15 Best Retro Motorcycle Helmets (All Styles)
Evan Rally
left for contents
Old motorcycle helmets just look gorgeous. Why is everything modern so ugly?
Thankfully for us, many of the top brands in motorcycle safety gear – including Bell, Arai, and Shoei – feel our nostalgia too. They took classic designs and reinvented them with modern safety features from fiberglass shells to multi-density EPS. Earning a few a coveted spot on our list of coolest helmets.
As a lover of retro bikes myself, I put my heads together with my rider friends to create this list of the best retro motorcycle helmets money can buy.
Top Picks: The Best Retro/Vintage Helmets
Here are my personal favorites that combine legit safety and standout style. You’ll find them below, plus many more worth checking out. The Bell Custom 500 made the cut for its 5 shell sizes and low-profile look, the Biltwell Gringo S for its affordability and ECE rating, and the Bell Bullitt for nailing the retro racer vibe.
The Best 
|
Open Face 
|
Budget 
|
Iconic 
|
The Bell Bullitt GT updates a retro icon with ECE 22.06/DOT safety, a wider eye port, tighter gasket, and better vents. Plush liner, eyewear-friendly fit, and large speaker pockets make it comfortable and comms-ready for stylish daily rides and touring. | Bell's classic and affordable open face helmet offers versatility with a rich aftermarket for peaks and visors. Available in a variety of colorways and shells. No bobblehead look thanks to 5 shell sizes! | Similar to the Bullitt with a thicker chinbar, the Gringo's simple silhouette and affordable price match with any bike and every budget. | A vintage scrambler lid with smart upgrades. The V60 nails the throwback vibe but adds modern touches like an internal sun visor and Bluetooth-ready speaker pockets. |
The Bell Bullitt GT updates a retro icon with ECE 22.06/DOT safety, a wider eye port, tighter gasket, and better vents. Plush liner, eyewear-friendly fit, and large speaker pockets make it comfortable and comms-ready for stylish daily rides and touring.
Bell's classic and affordable open face helmet offers versatility with a rich aftermarket for peaks and visors. Available in a variety of colorways and shells. No bobblehead look thanks to 5 shell sizes!
Similar to the Bullitt with a thicker chinbar, the Gringo's simple silhouette and affordable price match with any bike and every budget.
A vintage scrambler lid with smart upgrades. The V60 nails the throwback vibe but adds modern touches like an internal sun visor and Bluetooth-ready speaker pockets.
The retro helmet movement is here to stay, and at these prices anyone can afford to own a retro lid. Find what you like down below and shoot me an email at evan@itsbetterontheroad.com if you wear any of these!
Tip: If you click on any helmet below and see it’s out of stock? Try this: Search for the helmet’s name on Revzilla or Amazon. There are often multiple pages for these helmets with different colorways and options. There’s almost always something in stock.
What to Know Before Buying a Retro Helmet
Before we get into the lineup, let’s clear up some common myths and misconceptions about retro lids:
- That “mint condition” 1970s helmet you saw on eBay? It’s WALL ART, not riding gear. Seriously. Glues, resins, and EPS foam degrade significantly over decades. It will NOT protect you like a modern, certified helmet. Don’t risk it.
- Authentic retro looks almost always mean minimal vents and maximum wind noise. Part of the classic look often involves fewer vents and less refined aerodynamics. Expect more wind noise and less cooling than modern designs; good earplugs are usually essential.
- Not all ‘retro’ helmets are created equal. Some prioritize looks over fit or modern safety standards. Always check for current certifications like DOT and ideally ECE 22.06.
- Just because it looks round doesn’t mean it fits your round head. Fit is still king, even with classic shapes. Retro helmets often have very specific internal shapes.
If you’ve been struggling with forehead pressure in round-fitting lids, check out our guide to the best long oval motorcycle helmets — head shape matters more than size.
Ready to Ride Retro?
This guide is for anyone who wants to look sharp on the road without compromising protection. Whether you’re chasing that Easy Rider feeling, going full Mad Max, or just want a lid that looks as good as your café racer build, there’s a retro helmet here for you.
Scroll down and explore the best options in with the rest down below broken in to three categories: Open Face, Full Face, and Off-Road / Scrambler.—complete with hands-on reviews and real rider insights.
The Best Vintage Open Face Helmets
Chasing that Easy Rider feel on the highway? Or leaning into the café racer look in city traffic? These open face retro lids bring the classic vibe without cutting you off from the wind.
Perfect when a half helmet‘s not enough, but you still want that open-air freedom.
Best Fit
|
Custom Classic 
|
Wired Rebel 
|
N/A | N/A | $369.00 |
Bell's classic and affordable open face helmet offers versatility with a rich aftermarket for peaks and visors. Available in a variety of colorways and shells. Never get the bobblehead look thanks to 5 shell sizes! | A no-frills open-face lid with classic style, lightweight construction, and an unbeatable price for riders who just want the basics done right. | Seamlessly integrated Sena Mesh and Bluetooth communication for the ultimate connected riding experience. |
Bell's classic and affordable open face helmet offers versatility with a rich aftermarket for peaks and visors. Available in a variety of colorways and shells. Never get the bobblehead look thanks to 5 shell sizes!
A no-frills open-face lid with classic style, lightweight construction, and an unbeatable price for riders who just want the basics done right.
Seamlessly integrated Sena Mesh and Bluetooth communication for the ultimate connected riding experience.
Bell Custom 500 Helmet
Bell's classic and affordable open face helmet offers versatility with a rich aftermarket for peaks and visors. Available in a variety of colorways and shells. Never get the bobblehead look thanks to 5 shell sizes!
- Timeless retro design
- Low-profile fit (no bobblehead)
- Lightweight fiberglass shell
- No chin or face protection
- No vents—can get hot
- Loud at speed
Not Sure What Size to Order? Get Our Gear Fit Guide.
Sizing charts for helmets, jackets, gloves & boots — with brand-specific fit notes and pro tips so your gear fits right the first time.
- Helmet sizing by brand
- Jacket, glove & boot charts
- Head shape guide
- Between-sizes tips
Have you ever ridden with a motorcycle helmet that feels like a ball and chain on your head?
The Bell Custom 500 is the polar opposite of that. But why?
FIVE shell sizes. That means every helmet size fits perfectly. Most helmets use two or three shell sizes, so XLs get thin padding while Smalls make you a mushroom-head. Either ruining your comfort or your style. For classic helmets, you need a perfect fit no matter your head size.
You can watch this review from Revzilla:
This lid combines the safety of modern helmets with a retro look and low-profile fit. Just what we’re looking for.
The standard helmet shell is made of fiberglass, which has better impact absorption than the polycarbonate common on other helmets. And it’s lighter: this helmet is just 2.8 pounds. There’s an even better carbon fiber shell option too. Multi-density EPS foam is a nice touch for safety as well.
Inside is a nicely stitched breathable leather liner that will coddle your face like you coddle your bike. That liner is not faux-leather, it’s genuine leather.
Snap on visors or bubble face shields with the 5 snaps on the rim of the helmet. Adapt to any weather conditions, sun or rain. Since this is a Bell lid, there are TONS of aftermarket attachments for those snaps.
I still haven’t mentioned the best part: This baby is SO AFFORDABLE. It costs less than most plastic brain buckets on the market. And it comes in several matte or gloss colors and designs.
Cruise through the city feeling like Peter Fonda, and turn every head you pass. If you want to feel like a true rebel without sacrificing safety, the Bell Custom 500 is the way to go.
Here’s a real review from a buyer:
I have this helmet. It is the best fitting open face helmet I have owned in 40 years of riding. It fits like a rubber glove. Skin tight but comfortable. I love the way it stays put even as I sail past 150kmh on my 2013 Diavel. It looks classy. Has a nice finish. However it is the NOISIEST helmet I have ever worn…Bar none.
Sena Surge Helmet
The Sena Surge is what happens when you take a retro open-face lid, wire it up with built-in Bluetooth, and drop it straight into the 21st century.
Seamlessly integrated Sena Mesh and Bluetooth communication for the ultimate connected riding experience.
- Integrated Bluetooth 5.2 with Mesh Intercom for rider communication
- Hidden microphone that's shockingly clear
- Lightweight fiberglass composite shell for better impact absorption
- Removable and washable interior for easy maintenance
- Unable to upgrade the intercom
- Have to carry the helmet to charge it
At a glance, it gives you that classic jet helmet silhouette, but hidden inside is a fully integrated Bluetooth comms system with speakers, mic, and even a retractable sun visor. If you ride with a crew—or just like to bump music while you cruise, this one makes it stupid easy.
The shell is fiberglass composite, so it’s sturdy without feeling heavy. DOT certified, comfy padding, and speaker positioning that doesn’t squash your ears. The retractable shield is crystal clear and tucks away clean when you don’t need it.
This helmet isn’t for dirt, but for the city rider who digs open-face style and rides wired, it’s hard to beat.
Arai Classic V Helmet
Want something with more story behind it? The Arai Classic V is handcrafted in Japan by over 40 skilled builders and it shows.
Unbeatable build quality, premium safety with Snell 2020 certification, and versatile 5-snap system for shields and visors.
- Comfortable fit with a compact profile
- Advanced ventilation system with hidden ports
- Arai's advanced shell and design for great impact protection
- Premium price (worth it imo)
It’s a nod to Arai’s 1970s roots but built with modern protection. At just 2.63 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest retro lids in the lineup—and a serious step up from the old-school brain buckets.At 2.63 pounds, it’s one of the lightest retro helmets on our list. (The absolute lightest is down below!)
The lightweight shell is handmade from SuperFiber and fiberglass, the same way Arai makes their race-ready helmets. The MotoGP riders with heads worth millions of dollars to their teams? They use this shell in their helmets. That might be why this helmet landed Snell M2020 safety certification, which is absolutely wild for an open face.
This helmet also stands out for its ventilation. Most open face helmets have no vents, so even though you look cool your hair stinks after a 20 minute commute in the summer.
Arai built vents into the outer shell and removable lining – 3 air intakes at the front and 2 rear exhaust ports – so the helmet retains its clean look while running cool air over your hot head. Pretty awesome.
You get 5 snaps on the front for a removable visor or one of my styles of face shields, as well as a goggle strap holder on the back.
Just treat yourself and pick this one up. Your scalp will thank you next time you ride on a ho summer day.
Biltwell Bonanza Helmet
Okay, this one is for those of you that spent way too much wrapping your hot-as-hell scrambler pipe and custom-painting your tank.
The Biltwell Bonanza is an absolute BARGAIN. Most half helmets with a thin plastic outer shell cost more than this.
A no-frills open-face lid with classic style, lightweight construction, and an unbeatable price for riders who just want the basics done right.
- Affordable retro look.
- Lightweight ABS shell.
- Removable and washable liner.
- No face shield or vents.
- Not ECE certified (DOT only).
- Minimal noise and weather protection.
If you’re looking for MotoGP level premium materials and Snell certification, this isn’t the helmet for you.
But if you want a classic look in a comfortable lid for a fair price, the Biltwell Bonanza hits the mark.
You get a hand stitched liner with Lycra panels to wick away moisture, plated steel D-rings (no corrosion like cheaper lids), and a padded chin strap. Three snaps on the front let you fit a peak or bubble visor of your liking. One visor is included in the box.
The Biltwell Bonanza comes in a variety of colors, from black and white to red, burnt orange, to irridescent looks. It’s a solidly-made, safe helmet for an incredibly price. And, there’s no branding on the outside. Truly vintage look.
These guys GET IT… sometimes you want more than a skull cap without going to a full face helmet.. THIS is the result… Perfect guys..! Thanks for steering me to just the right helmet… GREAT work!
A clearly happy customer of the flat black Bonanza.
Best Classic Full Face Helmets
So you want to look like a F1 star from the wild west races of the 1960s? These are the best retro motorcycle helmets with full face protection. Keep in mind you will usually get a bit more wind noise with these helmets than a modern full face, but those are the things we give up for fashion, right?
What I love about these retro helmets is that they’ve managed to combine their retro vibe with exceedingly good safety standards by using modern materials.
Agressive Retro 
|
Best Overall
|
Best Budget 
|
Description: Aggressive design with real rider features. Think fighter pilot meets Mad Max, with comfort and tech baked in. | Description: The Bell Bullitt GT updates a retro icon with ECE 22.06/DOT safety, a wider eye port, tighter gasket, and better vents. Plush liner, eyewear-friendly fit, and large speaker pockets make it comfortable and comms-ready for stylish daily rides and touring. | Description: A retro-styled full-face helmet that combines classic design with modern safety standards. |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
Aggressive design with real rider features. Think fighter pilot meets Mad Max, with comfort and tech baked in.
The Bell Bullitt GT updates a retro icon with ECE 22.06/DOT safety, a wider eye port, tighter gasket, and better vents. Plush liner, eyewear-friendly fit, and large speaker pockets make it comfortable and comms-ready for stylish daily rides and touring.
A retro-styled full-face helmet that combines classic design with modern safety standards.
Hell, many of these helmets are safer than your average modern helmet, due to advanced outer shell materials and multi-density shock absorbing EPS liner. I can get behind that.
Biltwell Gringo S ECE Helmet
First on our list is the well-priced Biltwell Gringo S ECE Helmet. Perfect for any vintage motorcycle.
They just had to brag about ECE, didn’t they…
A retro-styled full-face helmet that combines classic design with modern safety standards.
- ECE-certified for enhanced safety
- Lightweight construction
- Cushioned chin bar for comfort
- Limited ventilation
- Visor may not stay in a cracked-open position
- Can be noisy at higher speeds.
But just look at that stunner! Inspired by vintage racing helmets from the ’60s and ’70s, the Biltwell Gringo S helmet does not sacrifice any safety standards you’d expect from a 2020s helmet.
Let’s start with the ECE safety certification. The original Gringo helmet didn’t have it, but Biltwell went through the painstaking design process necessary to ensure the Gringo S passes those multiple-impact and rotational force tests. That means you get retro styling on your motorcycle helmet without sacrificing modern protection.
Biltwell considered comfort too. The chin bar is cushioned, which is nice considering how close that chin bar is to your chin in vintage style helmets. The classic snap close visor gives you the look of a 70s F1 helmet and keeps wind out of your eyes. Plus, you get speaker pockets for Bluetooth comms equipment – talk about modern luxuries in a classic package.
With over 10 colors to choose from and at a very affordable price, you can find the perfect match for your style and bike (or even get TWO). Grab the Biltwell Gringo S ECE Helmet and get on your bike already!
The team at Revzilla knows their stuff when it comes to helmets, and the original version of this is one of their Staff Picks.
Bell Eliminator Helmet
Did Bell pick that name because this full face helmet eliminates everything else in the retro helmet category? Let me tell you why that might be true…
A bold, retro-modern full-face helmet offering timeless style, anti-fog ProVision optics, eyewear-friendly fit, and reliable comfort for everyday riding.
- Iconic retro design with modern safety materials
- Generous eyeport fits glasses or goggles easily
- Anti-fog ProVision shield with Class 1 optics
- Magnetic chin strap clip locks securely and easily
- Removable liner with speaker pockets for comms
- No adjustable vents or chin curtain for airflow control
- Top vents are always open—can let wind and noise in
First, the shell sizes. This lid has three shell sizes, meaning no bobblehead look no matter your size. And it’s made of fiberglass, which is lighter and stronger than the usual ABS plastic. Plus, the 5 EPS liner sizes ensure that your head will be comfortable and secure while wearing it.
All that customization is probably why the Bell Eliminator is not just DOT certified, but ECE as well.
The Bell Eliminator also comes with a dual-paned ProVision face shield that means this helmet will never fog. No need to mess with annoying Pinlocks to get anti-fog protection. There’s plenty of airflow already due to holes at the top for ventilation. Don’t worry about rain – Bell sells a cover for those vents if you need it.
And if you prefer the old school style of wearing goggles, you can easily remove the face shield and pop on goggles. An eyeglass-friendly liner and speaker pockets make it easy to wear this lid with glasses or a Bluetooth headset.
The Bell Eliminator is a jack-of-all-trades: just as fitting for a scramble in the dirt as a cruise through the city on a cafe racer.
Bell Bullitt GT
The Bullitt GT is Bell taking one of the best-looking retro full-face helmets ever made and making it less annoying to actually live with.
The original Bullitt already nailed the vintage racer look: giant eyeport, clean shell, snap-style shield, Steve McQueen energy. The GT keeps all of that, but updates the stuff that matters when you’re actually riding instead of just staring at the helmet on a shelf.
The Bell Bullitt GT updates a retro icon with ECE 22.06/DOT safety, a wider eye port, tighter gasket, and better vents. Plush liner, eyewear-friendly fit, and large speaker pockets make it comfortable and comms-ready for stylish daily rides and touring.
- DOT & ECE 22.06 certified
- Wide panoramic viewport
- Improved vents and gasket
- Comms-ready speaker pockets
- Loud at highway speeds
- No Pinlock; fogs in cold/wet
You still get the classic Bell silhouette, but now with DOT and ECE 22.06 certification, a revised shield hinge, a better shield gasket, closable forehead vents, and an updated liner. Basically, Bell kept the look and fixed the little things that made the old Bullitt feel more “beautiful object” than everyday riding helmet.
The big eyeport is still the star of the show. It gives you that open, vintage race-helmet feel without giving up full-face coverage. The shield setup is cleaner now too, with better sealing around the face shield, which should help with wind, weather, and general street-riding comfort.
The fit is worth calling out, though. The Bullitt GT moves to a more intermediate oval shape, so if the old Bullitt fit your round head perfectly, try this one carefully before committing. But for most riders, that change should make it feel more modern and less oddball.
You’ll still spend more than you would on a Biltwell Gringo S or Torc T-1, but that’s the point. The Bullitt GT is for riders who want the iconic Bell retro look with a more premium feel and better modern safety. Pick this up if you want the vintage full-face vibe without feeling like you’re wearing a museum piece.
Simpson Ghost Bandit Helmet
Simpson is known for car racing helmets – but they did their homework on the Ghost Bandit and nailed the needs of motorcyclists.
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.
The first thing I have to mention is the ECE certification. Given the rotational force tests (which are not part of Snell or DOT tests), it’s difficult for car helmets to pass. Motorcyclists crash in all different positions, whereas car drivers are usually stuck in one, banging their head repeatedly in one spot. Simpson getting ECE certification means they went back to the drawing board with this helmet. It’s not just a copy of a car racing helmet.
You basically get a modern, comfortable motorcycle helmet in a more aggressive and classic package. That means vents disguised all around the helmet to keep your head cool, and even a chin curtain to keep wind noise down – rare on a vintage helmet. At just 3.46 pounds, there’s no sore neck in your future.
Want an even lighter and stronger helmet? Go for the version with a full carbon fiber shell.
One of my friends is a huge Mad Max fan, and bought this lid to go along with his green bobber. Nice military-industrial look, suitable for any vintage motorcycle or a cafe racer.
If you’re reading this, Brian, tell us what you think!
Tip: Size up. This helmet tends to run small.
Biltwell Lane Splitter Factory Helmet
If you’re looking for a helmet that can keep up with your badass style, then you gotta check out the Biltwell Lane Splitter. This bad boy is the perfect combination of form and function. Let me tell you why.
First of all, the hand-stitched inner lining is not only dope as hell, but it’s also super comfy. You won’t want to take this baby off. And the large vents at the chin? Talk about keeping things fresh. You’ll be able to breathe easy, no matter how hard you’re pushing it.
A retro full-face helmet with an aggressive look and modern upgrades. Now ECE R22.06 certified, it delivers on both safety and street style.
- ECE R22.06 certified for serious protection. Lightweight ABS shell.
- Wide eyeport with great visibility.
- Can feel snug around the cheeks.
- Ventilation is basic.
- No internal sun visor.
But that’s not all. The face shield has accurate optics, so you won’t have to worry about any distortion messing with your vision. And the brass snap closure for the shield is not only sturdy, it looks super vintage and can be snapped when wearing gloves.
And if you’re all about that Bluetooth life, you can pop your unit’s speakers right in the ready mesh pockets. No more struggling to fit your buds in your ears with your helmet on. Just slide those suckers in and you’re good to go.
And to top it all off, this helmet is ECE rated – meaning it can take a tumble with multiple impacts while still protecting your head. The best part is this helmet is well priced for a vintage lid: great style with simple materials will do that.
Torc T-1 Helmet
The cheaper cousin of the Bell Bullitt. Less demanding on your wallet, but equally as satisfying to ride in.
A budget-friendly full-face retro helmet with serious vintage style and surprising features for the price. ECE certified, with a sleek bubble visor and a plush interior that punches above its weight.
- ECE certified.
- Classic styling with a built-in bubble visor.
- Faux suede interior feels comfortable.
- Ventilation is limited.
- Can run slightly heavy.
- Fit may be tight around the jaw.
A straight rip off the classic Bell Bullitt design, the Torc T-1 keeps the look but gives you some money back by swapping in a faux suede liner.
That’s about the only tradeoff. You still get a fiberglass shell, making it lightweight without sacrificing strength. You’ll stay cool with the chin and forehead vents, which don’t mess with the timeless look of the helmet. The face shield is still ginormous with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating.
And it’s still ECE rated!
And this one comes in a whopping 20+ colors, so you can match your outfit, your ride, your friend, your mom. Whatever you like. Even has a few that throw back to retro metal flake helmets from the 80s.
At a cheaper price than the Bell Bullitt, it’s a fantastic alternative that doesn’t skimp on style or safety.
Tip: The T-1 runs large, so you may want to size down.
Shoei Glamster Helmet
Despite having possibly the worst name for a helmet ever (is it for a Barbie doll?) the Glamster was one of the most anticipated retro helmets when it was released in 2020.
Let me tell you why.
Riders were not just itching to hit the road since everything else was shut down in 2020. The Shoei Glamster is one of those gems that combines Shoei’s incredible safety record with impeccable retro style.
A premium full-face retro helmet that blends 70s style with modern Shoei engineering.
- ECE 22.06 certified.
- Lightweight fiberglass shell.
- Excellent ventilation for a vintage-style lid.
- Price is on the higher side.
- Visor removal takes a few steps.
- Styling may be too subtle for some retro fans.
If you’re looking for a helmet that blends safety and style, look no further than the Shoei Glamster. With Shoei’s patented AIM shell available in three different sizes, the Glamster fits all sizes closely to the dome while being both lightweight and protective.
The Glamster doesn’t just have standout looks, it’s super comfortable as well. The huge forehead vent doesn’t look out of place, and neither do the four chin vents. Each of these feed dedicated channels in the EPS foam with cool air, keeping you comfortable even on a smoking hot day.
Don’t settle for a helmet that sacrifices style for safety or comfort. The Shoei Glamster combines the best of both worlds, so you can hit the road with confidence and style.
It’s worth nothing this lid is ECE approved, but only available for the European market. It is not DOT approved!
The Best Retro Off-Road Helmets
Do you live in the metropolis but still like to play in the dirt on the weekends? Any of these helmets below will suit you both when you’re weaving through traffic on your cafe racer and when you’re hitting trails on your scrambler.
That means big eye ports to accommodate goggles, long peaks to protect from sun and flying mud, and tough chin bars to take those full-frontal impacts like a champ. You also need a lightweight helmet with removable cheek pads that you can wear all day and clean out thoroughly when you’re done.
I’ve picked only the top three vintage helmets with modern features that fit those criteria. Let’s get into it.
HJC V60 Helmet
The HJC V60 is a modern helmet dressed in vintage scrambler gear.
A vintage scrambler lid with smart upgrades. The V60 nails the throwback vibe but adds modern touches like an internal sun visor and Bluetooth-ready speaker pockets.
- Internal sun visor.
- Comfortable suede-like interior.
- ECE 22.06 and DOT certified.
- No peak ventilation.
- Integrated visor isn't replaceable.
- Not the lightest in its class.
It brings that classic 80s enduro look, but throws in an internal sun visor, Bluetooth-ready speaker pockets, and a lightweight fiberglass shell. It’s DOT and ECE 22.06 certified, which is impressive for something this retro-looking.
The V60 also has one of the most comfortable liners in this class. The suede-touch fabric and contoured cheek pads feel like high-end gear, and the integrated visor slides down smoothly with a glove-friendly tab. It also comes with a detachable peak if you want to lean harder into that dual-sport vibe.
If you’re the type who bounces between pavement and packed dirt, but doesn’t want to look like you just walked off a rally stage, this one walks the line nicely.
Customizing your Own Retro Helmet!
If you want a totally custom, retro-style helmet, check out Helmade.
I can’t vouch for the safety on the lids they make, but the style possibilities are endless. From what I hear, their lids are well built. Check out Helmade.
FAQs on Vintage Motorcycle Helmets
Are retro helmets less safe?
Not if they’re certified. Just because a helmet looks vintage doesn’t mean it’s using old tech. Most of the helmets on this list are fully DOT or ECE certified, with modern shells and liners inside. As long as it’s from a reputable brand and fits right, you’re good.
Is a 10 year old motorcycle helmet still good?
It is almost always a bad idea to wear a 10 year old motorcycle helmet. It might look great, but the foam has almost definitely degraded – providing zero protection from impacts. Even if the helmet is still intact, it’s using old technology and won’t protect you nearly as well as a modern helmet. Keep your classic helmets on the shelf and pick up a retro lid from this list.
How much should I pay for a good motorcycle helmet?
There’s no one right answer to how much you should pay for a helmet. Helmets can range from $50 to $1000, and the price doesn’t always reflect the quality. Your head is probably your most valuable body part, so don’t skimp on protecting it. Choose a lid from a reputable manufacturer like AGV, Arai, Shoei, HJC, Shark, or Bell for example. This is one area where you don’t want to skimp.
Is there a helmet that doesn’t mess up your hair?
While there’s no helmet that won’t mess up your hair at all, there are some that are better than others. Helmets with a closer fit to your head won’t pull your hair around, so look for lids with multiple shell and EPS sizes. You can also try wearing a hairnet or skullcap under your helmet to help keep your hair in place. A few of the Bell helmets on our list of retro helmets are a good place to start looking for a close-fitting helmet.
Why do motorcycle helmets only last 5 years?
The reason helmets only last five years is because the protective materials inside (EPS foam) can degrade over time, even if it’s not being used. Exposure to heat, cold, and UV rays can take a further toll on the helmet’s ability to protect your head. So, it’s recommended that you replace your helmet every 5 years, even if it hasn’t been in an accident.
Either that, or helmet manufacturers just want us to spend more!
Can I ride with a vintage helmet if it looks fine?
Even if it’s in perfect shape on the outside, the inside is what matters. Old foam loses its structure over time, and the shell materials degrade too. If you want that vintage look, your safest move is to get a modern helmet with retro styling.
Is it OK to buy cheap helmet?
Well, the short answer is no. While it’s tempting to save money, a cheap helmet might not provide the same level of protection as a higher quality one. Cheaper helmets use less protective materials (i.e. ABS plastic instead of fiberglass or carbon fiber shell) and they tend to skimp on quality when it comes to anti-fog, airflow and other comfort items that can become safety issues.
Also into Retro Riding Gear?
If you’re looking for other riding gear to complement one of these vintage motorcycle helmets, check out the classy leather jackets, jeans and gloves on offer at Pando Moto. They’re on a mission to bring style and protection together, delivering highly functional and safe motorcycle jackets that will fit right in at the trendiest bars in London or New York.
One of my favorite models is the Twin (also available on Revzilla while supplies last).
Final Thoughts
Retro helmets have come a long way. What used to be a compromise between style and safety is now a sweet spot where you don’t have to choose. Whether you want a full-face for your café build, an open-face for urban cruising, or something that can handle a fire road on Sunday, there’s a vintage-style helmet on this list that fits the bill.
Just remember: get the right fit, check the safety ratings, and buy what makes you want to ride more.
