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Cruising is just you, your bike, and the open road. You can cruise with any kind of bike; the key is to take it slow and soak in the world around you.
For cruising, you want a helmet that keeps you safe without interfering with your view of the scenery.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets
- OUR TOP PICK: Shoei Neotec 2
- RUNNER-UP: Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ScorpionExo COV-0105
Comparison of the Best Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets
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What Does Cruising Mean When Motorcycling?
Cruising is a style of riding that involves taking your time and enjoying the ride. Long trips through the countryside are perfect examples of cruising.
Technically, you can cruise on any type of bike, but there are bikes designed with this riding style in mind. Harley Davidsons are quintessential cruisers. The riding position puts the feet forward, hands up, and leans the rider back. This is a position that is exceptionally accommodating to long rides.
What Makes a Helmet Great for Cruising?
Cruiser helmets have characteristics that make them suitable for long, slow rides, including:
Weight
Since they’re worn for long periods, cruiser helmets are lightweight. Heavy helmets are uncomfortable, especially for long rides. The lighter the helmet, the more likely the rider is to wear it.
Chin Bar Position
Not all cruiser helmets have chin bars. If they do have one, it sits lower. This permits a more relaxed riding position without obstructing the view. After all, the view is one of the most important aspects of cruising.
Open Air
Most cruiser helmets let the rider feel the wind on their face. That said, there is a lot of personal preference for how much wind. Some riders prefer open face helmets so they feel the wind as they ride. Others want to be able to open the visor or remove the helmet quickly when they stop to take in a good view.
Some open face helmets include a visor or face shield, but a lot of riders opt for sunglasses instead. They provide some protection from the dust and wind without obstructing the view.
Review of the Best Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets
There are a lot of helmets that are suitable for cruising. Here are some impressive options to consider.
Best Overall:
Shoei Neotec 2
PROS
CONS
Shoei Neotec 2 Specs
- Type of Helmet: Touring
- Materials Used: Outer shell made with a five-ply matrix of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass, organic fibers, and resin
- Brand: Shoei
- Type: Modular
- Certifications: DOT
- Clasp type: Micro ratchet, a stainless steel locking mechanism
- Weight: 4.12 lbs
What Types of Activities is the Shoei Neotec 2 Best For?
This is a touring helmet that works well as a cruiser. The integrated communication system is useful for cruising with friends. Because this helmet has a chin bar, it provides more protection than open face helmets. That said, the modular design makes it easy to stop and take in the view.
Safety Features of Shoei Neotec 2
The dual-layer liner enhances impact absorption. Each liner component is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably while enhancing safety.
The shield has a breath guard and provides a distortion-free view. Beading prevents water from getting inside the helmet. This ensures a clear view of the road ahead.
What Are the Components of the Shoei Neotec 2?
Ventilation system. The upper intake vents and exhausts improve airflow. Plus, you can adjust the lower shutter while wearing riding gloves.
Cheek pads and liner. The liner material is ergonomically designed and dissipates moisture for ultimate comfort.
Face shield. The base plate system facilitated easy shield changes. It comes equipped with a Pinlock EVO fog-insert lens.
Runner-up:
Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet
PROS
CONS
Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet Specs
- Type of Helmet: Cruising, Touring, Street
- Materials Used: Injection-molded ABS outer shell
- Brand: Biltwell
- Type: Open-Face, ¾
- Certifications: DOT
- Clasp type: D-ring with adjustment strap end retainer with brushed fleece Lycra touchpoints
- Weight: 2.43 lbs
What Types of Activities is the Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet Best For?
This helmet is well-suited for cruising. It has a retro styling that a lot of people love. The open-face design lets you feel the wind on your face and doesn’t obstruct the view. It’s also suitable for daily commutes and street riding in stop-and-start traffic.
Safety Features of Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet
Rugged injection-molded ABS outer shell is lightweight, a great combination for safe cruising.
The EPS safety shell is custom-shaped and delivers a snug but comfortable fit.
The comfortable Lycra lined chin strap features durable plated steel D-rings.
What Are the Components of the Biltwell Bonanza Open-Face-Helmet?
Comfort liner and cheek pads. The brushed fleece Lycra touchpoints absorb and evaporate perspiration. It’s removable and washable.
Snaps. Snaps above the brow accept accessories from Biltwell and select other brands. Add bubble shields, visors, and other optical accessories.
Best for the Money:
ScorpionExo COV-0105
PROS
CONS
ScorpionExo COV-0105 Specs
- Type of Helmet: Cruising, Touring
- Materials Used: Advanced LG Polycarbonate shell
- Brand: Scorpion
- Type: Half
- Certifications: DOT
- Clasp type: Double D-ring
- Weight: 2.95 lbs
What Types of Activities is the ScorpionExo COV-0105 Best For?
This is a good cruising or touring helmet. It’s lightweight and suitable for long trips, and the tinted visor comes in handy in the bright sun. The ventilation keeps you cool when the sun’s out. Plus, you can’t beat the 5-year warranty.
Safety Features of ScorpionExo COV-0105
The optional lower face mask provides extra protection against bugs, dust, and debris.
Scorpion engineered the exclusive industry-leading polycarbonate shell to minimize weight and disperse impact.
This helmet includes a tinted visor for daytime riding and a clear one for night. You’ll see clearly no matter what time of day you ride.
What Are the Components of the ScorpionExo COV-0105?
Ventilation. The top vent provides excellent ventilation. You can close it in inclement weather when needed.
Comfort liner. The antimicrobial interior comfort liner is soft and reduces odor.
Face shields. The helmet comes with a tinted visor installed, but a clear visor is included for safe riding at night.
Best Full Face Helmet for Cruiser Motorcycle:
Arai Defiant-X
PROS
CONS
Arai Defiant-X Specs
- Type of Helmet: Sport
- Materials Used: Peripheral Belt construction shell
- Brand: Aria
- Type: Full-face
- Certifications: DOT and Snell M2015
- Clasp type: Double D-ring
- Weight: 3.51 lbs
What Types of Activities is the Arai Defiant-X Best For?
This is a great helmet for cruising thanks to its ventilation system. It moves a lot of air and keeps you cool, even in hot weather. Because this is a full-face helmet, it’s one of the safest options out there. You can use it for any type of riding.
Safety Features of Arai Defiant-X
The Peripheral Belt construction shell is based on the helmets worn by F1 drivers. Arai goes even further by using Super Fiber Belt technology to help the helmet resist cracks.
The peel-away cheek pad system ensures a safe and proper fit.
What Are the Components of the Arai Defiant-X?
Ventilation system. Arai’s Free Flow System guides air under the helmet to improve ventilation. Multiple ventilation ducts and exhaust ports keep the air flowing.
Liner system. The cheek pads feature a 5mm peel-away layer to adjust the fit. This helmet also utilizes a facial contouring system. It uses foam spring support in the cheek pads to absorb pressure.
Face shield. This helmet includes a VAS-V Max Vision face shield with a Pinlock insert lens.
Editor's Pick:
Bell Rogue Half Helmet
PROS
CONS
Bell Rogue Half Helmet Specs
- Type of Helmet: Cruiser
- Materials Used: Fiberglass composite outer shell
- Brand: Bell
- Type: Open-face
- Certifications: DOT
- Clasp type: Stainless steel D-rings and metal badges
- Weight: 3.03 lbs
What Types of Activities is the Bell Rogue Half Helmet Best For?
This is an ideal helmet for cruising. It’s lightweight and easy to wear for long rides, and the open-face design doesn’t obstruct the view. You can add the muzzle to protect your face from wind and debris when needed. Plus, the old school styling looks cool.
Safety Features of Bell Rogue Half Helmet
The optional muzzle doesn’t provide impact protection, but it does keep bugs and wind out of the rider’s face. This goes a long way toward improving concentration in poor riding conditions.
There are three shell sizes to choose from to ensure a proper fit.
What Are the Components of the Bell Rogue Half Helmet?
Adjustable and removable muzzle. The muzzle uses powerful magnets to stay in place. Taking it off and putting it on is simple, even with gloves.
Removable and washable interior liner. This is a great feature for a cruiser. If the liner gets sweaty on long trips, cleaning it before your next ride is simple.
Speaker pockets. Add a compatible Bluetooth speaker device to listen to music while you ride.
What to Look For When Buying a Cruiser Motorcycle Helmet
When buying a helmet for cruising, you have to think about protection and comfort. Here are some of the main features to consider:
Helmet Types
Half-helmets are popular for cruising. They give the rider an open view of the surroundings. That said, half-helmets don’t provide as much protection as ¾ or full-face helmets. This is something to consider.
The safest helmet for any kind of riding is a full-face helmet. Some riders don’t like these for cruising, though, because they’re heavy and don’t let you feel the wind on your face.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference. But you should always remember to put safety first.
Weight
Most riders prefer a lightweight helmet for cruising. They’re easier to wear for longer periods, which means you’re more likely to wear it.
Ventilation System
Proper airflow helps keep you cool, even on long trips. Riding is more comfortable, and the helmet keeps you safe while still letting you enjoy the ride.
Extra Features
Tinted visors are a great feature because they help keep harsh sunlight out of your eyes as you ride. Your helmet may also include speaker pockets. These are great if you plan to use a Bluetooth device to listen to music or communicate while you travel.
Cruiser Motorcycle Helmet Types
There are a few types of helmets to choose from when choosing one for cruising.
Full-Face
As mentioned, full-face helmets are the safest option. But they’re not always ideal for cruising. If you prefer a full-face helmet, find one that works well for cruising. There are two features to look for that can make it a better fit. Find one that’s lightweight with good ventilation for the most comfort.
Modular
Modular helmets provide a good amount of protection. Like full-face helmets, they have a visor and chin bar. The difference is that the chin bar and visor lift open on a modular helmet. This makes it easier to check out the views when you stop to take a break.
Open-Face
Open face or ¾ helmets aren’t as safe as full-face helmets, but they give you an unobstructed view of the scenery. This is why a lot of riders prefer them for cruising. If you choose an open-face helmet, you need to invest in a good pair of goggles or sunglasses for eye protection. Also, remember that this design protects your head. But, it doesn’t provide any protection for your face, chin, and neck.
Sport vs. Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets - Comparison Overview
Sport helmets and cruiser helmets have very different designs. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two types of helmets.
Dual Sport Helmets
Dual sport helmets are a mix between a full-face helmet and an off-road helmet. Like off-roading helmets, they have large visors and chin bars. Like full-face helmets, they feature comfortable interior padding.
These helmets are suitable for on and off-road. They provide more eye protection than a full-face helmet. You can often modify them for wearing goggles. The aerodynamics are like a full-face helmet. This is due in large part to the chin bar, which has a lower profile than on an off-road helmet.
The biggest difference between a dual-sport and an open face helmet is protection. Dual sports helmets are like full-face or modular helmets. They are safer than open-face helmets, but the visor and chin bar block the view.
Open-Face or ¾ Helmets
This style covers the top and back of the head but does not have a chin bar, which leaves the face exposed. While this significantly reduces safety, some riders prefer open-face helmets for cruising. They like to feel the wind on their face and be able to see their surroundings without a bulky chin bar or visor in the way.
Cruising helmets provide the same level of head protection as full-face helmets. Because they do not cover the face, they are not suitable for off-roading and shouldn’t be used at high speeds.
Conclusion
Cruising is a long, comfortable, relaxed ride just for the sake of riding. But anytime you’re on a motorcycle, safety is the priority. Full-face helmets provide the best protection. But they’re not always the top choice for cruising. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a cruising motorcycle helmet. Pick the right one to make sure you enjoy the ride.
People Also Ask
When figuring out which cruising helmet is right for you, other questions are bound to pop up. Here are some of the things people wonder about the most.
How to Carry an Extra Helmet on a Cruiser Motorcycle
It depends on the bike. Some motorcycles have a hook under the passenger seat for an extra helmet. You can also use a cargo net to attach a spare helmet. Another approach is to get a backpack designed for motorcycle riding. Most of them have a place to attach a helmet.
What is the Best Helmet Type For a Cruiser Motorcycle?
Everyone is different, so it’s hard to say what the best helmet is. If you want something that prioritizes safety, stick with a full-face helmet. But, if you prefer to feel the wind in your face on the open road, an open-face helmet will do the trick.
Are Helmets Required For Cruising?
You only have to wear a helmet for cruising in states that require them. Motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state, so make sure you know the laws for where you are. Look into the helmet laws of neighboring states if you’re planning to cross state lines.
