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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.