There are so many different motorcycle helmets that we can choose from. The more models and brands there are, the harder it is to choose. That being said, one of the important factors when it comes to deciding which type of motorcycle helmet you will go with is its cost.
This is why many riders will inevitably ask how much motorcycle helmets cost because, after all, everybody wants to pay a fair price.
How much does a motorcycle helmet cost? Motorcycle helmets cost between $35 and $1,800 depending on the type, quality, and safety ratings. A standard full-face motorcycle helmet might cost $450, while a half helmet maybe $150. Most youth motorcycle helmet prices usually start around $100.
Table of Contents
In this article, you will find in-depth information and a detailed breakdown of how much the different motorcycle helmets cost. More importantly, you will find information about the most popular types and models of motorcycle helmets that riders use.
Motorcycle helmet price examples
To give you a good hands-on idea of what to expect, I have researched the prices of 29 of the most popular motorcycle helmets.
As a little disclaimer, I’d like to inform you that these prices are for new motorcycle helmets from 2021. The prices may—and most certainly will—change over time. I will keep them updated, but nonetheless, discrepancies may be present.
- Icon Airflite Helmet: $250
- Shoei RF-SR Helmet: $399
- Arai Defiant-X Helmet: $659.95+
- Shoei RF-1200 Helmet: $485.99+
- Bell Qualifier DLX Blackout Helmet: $157.95
- Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet: $250
- Arai Corsair X CB Helmet: $1,019.95
- Scorpion EXO-R420 Helmet: $149.95
- HJC CS-R3 Helmet: $94.99+
- Arai Corsair X Helmet: $849.95+
- Icon Airflite Synthwave Helmet: $285
- Scorpion EXO-R710 Helmet: $199
- Bell Qualifier Helmet: $114.95
- Icon Airmada Helmet: $145
- Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet: $699
- Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet: $269.95
- Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet: $579
- LS2 Valiant Helmet: $289.98
- Shark Evoline 3 ST Helmet: $289.99+
- Arai XD-4 Helmet: $609.95+
- Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena Bluetooth ADV Helmet: $249.99
- Arai XD-4 Hi-Viz Neon Helmet: $629.95
- HJC IS-33 II Helmet: $149.99+
- Scorpion EXO Covert Helmet: $209.95
- Bell Custom 500 Helmet: $125.95
- Biltwell Bonanza Helmet: $99.95+
- HJC IS-Cruiser Helmet: $99.99+
- Fly Racing Street 9mm Helmet: $59.95
- Bell Rogue Helmet: $259.95
How much do the different types of motorcycle helmets cost?
The actual cost of a motorcycle helmet will vary depending on the type of helmet you choose to get.
There are, generally speaking, six different types of motorcycle helmets. We have full-face helmets, open-face or 3/4 helmets, half helmets, modular, dual-sport, and dirt bike helmets.
So let’s take a look at each one of them.
Full-face motorcycle helmets
Full-face motorcycle helmets cost between $60 and $4,000. The cost of a full face motorcycle helmet will depend on several factors like weight, noise reduction, and additional options and features. A good full face motorcycle helmet will cost between $250 and $650.
Modular motorcycle helmets
Modular motorcycle helmets cost between $110 and $900. The cost of a modular helmet depends on the features it offers, noise reduction, and weight. You can expect a good modular motorcycle helmet to cost between $250 and $650.
Dual sport motorcycle helmets
Dual sport motorcycle helmets cost between $100 and $770. The cost of a dual sport helmet will vary according to its weight, quality, and features. A quality dual-sport motorcycle helmet will usually cost between $300 and $700.
Open face and 3/4 motorcycle helmets
Open-face and 3/4 motorcycle helmets cost between $40 and $1,550. The cost of an open-face helmet varies depending on its weight, features and options, and more. You can expect a high-quality open-face motorcycle helmet to cost between $100 to $400.
Half motorcycle helmets
Half of motorcycle helmets cost between $35 and $320. The weight and materials will determine how much a half helmet will end up costing. A quality half motorcycle helmet will normally cost between $100 and $260.
Dirt bike helmets
Dirt bike helmets cost between $90 and $750. Dirt bike helmets will cost differently depending on the options and features they offer, weight, and more. You can expect quality dirt bike helmets to cost, on average, between $150 and $650.
Youth helmets
Youth motorcycle helmets are usually cheaper than adult helmets. Youth helmets cost between $55 and $600. On average, you can expect to pay about $100 for a good youth helmet.
See article: Can you wear a bicycle helmet on a motorcycle?
Why are there price fluctuations?
One of the things that will be noticed is that there is a big gap between the cheapest and most expensive motorcycle helmets. Naturally, this begs the question, why do we see such wild price fluctuations?
Safety certifications
The cost of a motorcycle helmet is, in many cases, not affected by the safety standard. However, there can be exceptions. DOT is usually self-certified, while Snell and ECE certifications can be more costly, driving the price of the helmet up. In addition to that, some companies have their own standards, which can be a lot more thorough and rigorous.
Weight
Usually, lighter helmets tend to be more expensive because they are made with lighter, yet very durable, more expensive materials. An expensive motorcycle helmet can be nearly half the weight of a cheap motorcycle helmet in certain cases.
Noise reduction
If you are looking for the best wind noise reduction possible, this will inevitably mean a motorcycle helmet that costs more. If you compare a motorcycle helmet that costs $150 with a $650 motorcycle helmet in most cases, there will be a significant difference in the noise reduction between the two.
A more expensive helmet will keep noise low and protect your hearing in the process. (In any case, wearing earplugs is still highly recommended in order to prevent hearing loss.)
Ventilation
The level and quality of ventilation and anti-fogging helmet offers are also tied to its price. For example, it is not uncommon for the screen to fog up on cheaper helmets.
Visor
The type of visor will also impact the cost of the motorcycle helmet. Anything extra like a mirrored visor will cost more.
Comfort
Last but not least is comfort. And I cannot stress enough on how important helmets are in making your ride a lot more enjoyable and satisfying.
The fit options and overall design and quality of the materials used will determine the level of comfort you will experience while wearing the helmet. It is no surprise that motorcycle helmets that tend to cost more often will be more comfortable.
People who spend a lot of time riding will need something that feels comfortable and does not ultimately give them a headache.
On the other hand, casual riders may do well with a cheaper and less comfortable helmet if they do not ride their motorcycle often and for extended periods of time.
That being said, you cannot put a price on comfort. And some helmets just feel better and will not restrict your movements. A lot of motorcycle riders say that once they move to a more expensive and more comfortable helmet, they will never go back to a cheaper one.
See article: Reasons why a motorcycle helmet will hurt your head
Additional costs of buying a motorcycle helmet
Helmet accessories cost
Some riders may also need to buy some additional helmet accessories, which will ultimately drive costs up.
- Cheek pads can cost between $7 to $120.
- Face shields can cost between $15 to $200.
- Liners can cost between $10 and $120.
- Earplugs can cost anywhere between $0.50 to $25 per pair.
- Helmet sleeves cost between $10 to $20.
- Helmet bags cost $10 to $50.
- Bluetooth communication sets can cost between $100 to $260 for a single pack.
Helmet maintenance and care
In addition to this, you will also have to take care of your motorcycle helmet.
- Cleaning sprays and polishes cost between $5 and $30.
- Anti-fog sprays cost around $15 on average.
Motorcycle helmet expiration
A lot of people may, at first, overlook that fact, but motorcycle helmets are a recurring expense.
Motorcycle helmets do have an expiration date, which is usually five years from the purchase date or up to seven years from the day of manufacturing, after which they should be replaced. The materials the helmet is made from slowly degrade over time.
In addition to that, miniature cracks can start to develop. This could structurally compromise your helmet over time, making it less safe—thus, the manufacturers setting an expiration date for motorcycle helmets.
Another reason why a motorcycle helmet may need to be replaced is if it has been dropped. If the styrofoam lining inside gets damaged, it will wear out faster and will be up for replacement sooner as it is deemed not safe.
How much does a used motorcycle helmet cost?
Since motorcycle helmets can be very expensive, many riders may consider buying a cheaper used helmet.
The cost of used motorcycle helmets can be between 15% to 65% of the original price. A used motorcycle helmet can cost between $30 and $550 on average, depending on its condition and age.
Although a good amount of money can be saved by purchasing a used motorcycle helmet, this is usually not recommended as it poses some hazards. The protective capabilities of the motorcycle helmet may have been compromised if the helmet has been dropped or in an accident.
See article: Should you buy a used motorcycle helmet?
How much should a motorcycle helmet cost
At this point, many people worry that they are simply paying extra for a brand name. However, with motorcycle helmets, you get what you pay for.
And while the brand name may have some impact on the pricing—it normally does—a more expensive helmet will excel in many different areas while in comparison, a cheaper helmet will perform well in one area and be lacking in the rest.
Quality motorcycle helmets cost between $250 and $650 in general. The rule of thumb is that up to around $250, you pay for safety, and beyond that, you pay for comfort and extra features.
Although it is not recommended to go with the cheapest motorcycle helmet, it should be, at the very least, DOT certified, or ideally, DOT and Snell/ECE certified.
See article: Are expensive motorcycle helmets worth it?
Motorcycle helmets need to pass certain safety tests before getting on the market. This means that if two motorcycle helmets are rated the same, but one cost roughly twice the other, they will still offer the same protection, which is number one on the list.
However, comfort should not be underestimated. A lighter and more comfortable helmet will not only result in less fatigue, but it will also distract you less. Both of these things can affect your safety in the long term and should be taken into consideration when purchasing a motorcycle helmet.
Overall, choosing the right helmet is as important as the rest of your gear and motorcycle and it is one of the areas where expenses should not be spared.
See article: How much should you spend on a motorcycle helmet?
FAQ’s
- How much does a motorcycle helmet cost?
- This question addresses the cost range of motorcycle helmets and provides insight into the factors that influence their prices. It explains that motorcycle helmet prices vary between $35 and $1,800 based on factors like the type of helmet, its quality, and safety ratings.
- What are the different types of motorcycle helmets and their costs?
- This question explores the various types of motorcycle helmets available and provides an overview of their respective costs. It covers full-face helmets, modular helmets, dual-sport helmets, open-face or 3/4 helmets, half helmets, dirt bike helmets, and youth helmets.
- Why do motorcycle helmet prices fluctuate?
- This question delves into the reasons behind the price variations in motorcycle helmets. It discusses factors such as safety certifications, weight, noise reduction, ventilation, visor type, comfort, additional costs (accessories, maintenance), helmet expiration, and the difference between new and used helmet costs.
Meet Simon, the 46-year-old aficionado behind YourMotoBro. With a lifelong passion ignited by motocross dreams and a Canadian Tire bicycle, Simon’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From coaching underwater hockey to mastering muddy terrains, he’s an authority in thrill and adventure. Certified as an Off-Road Vehicle Excursion Guide and trained in Wilderness First Aid, Simon’s love for bikes is as diverse as his collection—from a robust BMW GSA R1200 to the memories of a Harley Davidson Night Train. By day a respected telephony consultant, by night a motorcycle maestro, Simon’s tales are a blend of expertise, resilience, and undying passion. ?️✨
