10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets For All Budgets

Many riders love adventure or dual-sport helmets. Flexible, stylish, and full of creature comforts, these helmets are suitable for both on and off-road riding. What are some of the best adventure motorcycle helmets on the market today?

Some of the best adventure motorcycle helmets today include:

• Klim Krios Pro
• Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips
• Shoei Hornet X2
• Scorpion EXO-XT9000 Trailhead
• HJC DS-X1 Adventure Motorcycle Helmets
• LS2 Explorer
• AGV X101
• Arai XD-5
• AFX FX-41 DS
• Nexx X.WED2 Vaal

In this post, discover some of the best adventure motorcycle helmets on the market. I will also share some features of these helmets, riding impressions, and what makes them popular.

10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets For All Budgets

1. Klim Krios Pro

Klim Krios Pro: Buy on
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Let’s start with something from home. Klim is an American company that designs and manufactures premium motorcycle and snowmobile gear. Based in Rigby, Idaho, Klim has built a reputation for producing durable gear that performs well in extreme conditions.

One of their most popular helmets is the Krios Pro. This adventure motorcycle helmet offers all the creature comforts you expect from an adventure motorcycle helmet, and then some more. 

For example, you get a Transitions photochromic lens with your Klim Krios Pro instead of regular face lenses. These lenses adapt to various light conditions, giving you a comfortable ride.

I like the use of Koroyd technology in this helmet. When compressed, this material collapses and crushes on itself, helping to absorb and reduce head trauma in an accident. 

Reviews show riders appreciate the helmet’s quietness —I can vouch for this myself. Many also like the ease of removing the peak and the lightweight—the Krios Pro weighs only 3.4 pounds (about 1.54 KG).

2. Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips

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Bell Helmets, founded in 1954, is a renowned American company known for being the first company to produce full-face helmets. Two of their most popular helmet models are the Bell Star (for street and racing) and the Bell Moto-9 (for off-road and motocross).

The MX-9 Adventure Mips is Bell’s entry into the adventure helmet category. Bell took the wildly successful formula of the Moto-9 helmet and added features that made it a dual-sport helmet.

This means you get pretty much the same excellent experience as the Moto-9 in your MX-9. First, you get the same light polycarbonate shell and excellent ventilation system with the MX-9.

The peak stays on, too, and can be removed easily. The MX-9, like the Moto-9, also comes with the MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System).

The addition includes a removable face shield that is UV and scratch-resistant, and comes with an anti-fog coating. The MX-9 is also ECE 22.06 certified for good head protection.

3. Shoei Hornet X2

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In the world of helmets, Shoei is probably your Ferrari. Like how non-car people know Ferrari, many who know little about helmets recognize Shoei.

This Japanese helmet maker makes such good helmets that they are the choice for many MotoGP riders, like Marc Marquez.

The Hornet X2 adventure motorcycle helmet represents one of Shoei’s best take-on adventure or dual-sport helmets. It is also one of the most premium models on the list. 

Instead of a regular polycarbonate shell, you get AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi Fiber) for better protection and rigidity. It is also lighter, resulting in a smaller overall helmet size.

The Hornet X2 also comes with features like 3D Max-Dry System II, which helps provide a good padding fit while retaining ventilation. There’s also the EQRS (Emergency Quick Release System), which makes cheek pads easily removable in the event of an accident.

But what makes the Shoei Hornet X2 command such a premium price in the market? It’s the comfortable and quiet ride. It remains one of the most comfortable adventure helmets, and many riders confirm this, including me.

4. Scorpion EXO XT9000 Trailhead

Scorpion EXO XT9000 Trailhead: Buy on
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Scorpion Sports is known for its motorcycle helmet innovation, which has introduced many newer technologies to its helmets. You may have heard of some of Scorpion EXO’s proprietary inventions, like the: 

• AirFit® inflation system, 
• EverClear® no-fog face shields, and 
• KwikWick® moisture-wicking liners​.

The Scorpion EXO XT9000 adventure motorcycle helmet is designed for riders who want a helmet that performs well on and off-road. It is made using a 3K carbon fiber shell, which gives it excellent strength while keeping it light at 3.48 pounds (about 1.57 kg).

The wide eye port helps with peripheral vision, which is important when riding larger adventure bikes.

The face shield and aerodynamic peak are also easily removable, which I find useful when needing to change my helmet setup while riding out there.

The Scorpion EXO XT9000 helmet has the U.S. DOT Certification and the ECE 22.06 safety standard. It also features a titanium-coated double-D ring to protect against corrosion. Some reflective material is also near the rear vent to help with visibility.

5. HJC DS-X1

HJC DS-X1: Buy on
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HJC is a South Korean helmet company. Founded in 1975, it first produced safety helmets before expanding to motorcycles. It is popular with riders for making excellent helmets while keeping prices low and affordable.

As one of the most affordable adventure helmets on the list, the HJC DS-X1 may be a great place to start with adventure motorcycle helmets. 

With the DS-X1 adventure motorcycle helmet, you get a polycarbonate composite shell with CAD technology to help fit and comfort. The inner linings were treated with SuperCool technology to ensure good moisture wicking and protection from bacteria. 

The DS-X1 also comes with a rather large eye port, which I think is great for fitting goggles perfectly. It also gives me good peripheral vision while riding, which you may also appreciate. 

DOT-approved, the DS-X1 also accommodates eyewear and comes with speaker pockets for your speaker and Bluetooth gear. The ACS (Advanced Channeling Ventilation System) helps to keep your head well-ventilated and cool.

6. LS2 Explorer

LS2 Explorer: Buy on
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LS2 is a Chinese motorcycle helmet company founded by Arthur Liao in 2007. The company is best known for affordable yet quality and functional helmets. One notable example is the Subverter—this dirt bike helmet has over 35 ventilation ports!

The LS2 Explorer starts with a fiberglass composite shell, which can be considered an upgrade from the regular polycarbonate. The plush interior is 3D laser-cut, giving exceptional comfort without sacrificing ventilation. 

For more comfort, the helmet’s peak is designed for larger airports and provides good protection from sun glare. Looks wise, it is also one of the most beautiful white motorcyle helmets to me. 

The LS2 Explorer also comes with an optically correct, class A polycarbonate face shield, which provides excellent visibility. The eye port is also quite wide, meaning it will accommodate goggles well and give good side-eye vision. 

Weighing a good 3.79 pounds (about 1.71 kg), this helmet is slightly heavier than the more premium models. But you get stability, especially when at high speed. The Explorer also meets DOT and ECE 22.05 standards for great protection.

7. AGV X101

AGV X101: Buy on
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AGV helmets need no introduction – this brand is as popular as Shoei or Arai. 

You may have even noticed this Italian motorcycle helmet maker adorning the heads of many top MotoGP riders. Legends like Kenny Roberts, Pol Espargaro, and Valentino Rossi wear AGV helmets. 

One good thing about AGV is that they make more than just racing helmets; the X101 is AGV’s take on what makes a great adventure motorcycle helmet with a twist. Instead of modern, almost Halo-like adventure helmets, you get a retro, 70s design. 

The helmet’s fiberglass shell provides good protection while keeping it light. The interior is as retro as the outside—it’s eco-leather and suede. The liner and cheek pads are easily removable and machine-washable.

The chin guard has a metal grill, which I think does a great job of keeping dirt and debris from entering the helmet and ensuring good airflow and ventilation. 

The eye port is large and should accommodate goggles well and provide food peripheral vision. The AGV X101 also comes with a Double D-ring chinstrap and is DOT-approved. 

8. Arai XD-5

Arai XD-5: Buy on
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Now that we have mentioned Shoei, how can we not talk about its most worthy Japanese rival, Arai? Arai helmets are just as popular as Shoei’s, and many pro racers, such as MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales and Takaaki Nakagami, swear by them.

The XD-5 is a rather new release, replacing the outgoing XD-4. The XD-5 adventure motorcycle helmet features the advanced PB-CLC2 shell. Made with Super Fiber, it is claimed to be 30% stronger than regular fiberglass. Arai also widened the interior and jaw area for easy entry. 

The VAS-A shield system allows you to remove the shield easily without needing tools. Thanks to its large and wide eye port, the helmet can accommodate goggles. The peak has been redesigned for better protection from the elements and to reduce wind buffeting. 

The interior is made from 3D cut pads and is treated to be odor-resistant. The linings and pads can also be removed to wash. The XD-5 is also DOT and Snell M2020 approved, giving you peace of mind when on the road.

The results of all these improvements? I can feel a better, more comfortable helmet with a more quiet ride.

9. AFX FX-41 DS

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AFX Helmets represents the other end of the helmet market—they make affordable motorcycle helmets that help many folks get into riding bikes. These helmets, however, are still well made, and most pass safety certifications. 

I decided to include the FX-41 DS here because it stands out as an affordable yet feature-packed helmet for riders on a budget. 

The adventure motorcycle helmet also comes with what you need from an adventure motorcycle helmet. It has 17 ventilation points, a removable peak visor, and a large eye port.

There’s even a drop-down internal sun visor for additional comfort when riding during the day. The helmet has a lightweight composite poly-alloy shell for good protection.

The interior features hypoallergenic, antimicrobial inner liner and cheek pads. These are removable and washable for easy maintenance. The FX-41 DS also comes with DOT and ECE 22.05 certifications. 

10. Nexx X.WED2 Vaal

Nexx X.WED2 Vaal: Buy on
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Nexx Helmets is a Portuguese company known for making innovative premium motorcycle helmets. Their rather distinctive, robotic design makes them look cutting-edge. Popular models include the X.Vilitur, a modular helmet.

Another of their best sellers is the X.WED2, a helmet that combines the comforts of touring helmets with the ventilation of dirt bike helmets. The helmet is made with the X-MATRIX shell, which combines fiberglass, Aramid, and carbon fiber.

The adventure motorcycle helmet has a good air-channeling peak, which can cut into the wind, generating less resistance. There’s also a drop-down internal sun visor for additional comfort while riding in the day. The helmet comes with ECE 22.05 and DOT certification.

I also found the helmet quiet and cool on both slow and high-speed riding, thanks to its good ventilation. It also has a good CoolMax 3D internal lining for good fit and comfort. 

Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets – What’s Your Choice?

Here are what I think represent the 10 best adventure motorcycle helmets you can purchase today. When selecting the helmets, I try to cover all the bases, such as budget, functionality, and styling. 

If adventure motorcycle helmets are not your preference, what about checking out my list of best full-face helmets? I have also created a list of the best modular helmets under $300

Michael’s Summary and Conclusion

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and non-profit organizations:

• Klim
• Bell
• Shoei
• Scorpion EXO
• HJC 
• LS2 
• AGV
• Arai
• AFX 
• Nexx 

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