Types of motorcycle helmets: Amazing Secrets You Should Know

Ever got confused among the types of motorcycle helmets? Only bikers know how a motorcycle can be both fun and dangerous at the same time. Statistics say that only a helmet could save a lot of lives during bike accidents.

A helmet is the most crucial safety hack while riding a motorcycle. And that’s why you should never compromise with your helmet design and quality. You might not know that there are different styles of motorcycle helmets.

When it’s time to choose your helmet, it should suit all your requirements perfectly. It’s not only about the design but also the quality. You just need to pick the right combination for you. We’re here to help and guide you about types of helmets. We hope it’s going to help you get the right one for you.

Types of Motorcycle Helmets

The types of motorcycle helmets can be quite confusing. Well, don’t worry. We’re here to get you out of your confusion. There are six different styles of motorcycle helmets you’ll find in the market. Here are some important facts about them. Have a look.

Full Face Motorcycle Helmets

full face motorcycle helmet

Well, according to its name, you might have already understood its design. Like your imagination, the full-face helmets cover your full face, including the front, back, and top of your head. That doesn’t mean it covers your eyes and you can’t see the view. The helmets also protect your eyes in a way so that you’ll be able to see everything.

The most important and unusual part of this helmet is it comes with a chin bar. That’s the main reason why we call it a full-face motorcycle helmet. It provides you with the full coverage and safety around your neck, head, jaw, and chin. Here, the chin bar is the first safety feature.

A study says that a full-face helmet is the only helmet that ensures your safety more. For the best protection, this one is the best option for a biker.

Different Types Of Full Face Helmets

While choosing full-face motorcycle helmets the position of riding your bike is one of the most crucial facts. Such as sport riders should choose the different designs of a full-face helmet compared to casual riders. They have a particular riding position like crouched or hunched over. That’s why they should wear such a full-face helmet that prevents lifting at higher speeds.

For sport riders, their full-face helmet should have a higher chin bar and a slightly angled visor opening towards the top of the full-face helmet. Not just that. Their full-face helmets should have slipperiness against the wind. And, also in a tuck position, they need to draw as much as possible air. It requires the ventilation ducts located near the top of the full-face helmet. 

On the other hand, casual bikers like adventurers, cruisers, and tourers should go with a little different type of full-face helmets. In this case, their helmets should have a lower chin bar, more air ducts in the front, and a directly straightforward visor opening. All these because the casual riders are more into an upright position. These helmets also come with some more advantages, including soundproofing, comfort, Bluetooth, Mp3, and so on.

Modular Motorcycle Helmets/ Flip-up

modular motorcycle helmets

Another type of helmet for casual riders like cruisers, tourers, and adventurers is the modular helmets. You can also call these helmets flip-up. They are a combination or mixture of the full-face helmets and the ¾ helmets. Its design has the main focus on the upright position of the riders. It has a chin bar that sits lower on the face and more a straightforward visor opening. 

The twist of this type of helmet is its chin bar. You’ve probably understood the twist-plot knowing its name. Yes, you can flip up both the visor and the chin bar. It’ll make the front of your helmet open. You don’t need to put your helmet off all the time you talk to someone, eat or drink anything.

According to the fitment and the materials, there’s no difference between the full-face helmet and this one. Besides, a modular helmet comes with dual visor opening and Bluetooth speakers. It also prides with the anti-fogging system with the main visor and sunlight protection with the secondary visor.

You can wear this type of helmets with an open face. But that doesn’t mean you should do this all the time while riding. That can be so much dangerous. Another thing about this helmet might bother you is its weight. It’s a little heavier than the full-face helmets.

Open Face Motorcycle Helmets/ ¾ Helmets

Open Face Motorcycle Helmets/ ¾ Helmets

Let’s talk about the highly popular helmets, according to the scooter rider and the cruisers. These are the open face motorcycle helmets. Because of its ¾ structure, it’s also called the 3/4 helmets. That’s because it covers the ¾ of the head, the top, and the sides, except the face.

In the coverage area, it provides all the safety configuration like the full-face helmets. But because of its less coverage, it has a few safety issues. Well, according to its structure, it’s clear that this type of helmets neither has any chin bar nor a visor opening. So, riders who are very conscious about the style they will find these helmets so stylish and cool. 

Besides, open face helmets are light. You’ll feel light and less pressure while riding. On the other hand, you might face problems because of the disturbing and unwanted situations. The facial exposure of this helmet can’t protect you from rain or dust. For that reason, you’re going to need goggles or eye protectors.

Half Motorcycle Helmets/ Brain Buckets

Half Motorcycle Helmets/ Brain Buckets

Some people feel suffocated while wearing helmets. Half helmets are, especially for those people. These types of motorcycle helmets are also known as brain buckets. Funny, right?

Of course, there’s a reason behind such a name. This type of helmets provides with least coverage of your head. It covers from the end of the forehead to almost half the portion of your head on the back. The lid seems like it’s covering the brain. The brain buckets are the favorite helmets for vintage riders and cruisers.

Some of the models of theses helmets might come with a little more coverage. The best advantage of this helmet is the airflow. None will feel suffocated at all. But still, there is a safety issue. Comparing to other helmets these helmets are least safe for the riders. You’re going to need extra equipment for protection.

Because of the absence of the face shield or visor opening, you’ll require goggles or glasses for eye protection. For facial protection, you can use a bandanna. Most of the riders use this equipment while wearing a half helmet.

Also, some of these helmets come with some additional features like Bluetooth speakers. Because of the space issue, there’s less room for any additional upgrading. If the safety issue doesn’t bother you, you can certainly enjoy these light-weight helmets.

Off-road Motorcycle Helmets/ Motocross

Off-Road Motorcycle Helmets/ Motocross

Now for the off-road riders here comes the Off-road helmets, aka motocross helmets. The off-road helmets are different from other types of motorcycle helmets. According to weight and ventilation, they are the best option. Motocross helmets come with a different chin bar and a bigger visor. These features offer excellent airflow and ventilation.

We all know off-road riding can be dangerous. That’s why motocross helmets have their first focus on safety and comfort. They don’t compromise with safety. A carbon-fiber motocross helmet would be better for an off-road rider. The main feature of these helmets is their sun peaks and angular chin bars.  

The motocross helmets don’t come with the built-in eye protection or face shield. Hence riders need to buy their goggles or glasses. It’s kind of an advantage. With the goggles, your eyes will be safe, and you’ll feel the airflow.

Unlike a built-in face shield, in this way, there won’t be any suffocation. As an off-road rider, you should never ride without the goggles. And also, you can choose the design whatever you like.

Dual-Sport Motorcycle Helmets/ Crossover

Dual-Sport Motorcycle Helmets/ Crossover

Looking for a mash-up of on-road and off-road helmets? There you go. Among different styles of motorcycle helmets, Dual Sport helmets are the mixture of the full-face helmets and the motocross helmets. That means you can use them on both the street and the other terrains.

You can also call them the crossover helmets. The important fact of these helmets that they provide nice ventilation and a sun peak. On the other hand, they are also soundproof and warm for the on-road riders. The amazing part is they also come with a built-in chin bar and a visor.

The sup peak prevents the helmets form lifting during high-speed riding. Although there is a visor, the rider can wear glasses and enjoy the airflow with keeping the visor open.

Read more: Motorcycle Helmet Size Chart And Measurement Guide

The Last Words

Don’t get confused among the different types of motorcycle helmets. While choosing the right one you should consider your riding style. Always remember that accessories are not more important than your safety and comfort. Go through the helmet with details. Choose the helmets only if they match according to your requirements. Riding a motorcycle is all about fun. But we should never forget about our safety.

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