The best full-face helmet for Harley riders is the Bell Eliminator: a fiberglass full-face with retro styling that looks right on a cruiser or bagger and protects far better than a half helmet. If you want a classic look with a sun visor, the Biltwell Gringo SV is the pick, and the Shoei RF-1400 is the premium choice for long highway miles.
Many Harley riders wear half helmets, but a full-face protects your chin and face, which take a large share of impacts in a crash. We picked current 2026 full-face helmets that suit cruisers and baggers, and replaced older models from our previous list. For every helmet type, see our best motorcycle helmets.
Quick picks
- Bell Eliminator: best overall
- Biltwell Gringo SV: best retro helmet with a sun visor
- Bell Bullitt GT: best classic style
- Simpson Ghost Bandit: best aggressive style
- Scorpion EXO Covert X: best convertible helmet
- Shoei RF-1400: best for touring
- Bell SRT Modular: best for baggers
Full-face helmets for Harley riders compared
| Helmet | Style | Shell | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Eliminator | Retro full-face | Fiberglass | $$$ |
| Biltwell Gringo SV | Retro full-face | Composite | $$ |
| Bell Bullitt GT | Retro full-face | Composite | $$$ |
| Simpson Ghost Bandit | Aggressive full-face | Composite | $$$ |
| Scorpion EXO Covert X | Convertible | Polycarbonate | $$ |
| Shoei RF-1400 | Modern full-face | Composite | $$$$ |
| Bell SRT Modular | Modular | Fiberglass | $$ |
The best full-face helmets for Harley riders
1. Bell Eliminator: best overall
The Eliminator has a fiberglass shell, a wide eye port and a vintage look inspired by Bell’s classic helmets. It comes with a Panovision shield and suits cruisers, bobbers and baggers.
Pros
- Retro style
- Fiberglass shell
- Wide view
Cons
- Louder than modern touring helmets
2. Biltwell Gringo SV: best retro helmet with a sun visor
The Gringo SV keeps Biltwell’s classic shape and adds an internal sun visor, which is handy on long sunny rides.
Pros
- Internal sun visor
- Classic style
- Compact
Cons
- Limited venting
3. Bell Bullitt GT: best classic style
The Bullitt is one of the most iconic retro full-face helmets. The GT version updates it for modern riding.
Pros
- Iconic style
- Big eye port
- Comfortable
Cons
- Noisy at highway speed
4. Simpson Ghost Bandit: best aggressive style
Simpson’s Bandit shape is instantly recognisable, and the Ghost Bandit is a favourite with custom and performance cruiser riders.
Pros
- Distinctive look
- Strong shell
- Popular with custom riders
Cons
- Heavy
- Limited view
5. Scorpion EXO Covert X: best convertible helmet
The Covert X has a removable chin bar, so it can be a full-face or an open-face helmet. Check whether it’s certified in each configuration for your market.
Pros
- Removable chin bar
- Retro look
- Good value
Cons
- Less protection than a fixed chin bar
6. Shoei RF-1400: best for touring
If you ride long highway miles on a bagger, a quiet, comfortable modern full-face is worth it. The RF-1400 is one of the best.
Pros
- Quiet
- Very comfortable
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Modern look
- Expensive
7. Bell SRT Modular: best for baggers
A flip-up modular lets you lift the chin bar at stops and gas stations. See more in our best modular helmets.
Pros
- Flip-up chin bar
- Internal sun shield
- Fiberglass shell
Cons
- Heavier than a full-face
How to choose a full-face helmet for a cruiser
Style and protection
Retro full-face helmets like the Eliminator and Gringo match a cruiser’s look and give full chin protection.
Windscreen and noise
Big windscreens can create buffeting. A helmet with a smooth shell and good fit reduces noise; always wear earplugs.
Intercom
Many cruiser riders use intercoms. Check the helmet has speaker pockets; see our best motorcycle intercoms.
FAQ
Should Harley riders wear a full-face helmet?
A full-face helmet offers the most protection. Retro designs keep the classic look.
Are retro helmets safe?
Yes, if they’re DOT or ECE certified. Check our helmet safety ratings guide.
What boots go with a cruiser?
See our cruiser boots.
Is a modular good for a bagger?
Yes, for touring. It is heavier, but convenient at stops.
Verdict
Buy the Bell Eliminator for the best mix of style and protection, the Biltwell Gringo SV for a sun visor, or the Shoei RF-1400 for long touring days.
