46 Cool Motorcycle Helmets to Inspire You
Evan Rally
left for contents
You remember that guy or gal you had a few classes with in college that wore black to every function?
Me neither. Black is not the most memorable color.
So why does everyone helmet manufacturer insist on giving us the amazingly diverse choice between gloss black and matte black? Because most people agree black at least doesn’t suck.
Me: “How about in red?”
Sales: “Oh I’m sorry sir, we only have black.”
However, “Doesn’t suck” is a pretty terrible way to choose the style of your riding gear, so in this roundup we’ve pulled together a bunch of cool, unique, and wacky motorcycle helmets from epic graphics to distinct structures and ending with fully custom showstoppers. We included a mix of full-face, open-face, half helmets and motocross lids that offer both protection and style.
Here are a few of our top picks right off the bat:
Wild & Bright 
|
Sketchbook Sharp 
|
Mad Max Feel 
|
N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Icon Airform Trick Or Street 3 brings bold Halloween chaos to a lightweight, street-ready lid with serious protection. | The Shoei RF-1400 Capriccio delivers premium comfort and protection with wild, sketchbook-style graphics that refuse to blend in. | The Scorpion EXO Covert 2 is a badass, shape-shifting lid that switches between half, 3/4, and full-face looks without missing a beat. |
The Icon Airform Trick Or Street 3 brings bold Halloween chaos to a lightweight, street-ready lid with serious protection.
The Shoei RF-1400 Capriccio delivers premium comfort and protection with wild, sketchbook-style graphics that refuse to blend in.
The Scorpion EXO Covert 2 is a badass, shape-shifting lid that switches between half, 3/4, and full-face looks without missing a beat.
One more pick:
Old-school cool: Biltwell Bonanza
Best Graphic Motorcycle Helmets
This list rounds up some of the best graphic designs out there from brands like Icon, HJC, and AGV. Bold colors, wild art, and zero compromise on safety.
Shoei RF-1400 Capriccio Helmet
The RF-1400 is Shoei doing what it does best. It’s light, vents well, and stays quiet even when you’re cruising fast. Comes with a Pinlock-ready shield and a liner that actually feels good on long rides. DOT and Snell certified, so you know it’s built to take a hit if things go sideways.
We rated the RF-1400 the best motorcycle helmet on the market, and our contributor Carl has a 4 year long term ownership review on it.
The Shoei RF-1400 Capriccio is an aerodynamic full-face helmet with bold graphics and SNELL/DOT safety ratings.
- Lightweight, quiet, and vents like a dream
- Snell and DOT certified for serious protection
- Sketchbook-style graphic adds personality
- Pricey compared to mid-tier lids
- Limited graphic options beyond Capriccio
Have a better look from this video:
The Capriccio graphic has sketchbook energy. A little wild, a little loud, but still sharp. If you’re tired of plain lids and want something with some personality, this one hits the mark.
Icon Airform
Let’s continue with the Icon Airform. Yeah, you can grab it in plain black or white—but Icon’s real strength is the wild colorways and graphics they throw on this lid. I ran one of these a while back, and for the price, it held up better than I expected. Solid polycarb shell, good ventilation, built-in sun visor, and a fog-free shield that actually works on cool morning rides. It’s DOT and ECE rated, so you’re not sacrificing safety for style.
And just look at all those graphics…
If you’re hunting for a lid that packs personality without skimping on features, the Icon Airform lineup is worth a serious look.
Halloween
|
Sleek 
|
Alien-inspired 
|
Combines bold, Halloween-inspired graphics with practical features for everyday riding. | A sleek touring helmet with MIPS protection and premium features. | Mixes alien-inspired graphics with modern safety features, including MIPS technology. |
Combines bold, Halloween-inspired graphics with practical features for everyday riding.
A sleek touring helmet with MIPS protection and premium features.
Mixes alien-inspired graphics with modern safety features, including MIPS technology.
HJC RPHA 1N Joker Helmet – Cool Graphics
This lid from HJC packs everything you need for the street or track, with advanced ventilation including a forehead vent and both clear and smoke-tint shields included. The fiberglass composite shell is a cut above most helmets, and the emergency cheek pads ensure quick removal in the case of a serious crash. Both DOT and ECE approved, this lid is a practical and fun choice.
And who doesn’t love the Joker decal? Both bright and frightening, it works on many levels, scaring your opponents on the track or keeping cars far away on the freeway.
The HJC RPHA 1N Joker takes track-level performance and slaps a sinister grin on top.
- Gotham rogue
- Dual Shields Included
- Emergency Release System
- Not Budget-Friendly
- Loud When Pushed
HJC RPHA 12N Shadow The Hedgehog
The HJC RPHA 12N Shadow The Hedgehog Helmet combines top-tier performance with the edgy aesthetics of Shadow the Hedgehog. Featuring a Premium Integrated Matrix (P.I.M. EVO) shell, it offers enhanced shock resistance, comfort, and lightness.
The aerodynamic design reduces lift and drag, ensuring stability at high speeds. Its advanced ventilation system, with four intakes and three exhausts, provides optimal airflow, keeping riders cool and preventing fogging.
The HJC RPHA 12N Shadow The Hedgehog Helmet combines race-ready aerodynamics and ventilation with bold, aggressive Shadow graphics.
- Lightweight PIM EVO shell
- Excellent high-speed stability
- Strong ventilation system
- Premium price tag
- Fit may feel tight for rounder head shapes
- Graphics may limit appeal to Shadow fans only
Arai Corsair Pedrosa Samurai 2 Helmet
If you’d like a mix between the intimidating graphics of the military-inspired helmets with the serenity of sunsets and eastern philosophy, look no further than the Arai Corsair Pedrosa Samurai 2. This lid will have you looking like a samurai on the highway, and given it’s a high-performance design from Arai, you can take this helmet to the track as well.
Arai designed this helmet to handle head-on and glancing impacts while imparting minimal force to the rider’s head and neck, and given the brand supplies helmets to many Moto GP riders, we tend to like what they put on the market.
The Arai Corsair-X Pedrosa Samurai 2 Helmet merges MotoGP-level protection with bold samurai-inspired graphics honoring Dani Pedrosa.
- MotoGP-grade safety and performance
- Striking samurai artwork with multiple color options
- Premium materials and liner feel
- Pricey, but you’re paying for the Arai name
- Slightly older design, not the newest tech
Retro & Classic Style Graphic Helmets
Some helmets just never go out of style. Whether you’re into 60s café vibes, old-school flat track looks, or want something that nods to vintage race days, these lids bring the throwback charm without ditching modern protection. Clean lines, timeless paint jobs, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting.
Hollywood Legend 
|
Modern Classic 
|
Bomber Throwback 
|
Patriot’s Pick 
|
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Bell Custom 500 Steve McQueen is a retro 3/4 helmet with modern DOT safety and iconic McQueen styling. | The Bell Bullitt is a retro-style full-face helmet with modern safety features, and many models are currently available at closeout prices. | The LS2 Spitfire Bombrider is a lightweight open-face helmet with classic bomber-style graphics and a built-in sun visor. | A lightweight fiberglass half helmet featuring bold eagle-and-flag graphics, a removable neck skirt with speaker pockets, and a quick-release strap. |
The Bell Custom 500 Steve McQueen is a retro 3/4 helmet with modern DOT safety and iconic McQueen styling.
The Bell Bullitt is a retro-style full-face helmet with modern safety features, and many models are currently available at closeout prices.
The LS2 Spitfire Bombrider is a lightweight open-face helmet with classic bomber-style graphics and a built-in sun visor.
A lightweight fiberglass half helmet featuring bold eagle-and-flag graphics, a removable neck skirt with speaker pockets, and a quick-release strap.
Bell Bullitt Helmet
The Bell Bullitt full face helmet offers riders a classic and understated look with the excellent build quality Bell is known for. This lid features a round oval head shape and three shell sizes for superior safety and a close fit for every rider. The faux-chrome trim around the face opening and lower portion of the helmet contributes to the retro vibe. There is also a built-in flip-up face shield which can be easily removed, along with interchangeable face shields and replacement parts widely available.
The Bell Bullitt is a retro-style full-face helmet with modern safety features, and many models are currently available at closeout prices.
- Timeless design with modern features
- Integrated flip-up shield
- Swappable shields and liners
- Fit can be tight for some head shapes
- Not the quietest lid around
We’ve tested it and laid out the pros, cons, and who it’s best for, so you can decide if it’s the right lid for your ride— check out our Bell Bullitt Helmet review.
LS2 Spitfire Bombrider Helmet
Continuing the WWII aviator theme, the LS2 Spitfire Bombrider looks like a proper bomber pilot’s helmet with the decals they would have had on the side during conflict: A beautiful damsel riding a frightening bomb down on to the enemy.
This helmet is a 3/4 with drop down sun visor, which also includes a loop on the back for goggles should you plan to complete the bomber pilot look!
Open-face helmet that blends vintage bomber-inspired graphics with modern features like a drop-down sun visor.
- WWII bomber art is pure throwback gold
- Drop-down sun visor built in
- Lightweight and comfy for city rides
- ¾ design means less crash protection
- Limited airflow control
LS2 Murica Eagle Half Helmet
Back on my ‘Murica bull**** with this bagger helmet featuring an eagle over an American flag. The lid itself is basic, with a fiberglass shell and removable liner. However, you’re not buying this helmet for the high tech safety features are you? You’re buying this for that staunch bird on the flag. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the hog and snap on this well-priced lid.
Pros:
- Screaming eagle and flag graphic goes full throttle
- Fiberglass shell, decent liner for the price
- Lightweight and unapologetically bold
Cons:
- Bare minimum protection
- No real features beyond looks
Motocross & Off-Road Cool Lids
If you spend more time in the dirt than on the street, you already know style matters just as much as staying protected. These off-road lids bring bold graphics, serious tech, and that aggressive look that fits right in at the track or on the trail. Built to take hits and turn heads.
6D ATR-3 Hyper Helmet
Our first off-road lid on the list is the 6D ATR-3 Hyper, and it’s a cool one.
If you’re blasting trails or sending jumps, this thing’s built to keep your head in one piece. The ODS tech inside soaks up impacts way better than your average dirt helmet, and it vents strong without cooking your brain on slow rides.
The Hyper graphics look clean too, bold without being tacky, and they pop hard out in the dirt. It’s a little snug fresh out of the box, but give it a few rides and it’ll fit like a glove. Not cheap, but when you’re pushing the limits, it’s worth every penny.
The 6D ATR-3 Hyper Helmet offers top-tier impact protection, ideal for aggressive off-road riders.
- Enhanced safety with 5th-gen Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) technology.
- Lightweight design reduces neck fatigue during long rides.
- Superior ventilation system with direct-to-brow cooling.
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Slightly snug fit may require break-in period.
- Increased airflow can lead to more wind noise at high speeds.
O’Neal 5 Series Warhawk Helmet
The O’Neal 5 Series Warhawk is one of those lids that just feels right when you’re gearing up for a day in the dirt. It’s lightweight enough that it doesn’t wear you down on long rides, but still feels sturdy when you’re bouncing off rocks or hitting rough sections. The airflow is solid too.
The O'Neal 5 Series Warhawk is a lightweight dirt helmet with tough aviation-style graphics and solid comfort for long rides.
- Same build as Wingman with a fresh, modern style
- Comfy liner and DOT certified
- Lightweight and trail-ready
- Minimal safety tech compared to pricier lids
- Shell shape might not fit all head types perfectly
Rare, but Still Seriously Cool Helmets
HJC keeps dropping some of the coolest helmets out there, with wild designs like Shadow the Hedgehog, Kylo Ren, and Joker that still pack real street and track performance.
HJC RPHA 11 Pro Boba Fett
Released in 2017, this Star Wars classic features the scraped up green and brown helmet of the iconic Boba Fett. Channel the loose-cannon bounty hunter while in the seat of a similarly unhinged bike, like a Ducati Monster.
These are hard to find, but can’t deny they’re pretty cool.
The HJC RPHA 11 Pro Boba Fett is a lightweight, ventilated helmet with Star Wars graphics and DOT/ECE safety ratings.
- Iconic battle-worn paint job
- RPHA 11 Pro shell underneath
- Comfortable fit
- Limited stock
- No updated release
HJC IS-5 Star Wars X-Wing Helmet
Another rare release from HJC was the HJC IS-5 Star Wars Poe Dameron X-Wing helmet. This helmet is open face, providing a little less safety in a crash in exchange for more visibility and the wind on your face. HJC once again nailed the 3D effects necessary to make the top shield, face cover, and front-left port visually pop out without needing to change the shape of the shell at all. That ensures nothing snags in a crash, while your lid looks true to the shape of the X-Wing helmet.
This lid is mostly collector territory, so your best bet is to check eBay.
The HJC IS-5 X-Wing is a DOT-approved open-face helmet with Rebel pilot graphics and a drop-down sunshield.
- Unique X-Wing graphics
- Open-face
- Built-in sun visor adds function
- Less protection than a full face
- Tough to find new, mostly collector territory now
Helmets with Unique Profiles and Shapes
Not every cool helmet needs wild graphics, sometimes the shape does all the talking. These lids break the mold with aggressive lines, modular setups, and designs that look like they rolled off a sci-fi set. Many of these combine multiple styles, like half-helmet and 3/4, giving you the flexibility to choose a new look even with the same helmet.
Whether you’re after versatility or just want something that doesn’t look like every other dome on the road, these picks deliver.
Icon Airflite Helmet
The Icon Airflite sits somewhere between a full face and a 3/4 helmet, offering the ample protection of a full face with more of a cybernetic look like a 3/4. The oversized visor allows for a wider angle of view vertically than most helmets offer, while the large chin vent will have you feeling like you’re wearing a 3/4 helmet. You get a drop down sun visor as well, in case you want to ride with the lid up or just temper the sun’s rays.
The best part is Icon offers the Airflite in a multitude of colorways and designs. Check them all out at the link below.
Affordable, aggressive helmet that comes in more graphic options than we can count. Great look for sportbike riders.
- Striking aesthetics with a variety of bold graphics.
- Large, anti-fog face shield enhances visibility.
- Integrated drop-down sun visor for added convenience.
- Slightly heavier than average, which may affect comfort on longer rides.
- Higher wind noise levels compared to some competitors.
- Visor may be prone to scratching if not handled carefully.
LS2 Rebellion Helmet
The LS2 Rebellion is a capable half helmet for cruiser and touring riders with a unique shape and front peak. Most half helmets ignore ventilation entirely, but the Rebellion includes a top port to keep your head cool all around on hot days. A drop down sun shield is also concealed above, giving you built in sun and wind protection.
It’s Bluetooth-ready as well, allowing for an LS2 LinkIn system or similar to be popped in so you can listen to music in this helmet or chat with your riding buddies. Beyond the straight black variety, LS2 sells a version with a subtle flag motif or bones. are a bones and American flag one as well.
The LS2 Rebellion is a lightweight half helmet featuring a drop-down sun visor, excellent ventilation, and Bluetooth readiness.
- Lightweight Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) shell (approx. 2.1 lbs)
- Comfortable, moisture-wicking liner
- Adjustable top vent for airflow
- Sun visor optics could be clearer
- Limited color options
- Ventilation may be less effective at lower speeds
Scorpion EXO Covert X Helmet
If the Transformers had motorcycle helmets, they would be rocking the Scorpion EXO Covert X. This lid has a removable front face mask and a drop down visor allowing for an open face or full face helmet look. Straight out of Mad Max.
The Covert X is a versatile helmet for riders who want to change up their look or riding style every so often. Even better, Scorpion offers face masks that glow in the dark as well as multiple colorways.
This helmet combines advanced materials for shell impact absorption usually only seen on pricier lids. Its versatile design allows it to be worn as a half helmet or full face.
- Lightweight, strong TCT-Ultra shell
- Comfortable, ventilated design
- Versatile: full face, open or half helmet
- Small visor
- Only DOT rated
Bell Rogue Helmet
The Bell Rogue helmet is an impressive piece of headgear that boasts both style and safety. It has a bold, striking utilitarian aesthetic with a round-oval shape and a lightweight composite shell, making it a great option for those looking for a combination of aesthetics and protection. The helmet is plenty comfortable with ample padding and removable liners, as well as a removable muzzle for added protection from road debris.
A bold half-helmet look with the comfort and added coverage of a ¾ design.
- Lightweight composite shell with aggressive styling
- Removable muzzle for added comfort and wind protection
- Built-in speaker pockets for easy audio setup
- DOT approved, low profile, aggressive look
- Muzzle offers no real impact protection
Bell Broozer Helmet
Another stunner from Bell, the Bell Broozer is a unique helmet that offers the best of both worlds – a full face and open face helmet. It has a removable chin bar and integrated drop-down shield, so the rider can easily switch between the two modes. Safety wise, it is DOT and ECE certified and features a dual-density EPS inner shell for optimum protection. Additionally, it has eyewear arm pockets and padded chin straps for added comfort and convenience.
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
For an intimidating look on your daily commute or weekend rides, pick up the Broozer in either gloss or matte black at the link below. You can find options with subtle graphics here.
Veldt Modular Helmet
The Veldt Modular is a high end custom helmet for the rider that wants a classic look exactly to their specifications. When building your own helmet from this French company, you pick the combination of peaks, visors, and face guards you want. They’ll even print custom colors and designs for you. The helmet’s construction goes above and beyond as well, with high-quality Japanese carbon fiber in the shell and well-placed vents on the top. The chin bar and visor are fitted by high-quality Allen bolts for a very firm and secure fit.
Beyond all the customization and artful patterns the company can put on your lid, Veldt provides two sets of slightly different sized lamb leather covered liners in each box so you can find your optimal fit. This lid is both DOT and ECE approved, and comes with a five-year warranty.
If you’re looking for a helmet nobody else on the streets will have, this is the one to pick up.
Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips Dash Helmet
Our final Bell lid on the list isn’t a purely road helmet – the Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips Dash works both on and off the road. With ample ventilation, an oversized visor and a big peak, this helmet is best suited to the adventure rider that doesn’t know the difference between a back road and a trail.
From a safety point of view, this helmet integrates the MIPS Multi-Directional Impact Protection System which allows your head to move independently of the outer shell in case of a crash, which is shown to reduce rotational forces on your neck and brain. This lid is both DOT and ECE approved and comes with a five-year warranty.
For a great all-around helmet that fits in as well on the motocross track as the street, pick up the Bell MX-9 in one of many stunning color combinations.
A helmet that delivers far more than its price suggests, it's a great starter ADV lid that covers all the bases.
- MIPS liner reduces rotational force in crash
- Large visor for great visibility
- Removable peak for comfortable highway miles
DIY Your Cool Motorcycle Helmet
Now let’s get into some DIY accessories that you can slap on any helmet to enhance your look. Most of these can be bought on Amazon for around $20! Before you get started, read our guide to customizing your motorcycle helmet for tips on repainting a helmet.
Helmet LED Lights
Tip: Read our full guide to helmet lights.
Helmet lights are one of the easiest mods you can make to a helmet to both accentuate the look and improve your visibility on the road. Nothing gets us more excited that improving both safety and style simultaneously.
When shopping for helmet lights, make sure you’re looking buying a weatherproof system that can handle rain as well as the battering that comes from flying through air at 60mph. You’ll also want a strong tape from 3M or similar included to stick the lights to your helmet, and a small and easy-to-place battery box.
If you want fully customizable lights that can put on a show during your ride, check out this set from Lightmode.
Helmet Covers
Looking for a simple way to transform the entire look of your existing helmet? Check out a helmet cover, like those from Moto Loot. One helmet can jump from panda bear to octopus to chicken as fast as you can change a pair of socks. Bright colors ensure you stand out, and you might catch some pedestrians’ eyes while you’re at it.
Each cover is fairly cheap, making these a great gift for the rider in your life.
Skull Style
Looking for a skull style? While skull-style helmets are often pieces of junk, you can pick up plenty of helmets with skull graphics printed on them. You might want to pick up what’s shown here: a Scorpion EXO Covert with the Skull Face Mask popped in. With a few more decals, people will think they’ve spotted a zombie as you cruise past!
For more ideas, check out our roundup of skull helmets from Revzilla and custom painters.
Helmet Wraps
Instead of repainting your helmet, just wrap it with a new design.
Read our full guide to helmet wraps here.
Out of this World Helmets
Now it’s time to get into the crown jewels of custom motorcycle helmets – those helmets you wouldn’t know were for motorcycling until you found the DOT sticker on the back. These will have you looking like you stepped off a spaceship from another world or out of a time machine from a bygone era. These helmets go beyond graphics to embrace the shape and style of some of our favorite villains and heros.
Predator Helmet from Nitrinos
The Predator Helmet from Nitrinos is a work of art, to say the least. Constructed of fiberglass and Kevlar, it’s a true motorcycle helmet complete with the intimidating eyeport and long dreads of the feared Predator. Beware of fakes like this one, which do not conform to the standards of Nitrinos – which created this helmet in 2010. You can customize the helmet with different dreadlocks, an LED light or lasers true to the Predator movie, a new color and even engraving or a full carbon fiber finish.
Halo Helmet: Master Chief Helmet
This helmet is not only a great collector’s item for any fan of Halo, it’s an eye-catching helmet on its own. It’s DOT approved with an ABS shell, reflective shield and D-ring chin strap as you’d expect on any full-face helmet. Released in 2015 with only a limited number still in circulation, you’ll have to hunt hard to find one of these.
If you’re in the market for a unique lid, check eBay or contact the maker of the helmet. That said, it’s not the highest quality helmet. Read our Master Chief helmet guide for ideas on how to build a better version yourself.
One Secret for the Coolest Motorcycle Helmet
Nothing on the list got you excited?
I get it. I too am one of those particular psychos that craves something nobody else has. For that, I give you:
While the logo might have you thinking I want you to join the air hockey players club I started in 1992, this company is far cooler: Airgraffix is the best custom helmet painter in business. Just look at some of the work they’ve done.
Just pick a design, choose from the many helmets they can put that design on, and pick your size. Or, if you already have a solid colored gloss helmet you want to put one of their designs on, email them your request at [email protected] and tell them the good people over at itsbetterontheroad.com sent you. In just 2-3 weeks they will ship you a top-notch helmet that will look uniquely out of this world.
If you want a different design, check out our guide to customizing motorcycle helmets. You’ll find step-by-step painting and decaling instructions as well as many more pro painters like Airgraffix.
If I didn’t cover a particular helmet or style you’d like to see here, shoot me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear about it.
A helmet should protect your head and say something about who you are. From movie themes to vintage looks to full custom builds, there’s no reason to settle for boring. If you’re still hunting, check out the graphic lids on Revzilla here and filter down to what you’re looking for; whether that’s a dual sport or a half helmet or anything in between.
