You got yourself a cafe racer, and you're looking for a helmet. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is the best motorcycle helmet for a cafe racer? If you’ve invested in a classic bike, chances are you’re into that retro style.
And the best helmet to go with your bike and your retro vibe is one that embodies that classic, vintage look. As a cafe racer enthusiast, you may have struggled in the past to find the right helmet to suit your retro-style bike. But you don’t have to dust off an old helmet in your dad’s attic.
Nowadays, manufacturers are incorporating modern technology into that old-school style helmet design. So you can be safe and comfortable without sacrificing looking downright cool. And to get you out there on your cafe racer asap, we’ve rounded up the best helmets for cafe racers.
What This Article Covers:
- Our Review Of The Best Motorcycle Helmets For Café Racers
- Best Motorcycle Helmets For Café Racers Buyer’s Guide
Our Review Of The Best Motorcycle Helmets For Cafe Racers
Our mission at Moto1 is to get you all the right gear, to get you where you need to go. That means access to the best parts, accessories, apparel and motorcycle helmets in NZ.
We understand that your helmet needs to suit both your style and your budget. So we included a variety of styles and price points in the round-up of helmets below.
Bell Scout Air Matte Black (Best Helmet For Classic Vintage Style)
A classic but super-safe retro racer style with a modern twist. The Bell Scout Air is available in a classic matte black finish, with 5 shell and liner sizes.
Helmet Features
- Tri-matrix composite outer shell
- EPS liner
- Authentic vintage look
- 5 shell sizes for a great fit
- 2 snap-in visors
- Weighs only 900 grams
- ECE safety rated
- “In-mould’ shell construction
What’s Great About This Helmet
The Bell Scout Air is a modern update of their classic helmet, and quite possibly the best adventure motorcycle helmet for your cafe racer. The Bell Scout Air surpasses both DOT and European ECE certification requirements.
It has an incredibly retro look and an affordable price. And despite its simple styling, this helmet looks really good. Sometimes all you need is a classic design.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
Do you love the simplicity of a matte-black vintage style helmet? This is the one for you if you want a helmet that is understated yet comfortable and safe. It has all the stuff you need and none of the unnecessary bells and whistles.
The Bell Scout Air is one of the most affordable retro helmets out there. There are no over-the-top fancy features, but it's extremely lightweight and well-fitting. Like all Bell gear, it’s a good quality product. Fans of the classic Moto helmet from back in the day are sure to love this one.
Schuberth C4 Pro (Best Helmet For Advanced Features)
The Schuberth C4 Pro is a marvel of German workmanship and cutting edge technology.
Helmet Features
- Innovative forehead ventilation intake, with integrated ventilation channels in the shell
- Microphone, loudspeaker and Bluetooth compatibility for navigation, music and calls
- Lightweight but high-strength shell
- Optimized neck padding
- Removable and washable lining
- Adjustable, optical class-1 sun visor
- Anti-fog pin-lock insert lens
- Excellent noise reduction
- ECE compliant
What’s Great About This Helmet
The Schuberth C4 Pro has the very best features, allowing you to look great and ride safely, with or without a visor. Great ventilation, and an adjustable visor, make this one a winner in the summer.
Bluetooth compatibility is an essential feature that will enhance the enjoyment of your ride. On long rides, that comes in real handy for navigation. But of course, it's also handy for listening to your favourite rock or staying in touch with your mates.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
If you’re trying to decide which helmet is best for your classic ride, this is the ultimate choice. This is perfect for the more discerning rider who needs the best quality helmet with all the extra features. If you spend a lot of time riding, especially in groups, the communications features are a must.
X-Lite X201 Ultra-Carbon (Best Open-Face Helmet)
Do you prefer a low-profile, open-faced helmet? The X-Lite X201 Ultra-Carbon will give you that rush of the wind on your face that you crave, but with the safety that you need.
This helmet will appeal to those of you looking for a lightweight open-face helmet.
Helmet Features
- Carbon-rich shell construction
- Safe and strong double-D buckle fastenings
- Reduced weight, enhanced strength
- Jet design
- Open-face with google capability
- Luxurious suede and leather interior
- Unitherm2 Touring Performance inner comfort padding
- 3 outer shell sizes for the best fit
What’s Great About This Helmet
A lightweight helmet is always a plus, but not at the expense of its strength or your safety. With the X-Lite X201, you get everything in one package, because carbon fibre is not only lightweight but also one of the strongest materials available.
The combination of carbon fibres and the jet helmet design makes for a light and comfortable ride. Foam padding covers the inner zone, with micro-perforated suede for improved transpiration. There’s no foam padding to avoid helmet lift.
On the shell’s exterior are 5 points with buttons to attach a screen or peak-type visor. Do you want to go full vintage style and don a pair of goggles? There’s a back button with a leather tab for securing your goggles so they don’t move while riding.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
This care racer helmet is for riders who are looking for a quality open-face helmet, with a lighter weight but supreme strength. The 3 sizes and awesome comfort padding mean you’ve got a good chance of getting the ideal fit.
If you’re looking for the perfect cafe racer helmet to wear with goggles, then the X-Lite X201 is the best helmet for you. And because it doesn’t weigh you down, you won’t mind carrying this helmet around either.
AGV K6 (Best Helmet For Riders Who Wear Eye Glasses)
The AGV K6 is a full-face cafe racer helmet with great features.
Helmet Features
- Eyewear compatible
- Carbon aramid shell is available in 4 sizes
- 5 density EPS in 4 sizes
- DOT and ECE approved
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Removable breath guard
- Contoured cheek pads
- 5 adjustable front vents and 1 wide rear vent
- Anti-scratch visor
- Double-D chinstrap
What’s Great About This Helmet
Although lightweight, the carbon and aramid fibres in the shell provide you with maximum protection. This helmet also has a truly aerodynamic design, making it ideal for all riding positions.
The variety of sizes and inner contouring make for a great fit. So if you’ve been having a hard time getting the right fit in a helmet, you may want to check this one out. It also offers superb ventilation, which is always an important factor on long, hot rides.
It’s also not always easy to find a really good retro-style helmet that’s also suitable if you wear eyeglasses. So if you have this need, the AGV K6 may be the one for you.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
This product is ideal for riders who are looking for a full-face helmet that has a great fit with a lot of versatility. The fact that it is eyewear compatible and has such good ventilation, makes it the perfect choice for riders who need to wear glasses.
AGV X3000 (Best Helmet For Premier Interior)
A high-quality product, but it’s not as budget-friendly as some other helmets. The AGV X3000 is available in a variety of colours.
Helmet Features
- 3 shell sizes: XS-MS, ML-LG, XL-2XL
- Lightweight shell
- Anti-scratch visor
- The visor has an on/off air vent with channels in the shell
- Composite fibreglass outer shell with EPS lining
- Premium interior made from genuine leather and suede
What’s Great About This Helmet
AGV is an Italian motorcycle helmet manufacturer that is renowned for its superior quality products. And this offering from AGV is no exception. The luxurious interior sets it apart from the rest, making it an excellent bike helmet for women with cafe racers.
The composite fibreglass shell is designed to flex and absorb the energy in the event of an accident. But it is not at all heavy or bulky during your ride.
The AGV X3000 is a premier quality helmet with a simple design. The helmet is lightweight but strong, and the ventilation is great. The anti-scratch visor also means it can take a bit of a beating when you’re out in rough conditions.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
If you want a bit of luxury on your ride, you’ll love the leather and suede interior and embroidered logo. But although it looks and feels great, it is also safe and strong.
Premium quality often comes at a hefty price. It may not be the cheapest helmet, but you won’t regret this investment. If you don’t mind paying a bit extra for a top-quality helmet, this one is for you.
Shoei Glamster (Best Helmet For Flexibility And Strength)
Don’t let the name put you off, it’s stronger than it sounds. The Shoei Glamster is a top quality product, showcasing the strength and style you’ve come to expect from the Shoei brand.
Helmet Features
- Advanced Integrated Matrix outer shell construction
- Dual-layer, multi-density EPS foam liner
- A wide CPB-1 visor offers a larger field of view
- DOT and SNELL certified
- Pin locks for tear strips
- Forehead vent
- Visor blocks 99% of rays
What’s Great About This Helmet
The tech involved in its construction makes this an advanced motorcycle helmet suitable for wearing with your cafe racer. Its outer shell is made of layers of organic and fibreglass fibres under a fibre resin surface. This produces a lighter and more flexible shell, but one that is superior in strength.
There are 2 beadroll style channels on either side of the chin bar for always-open face ventilation. The forehead vent channels cool air from outside through the EPS liner and then pushes warm air out from the neck roll.
The wider view of this helmet’s visor is a real plus in certain riding conditions. And a real bonus, the Glamster is both DOT and SNELL certified. So you know you’ll be making a good investment in your safety, as well as your comfort.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
Are you looking for superior strength as well as superior quality, but packaged in a classic style? Do you value your safety above all else? Then you’ll want the Shoei Glamster because it offers all this and more.
In true retro fashion, it features a fuss-free design with a narrow chin bar. And the brushed aluminium accents on the visor hinges add a touch of class. So if you need a strong, safe and reliable helmet that looks as classic as your racer, this one’s for you.
Arai Classic (Best Helmet For Ventilation)
With the Arai Classic, you’ll look cool while you stay cool, in this fresh new take on a groovy vintage style. For a classic cafe racer style with the best ventilation, look no further than the Arai Classic helmet.
Helmet Features
- Luxurious faux leather edge trim.
- Faux leather interior accents.
- Patented hidden ventilation channels
- The best vintage-style helmet
What’s Great About This Helmet
This one isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s probably the best-ventilated motorcycle helmet for your cafe racer. Cool, fresh air enters the 3 forehead channels and flows over the head. It draws out the heat through the hidden multi-stage channel and pushes it out through the patented Venturi exhaust vent.
It is also one of the most retro-looking helmets available. And if you’re the proud owner of a cafe racer or other classic bike, this is most likely the look you’ll be going for. This epic helmet will definitely give you that classic vibe you’re craving when you’re out on your cafe racer.
If you’ve been tempted to go out and get a true vintage helmet, first consider the following. Motorcycle and helmet technology has made great advances since cafe racer bikes were in their heyday. The best cafe racer helmet is now a fusion of modern design features with an old-school-cool.
Who This Helmet Is Right For
For fans of vintage style who need excellent ventilation and comfort, you won't regret going for the Shoei Glamster. This vintage-inspired helmet will not only look cool, but it'll also keep you cool.
Best Motorcycle Helmets For Cafe Racers Buyer’s Guide
If you are new to the world of motorcycles, you may need some direction when choosing the best gear. And this is especially true when it comes to helmets.
When you go shopping for your cafe racer helmet, consider the following important factors before making your purchase.
Materials
The Most Common Materials Used To Construct Cafe Racer Helmets
Most helmets are constructed from polycarbonate, fibreglass composite, or carbon fibre, with an inner shell of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Some helmets have additional advanced features, to ensure extra comfort and increased ventilation.
Why It Matters What Material Your Cafe Racer Helmet Is Made Of
The material that your helmet is constructed from affects its weight, and hence your comfort. But it also affects your safety, as well as the price you’ll pay for the helmet.
Safety
How The Materials Your Cafe Racer Helmet is Made Of, Protect You
An EPS inner shell provides your helmet with shock absorption. But the material of the outer shell also plays a major role in the event of an impact.
Carbon fibre distributes energy upon impact. Fibreglass composite flexes, crushes, and splits as it absorbs the energy of an impact. It flexes after absorbing energy.
Certification
ECE
ECE 22.05 certification is the European approval of the minimum safety requirements for a motorcycle helmet. This certification is used in nearly 50 countries. Most helmets that you look at while shopping for your cafe racer helmet will have this certification.
DOT
The US has its own certification standard. It is called the DOT approval. Some helmets have both the ECE and DOT approval. While it is not necessary to look for both, it is good to know if a helmet passes both standards.
SNELL
Snell certification is considered the gold standard for helmet safety testing. It is recognized by every major racing body. If your helmet is SNELL certified, you can be assured it has passed rigorous safety tests.
Weight And Fit
Weight Of A Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet weights may vary from one manufacturer to the next, depending upon their size. Full-face helmets usually range from approximately 1.4 to 1.8 kilos, whereas some open-face ones barely tip the scales at 900 grams.
A flip-up helmet will often weigh more than a full-face helmet, because of the mechanism used to flip the visor. So keep this in mind if you opt for a flip-style. But while a lightweight helmet is a plus, weight is not the only factor you should consider.
Fit Of Your Helmet
The fit of your motorcycle helmet is crucial. The centre of gravity of your motorcycle helmet will affect how the weight is carried. This factor can cause even a lightweight helmet to feel really heavy, and vice versa.
A well-fitting helmet will distribute the weight more evenly around your head and down through your shoulders. And the aerodynamics are just as vital. A good design will help prevent helmet lift and buffeting, which in turn will ensure a more comfortable ride.
Cost
Carbon fibre is the lightest and therefore the most expensive. Fibreglass composite is generally less expensive than carbon fibre. Polycarbonate is not as expensive. But your helmet can and will protect you in the event of an accident. Buy the best quality that you can afford, for peace of mind.
After-Market Accessories And Bluetooth Compatibility
Some helmets are also equipped for after-market additions like visors and shields. And many on the market today include Bluetooth compatibility and pocket recesses for speakers. But if these features are important to you, you can expect to pay a bit extra.
Communication And Navigation
Communication features will be useful in a group, for example. You want to stay in touch with your mates on a ride, right? And navigation can be very helpful if riding in unfamiliar territory. Especially when riding solo, in a remote area. So even if you think you don’t need Bluetooth extras, you just might.
Your Riding Style
Last but not least, consider your riding style. Will you ride your cafe racer every day, or just on the weekends? What weather conditions will you be riding in?
Will you be riding in difficult terrain? Do you want to ride in a group or solo? The answers to these questions will guide you to the best helmet, with the best features for you.
Conclusion
Any motorcycle helmet labelled as ‘retro’, a vintage” or ‘classic’ will probably suit your ride. But unlike the helmets your grandad wore, they incorporate the latest in convenience, comfort and safety tech.
Any of the helmets we reviewed above will serve you well. And they’ll give you the look you’re going for, no matter which classic you ride.
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