & DOT certified for real-road safety
- Removable liner & cheek pads for fit
- Strong-plus visor detents for open riding
- Wind noise is noticeably loud on highway
- Visor seal leaks air & may let water in
Our Rating 4.0/5: The Gringo SV looks killer and nails the retro vibe, and it’s legit safe with the new ECE rating. But the padding’s thin, it gets loud quickly, and air leaks through the shield even when it’s shut. Great for short rides or cruising around town, not something you’ll love on the highway for hours.
Scorpion EXO-Covert FX Helmet
The original Covert made waves with its 3-in-1 transformer setup, but the Scorpion Covert FX ditches the gimmicks to focus on what most riders actually want: a lightweight, aggressive-looking full-face helmet that works. The design is all sharp angles and urban edge, and the shell is a fiberglass composite blend that keeps it seriously light. It’s one of those helmets you forget you’re wearing, even on longer rides.
This isn’t just a cool lid either. It’s DOT and ECE 22.06 certified, which means it brings protection. Inside, the liner is soft and comfortable, with built-in speaker pockets that make installing a comm system quick. Ventilation is decent, better than you’d expect for something this low-profile, and it ships with both a clear and dark smoke shield in the box, which is always appreciated.
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If you loved the look of the original Covert but wanted a more functional, everyday full-face, the FX nails it. It’s light, compact, aggressive, and built to ride. For streetfighter fans or anyone who wants a helmet with attitude that doesn’t sacrifice safety, it’s a strong pick.
The Catch? The aggressive styling can lead to a bit more wind noise at highway speeds. The field of view, while decent, isn’t as expansive as a touring helmet like the Shoei RF-1400.
The Silver Lining: It’s incredibly lightweight for a full-face helmet. You get the latest ECE 22.06 safety certification in a package that has some of the most aggressive styling on the market.
Alternative Option: The Simpson Ghost Bandit offers a more classic take on aggressive style, with the added feature of an internal sun visor, which the Covert FX lacks.
Sleek, aggressive full‑face with wide field of view, lightweight shell, smooth aerodynamics, and full DOT/ECE 22.06 protection—ride sharp and stay safe.
- Impressive visibility with tall eyeport
- Feather‑light composite shell eases fatigue
- DOT & ECE certified for trusted protection
- KwikWick liner wicks moisture, stays comfy
- Top vent airflow is underwhelming
- Includes only two shell sizes (XS–L, XL–3XL)
Our Rating 4.3/5: The Covert FX brings sharp styling, a lightweight shell, and solid protection to the table, making it a great entry-level full-face lid. It’s quiet enough for city speeds and comfortable once broken in, with decent airflow up front. But padding packs out quickly, ventilation is limited, and at highway speeds, it gets loud. Still, for the price, it’s a strong pick, especially for new riders who want good looks and safety without overspending.
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet
You might not see it on every Harley build, but the Shoei RF-1400 is one of the best helmets a cruiser rider can throw on. It’s not about flash—it’s about all-day comfort, serious protection, and staying sane after hours on the highway. This thing is dead quiet compared to most full-face lids, which makes a difference when you’re doing 70 for miles at a time. Less wind noise means less fatigue and more focus on the ride.
It’s DOT and Snell certified, so the safety is top of the line. The shell is aerodynamic enough for a sportbike, but it’s super stable in an upright cruiser stance too. Inside, the fit is spot on for intermediate oval heads, and the padding has that plush-but-supportive Shoei feel. The vents flow a ton of air when you need it, and the face shield system is smooth and solid.
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It doesn’t scream Harley, but if you care more about riding than posing, the RF-1400 is hard to beat. It’s a premium full-face for guys who want quiet, safety, and long-mile comfort without messing around. Throw on your black leather and hit the road, you’ll be glad you did. For more detail on how the RF-1400 stacks up, read this full Shoei RF-1400 review by Carl Magnusson.
The Catch? The look is more modern and refined, lacking the raw edge of a Simpson or Bell. It does not have an internal sun visor, though it can be fitted with a tinted shield.
The Silver Lining: It’s one of the quietest, most comfortable, and safest helmets you can buy. The reduction in wind noise on the highway is a massive quality-of-life improvement for any rider.
Alternative Option: The HJC RPHA 1N offers a similar premium, race-derived experience, with more aggressive graphics and a slightly different fit.
One of the top motorcycle helmets for street riding due to its incredible safety ratings, solid build construction, versatile shell for street and track riding, and reasonable price. Long term review here.
- Staff pick at Revzilla
- Excellent build quality
- Thick noise-sealing cheekpads
- Airtight visor seal
- Slightly snug out of the box—needs break-in
Our Rating 4.5/5: The RF-1400 delivers quiet aerodynamics, premium build quality, and excellent optics. Fit is secure and glove-like once broken in, with smart features like speaker cutouts and compatibility with photochromic shields. Venting, however, is limited, especially in humid or high-heat conditions, and cheek pad tightness can be a hassle out of the box. Still, it’s a rock-solid performer for anyone who values clarity, comfort, and quiet.
Comparison Table: Best Helmets for Harley Riders
| Feature | Simpson Ghost Bandit | Bell Broozer | Scorpion Covert FX | Biltwell Gringo SV | Shoei Neotec 3 | Shoei RF-1400 |
| Primary Style | Aggressive Full-Face | Convertible 2-in-1 | Aggressive Full-Face | Retro Full-Face | Premium Modular | Premium Full-Face |
| Primary Use | Street / Cruiser | Urban / Street | Street / Cruiser | Classic / Cruiser | Touring / Commuting | All-Around / Touring |
| Shell Material | Lightweight composite | PC/ABS | Fiberglass Composite | ABS | AIM Multi-Ply | AIM+ Multi-Ply |
| Internal Sun Visor | Yes | Yes (Main Shield) | No | No | Yes | No |
| Safety Certs | DOT & ECE 22.05 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | DOT & Snell |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Helmet for Your Cruiser
You ride a cruiser. Your helmet should match. Here’s how to pick one that looks right, fits right, and holds up on the road.
Define Your Style: What look are you going for?
- Aggressive: Think Simpson Ghost Bandit or Scorpion Covert FX. Sharp lines, menacing profiles.
- Retro/Classic: The Biltwell Gringo SV is king here. Simple, round shells that honor the past.
- Functional/Touring: This is where Shoei excels. The look is modern and refined, but the focus is on quietness, comfort, and features for long miles. We’ve reviewed the full Shoei lineup if you’re looking to compare across models, check out our guide to the best Shoei helmets.
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Pick Your Helmet Type:
- Full-Face: Offers the most protection. Period. Models range from aggressive to classic to touring.
- Modular: The choice for tourers. The flip-up chin bar offers unbeatable convenience at stops.
- Convertible: A helmet like the Bell Broozer gives you the best of both worlds, switching between full-face and open-face.
- Open-Face (3/4) & Half Helmets: Offer the most freedom but the least protection. A big trade-off.
If your riding includes dirt or backcountry routes, our best enduro helmets roundup might be more your speed.
Prioritize Modern Safety: Look past the DOT sticker. The ECE 22.06 certification is a much tougher standard to pass and is a great indicator of a modern, safe design. A Snell rating (like on the RF-1400) is a top-tier certification focused on racing-style impacts.
Consider Your Riding: Are you a bar-hopper or a cross-country hauler?
- For Long Rides: Prioritize comfort, low wind noise, and good aerodynamics. A quiet helmet like the RF-1400 or a convenient modular like the Neotec 3 will reduce fatigue significantly.
- For City Riding: Lighter weight, good visibility, and style might be bigger factors. A versatile helmet like the Broozer shines here.
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Don’t Forget the Features: Look for things that make life on the road easier: an internal sun visor for changing light, speaker pockets for a comms system, and a removable, washable liner to keep things fresh. Riders looking for gear that fits right and performs well on longer rides should also check out our best women’s motorcycle gloves.
FAQ: Helmets for Harley & Cruiser Riders
Cruiser riders have a different rhythm—and different priorities—than sport or ADV riders. Whether you’re rolling on a Harley, Indian, or custom build, comfort, noise control, style, and road feel matter just as much as safety ratings. These FAQs cover what cruiser riders actually want to know: from half helmet legality to the best options for long-haul comfort and vintage looks without compromising protection.
Are Harley-Davidson branded helmets any good?
Harley-Davidson doesn’t manufacture its own helmets; they are made by established helmet companies (like HJC or Bell) and re-branded. They are safe, DOT-approved helmets, but you can get a helmet with more features or a higher safety rating for the same price by buying directly from the original manufacturer.
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Is a modular helmet as safe as a full-face helmet?
High-quality modern modulars from brands like Shoei are very safe and carry the same certifications as their full-face counterparts. The chin bar locking mechanisms are incredibly robust. However, in a crash, a one-piece full-face helmet is structurally the strongest design by nature.
I have a windshield. Do I still need a quiet helmet?
Yes. While a windshield drastically reduces the wind blast on your chest, it can create turbulent, noisy air right at helmet level. A quiet, aerodynamic helmet is still a huge benefit for reducing fatigue, even behind a large fairing or windshield.
What’s the best helmet for loud pipes?
No helmet can completely eliminate the sound of loud exhaust pipes, but a high-quality, quiet touring helmet (like the Shoei RF-1400 or Neotec 3) with a good neck roll seal will do the most to reduce overall noise levels and protect your hearing. Always consider wearing earplugs on long rides.
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For riders who prefer sound without a helmet comms system, check out our breakdown of the best motorcycle speakers to round out your touring setup.
Do I really need to spend over $500 on a helmet?
You don’t have to, but you get what you pay for. More expensive helmets offer better materials (lighter and stronger shells), more advanced aerodynamics (quieter and more stable), higher-quality comfort liners, and more rigorous safety certifications (like Snell or ECE 22.06). It’s an investment in your comfort and safety.
Just cruising around town or want something simpler? Our best scooter helmets guide covers lighter, budget-friendly options that still meet safety standards.
Wrapping Up…
The helmet you wear is the final piece of the puzzle, it completes the look, but more importantly, it’s the single most critical piece of safety gear you own.
Thankfully, you no longer have to choose between a helmet that looks right and one that protects you right. Whether you want the menacing look of a Simpson, the versatility of a Bell, or the quiet comfort of a Shoei, there’s a badass helmet out there that’s perfect for your ride.
And if you’re putting together the whole look, don’t miss our picks for cruiser motorcycle jackets that ride as good as they look.
Ride safe, and ride with attitude.
