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The best cafe racer helmet is the Bell Bullitt GT: an iconic retro full-face with a big eye port that looks right on any classic-styled bike. The Biltwell Gringo S ECE 22.06 is the best value, the Bell Eliminator has a fiberglass shell and a vintage race look, and the Biltwell Gringo SV adds a sun visor.
Cafe racer helmets combine 1960s and 70s styling with modern certification. We picked current 2026 retro full-face helmets and replaced discontinued models from our older list. For cruisers, see our full-face helmets for Harley riders.
Quick picks
- Bell Bullitt GT: best overall
- Bell Eliminator: best vintage race look
- Biltwell Gringo S ECE 22.06: best value
- Biltwell Gringo SV: best with a sun visor
- Biltwell Lane Splitter: best modern-retro hybrid
- Highway 21 .38 Retro: cheapest retro full-face
Cafe racer helmets compared
| Helmet | Style | Sun visor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Bullitt GT | Classic bubble shield | No | $$$ |
| Bell Eliminator | Vintage race | No | $$$ |
| Biltwell Gringo S | 1970s full-face | No | $$ |
| Biltwell Gringo SV | 1970s full-face | Yes | $$ |
| Biltwell Lane Splitter | Modern-retro | No | $$ |
| Highway 21 .38 Retro | Classic full-face | No | $ |
The best cafe racer helmets for 2026
1. Bell Bullitt GT: best overall
The Bullitt is one of the defining cafe racer helmets, with a huge eye port and bubble shield. The GT version updates it for modern riding.
Pros
- Iconic style
- Great view
- Comfortable
Cons
- Noisy at speed
2. Bell Eliminator: best vintage race look
A fiberglass full-face inspired by Bell’s classic race helmets, with a Panovision shield.
Pros
- Fiberglass shell
- Vintage race style
- Wide view
Cons
- Pricier
3. Biltwell Gringo S ECE 22.06: best value
A compact 1970s-style full-face that meets ECE 22.06, at a fair price.
Pros
- ECE 22.06
- Compact
- Classic look
Cons
- Limited venting
4. Biltwell Gringo SV: best with a sun visor
The Gringo shape with an internal drop-down sun visor.
Pros
- Sun visor
- Classic style
- Compact
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the Gringo S
5. Biltwell Lane Splitter: best modern-retro hybrid
A modern full-face with retro lines, a good fit for neo-retro bikes.
Pros
- Distinctive look
- Good visibility
- Compact
Cons
- No sun visor
6. Highway 21 .38 Retro: cheapest retro full-face
A low-cost retro full-face from RevZilla’s Highway 21 brand.
Pros
- Low price
- Classic look
- Full-face protection
Cons
- Basic features
How to choose a cafe racer helmet
Choose a full-face for protection; many retro open-face helmets leave your chin exposed. Check certification (DOT or ECE 22.06; see helmet safety ratings) and try it on, because retro shells often fit snugly. Pair it with goggles or riding glasses if you choose an open-face, and a leather jacket for the look. Learn more about classic helmet design from Bell.
FAQ
Are retro helmets safe?
Certified retro helmets pass the same tests as modern ones, though they may be louder and less vented.
What is a cafe racer helmet?
A helmet with classic 1960s and 70s styling to match cafe racer and vintage bikes.
Bullitt or Gringo?
See our Bell Bullitt vs Biltwell Gringo comparison.
Verdict
Buy the Bell Bullitt GT for the classic look, the Biltwell Gringo S for value, or the Gringo SV if you want a sun visor.
