The 10 Best Cafe Racer Helmets For Maximum Protection
Being a cafe racer motorbike owner requires more than just riding. Not just the bike matters; also your attire, riding technique, and riding companions. Finding a helmet that matches your old cafe racer-style motorcycle is the one issue that Cafe Racers used to face.
A decent cafe racer helmet will combine more traditional styling with modern functions. This means the helmet won’t have a lot of noticeable creases or spoilers. When it comes to face shields, you can expect to see smoother designs, less complex ventilation systems, and traditional eye protection.
Wearing a hat that doesn’t protect you from harm is unsafe, but many people are ready to take that chance. Some people appreciate how it makes them look or how the helmet looks.
There weren’t many options available on the market aside from open-face helmets. The majority of manufacturers would prioritize sporty-style helmets over café-racer-style helmets. Today, I’ll examine the top 10 best cafe racer helmets, their notable characteristics, and their overall rate of safety. Here they are:
- Nexx XG100R Finish Line Cream Red Helmet.
- Biltwell Gringo S Motorcycle Helmet.
- Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet.
- Shark HE3306DGMAL Unisex-Adult Full-Face Helmet.
- ScorpionEXO EXO Covert Helmet.
- Bell Eliminator Street Helmet.
- BELL Moto-3 Helmet.
- LS2 Street Fighter Helmet.
- Shoei RF-1400 Helmet.
- AGV X3000 Legends Vintage Style Helmet.
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In a Hurry? Our Chosen Top 3 Best Cafe Racer Helmets
| Image | Title | Brand | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Nexx XG100R Finish Line Cream Red Helmet size X-Large | Nexx | Buy Now | |
 | Biltwell | Gringo S | ECE DOT Approved | Motorcycle Helmet | Full Face with Shield | Gloss Vintage White | XX-Large | Biltwell | Buy Now | |
 | Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet(Solid Matte Black, Medium) | BELL | Buy Now |
Reviews of Top 10 Best Cafe Racer Helmets for You
1. Nexx XG100R Finish Line Cream Red Helmet
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The NEXX X.G100 Racer Helmet has the wonderful retro style you’ll adore from a brand you know and trust. This helmet has various color choices, including matte black and white and other graphic packages.
With the X.G100 Racer, you can get a retro appearance while enjoying comfort, materials, and technology. It’s a fantastic option for the track or the road. Also, there is just one ventilation slit that provides a quiet ride. Additionally, the snug fit around the ears aids in sound isolation.
Its detachable liner wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. Except for the chin curtain that runs down the edge, the entire liner can be removed. With Velcro fasteners, the liner is attached to the shell and will attach to your head tightly.
Pros:
- It does have several graphic packages.
- It offers a comfortable, removable, and hypoallergenic liner.
- It’s very lightweight.
- It also satisfies DOT and ECE safety standards.
Cons:
- A bit expensive
2. Biltwell Gringo S Motorcycle Helmet
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The Biltwell Gringo S has improved its level of safety and now comes with ECE certification, all while paying homage to a look that your mum and dad would have worn.
The Gringo S ECE Helmet is constructed with an injection-molded ABS outer shell by Biltwell. It includes a BioFoam chin bar cushion, cheek pads, and an EPS shock-absorbing liner with hand-stitched inner padding.
The improvement from the Biltwell Gringo is the Gringo S. It enhances the very simple lid by adding face protection. The helmet has a distinctive, vintage style and the simple necessities you’ll need to ride your bike safely and comfortably.
The Gringo S shield has great optics and a simple hinge for quick replacement or cleaning. A snap and tab design on the rider’s left side provides quick opening and secure closing to guard against road debris and wind discomfort.
Pros:
- Both DOT and ECE have authorized it.
- There are two shell sizes included.
- You will appreciate how cozy it feels while wearing it.
- It is constructed with an outer shell of injection-molded ABS.
Cons:
- It can be extremely hot in summer.
3. Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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The Bell Custom 500 open-face helmet is a great classic that you should consider purchasing. This helmet looks fantastic and fits perfectly. It is of excellent quality. The helmet’s reduced bulk compared to similar models from other brands is one of the pleasant surprises.
To help lower size, the helmet has an EPS size range and a fiberglass shell available in five different shell sizes. With five shell and EPS sizes, getting the style you want with the ideal fit is even simpler.
Forget about trying to look like a bubblehead. The EPS is multi-density, the helmet has a 5-year warranty, and the outer shell has a five-snap design for attaching a face shield. There is a DOT certification for the helmet.
Pros:
- It is DOT approved.
- It also complies with FMVSS 218.
- A five-year warranty is included.
- It offers five shell and EPS lining sizes to guarantee a low-profile appearance.
Cons:
- The Bell Custom 500 has a slight sizing issue.
4. Shark HE3306DGMAL Unisex-Adult Full-Face Helmet
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The Shark Raw features a modern appearance resembling a science fiction movie helmet. The helmet has a futuristic appearance and does not appear to be from the 21st century. It has a really cool appearance.
The Shark Raw complies with all DOT and ECE regulations, making it easy to use in the US or Europe. Even these Shark Raw helmets aren’t inexpensive; they have a lifetime guarantee and a solid warranty. The helmet hasn’t been SHARPly tested, but it can stand its own in that durability test.
The “hybrid” shell design of the helmet is the preferred option for a large number of riders. Customers have remarked that the helmet size is a bit smaller than they would desire, so it is suggested that you get one size larger than your head size.
Pros:
- It’s very lightweight.
- It has microfiber padding.
- It also provides great ventilation.
- Gives a stylish look on the road.
Cons:
- Sometimes it can be noisy at highway speeds.
Check Also: The Best Motorcycle Helmets for Harley Davidson Riders
5. ScorpionEXO EXO Covert Helmet
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The Scorpion is one of the best designs on the market with its magnificent style! It’s fascinating to look at this open-face helmet with a plastic faceguard. This helmet is for you if you prefer a radical appearance.
Despite having an open-face design and a removable faceguard, the helmet provides the appearance of being full-face. A detachable neck roll is also included for fashion and comfort. It changes the helmet’s appearance from a half helmet to a full face.
The fit of this helmet is pretty snug. After finding the correct size, owners find it to be quite comfortable. Inside the shell, the padding of this helmet is made of a soft, anti-allergy fabric. It can be removed and cleaned easily. The cheek pads attach with Velcro and may be taken off quickly and effortlessly.
Pros:
- It provides flawless elegance and style.
- It is comfortable to wear and very well-ventilated.
- It features Neodymium Magnets in its Removable Chin.
- It is DOT-approved and compliant with FMVSS 218.
Cons:
- It’s unsuitable for track racing.
6. Bell Eliminator Street Helmet
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Bell Helmets is a well-known high-end helmet manufacturer, and their Eliminator model is praised for its fashionable appearance and superior ventilation. The lightweight composite material used for the helmet’s shell ensures durability while maintaining its modest weight.
A helmet made specifically for sport riding is the Bell Eliminator. The ventilation is excellent, and it is extremely comfortable. The helmet is made to be kept firmly in place on your head and is extremely lightweight. The full-face shape of the Bell Eliminator Helmet provides several fantastic features.
A patented feature known as the Provision anti-fog system is possibly the Eliminator’s most unique feature. This feature is provided to help clear fog and moisture from the Eliminator’s face shield so that you can always see properly while riding.
Pros:
- This helmet doesn’t fog up easily.
- It’s lightweight and comfortable.
- It fits perfectly on your head.
- It is DOT approved and gives a stylish appearance.
Cons:
- Its ventilation design might cause road noise.
7. BELL Moto-3 Helmet
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Bell Helmets manufactured the Moto3 with a simple, clean retro style to follow the trend for retro races and café racer helmets. This helmet was initially popular in the 1970s, but it has recently reentered as a vintage and café racer-type helmet for the modern era.
Bell Moto3 is a premium helmet that combines modern and classic styles. The design offers a sleek round case with wide openings for simple wearing, an EPS-lined chin rest for facial protection, and five buttons for the brim.
It’s easy to carry the Bell Moto 3 around. This is beneficial whether biking in general or off-road. It is easy to use while riding and causes minimal neck pain. They are fairly big in size, making it simple to put the helmet on your head. This makes it simpler to view while giving your head some room to move if necessary.
With a weight of only 3.09 pounds, it is portable, doesn’t press against your head, and provides good airflow. While certain helmets can feel constricting or claustrophobic, just wearing this helmet makes you feel free and relaxed.
Pros:
- Perfect for those seeking a vintage or retro appearance.
- It’s very comfortable and has many safety features.
- The price is very reasonable.
- It’s also well-ventilated.
Cons:
- It lacks crown vents and a sturdy visor.
8. LS2 Street Fighter Helmet
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To begin with, it is undoubtedly one of the safest full-face helmets available for under $150 in the street-fighter industry. A composite shell of Advanced Polymer Alloy is used in the LS2 Street Fighter full-face helmet.
This helmet achieved the remarkable honor of becoming Snell-certified thanks to its sophisticated polymer alloy shell. It’s remarkable to see such a protective and lightweight helmet at this pricing point.
The LS2 Street Fighter helmet has an aggressive overall design with easily visible edges on the vents that enhance aerodynamics. You’ll want to wear this kind of helmet merely for aesthetic sake.
There isn’t an interior sun visor included with this helmet. Therefore, clear polycarbonate is the only face shield available that offers excellent visibility. Unfortunately, this unique LS2 helmet does not include Pin-lock; however, the visor is coated with anti-fog and anti-scratch materials.
Pros:
- It’s made of an advanced polymer alloy composite shell.
- It’s very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- It’s a full-face street fighter helmet.
- It also features a D-ring chin strap.
Cons:
- You might find some issues with wind noise, and it doesn’t have any inner sun visors.
9. Shoei RF-1400 Helmet
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The Shoei RF-1400 is the most recent member of the RF family and the RF-1200’s successor, which was released in 2013. This RF-1400 has several significant advantages over the previous generation in the areas of aerodynamics, comfort, noise, and vision.
The brand-new CWR-F2 faceshield and baseplate system is the most noticeable modification coming to the RF-1400. The redesigned faceshield has vortex generators, taken from the race-ready X-Fourteen, which improve aerodynamics and lessen wind noise.
It has an excellent shield system, Pinlock protection, Snell protection, EQRS, a shell with excellent aerodynamics, and exceptionally high levels of comfort. The RF-1400 is definitely worth a try if you have the money and want a helmet that will fit any bike.
Pros:
- It’s a compact helmet.
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- Easy to remove cheek pads in any situation.
- Worth of money.
Cons:
- It was costly.
10. AGV X3000 Legends Vintage Style Helmet
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The construction and overall appearance of the X3000 will give the impression that the design is somewhat retro but thoroughly modern. The AGV X3000’s shell comprises carbon fiber, one of the strongest and lightest materials available.
It has an outside shell made of innovative composite fiberglass from AGV that is available in three sizes, EPS inside of that, and a luxurious interior with real leather and suede fabric. The interior is also completely washable and detachable.
The most recent flip-up manufactured by AGV is the X3000. This helmet’s shell is available in various sizes, making it simple to fit most people. But be aware that those with very wide heads might have trouble wearing helmets.
The AGV X3000 is a great helmet, yet it might be heavier than other helmets on the market. The high-quality carbon fiber and Kevlar utilized in its manufacture also contribute to this. The helmet does not have any external vents for fresh air, either.
Pros:
- It’s very lightweight and easy to use.
- It has a lot of airflows.
- It is aerodynamically built to minimize buffeting and wind noise.
- It comes in various colors and designs to suit your preferences and style.
Cons:
- It could be expensive for some.
Check Also: 10 Best Cruiser Motorcycle Helmets For Safety And Style
What to Look for While Purchasing the Best Café Racer Helmet?
If you are a newbie to the motorbike world, you might need guidance when purchasing the appropriate equipment. This goes for the best café racer helmet too. Before making your cafe racer helmet purchase, take into account the following crucial considerations:
Materials
Most helmets have an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam inner shell and are made of polycarbonate, fiberglass composite, or carbon fiber. Some helmets have extra advanced components to offer greater comfort and ventilation.
The material used to make your helmet impacts its weight and comfort. But it also impacts your safety and the cost of the helmet.
Motorcycle Helmet Weight
Based on their size, helmet weights might differ from one manufacturer to the next. While some open-face helmets barely tip the scales at 900 grams, most full-face helmets weigh between 1.4 to 1.8 kilos.
Because of the flip-up visor mechanism, flip-up helmets frequently weigh more than full-face helmets. So if you choose a flip style, bear this in mind. A light helmet is preferable, but weight is not the only thing you need to consider.
Cost
The lightest material is carbon fiber, which is also the priciest. Carbon fiber is often more expensive than fiberglass composite. The price of polycarbonate is lower. However, your helmet can and will keep you safe if you face an accident. To ensure your peace of mind, purchase the highest quality you can afford.
Your helmet’s fit
Your motorcycle helmet’s fit is very important. How the weight is carried depends on the center of gravity of your motorbike helmet. Even a light helmet might feel quite heavy due to this issue, and vice versa.
The weight will be evenly distributed across your head and shoulders if your helmet properly fits. Additionally, aerodynamics plays a crucial role. A decent design will prevent buffeting and helmet lift, ultimately resulting in a more comfortable ride.
Certification
ECE
The European Union approved the minimum safety standards for motorcycle helmets with the ECE 22.05 certification. Nearly 50 nations utilize this certification. Most of them will have this certification when looking for a cafe racer helmet.
DOT
The US has a unique certification requirement. It’s referred to as DOT approval. Some helmets have received approval from the DOT and ECE. Even though it’s not required, it’s still a good idea to know if a helmet meets both requirements.
SNELL
For helmet safety testing, SNELL certification is regarded as the highest standard. Every significant racing organization accepts it. You can be sure your helmet has undergone extensive safety tests if it is SNELL certified.
After-Market Accessories and Bluetooth Compatibility
Several helmets can also accommodate after-market accessories like visors and shields. And many of those already on the market have pockets for speakers and Bluetooth support. But you should prepare to pay a little more if these qualities are significant to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are more costly helmets really safer?
A more expensive helmet might have better graphics, more vents, and an easier fit. However, the inexpensive helmets I studied provide equivalent basic impact protection to the more costly ones. Select a helmet that suits you comfortably.
Why are helmets only usable for five years?
Because your body fluids, hair oils, ultraviolet light, and regular wear and tear can affect the resin and other components used in the construction process over time, helmets have a limited lifespan. It is wise to change your helmet 5 or 7 years after purchase.
Is a loose helmet risky?
There are numerous reasons why a loose helmet is risky, but the following reasons are the most significant: During a collision, a helmet that is excessively loose could fly off your head.
Too much wind can enter a too-loose helmet, resulting in headaches, loud noises, and long-term injury or damage to your hearing.
Our Final Thoughts
Any motorcycle helmet that is described as “retro,” vintage,” or “classic” will likely be appropriate for your journey. But unlike your grandfather’s helmets, they have the newest comfort, safety, and convenience technology.
The aforementioned café racer-style helmets all have several extra features and advantages. Therefore, I’m confident you will find the best cafe racer helmets on my list.
You can use any of the helmets I examined above with no problems. And no matter whatever classic you ride, they’ll give you the appearance you want.
Make sure you have a budget before shopping for a new helmet, and discover a nice helmet you can afford with that budget. Now all you need to do is identify what features you want in a full-face helmet. You can select the ideal helmet with ease once your needs are defined.
Hey, I’m Hrithik Hossain. I am the head of helmethacks.com, which specializes in safety helmets. I am looking to connect with anyone interested in purchasing a helmet or who has any questions about different types of helmets. I have over 8 years of experience as a helmet expert, and I can’t wait to help you find the perfect helmet for you. I can help you with any questions regarding helmets, from the best brands to fitting, style, and more! I really enjoy keeping people safe by ensuring they have the best protection possible.
