If you’ve recently bought a new cafe racer motorcycle, you haven’t just changed your riding style but your lifestyle as well. The bike changes your whole outfit and—most importantly—your riding kit, among other things. Although it is entirely up to you to change these things, one thing is certain. You will definitely need a full face cafe racer helmet, and we will help you find the best one for yourself.
To get the full experience of your cafe racer motorcycle, you must have the appropriate gear and outfit. That being said, if you don’t want to spend too much, we recommend you to at least get a nice full face cafe racer helmet. Due to its unique design, the best cafe racer helmet would give you a retro look that complements the old school look of the cafe racer motorcycle.
Of course, you can save your money and simply buy an actual vintage helmet. However, that wouldn’t be very wise of you. Since motorcycle technology has advanced a lot over the years, so an old helmet would not only be impractical but out of place as well. This is why you must get a modern cafe racer helmet.
Don’t worry, though, the best cafe racer helmet of today would blend modern helmet design and still give you the old school look. Buying the best cafe racer helmet can be a bit complicated as there are tons of factors involved in the process.
Therefore, we have included a concise buying guide down below. Cafe racer helmets are still quite popular nowadays, and a large number of manufacturers are producing them. So, after extensive research, we have handpicked the 10 greatest options for you so that you can easily choose the best cafe racer helmet for yourself.
Here are our top picks for a quick insight if you are not much of a reader
10 Best Cafe Racer Helmets Reviews
1. ScorpionExo Covert
Pros
- Highly protective and comfortable shell
- Additional clear visor for night-time riding
- Attractive design
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Can get a little noisy
- The shell can be a bit small
Like most ScorpionExo helmets, the Covert doesn’t need a user to look like it is in action. Whether you like it or not, you have to agree that it’s a superbly designed to give anyone a badass biker look. The Covert features a skull shell design with a removable face mask. Due to this, you get multiple looks and ways of wearing your helmet.
With the face mask, the Covert protects you from the sun and road elements. For night time, the Covert comes with an additional clear visor. Even though the shell is a bit small, it gives robust protection to the areas it covers.
This is due to the strong advanced LG polycarbonate material that the shell contains. The thick internal padding made of dual density EPS balances the protection with comfort. However, with a weight of 3.97 pounds, many users feel that the Covert by ScorpionExo is slightly heavy. Some users also complain that it can get noisy inside the helmet.
2. Biltwell Gringo S
Pros
- Incredibly strong and comfortable
- Lightweight
- More affordable than most helmets
Cons
- The design is too simple
Biltwell users would love the Gringo S since it is a major step up from the regular Gringo. The Gringo S is a unique helmet with an old-school design that gives you all the essentials that you need to stay safe and comfortable while riding your new cafe racer motorcycle.
First, the updated design adds a face shield to the simple lid of the Gringo. Other than that, the Gringo S features an injection-molded ABS outer shell and a double D-ring chin strap to ensure your safety. For maximum comfort, the Gringo S offers a shock absorbing EPS lining underneath a hand-stitched Lycra liner as well as cheek pads and an internal Biofoam chin pad.
Due to the internal padding, the helmet also achieves a more secure fit. Although the helmet looks quite simple, it is DOT approved and thus highly practical. With a weight of only 3.16 pounds, the Gringo S from Biltwell ensures a stress-free riding experience.
3. Bell Bullitt
Pros
- Looks attractive
- Weighs lighter than the competition
- Provides great ventilation
Cons
- Does not have a tinted shield
Based on the iconic Star that came out in the 1960s, the Bell Bullitt helmet is a nostalgic full-face cafe racer helmet. Since the Star revolutionized the helmet industry, Bell has modified and redesigned the helmet repeatedly and added new technology to it. Surprisingly, this design is still one of the most demanded designs out there.
The Bullitt features a low-profile carbon composite shell with multi-density EPS linings. Since the durable helmet will stay with you for a long time, you can easily remove and wash its antimicrobial interior. To make your rides as smooth as possible, the helmet offers great ventilation, a clear flat face shield, contoured cheek pads with integrated speaker pockets. Weighing only 3.24 pounds, the helmet has a reasonable weight. On top of all these benefits, the Bullitt comes with a five-year warranty and DOT and ECE approval.
4. TORC T1
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Gives you a retro look for a competitive price
Cons
- Runs a size larger than what you’d typically wear
- Slightly uncomfortable if you’re wearing glasses
The T1 from TORC is a full face cafe racer helmet that lets you achieve a retro look with modern safety features. The helmet features a fairly protective shell that is made with fiberglass tri-composite. For further protection, the T1 offers a removable shield and a padded chin strap with D-ring closure.
In addition to that, the super-plush interior liner of the T1 offers a remarkable fit and comfort. The multi-density EPS is one of the major factors that make this possible. Moreover, to make your next ride a breath of fresh air, the helmet provides front chin vents with a metal mesh intake and an exhaust vent.
What’s more, the face shield of the T1 isn’t an ordinary one because of its anti-fog and anti-scratch features. You can blindly trust the TORC T1 since it meets the FMVSS 218 standard and is DOT and ECE 22.5 certified.
5. Bell Eliminator
Pros
- Eyewear compatible
- Doesn’t heat up easily
- Has a shiny, eye-catching shell
Cons
- Not highly effective against wind noise
As far as looks are concerned, the Bell Eliminator reminds you of the classic auto racers. However, the Eliminator is a highly advanced full face cafe racer helmet that protects you like no other helmet. It comes with a fiberglass composite shell that is available in three sizes and five EPS sizes.
With the Eliminator, you get an amazing ProVision dual pane anti-fog face shield. This DOT and ECE approved helmet also gives you contoured cheek pads with recessed speaker pockets. Since you’re going to use it for a long time, Bell has equipped the Eliminator with an antibacterial lining, optional peak visor, and a Magnefusion strap keeper.
6. AGV X3000
Pros
- Lightweight shell
- Features an anti-scratch visor with micro opening system
Cons
- More suitable for winter than summer
- A little expensive
It wouldn’t be surprising if a cafe racer called the AGV X3000 the best cafe racer helmet out there right now. Inspired by one of Giacomo Agostini’s helmets, the X3000 blends old with new beautifully. In spite of looking so sophisticated, it prioritizes protection and comfort over looks.
It features the special advanced composite fiberglass outer shell made by AGV. Inside the shell, there is a much-needed EPS lining along with a premium interior made with genuine leather, suede fabric, and embroidered logo. You can remove most of the interior in order to wash it. For better comfort, the helmet gives you an efficient ventilation system.
7. Bell Broozer
Pros
- Pretty cost-effective
- Low weight and comfortable
Cons
- The chin bar needs to be stowed in a safe place if you choose to remove it
If you want to look badass while riding your bike, the Broozer is the best cafe racer helmet for you. However, apart from the superhero look, the Broozer will give you the utmost protection and incredible comfort with its countless features. For example, with its polycarbonate ABS shell, the helmet is not just powerful but lightweight as well.
Also, the Broozer features a visor that is anti-fog, anti-scratch, and UV protected as well. Not only that, but you can also swap it out for a tinted option too. Underneath the shell is a lining that is machine washable to support your health and convenience. Additionally, it features a removable chin bar if you wish to go for a traditional look. You can put your faith in the Bell Broozer since it is not just DOT certified but ECE certified as well.
8. Biltwell Lane Splitter
Pros
- Fog-free visor
- Easy to clean
- Exhaust vent doesn’t let the helmet heat up
- The shield is easy to open and secure while closed
Cons
- Can be a little heavy for some users
The Lane Splitter is arguably the best cafe racer helmet from Biltwell. Once you read about its technical features, you will agree that the Lane Splitter is no joke. Its hard-edged, angular chin bar makes you look like a professional rider.
Equipped with Biltwell’s proprietary ABS outer shell and a highly efficient shock-absorbing EPS lining, the Lane Splitter will never let any motorcycle accident hurt you. To make the helmet comfortable and fitting, the helmet comes with hand-stitched interior padding along with cheek pads and a Biofoam chin bar cushion. The DOT and ECE certified helmet is generous when it comes to vents. If you’re riding with your buddies, you can use the mesh pockets in the ear recess for your communication system.
9. Arai Signet-X
Pros
- Brilliant ventilation system
- Features a face shield that lets you see even in challenging conditions
- Cheek pads with Emergency Release Tabs and speaker pockets
Cons
- Expensive
- Not a great choice for rainy weather
If you can afford the Arai Signet-X, we can assure you that it is going to be the best full face cafe racer helmet that you have ever bought. Having massive inlet and exhaust openings, the best thing about the Signet-X is its high performance ventilation system. With a chin curtain that blocks turbulent air from entering the helmet and exhausts more air by creating negative pressure, the Arai masterpiece will freshen up your bike rides.
Plus, the Signet-X makes your group riding sessions even more fun by giving you fully removable Eco Pure cheek pads that have speaker pockets. You can easily install your communication systems in these spaces. Also, the helmet gives you what very few helmets can offer, i.e. Emergency Release Tabs. Since the Arai helmet has a VAS-MV (Max Vision) face shield with a Pinlock 120 lens, you can clearly see in most challenging conditions, such as during adventure riding. The Arai Signet-X has too many features to only be a common man’s helmet; therefore, it’s also used in premier racing series and performs amazingly well in them.
10. Shark S-Drak Carbon
Pros
- Eyeglass compatible
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons
- The helmet can use some more vents
Even though it looks a lot like a super-cool flight helmet, the S-Drak from Shark gives you more than just badassery. First off, the mask is redesigned in order to provide better ventilation. Also, the retractable internal sun shield is not just for show. It comes with an air intake deflector. In addition, the helmet shell is made of 100% carbon fiber, which makes it slim and lightweight as well as hard.
The shell isn’t just balanced and aerodynamic, it is specially designed to match your skull shape very closely. What’s more, you can remove the whole interior and wash it since it is made of 3D micro-aerated and antimicrobial mesh material.
Cafe Racer Helmet Buying Guide
Before you start looking for a great full face cafe racer helmet, there are some factors that you should take into consideration.
1. Helmet Shell
You may know that the material used in a helmet shell directly affects its safety level. However, we tend to forget that it affects its weight and comfort level as well. The three most important materials you need to about are Polycarbonate, Fiberglass composite, and Carbon fiber. Most helmets use these with a layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. This foamy material is densely compressed into a shock absorbent inner shell.
Being the lightest and thus the most expensive, carbon fiber distributes energy upon impact. In contrast, polycarbonate is less expensive since it flexes after absorbing energy. Fiberglass composite is a comparatively expensive option as it flexes, crushes, and splits as it absorbs energy.
2. Helmet Weight
Most helmets have a weight from 1400 to 1800 grams. The best cafe racer helmet for you would fit properly on your head and distribute all its weight around your head and shoulders. On the other hand, the center of gravity of a badly designed helmet is likely to be off, causing it to feel heavier and strain your neck.
3. Additional Features
Apart from the shell, most helmets come with additional features for various purposes, such as comfort, added safety, and more. All of them, though, have one ultimate goal: to enhance your riding experience. These features include integrated sunshade, communication provisions, wind reduction features, and so on.
4. Communication Provisions
Since wireless motorcycle communication devices are becoming more and more popular, communication provisions of a helmet deserve special attention. Before buying a full face cafe racer helmet, you must consider if you are going to ride alone or in a group.
If you’re going to ride with your buddies, then you should know that communication is a key element to group riding. In such a case, you would need a helmet with built-in communication provisions. Fortunately, with a few exceptions, you can install most Bluetooth systems in nearly any modern helmet.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned cafe racer helmets have highly varying additional features and benefits to give you. Therefore, we believe that you can easily find your best cafe racer helmet on our list.
Before you go looking for a new helmet, make sure you have created a budget and find nice helmets that you can buy with that budget. Now, all you need is to know what you’re looking for in a full face cafe racer helmet. Once you have identified your requirements, it will be a piece of cake for you to spot the perfect helmet for yourself.
