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A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you can buy.
If you’re on a budget but are looking to find a quality helmet that’s affordable and effective, don’t worry. There are plenty of affordable options available that can keep you safe, and even offer UV protection.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Helmets Under $200
- OUR TOP PICK: LS2 Helmets Full Face Stream
- RUNNER-UP: Scorpion EXO R2000
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BELL Pit Boss Cruiser
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Helmets Under $200
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Can You Find a Quality Motorcycle Helmet Under $200?
Yes, you can. But there are some differences in quality between a budget helmet under $200 and a premium helmet. With a budget of $200 or less, you may not find all the extras you want and some features may be lacking. But you can find a durable, quality helmet. Most importantly, you’ll find a bike helmet that will keep you safe.
Remember, any helmet is better than no helmet. Having a tight budget doesn't mean you can’t protect yourself. Finding good helmet brands that offer an affordable price is the key to staying as safe as possible.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Helmets Under $200
When it comes to motorcycles, there are a lot of affordable options out there. If you don’t have a lot to spend, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Here are some of the best motorcycle helmets for under $200.
Best Overall:
LS2 Helmets Full Face Stream
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Touring, Cruise, Sports
Materials Used: High-Pressure Thermoplastic Technology polycarbonate alloy outer shell
Brand: LS2
Type: Full-face
Certifications: DOT, ECE
Clasp type: Quick release metal security plate reinforced strap
Weight: 3.66 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the LS2 Helmets Full Face Stream Best For?
This is a good choice for street riding. It’s suitable for daily commutes as well as longer rides. If you’re looking for an affording cruising or touring helmet, this is a great choice. It fits most budgets and the full-face coverage makes it one of the safer options.
Safety Features of LS2 Helmets Full Face Stream
- The lightweight shell is made of LS2's high-performance HPTT polycarbonate alloy. It’s exceptionally durable and sufficiently protects the head and face.
- The scratch-resistant face shield is optically correct. There are also a breath deflector and drop-down sun shield to provide a clear view of the road ahead.
What Are the Components of the LS2 Helmets Full Face Stream?
- Ventilation system. The helmet design allows air to flow through, utilizing a top vent and rear exhaust.
- Comfort liner. The inner liner wicks away moisture and is removable for easy cleaning. This helmet also has cheek pads cut from a single piece of foam. They deliver a perfect fit and no hot spots to further help regular temperature.
- Face shield. The Fog Fighter System 3D face shield uses a quick-release system for easy changes.
Runner-up:
Scorpion EXO R2000
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Street, Sport, Track
Materials Used: TCT Composite outer shell consisting of a blend of fiberglass, Aramid, and organic poly-resin fibers
Brand: Scorpion
Type: Full-face
Certifications: DOT, Snell
Clasp type: Titanium double D-rings
Weight: 3.54 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the Scorpion EXO R2000 Best For?
This is a great helmet for any type of riding. It is one of the most affordable Snell certified helmets around. Snell has much higher safety standards than DOT. That means this helmet is suitable for track days, as it’s safer at higher speeds.
Safety Features of Scorpion EXO R2000
- The teardrop shape minimizes buffeting at high speeds.
- An adjustable cheek pad system ensures a snug fit.
- The emergency release system allows first responders to remove the helmet when needed. They can do so without risking further injury.
What Are the Components of the Scorpion EXO R2000?
- Ventilation system. This helmet has six front intake airports and 10 rear exhaust vents.
- Ellip-Tec Ratchet. Do tool-free face shield changes in seconds with a proper seal.
- Air Fit cheek pads. You can adjust the cheek pads to get the perfect fit. Plus, they also accommodate most styles of eyeglasses.
Best for the Money:
BELL Pit Boss Cruiser
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Cruiser
Materials Used: TriMatrix composite outer shell, a Kevlar, carbon, and fiberglass blend
Brand: Bell
Type: Open-face
Certifications: DOT
Clasp type: D-rings
Weight: 2.44 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the BELL Pit Boss Cruiser Best For?
As the name suggests, this helmet is ideal for cruising. It’s ultra-lightweight and easy to wear for long rides. It’s also easy to adjust to various weather conditions. The visor is useful for sunny days, and the neck curtain comes in handy when it’s cold or rainy.
Safety Features of BELL Pit Boss Cruiser
- The speed dial-adjustable fit system lets you adjust the helmet for just the right fit.
- The composite outer shield is exceptionally durable. It comes in two sizes so you can make sure you get the right fit.
What Are the Components of the BELL Pit Boss Cruiser?
- Sun shield. The internal sun shield is there when you need it and protects your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
- Speaker pockets. Setting up communication devices is easy with built-in speaker pockets.
- Adjustable fit. Use the simple dial to customize the fit for the utmost safety.
Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet Under $200:
BELL Qualifier Street Helmet
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Street
Materials Used: Lightweight polycarbonate shell
Brand: Bell
Type: Full-face
Certifications: DOT
Clasp type: Padded chin strap with D-rings
Weight: 3.28 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the BELL Qualifier Street Helmet Best For?
This helmet is best suited for street riding, particularly commutes and stop-start traffic. You can also use it for cruising or touring. The ventilation system and lightweight shell keep you comfortable on long rides. Plus, the full-face protection is ideal for highway riding.
Safety Features of BELL Qualifier Street Helmet
- The contoured cheek pads ensure you get a secure and safe fit.
- You get a clear view of the road ahead with the anti-fog, anti-scratch, UV protected face shield.
- Full-face protection is superior to other types of helmets.
What Are the Components of the BELL Qualifier Street Helmet?
- Ventilation system. The top vents and rear exhaust ensure good air circulation. The vents are also adjustable so you can close them when the temperature drops.
- Contoured cheek pads. The uniquely shaped cheek pads provide a comfortable, safe fit.
- Face shield. The click-release system means efficient, tool-free shield changes.
Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet Under $200:
Vemar Sharki
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Sport, Street, Cruising, Touring
Materials Used: R-3P reinforced terpolymers outer shell
Brand: Vemar
Type: Modular
Certifications: DOT
Clasp type: Padded chin strap with double D-ring
Weight: 4.4 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the Vemar Sharki Best For?
The enlarged visual field makes this a great helmet for cruising or touring. Modular designs are suitable for travel, too. They quickly open when you want to take in the scenery. This helmet is also a good choice for commuting and street riding.
Safety Features of Vemar Sharki
- The enlarged visual field gives the rider impressive vertical and peripheral views.
- A locking mechanism holds the chin bar secure, even at high speeds.
- The drop-down sun visor ensures you have a clear view of the road, even in harsh light.
What Are the Components of the Vemar Sharki?
- Ventilation system. This helmet features three adjustable front intake vents and a large rear exhaust.
- Communication-device ready. Add your favorite communication device using the slot on the helmet and recessed section inside.
- Liner and padding. The internal liner is removable and washable. This helmet also has a padded chin strap for extra comfort.
Quietest Motorcycle Helmet Under $200:
HJC 980-614 IS-MAX II
PROS
CONS
Type of Helmet: Touring, Sport, Cruising
Materials Used: Advanced polycarbonate composite outer shell with an adjustable polycarbonate chin bar
Brand: HJC Helmets
Type: Modular
Certifications: DOT
Clasp type: D-ring
Weight: 3.75 lbs.
What Types of Activities is the HJC 980-614 IS-MAX II Best For?
This HJC helmet is best for street riding and commuting. If you can handle the weight, it would be a great cruising helmet, too. The adjustable ventilation system keeps you cool. Plus, the integrated sun shield provides good eye protection when you need it.
Safety Features of HJC 980-614 IS-MAX II
- Easily deploy the one-touch integrated sun shield when needed.
- Cheek pads are available in multiple sizes to ensure you get the right fit.
- The chin bar and face shield provide more coverage than open-face helmets.
What Are the Components of the HJC 980-614 IS-MAX II?
- Lining. The antibacterial liner pulls sweat toward the ventilation system to keep you dry.
- Ventilation system. Air flows from front to back, pushing heat and humidity up and out of the back of the helmet.
- Single-button release. The chin bar and face shield are released at the push of a button.
What to Look for When Buying an Inexpensive Motorcycle Helmet
Safety is the priority when choosing a motorcycle helmet, no matter what your budget. Here are the important factors to keep in mind about inexpensive motorcycle helmets.
Fit
Your helmet has to fit correctly for it to work. If it’s too big, it may fall off if you have an accident. If it’s too small, it’s likely uncomfortable and you won’t want to wear it.
Finding the right size is important. Make sure you look at the sizing chart for the brand you’re looking at before choosing a helmet. Also, look for helmets with adjustable padding so you can fine-tune it to your preferences.
Type
Full-face helmets are the safest because they protect the head and face. An effective ventilation system is important in a full-face helmet. Without it, the face shield is likely to fog and the temperature will quickly increase.
Modular helmets protect the face, but the chin bar and visor lift. You can quickly get some fresh air when you stop to take a break. This style also comes in handy if you’re traveling with other riders and need to talk to them at a red light.
Half-face helmets cover the head but leave the face and chin exposed. They’re cool, lightweight, and provide a clear view. That said, they provide the least amount of protection. This style is best for casual riders and commuters.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Any helmet is better than no helmet. That said, there are some things to be cautious about when using an inexpensive helmet.
Fit
Cheaper helmets are not as comfortable as more expensive ones. There are a few reasons for this. One is that the liner material isn’t of the same quality. Remember, the material quality is the biggest difference between a $200 and $1000 helmet. You will not get the same level of comfort with a cheap helmet.
Parts
If you want to replace a face shield or pins, it might be more difficult to find what you need for a cheap helmet. It’s much easier to get aftermarket parts for a popular helmet that’s made to last.
Be Wary of Sales
Closeouts are tempting, but consider this: how long has the product been on the shelf? Helmets are not meant to last forever. If the helmet sits on the shelf in a storeroom for a year or more before you buy it, you’ve already lost some time.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to find a motorcycle helmet for under $200, don’t worry. There are some great products out there that keep you protected without breaking your budget. Remember, you should never choose a helmet based solely on price. There are many other factors to consider. But there are decent, durable helmets to keep you safe at every price point.
People Also Ask
Choosing a motorcycle helmet is an important decision. You’re bound to have some questions when looking for the best motorcycle helmet under $200. Here are some of the things people ask the most while doing their research.
How Can I Make My Motorcycle Helmet Quieter?
Wearing a helmet that fits well is the most effective thing you can do for a quieter ride. You can also wear earplugs or helmet earmuffs to muffle the noise. Add a scarf or balaclava to block sound from getting into the bottom of your helmet. You can also try adjusting the windscreen of your bicycle to deflect the air away from your face.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Really Expire?
Yes. The interior lining wears down over time. It no longer provides the same protection or comfort. The outside of the helmet is durable and tough, but it’s also exposed to the elements. Sunlight, rain, and freezing temperatures affect the integrity of the helmet over time.
How to Tell if Motorcycle Helmet is Too Small
If your helmet is too small, it won’t fit well. You might get a headache or pressure spots on your forehead every time you wear it. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without causing discomfort. If you have a full-face helmet, the chin piece and shield should not come in contact with your face.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Helmet Last?
Most helmets last between five and seven years. Note that this is from the manufacture date, not the date you bought it. This is why it’s so important to know how long a close-out helmet has sat on the shelf in the store before you bought it.
Are Expensive Motorcycle Helmets Better?
Not necessarily. A Snell certified helmet provides exceptional safety whether it costs $200 or $1000. The more expensive helmet will be more comfortable. It will also have better aerodynamics and be much quieter.
