Owning a cafe racer is as much about style as it is about performance these days. You want to look good, feel good, and ride fast. All of those things mean you need the best helmet you can find.
You want a helmet that brings the best style, protection, and features to your head at a reasonable price.
That’s where this list comes into play. I’ve pulled together a list of the best cafe racer helmets you could ever hope to own. Check out all of the 20 different options below, and click the links (affiliate) to find out more information and see prices.
1. Bell Bullitt Helmet
The original Bell Star inspires the Bell Bullitt helmet. The helmet has been called “the coolest helmet on the planet,” and I get why. It’s simply cool, and it will stay on this list as long as Bell chooses to sell it.
The Bullitt is an iconic helmet with plenty of seriously killer features, including vents, a composite shell, and multi-density EPS. It is DOT and ECE-rated. The helmet comes with a five-year warranty, too.
This is possibly my favorite cafe racer helmet on the market. It has been out for a while but it continues to be one of the best full-face helmets you can buy. If you want a proven motorcycle helmet that will look good for as long as you have it, then look no further.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
2. Bell Custom 500 Helmet
The Bell Custom 500 is based on the original Bell 500 open-face helmet. It’s now more modern than ever with a low-profile fiberglass shell, multi-density EPS liner, and DOT and ECE certifications.
When the summer sun is out and the temperature climbs, this is the helmet I put on. The distinct five-snap pattern allows you to add an additional face shield if you would like to and the helmet comes with a five-year warranty.
I’ve owned Bell Custom 500 helmets (a couple of them) and they’re fantastic, simple helmets that are comfortable for hours. There’s a reason Bell sells tons of these and has for years at this point. As long as you don’t mind eating a bug or two every once in a while, you’re going to love this helmet.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
3. Simpson Speed Bandit Helmet
The Simpson Speed Bandit motorcycle helmet is a unique and badass offering. It’s based on the original Simpson helmet that came from a company that got its start in auto racing decades ago.
The Speed Bandit is all modern, with venting, a large eye-port, a polycarbonate shell, an EPS inner shell, and a comfy interior liner. The helmet comes ECE 2205 certified and DOT-rated, so it’s a great option if you want top-notch protection while you ride.
I love Simpson helmets and urge you to consider one. I’ve worn several and I always find them to be of high quality. If the styling matches what you’re looking for, they offer high levels of protection with some seriously badass style, and that’s well worth the price tag.
Check it out at Revzilla
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4. Biltwell Lane Splitter Helmet
Yep. The Biltwell Lane Splitter looks a lot like the Simpson Bandit. It offers a unique take on the badass helmet style.
The Lane Splitter features a larger eye-port, has an injection-molded ABS outer shell, an EPS inner shell, a hand-sewn interior liner, and a hand-painted finish on the outside. The helmet comes ECE and DOT-approved from the factory, which is nice.
I own a Biltwell Lane Splitter—in silver—and I ride with it often. It’s one of my favorite simple helmets for riding a cafe-racer-style motorcycle, and I think most riders will find it comfortable, lightweight, and generally good overall. If you’re looking for a super affordable, but still safe full-face helmet, then consider this one.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
5. Biltwell Gringo S Helmet
The Biltwell Gringo S takes the venerable Gringo design and it adds a nice face shield to it. The helmet is a genuinely cool lid. It features an injection-molded ABS outer shell, EPS inner shell, hand-sewn interior liner, hand-painted exterior, and rubber or chrome around the edges. The helmet also comes DOT and ECE approved from the factory. ]
This is another one of my favorite helmets out there. It’s retro and is kind of bare-bones, but it provides everything you need and looks great.
Check it out at Revzilla
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6. Simpson Outlaw Bandit Helmet
Looking for something even more sinister than the Simpson Street Bandit discussed above? Check out the Simpson Outlaw Bandit. This one takes the style up a notch.
It is much the same as the Simpson Speed Bandit but comes with a fiberglass shell, updated materials, and an even meaner and more pronounced sense of style. It comes with DOT and Snell approval.
Similar to the Simpson helmet above, the Street Bandit brings the badass style to the cafe racer market at a higher price, you generally get what you pay for, though and you won’t be disappointed with this helmet. I can almost guarantee it.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
7. Biltwell Gringo Helmet
Ah, the basic Biltwell Gringo. It’s the awesome retro-styled helmet that gives you everything you need if you just want the absolute basics. I love it for what it is, and encourage you to get this helmet if you want something simple but effective.
The Gringo doesn’t even come with a face shield. However, you can snap one on if you’d like. The specs are essentially the same as the Gringo S discussed above. It comes to you DOT and ECE approved.
I really love the simplicity here. It’s good with a snap-on face shield, good with some sunglasses, or just good as it is. Tuck your head inside this and ride on!
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
8. Biltwell Bonanza Helmet
The Biltwell Bonanza is the company’s take on the Bell Custom 500 open-face helmet. If you’re after a good, affordable open face helmet, this is it.
The Bonanza is simple and to the point and great for any cafe racer rider. The helmet features an ABS outer shell and an EPS inner shell, three snaps, a double D-ring chin strap, and that’s about it. It comes DOT-approved only.
I own a Bonanza, and I find myself donning it more often than the Bell. The helmet has construction on par with the elites but without the elite price. This is a great helmet.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
9. Bell Eliminator Helmet
When it comes to the Bell Eliminator, you’re really getting one of the better full-face Bell helmets on the market for a cafe racer rider. It’s a helmet that’s really good for anyone, but truly looks best in my opinion on a cafe racer.
This helmet features a fiberglass composite shell, an EPS inner shell, a ProVision anti-fog face shield, an anti-bacterial liner, and venting to keep you comfortable. It is DOT and ECE-approved.
Few helmets are as attractive as the Bell Eliminator. It’s the helmet I’d love to wear day in and day out. While I don’t own one of these, I have worn one for a while (borrowed one for a weekend), and I highly recommend it.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
10. Simpson M30 Bandit Helmet
The Simpson M30 Bandit takes the styling of the Street Bandit and the Outlaw bandit even further and throws in some old-school MX style.
The helmet is slashed with all kinds of vents, offers a CoolMax interior liner, a fiberglass shell, EPS, and it comes DOT-rated. The helmet offers a whole lot when it comes to the style of the helmet and if you want to feel like a true badass, this is the cafe racer helmet for you.
The M30 gets a bad rap. Some folks say it’s uncomfortable, but I found it to be just fine. It’s not a lid I’d wear for a cross-country ride, but for shooting around town—as cafe racer riders do—it’s great. If you really value the kind of style Simpson is going for, then this is a great option.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
11. Bell Riot Helmet
The Bell Riot helmet is for the person who likes Bell’s open-face options but doesn’t want to fuss with the snap-on face shields. It’s a unique look and offers a simple solution if you don’t want the wind in your face.
The Riot offers a large flip-up face shield on what is essentially an open-face helmet. The Riot includes a low-profile composite shell, an EPS inner shell, an anti-bacterial interior, and an anti-fogging face shield. The helmet is DOT approved and it comes with a five-year warranty.
I love the Riot. I know to some people it resembles a police riot helmet, but that’s the point. If you don’t like that then just get the regular Bell Custom 500.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
12. Biltwell Gringo SV Helmet
The Biltwell Gringo SV helmet takes the well-known Gringo and Gringo S to a new level. Adding in modern touches to a classic overall design.
It’s the perfect cafe-racer helmet for an affordable price. It offers injection-molded ABS outer shell, a slew of vents for airflow, dual-density EPS, adjustable eyebrow vents, molded urethane chin bar pad, brushed-fleece lycra on the chinstrap, D-ring retention system, CE-certified face shield, removable fleece comfort liner, lycra open-cell foam padding, and BioFoam head form panel with ventilated polyester padding. It also comes ready to support aftermarket audio accessories and is DOT and ECE certified.
I find this to be another exceptionally aesthetically pleasing helmet. It’s on par with the Bell Bullitt and the Eliminator, and Biltwell really knows how to make a comfortable helmet, too.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
13. Arai Classic-V Helmet
The Arai Classic-V helmet is Arai’s take on the Bell Custom 500. It takes that design up a notch with an even better fit-and-finish. The helmet features PB-cLc shell, a faux leather edge trim, hidden interior ventilation, multi-layer EPS, and Snell M2015 and DOT approval.
Another open-face helmet I have worn only for a brief time. This is a helmet that has everything you want, and a lid that is on the pricey side. But then, it comes with some unique features, so I say the price is warranted.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
14. Thor Hallman McCoy Helmet
Looking for something super affordable? Check out the Thor Hallman McCoy Helmet. It brings the classic 3/4 open-face helmet style for under $100.
The helmet offers vintage style with some good features, including an injection molded polycarbonate shell, antimicrobial sweat-wicking faux suede liner, multi-density EPS, padded chin strap, D-ring closure, removable and washable cheek pads, chrome trim, and snaps for 3-snap visors. It is DOT-certified.
Is this the best helmet on this list? No. It clearly isn’t, but it’s a good option for the dollar amount that you’ll find this helmet at. If you’re needing affordable protection for your head, this helmet is a good option.
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Dennis Kirk
Check it out at CycleGear
15. Nexx XG100 Racer Purist Helmet
Sleek and modern but still one of the best cafe racer helmets out there, the Nexx XG100 Racer Purist helmet offers a lot.
It includes a multiaxial fiberglass shell, EPS, and a soft interior liner that’s removable and washable. The helmet also features a PC Lexan face shield, chin ventilation, and comfort padding inside. It’s DOT-approved.
The Nexx XG100 looks awesome, offers fantastic features, and is comfortable. I find this to be one of the best if not the best retro lids out there.
Check it out at Revzilla
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16. Shoei RJ Platinum-LE Hi-Rise Helmet
The Shoei RJ Platinum Law Enforcement Hi-Rise Helmet has a long name and deserves it because it’s a killer open-face helmet. Yes, it somewhat looks like a law enforcement helmet, but it does so in a stylish way that will work with a cafe racer aesthetic.
This helmet features a lightweight AIM+ shell, adjustable top intake and rear exhaust vents, dual-layer liner, OpenRoad visor, comfortable 3D liner, removable and washable interior, padded chin strap, and DOT and Snell M2015 rating.
Get the Shoei RJ Platinum Law Enforcement Hi-Rise Helmet if you want seriously premium features in a retro-styled helmet with an open-face design. It’s a great helmet with a lot to love.
Check it out at Revzilla
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17. Bell Moto-3 SMQ Helmet
I own a Bell Moto-3 in flat black and that helmet is great, but I’ll also say that the flat back isn’t nearly as cool as this, the Bell Moto-3 SMQ Helmet, which is a nod to the late great Steve McQueen.
The Moto-3 is pretty basic, but it’s high quality. This helmet features a lightweight fiberglass shell that comes in 3 shell sizes. There are four EPS sizes to help ensure a great fit.
The helmet also has an EPS-lined chin bar, removable and washable anti-microbial terrycloth liner, and a 5-snap system for visors and face shields. This helmet is DOT-certified.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
18. Bell Scout Air
Say hello to the lightest weight and most low-profile of all the open-face cafe racer helmets out there. The Bell Scout Air features a lightweight Tri-Matrix shell, EPS, two peak visors, and DOT approval. The helmet also comes with a five-year warranty.
This helmet isn’t one of my favorites, but it’s good and it has a lot of people who love it. For that reason, it makes this list.
Check it out at Revzilla
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Check it out at CycleGear
19. Arai Regent-X Helmet
The Arai Regent-X helmet might not truly be a cafe racer helmet, but the rounded profile qualifies it in my mind. This is a helmet for everyone. If you ride, I think you should wear this.
The helmet features Arai’s amazing PB SCLC shell, the VAS shield system, the VAS shield latching system, the Free Flow System for ventilation that’s awesome, and the Facial Contour System on the interior making this an extremely comfortable helmet to wear.
The helmet is advanced, and it is Snell M2020 and DOT-certified. It’s so good that it justifies its high price tag. I’m all for motorcycling on a budget, but I always recommend you spend money on a good helmet, and this is perhaps the best.
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Amazon
20. Nexx XG30 Clubhouse SV Helmet
The Nexx XG30 Clubhouse SV Helmet is a great lightweight option. It’s a helmet with advanced construction but a retro design.
This helmet features the X-MATRIX 2 composite shell that contains multiaxial fiberglass, 3D organic fibers, and aramid fibers. This also has a clear face shield and a dark tint drop-down sun visor. The X-MART DRY liner makes this helmet comfortable and is fully removable.
The XG30 Clubhouse SV helmet is DOT and ECE certified, so it’s got the safety marks, too.
Check it out at Revzilla
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