Welcome to the Best Motorcycle Touring Helmets Guide! This article explains what touring helmets are, what to look out for when buying one, a bunch of tips and a selection of the 10 best helmets on the market today with their features, pros, cons and our three winners.
Contents
What is a motorcycle touring helmet?
Motorcycle touring is motorcycle travel with a focus on road riding. Touring bikes tend to lean more towards a blend of long-distance comfort with the ability to ride hard and quick enough to enjoy carving up asphalt.
So, unlike adventure bike helmets which also need to focus on off-road riding with extra large vents, wider visors, peaks etc. touring helmets only need to concentrate on being good for road riding. But they must also offer a wide range of features to cover anything a long motorcycle tour could throw at it. Namely, they need to be all-day comfy, have plenty of ventilation and be easy to use. And if you’re touring in a group or abroad for example, then cut outs and inserts for Bluetooth headsets and Sat Nav devices are also important.
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If you’re on the fence about which type of helmet you might need, then take a look at our Gear guide below as there’s a helmet explanation section in there, and also take a look at our best adventure bike lids guide too.
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There aren’t hard and fast rules about which helmet you should use on your bike trips – there are only suggestions and helmets designs that work well on specific types of trips. Ultimately it comes down to what you like, feel comfortable with, what’s in your price range and what fits the best. And most importantly, choosing a helmet that’s safe and conforms to regulations and safety standards. If you are going down the touring helmet route, then here’s a selection of criteria we feel are important to consider when choosing your lid, and our top 10 recommendations.
What makes a good touring helmet?
Here are some things to look out for when choosing your touring helmet:
As with any biking gear that you’ll wear on a long motorcycle tour, your helmet needs to have an excellent ventilation system. Good ventilation will keep your head cool in hot weather and can also help keep your visor fog-free in wet or cold weather.
It’s also worth going for a helmet that is pinlock ready or one that comes with a pinlock insert. This extra shield that clips inside your visor will stop it from steaming up and are very important for those who ride all year round.
You’re going to be wearing this helmet for a lot of hours each day, so it’ll help if it’s easy to use. Good vents are great, but not if they’re difficult to open. The same goes for the visor. Check these components are easy to operate with a gloved hand. If you can’t get to a helmet shop, you will have to order one and try it on at home.
Some helmets are single-minded like those designed primarily for track use. A good touring helmet should give you options. These options include the ability to take Bluetooth speakers or a Bluetooth device such as with a removable collar or cut outs for headphone inserts inside the helmet.
A dropdown sun visor is also another massive plus for a touring helmet as are easily removable cheek pads for drying so you can wash and dry them out after a long day of riding.
While all of the above are great additional features, the most important thing to remember is that the best helmet will always be the one that fits your head properly.
You shouldn’t be able to move your head around too much inside the helmet and there should be no pressure points or pain. You can buy the fanciest, most expensive helmet available, but if it doesn’t fit your head, it won’t work properly in the event of a crash.
The 10 BEST Motorcycle Touring Helmets
Schuberth C3 Pro
Quick info: from £359.99, integrated acoustic collar
Schuberth helmets are known for being quiet, and that trend continues with the C3 Pro. The C3 Pro features an integrated acoustic collar which keeps noise to just 82dB at 100km/h on an unfaired motorcycle. The C3 Pro also features an integrated sun visor, removable Coolmax lining, and is ready for Schuberth’s communication system, the C3 Pro SRC.
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- Chin strap: Quick release
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: Integrated acoustic collar, anti-roll-off retention system
- Quiet
- Coolmax liner
- Ready for Schuberth communication system
Heavy
Schuberth C3 Pro (Matt Black) – £359.99
More colour options: Gravity blue, Split white, Gloss silver, Sestante red, Sestante blue, Sestante yellow, Gloss white, Echo green, Sestante grey.
Nolan N87 N-Com
Quick info: from £179.98, N-Com intercom ready
Constructed from a lightweight polycarbonate, the Nolan N87 N-Com helmet comes packed with features that make it a great motorcycle touring helmet. There’s an integrated sun visor, removable lining, plenty of ventilation and side grooves for extra comfort for glasses wearers. The N87 also comes ready for Nolan’s N-Com intercom system, and their Emergency Stop Signal system.
- Chin strap: Quick release
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: N-Com intercom ready, Ultra wide visor, Nolan Emergency Stop Signal ready
- Intercom ready
- Side grooves for glasses
- Ultra-wide visor
- No breath guard
Nolan N87 N-Com (Classic Metal White) – £179.98
More colour options: White, Black, Black and yellow, Black and red, Black and pink, Black and blue, White and blue, Black and orange, White and black, Replica options.
Shark S900 Dual Special Edition
Quick info: from £129.99, drop down sun visor
The Shark S900 sits on the slightly sportier side when it comes to touring motorcycle helmets. Constructed from injected thermoplastic resin, the S900 features multi-element internal shock absorbers with different densities to ensure maximum protection. The S900 has a 2.2mm thick quick release anti-scratch and anti-fog visor, which accepts pinlock inserts. There is also an anti-scratch internal sun visor. There are vents at the forehead and chin, while the helmet is secured via a quick release Microlock fastening system.
- Shell construction: Injected thermoplastic
- Chin strap: Quick release Microlock
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes, fully removable
- Pinlock ready: Yes, insert included
- Extra features: Anti-turbulence system, quick-release visor
- Internal sun visor
- Fully removable lining
- Pinlock insert included
- Only one shell size available
- Only one colour option
Shark S900 Dual Special Edition (Matt Black) – £129.99
More colour options: Only available in black
Scorpion Exo-1400 Air Carbon
Quick info: from £249.97, Airfit system
I know what you’re thinking – this helmet looks rather racy and not at all like a touring helmet. But despite appearances, the Scorpion Exo-1400 Air Carbon is packed with features that make it a great touring helmet. It’s made from carbon fibre, which means it’s incredibly light and will reduce fatigue. Inside the helmet features Scorpion’s innovative Airfit system, which allows the rider to adjust the fit of the helmet via air adjustable cheek pads.
Not only does this alter the fit, it also helps reduce wind noise. Other features include a removable, hypoallergenic lining, chin cover to reduce wind noise and plenty of ventilation.
And of course, if you don’t like the lightweight carbon, then you can always opt for the matt black option.
- Chin strap: Double-D ring
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: Breath reflector, three shell sizes, chin cover
- Lightweight
- Adjustable interior
- Chin cover
Breath deflector
No quick release strap mechanism
Scorpion Exo-1400 Air Carbon (Black) – £249.97
More colour options: Carbon white and yellow, Carbon black and red, and non-carbon matt black.
Shoei NXR
Quick info: from £309.94, optional ear pads
Much like the Scorpion, the Shoei NXR is a slightly sportier helmet, but it still has plenty of features that make it great for touring. Firstly, the NXR is covered in vents with four at the front, which make it a great helmet for rides in warmer countries. The NXR also comes with a breath deflector and chin curtain as standard, as well as a second set of ear pads to reduce noise even further.
- Chin strap: Double-D ring
- Integrated sun visor: No
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, insert included
- Extra features: Emergency quick release system, four shell sizes, adjustable base plates
- Great ventilation
- Optional ear pads to reduce noise
- Four shell sizes
- No internal sun visor
Shoei NXR (Matt Black) – £309.94
More colour options: Over 30 colour and design options available.
AGV K5-S
Quick info: from £251.99, compatible with AGV share system
The AGV K5-S is designed to be more comfortable than previous models, thanks to an absence of stitching in sensitive areas, and a pressure-free fit on the cheek pads. The AGV K5-S is compatible with AGV’s intercom and media system, and also features an integrated sun visor, enhanced ventilation and chin curtain for reduced noise.
- Chin strap: Double-D ring
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: AGV Share compatible, pressure-free cheek pads
- Compatible with AGV Share system
- Enhanced ventilation
- Focus on comfort
Only two shell sizes
AGV K5-S (Mono Matt Black) – £251.99
More colour options: Black, Union Jack, Black and silver, Black and red, Cyan and yellow, Black and yellow, Black and white and red, White, Black and green, Blue and orange.
Shoei GT Air 2
Quick info: from £440.64, emergency quick release system The GT Air 2 is Shoei’s top of the range touring helmet, so as you’d expect it comes packed with features that make it great for tours and long rides. The GT Air 2 features a lengthened internal sun visor, and a “first position” visor opening for quicker demisting and improved air flow. The ear pads are designed for improved noise reduction, and the helmet comes ready to be used with the Sena SRL2 communication system.- Chin strap: Quick release
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: Sena SRL2 ready, emergency quick release system, noise-reducing ear pads
- Intercom ready
- Emergency quick release system
- Lengthened internal sun visor
Pricey
Shoei GT Air 2 (Affair TC-6) – £440.64
More colour options: Red and black, black, white, Green, Silver and a futher 15 colour and design options available.
Arai RX-7V
Quick info: from £669.99, speaker pocket in cheek pads
For a long time, the Arai RX series of helmets has been seen as the benchmark, and the current RX-7V is no different. The RX-7V features an adjustable skull cap for maximum comfort, a 5mm peel away for added room, a chin cover to block turbulent air, improved aerodynamics and improved vision thanks to a taller and wider visor aperture.
- Chin strap: Double-D ring
- Integrated sun visor: No
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: Adjustable skull cap, removable neck roll, emergency release tabs
- Adjustable fit
- Speaker pocket in cheek pads
- Increased field of vision
- Price
- No internal sun visor
Arai RX-7V (Solid Diamond Black) – £669.99
More colour options: Huge range of colour, design and race replica options available.
Shark Ridill 1.2
Quick info: from £99.99, easy fit system for glasses
Looking at the price of the Shark Ridill 1.2, we understand why you might be a little sceptical, but the Ridill has plenty of features that make it a viable option for a touring helmet. The Ridill comes with a drop down sun visor, easy fit system for glasses, removable and washable lining, a quick release chin strap and Pinlock ready visor.
- Chin strap: Quick release
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, not included
- Extra features: Easy fit system for glasses
- Good value
- Easy fit system for glasses
- Basic no frills helmet
Shark Ridill 1.2 (Blank Black) – £99.99
More colour options: Black, White, Black and Red, Black and white, Pearl, Violet, Black and yellow, Blue and orange.
Caberg Duke II
Quick info: from £118.98, flip front
The flip front Caberg Duke II features an internal sun visor, quick release visor system, and nape shield for decreased turbulence. The successor to the Duke, the Duke II has an improved anti-scratch, quick release visor and a quick release chin strap.
- Chin strap: Quick release
- Integrated sun visor: Yes
- Removable lining: Yes
- Pinlock ready: Yes, included
- Extra features: Flip front, anti-turbulence nape shield
- Price
- Flip front
- Internal air circulation
- Relatively heavy
Caberg Duke II (Matt Black) – £118.98
More colour options: Black, Fluo yellow, Red and white, Italia, Black and yellow, Black and red, White, Blue, Gun metal, Black and grey.
The Best Motorcycle Touring Helmet Winners
The Best All-Round Touring Helmet: Schuberth C3 Pro
The Schuberth C3 is our best all-round motorcycle touring helmet, thanks mainly to the fact it’s so quiet. A quiet helmet can really help reduce fatigue on long days in the saddle. It’s packed with plenty of extra useful features too, and it won’t break the bank.
The Best Features Touring Helmet: Nolan N87 N-Com
Nolan certainly isn’t the sexiest helmet brand, but they do make great touring helmets. The N87 N-Com is ready for Nolan’s N-Com and Emergency Stop Signal Systems, features grooves for glasses and has plenty of ventilation.
The Best Budget Touring Helmet: Shark S900 Dual
The Shark S900 isn’t the cheapest on this list, but it balances price and features very well. Despite the price you still get an anti-scratch visor, multi-elemental shock absorbers and plenty of ventilation.
Read more on motorcycle helmets, clothing and gear
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Let us know what you think of this Best Motorcycle Touring Helmets Guide in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions or use any of these jackets.
Hi. I already have the Schuberth C3 Pro and am looking to switch things up and am considering the E1. Is it a worthwhile move? I ride a GS and occasionally ride light trails. Thank you and for the great articles.
Hi Barry,
I’ve used and love both helmets. But, I do prefer the E1 because of the new inner liner, vents and removable peak. You can absolutely continue with the C3 Pro because it’s an excellent touring helmet, and the peak isn’t necessarily important for you if you’re riding light trails. The inner liner is more comfortable and suited for off-road riding and the extra large vent – especially if you’re going to get sweaty on your trails.
So in short, if you’re happy with your C3 then there’s no reason to change to an E1 really. But if you’re after a new lid because your C3 is getting a bit tired, then I’d say go for the E1.
Here’s my Schuberth E1 Review as well, hope it helps.
Cheers,
Have you reviewed the Schuberth c5 yet? Keen to hear your thoughts
Hi Mike! No, not yet! But we are looking to add it to this list. Are you planning on buying one? Ridden with the C3/4 or E1?
Andy
HI Andy, yep, I’m looking at the C5 for me and a C3-pro ladies fit for Mrs M.
Well that’d be a good shout. The C3 is an excellent helmet – as are Schuberths in general. Plus you’ll have the added benefit of Schuberth’s intercom system, which is great for riding with a partner. No doubt the C5 will just be an improvement on an already solid lid, but I believe with an even higher safety rating.
Cheers,
Andy