Best Helmets: My Top Picks
Besides leading and consulting for esteemed helmet manufacturers, including AGV Helmets, I have always been a passionate rider. Over the years, my helmet collection has grown extensively, encompassing a wide range of styles. From the iconic 1972 AGV X-3000 that pays homage to the legendary Giacomo Agostini “Ago” (a 14-time world champion) to my most recent additions—the state-of-the-art 2023 AGV K6 full-face road/street helmet and the technologically advanced 2023 AGV AX9 Carbon adventure touring helmet.
And when it comes to selecting the best helmets, I highly recommend the following choices:
Best Motorcycle Helmets for Every Style of Rider
Best Street Motorcycle Helmets
AGV K6
Carbon-aramid shell, 4 shell sizes, Pinlock-ready scratch-resistant face shield, 5 adjustable front vents, 2Dry moisture-wicking system, and DOT/ECE approved for safety.
Shoei RF-1400
Lightweight design, 4 shell sizes, improved aerodynamics for quietness, An emergency quick-release system, Pinlock shield, 6 air vents, meets DOT/SNELL M2015 safety standards.
Arai Corsair X
PB SNC2 Shell with Diffuser Type 12 for better aerodynamics, removable Arai Proprietary Liner, VAS Shield Latch System, VAS V MV Shield for all-season visibility, SNELL 2020/DOT approved.
Bell Qualifier
Polycarbonate shell, NutraFog II shield, and ProTint shield, three shell sizes — XS/S, M/L & XL/2XL, adjustable ventilation, removable/washable interior, and DOT/ECE certified.
Shark Spartan GT
Lightweight fiberglass shell with “Shark Skin” diffusers and rear spoiler, ram-air intake vents, bamboo-blended liner system, shield system, and easy fit glasses system. Four-star SHARP rated.
Sedici Strada II
Lightweight protection with a fiberglass and aramid shell, well ventilated with adjustable padding, and Bluetooth-ready for on-the-go connectivity. DOT and ECE 22.05 certified.
Scorpion EXO-R420
Polycarbonate shell for impact dispersion, aero-tuned for balance, fog-free shield, tool-less shield changes with Ellip-Tec II Ratchet System, and SNELL M2015/DOT rated.
HJC i10
Lightweight polycarbonate shell with advanced aerodynamics and effective ventilation with an anti-fog shield option, and is Bluetooth-ready. Meets DOT and SNELL M2020 safety standards.
Scorpion EXO-R1 Air
Lightweight Ultra-TCT shell, aerodynamic design, and optimal ventilation. The MaxVision pinlock-ready face shield, and the AirFit system reduces wind noise. Includes speaker pockets.
Nolan N87
Ultra-wide face shield with VPS inner sun shield, AirBooster ventilation, and Microlock2 retention system. Clima Comfort liner and ready for N-Com Bluetooth system. DOT approved.
AGV K3
Aerodynamic shell, tool-free visor removal, drop-down sun visor, washable inner liner, removable breath deflector and chin strap protection, and ECE 22.05/DOT rated.
Best Sports/Racing Motorcycle Helmets
AGV Pista GP RR
Highest level FIM Racing protection, IVS for ventilation, VLS for visor, metal vents integrated hydration system (MotoGP-developed), and titanium Double D retention system. Extras: customization kit, tear-off kit, earplugs.
Shoei X-15
Quiet state-of-the-art helmet with
6.1% reduction in drag and a 1.6% reduction in lift compared to the X-14, Multi-Ply Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus (AIM+) Shell. SNELL M2020R & ECE-22.06 certified.
Shark Race-R Pro
Impact redirection shell design, aerodynamic Diffuser Type 12, intuitive VAS Shield Latch System, custom-designed neck protection, titanium-coated chin strap. SNELL 2020/DOT certified with SHARP 5-star safety rating.
Arai Corsair X
PB SNC2 Shell with Diffuser Type 12 for better aerodynamics, removable Arai Proprietary Liner, VAS (Variable Axis System) Shield Latch System, VAS V MV Shield for all-season visibility, SNELL 2020/DOT certified.
AGV K6
Carbon-aramid shell, 4 shell sizes, Pinlock-ready scratch-resistant face shield, 5 adjustable front vents, 2Dry moisture-wicking system, and DOT/ECE approved for safety.
HJC RPHA 11 Pro
Aerodynamic shell, optimized ventilation system, wider eye port, removable/washable interior, tool-less shield replacement, dual lock system, and comes with clear and dark shields.
Scorpion EXO-R1 Air
Ultra-TCT construction with aero-tuned shell, optimal airflow ram-air intake with 4-port exhaust, Elliptec II shield mechanism. DOT/ECE approved with SHARP 5-star safety rating.
Bell Race Star DLX
Tri-Matrix composite shell, MIPS energy management system, X-Static XT2 silver liner, Panovision ProTint Photochromatic face shield, and meets SNELL M2015 and DOT certifications.
Best Adventure Touring Motorcycle Helmets
Arai XD-4
Impact redirection and improved aerodynamics, a VAS Shield Latch System. A removable peak, an emergency cheek pad release system. Meets DOT and SNELL M2020.
Bell MX-9 Adventure
Lightweight MIPS helmet with adjustable ventilation, removable liner cheek pads, removable peak visor for a street look, compatible with dirt goggles, and DOT/ECE certified.
Scorpion EXO-AT950
Lightweight LG polycarbonate shell, dual-density EPS for energy displacement, flip-up chin bar, tool-less shield changing, drop-down sun visor. ECE 22-05/DOT approved.
AGV AX9
100% carbon fiber shell, superior ventilation with adjustable vents, four configurations, moisture-wicking padding, and a Max Vision Pinlock lens. DOT and ECE certified.
Klim Krios Pro
Hand-laid full-carbon shell with a wide carbon weave for weight reduction, along with Koroyd technology for impact performance and ventilation. Meets ECE/DOT standards.
Icon Variant Pro
Handcrafted composite shell with modular liner, sculpted neck roll, anti-lift visor, low-profile vents, and quick-change fog-free shield. Chin air channels. DOT/ECE/SAI/SG compliant.
HJC DS-X1
Advanced polycarbonate composite shell with superior fit and comfort, Pinlock-prepared HJ-27 shield, and large eye port for street and dirt riding, with DOT approval.
Schuberth E1
Aerodynamic shape, Schuberth’s Anti-Roll-Off System, peak visor, closable chin bar vent, and Pinlock face shield prevent fogging. Bluetooth-enabled and DOT certified.
Best Off-Road Motorcycle Helmets
AGV AX9
100% carbon fiber shell, superior ventilation with adjustable vents, four configurations, moisture-wicking padding, and a Max Vision Pinlock lens. DOT and ECE certified.
Shoei VFX-EVO
AIM+ shell construction for lightweight rigidity, M.E.D.S. impact absorption, expanded rib shapes for goggles, 4 shell sizes, 3D Max-Dry removable liner. SNELL M2015/DOT compliant.
Arai VX Pro 4
Round shell shape, redesigned ventilation system, and removable Dry-Cool liner, with the cLc shell construction. Meets SNELL 2020/DOT certifications.
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Troy Lee SE4
MIPS brain protection system to reduce rotational forces, durable Polyacrylite shell, EPP chin bar, anatomical 3D cheek pads, and 16 intake, 12 ear exhaust vents. DOT FMVSS 218 rated.
O’Neal 5 Series
Lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell, an adjustable visor design, and multiple air vents to help keep you cool and dry. Meets DOT and ECE 22-05 safety standards.