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Motorcycle helmets come in different types, each designed for a specific combination of safety, comfort and riding experience.

• The full-face helmet offers the highest safety but limits the sense of freedom. It suits all types of roads and provides a safe, comfortable ride.
• A modular helmet is a 2-in-1: flipped open it gives the freedom of a jet helmet, flipped closed it offers protection comparable to a full-face helmet.
• The flip-back helmet resembles a modular helmet but the chin bar flips fully back. This keeps the helmet stable and aerodynamic when open.
• The open-face or jet helmet offers the greatest sense of freedom but less protection than full-face or modular helmets.
• An adventure helmet combines off-road looks with a visor, ideal for adventurous riding.
• The motocross helmet is an off-road full-face helmet without a visor, specially designed for motocross or off-road riding.
• Children’s helmets are specially designed for young riders and offer optimal protection for children.

Motorcycle helmets can be made from different materials; each material has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of weight, price, durability and comfort.

• Polycarbonate suits novice motorcycle riders, occasional use, scooters or limited budgets. It offers correct protection for daily use but expect no top comfort or maximum lifespan.
• Fibreglass is a good middle ground: better protection and durability than polycarbonate without carbon fibre’s high price. A strong recommendation for regular riders wanting quality without top price.
• Carbon fibre is ideal for maximum comfort, minimal neck strain and light weight – especially on long distances or sporty rides. Premium price but often top class in protection and comfort.

All the above materials degrade gradually under UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, weather and perspiration when the helmet is in use. The average helmet lifespan is therefore set at 5 years.

Motorcycle helmets come in different styles, each tailored to specific riding conditions and looks.

• Adventure combines off-road styling with a visor and suits adventurous rides.
• MX is designed for motocross and off-road riding with a rugged, functional look.
• Race offers a sporty appearance and is designed for track use.
• Scooter is entry-friendly, suited to daily urban use and short rides.
• Sport-tour combines sporty looks with extra comfort for longer tours.
• Tour is for riders covering long distances regularly, with extra features boosting comfort.
• Urban focuses on city use with a compact shape and practical features.
• Vintage has a classic look for chopper and neo-retro riders who value style.

Some motorcycle helmets are replicas of those worn by famous racers. These helmets often feature a striking, recognisable design and provide a race look. Note that this is an aesthetic choice: the replica offers no extra protection beyond the helmet's standard safety standards.

The type of paint on a helmet affects both looks and maintenance. These are the most common options:

• Matt: many riders prefer matte finishes for its appearance. Matte paints do require specific maintenance as they are more scratch- and stain-prone. With proper care you enjoy the matte look longer.
• Glossy: glossy helmets are durable and easy to maintain.

Motorcycle helmets come in a wide variety of colours and designs, from simple solid colours to complex patterns and graphics. For every rider there is a style that matches personal preferences and taste.

Many modern motorcycle helmets have an internal sun visor. You slide it down or up easily so riders can respond quickly to changing light conditions. It adds comfort and protection against sun glare without needing separate sunglasses. Note that an internal sun visor adds weight, which some riders see as a drawback.

At open-face or jet helmets, visor length affects both comfort and helmet styling. Below is an overview of the options:

• No visor: the helmet is fully open, offering maximum freedom and ventilation. Helmets without visors often have a vintage look.
• Short visor: protects your eyes from wind and rain while keeping the open feel. Helmets with short visors usually have a vintage look.
• Long visor: protects the full face from wind and rain. Helmets with long visors often have urban or touring styling.
• Not applicable: only for helmets that are not open-face or jet helmets.

A Pinlock is a special anti-fog lens that prevents the helmet visor from fogging up, and various options are available with helmets:

• Included: the Pinlock lens is supplied with the helmet and can be easily inserted into the visor, for example with help from trained staff in our RAD stores.
• Not possible: the helmet cannot be equipped with a Pinlock lens.
• Optional: the helmet is prepared for Pinlock lens installation, but the lens must be purchased separately.

A Pinlock is a special anti-fog lens that prevents your helmet visor from fogging; options vary by performance to suit riding needs:

• Pinlock 30: basic type for city rides or occasional use; basic anti-fog for mild conditions.
• Pinlock 70: all-round lens for daily use and varying weather conditions; reliable anti-fog with good visibility in rain or during cold weather.
• Pinlock 120XLT: premium lens with extra high anti-fog and better light transmission; ideal for long rides and changing weather conditions.
• Pinlock EVO: standard lens used by helmet brand Shoei, equivalent to Pinlock 120XLT with regard to anti-fog performance and quality.
• Pinlock 200: innovative lens available from 2026; maximum anti-fog performance, even in demanding weather conditions.

The MaxVision™ principle means the Pinlock lens is larger and covers the entire visor better for wider fog-free field of view.

Some motorcycle helmets can be equipped with a tinted visor as an alternative to the standard clear visor. Depending on the model, various options are available:

• Included: the helmet comes standard with an extra tinted visor that can replace the clear one.
• Optional: tinted visor available separately for this helmet.
• Not applicable: no tinted visor available for this helmet.

The inner lining of a motorcycle helmet ensures comfort and a good fit. It also plays a key role in hygiene, as many modern linings are anti-allergenic and antibacterial, reducing irritation and odours.

A removable and washable inner lining makes it easy to keep the helmet clean. Regular washing maintains hygiene and freshness, ensuring the helmet stays comfortable during extended use.

The closure of a motorcycle helmet determines how the helmet stays on your head. Below are the two most common closure systems, with their pros and cons:

• Double D closure: classic system with two metal D-rings. The chin strap threads through both rings and tightens by feeding back through one. Extremely reliable, resists high pull force and is the only permitted closure for competition or track helmets.
• Quick release / micrometric closure: ratchet or buckle mechanism for fast, easy fastening even with gloves. Convenient for daily riding or frequent stops. However, in some (heavy) impact scenarios it offers slightly less security than double D and is therefore not permitted in many competitions.

The Emergency Release System (ERS) is a safety feature in many modern helmets. It consists of removable cheek pads that make it easier to safely remove the helmet from the head in case of an accident, without extra force or movements that could strain the neck or head. This system enhances safety in emergencies. The new FIM FRHPhe-02 homologation tests ERS functionality, making it a key part of the helmet's safety assessment.

The recess for glasses wearers is a specially shaped section inside the helmet at temple height. It makes wearing (sun)glasses more comfortable without pressure or pinching.

A breath deflector is an insert inside the helmet placed at nose level. It directs exhaled air downward, away from the visor, reducing the chance of fogging while riding. This improves visibility and comfort, especially in cold weather. Additionally, a breath deflector can enhance the tough, ‘cool’ look of certain helmets.

All motorcycle helmets come with a protective cover. This cover is used when the helmet is not being worn and helps prevent dust and minor damage, for example when storing the helmet in a case on the motorcycle. The quality of the protective cover is often linked to the helmet's price: budget helmets usually include a basic cover, while high-end helmets often come with a premium-quality cover.

The chin wind deflector (often referred to as chin curtain) is an insert at the bottom of the helmet's chin piece that helps reduce wind entering under the helmet. This results in less draft, less noise, and generally more comfort, especially at higher speeds or in cold weather.

In some countries, such as France, it is mandatory to have a certain amount of reflective material on your motorcycle helmet. Some brands include these stickers as standard when you buy the helmet, while with other brands they must be purchased separately.

Many modern motorcycle helmets can be equipped with an intercom for communication with passengers, other riders, or devices. Different levels of compatibility exist:

• No intercom possible: the helmet is not designed for mounting or integrating an intercom.
• Helmet-specific intercom: the helmet is designed to easily integrate a specific intercom system from the manufacturer. The system is often more neatly integrated into the helmet, resulting in a cleaner aesthetic and less turbulence or wind noise compared to a universal intercom.
• Universal intercom: the helmet can be equipped with various brands and types of intercom systems, offering flexibility in equipment choice.

The number of different outer shell sizes indicates how many physical helmet shell sizes a particular model is produced in. A helmet available in multiple outer shell sizes typically offers a better fit and looks more proportional, as the shell better matches the selected size. This also makes smaller sizes lighter. Premium helmets usually have more outer shell sizes, as it is more production-intensive and results in an optimised fit and wearing experience.

The weight of a helmet affects riding comfort, especially on longer trips or at high speeds. Lighter helmets provide higher comfort. The stated weight is an approximation and may vary by size (larger helmets are typically slightly heavier). Furthermore, optional accessories like a Pinlock lens are not included in this weight.

Motorcycle helmets must meet official homologation standards to ensure safety. The most common certifications are:

• ECE 22.05 is the outdated European standard for motorcycle helmets. Helmets are tested for shock absorption, outer shell deformation, chin strap, and visor. Helmets with only 22.05 are no longer allowed in new production since late 2023 but may still be sold.
• ECE 22.06 is the latest standard for road helmets in Europe. Test methods have been tightened, with stricter requirements for visors, accessories, and modular helmets (tested both open and closed).
• FIM FRHPhe-01 is the homologation standard for helmets permitted in races and competitions on circuits. Helmets undergo linear and oblique impact and penetration tests, meeting strict protection requirements. The label is on the chin strap and supplements ECE standards.
• FIM FRHPhe-02 is FIM's newest homologation standard, launched in 2025 for circuit competitions. It sets higher standards than FRHPhe-01, with additional impact tests and a skull fracture criterion (Skull Fracture Criterion, SFC). From 2026, FRHPhe-02 becomes mandatory in many FIM championships.