Motorcycle Helmet Costs (Brands & FAQs)

Last Updated on January 25, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

You can find an average-level motorcycle helmet for $150 to $200. The cheapest and simplest helmets out there can cost $100 or less. On the other hand, the most expensive motorcycle helmets can require a budget of over $1000.

Key Takeaways

• The exact cost of a motorcycle helmet depends on the brand and features of the helmet
• You can buy a no-frills helmet for as little as $50
• Some of the most popular motorcycle helmet brands are Shoei, HJC, Bell, Arai, AGV, Schuberth, Shark, etc.
• The price of a motorcycle helmet depends on the build materials, safety features, weight of the helmet, etc.

The Average Cost Of Different Types Of Helmets – Chart

Types Of Motorcycle Helmets	Average Costs
Full Face	$100 – $125
Modular	$150 – $175
¾ Helmet	$200
Half Helmet	$150
Off-Road	$200
Dual-Sport Helmet	$125 – $200

List of Top 10 Motorcycle Helmet Brands With Details

Getting a motorcycle helmet is not an easy task. There are many brands available in the market. But not all of them offer protection. So, make sure to take a look at the brand before buying.

1. Arai Helmets
   Arai has been producing high-quality helmets since 1953 and is the only remaining manufacturer of GP racing helmets in the world. These branded helmets are renowned for their comfort and ventilation.
   
   All helmets are designed and manufactured in Japan and conform to current safety standards for racing and road use. The 5 series racing helmets comply with FIA-standard 8859-2015. Arai is one of the best brands when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It is known for its high-quality helmets. The helmet has a design that can protect the wearer’s head from any impact. The helmet has many features like an aerodynamic shape, anti-fogging, and a ventilation system.

2. AFX Helmets Overview
   The AFX-250 is the lowest-cost helmet made by AFX. It is very similar to the AFX-100 in that it is not full-face and does not have a mirrored visor. It is the only AFX helmet that does not have a face shield.
   
   When AFX-250 helmets were first released they were available in four colors, black, yellow, silver, and red. More recently they have also been released in white. The company also produced a white version of the AFX-200. AFX has different types of designs available in the market. All of them are made with good material and provide protection to the wearer in case of an accident. The helmet also has anti-scratch and anti-fog features.

3. Bell
   Bell is one of the most popular brands in the world when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The brand offers a wide range of designs and is known for its high-quality helmets. The helmets are made with good material and provide the best protection to the users.
4. Biltwell
   Biltwell is also one of the top brands when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of helmets in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users. The helmet has a unique design and an aerodynamic shape.
5. Bell Bullitt
   Bell Bullitt is another popular brand when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of designs in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users.
6. Caberg
   Caberg is one of the most popular brands in the market when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of designs in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users.
7. HJC
   HJC is another brand that offers great-quality helmets for its users. It has different types of designs available in the market. All of them are made with good material and provide protection to the wearer in case of an accident. The helmet also has anti-scratch and anti-fog features.
8. Lazer
   Lazer is one of the most popular brands in the market when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of designs in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users.
9. Nolan Helmets
   
   Nolan, founded in 1974 by Chris Nolan, is an international motorcycle helmet manufacturer headquartered in Italy.

Nolan had their start after Chris Nolan, the founder, started importing motorcycle helmets from Europe to the US. Nolan soon began manufacturing their own helmets.

Nolan was an early adopter of the ABS technology, which, according to their website, was introduced in 1988.

Nolan makes helmets in the following categories:

• Adventurer
• ER-7
• Euro
• Matrix
• N-50
• Noah
• P-1
• P-2
• P-3
• P-5
• NNNN

Nolan is one of the most popular brands in the market when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of designs in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users.

10. Shark
    Shark is one of the most popular brands in the market when it comes to motorcycle helmets. It offers different types of designs in its collection. All of them are made with good material and provide comfort and protection to the users.

Does It Make Sense To Buy An Expensive Motorcycle Helmet?

Today, there is a wide variety of motorcycle helmets to choose from for the different motorcycles that exist. A motorcycle helmet can range in cost from less than $100 to more than $1000. It is confusing to motorcyclists because of the quality and safety that each Helmet can provide.

There are a wide variety of factors that go into the cost of a motorcycle helmet. So, considering each of these aspects is essential before choosing a suitable helmet. 

1. Safety Standard And Certifications

The safety standard or the various related certifications is one of the essential aspects. Many times only expensive motorcycle helmets are those which can meet many quality and safety certifications. Some of these safety standards are:

a) DOT

b) ECE

c) SNELL

To meet the quality and safety standards, the manufacturer must invest money in research and development. This investment will then translate into a helmet that is much more expensive than other options. So, considering this aspect when purchasing a particular helmet can be essential to drive more safely.

2. Research And Development

As we have mentioned, research and development are two crucial aspects for the correct development of a helmet. Here, it is not only the safety and quality standards that a helmet can meet that are important. Research and development are also beneficial for implementing certain unique features. 

Some manufacturers decide to invest a lot of money in the development of innovative ventilation systems. That is why not all motorcycle helmets have the same feature for the comfort and pleasant feeling of the riders of good airflow.

The same is true for the different aspects related to a motorcycle helmet. Here, we can also include the durability and strength of the structure. Next to that, the aerodynamic design of a helmet and the model-specific decoration are also important.

Research and development are always necessary aspects to have an efficient helmet that provides different advantages. In such a way, many cheap motorcycle helmets can suffocate too much due to the lack of proper ventilation. On the other hand, motorcycle helmets developed with carbon fiber require high costs due to their advantages.

3. Shell Size

The costs of producing a given motorcycle helmet must also consider the different sizes produced. When it comes to an average-level motorcycle helmet, it is possible to find three different sizes. Only the highest quality options can offer a large variety of sizes available to the user.

Of course, these motorcycle helmets incorporating multiple sizes are the most expensive. Here, the manufacturer must have different sizes of helmets which can be somewhat costly. Also, not all helmet sizes are purchased by users in the same quantity.

So, manufacturing many helmets of a specific size can bring some losses as they will not be the most used later. To decrease the amount of money required to produce these helmets, some manufacturers may choose only three sizes instead of more possibilities. 

4. Types Of Fasteners

Another characteristic that must necessarily be considered in the development of fasteners. It is specifically another feature of research and development. Of course, different fasteners have different technologies, and therefore, each of these hulls’ costs will be different. The most common fasteners are:

1. D-ring Fasteners

2. Double D-Ring Fasteners

3. Micrometre Fasteners 

4. Ratchet Fasteners

Some of these options may be more expensive than others, no doubt. However, what needs to be considered is the fact that each of them provides different functionality. The most convenient fasteners are those that allow the Helmet to be easily removed or put on.

Most of the time, motorcyclists prefer to use a quick-release buckle. This component is not only one of the most suitable for ease of use but also for safety. When a manufacturer invests in research and development, it is possible to obtain a quick-release buckle fastener that fits the comfort needed by each rider.

5. Marketing Features

Some marketing features or particular aspects of a brand could increase the price considerably if we consider a specific helmet’s particular characteristics. We can mention that the cost of a high-quality helmet can be as high as $500.

However, when it comes to the same Helmet but from a famous brand, the cost could double or even more. When incorporating a famous brand such as a Valentino Rossi design, the additional costs are purely for marketing purposes.

It is not strange at all, as it is the same as any other object, such as clothing. So, it is necessary to consider this factor before choosing a particular motorcycle helmet. 

Cheap Helmet Or Expensive Helmet?

As we have mentioned, it is unnecessary to have a very high budget to get a safe helmet that provides good protection. Having a budget of $500 could be more than enough to acquire a high-quality helmet. 

Of course, it is advisable to consider that it is not a helmet with an exceptional design. When incorporating a particular design from an internationally recognized brand, the price will skyrocket considerably. Instead, it may be more than enough to appreciate the actual characteristics of a motorcycle helmet.

Also, some cases can become more expensive as they become lighter. If you are a novice user, a $200 helmet might be very appropriate. Sometimes this Helmet will be more than enough when it comes to just protecting the rider’s head. 

References:

https://www.valuepenguin.com/motorcycle-helmet-laws

https://www.walmart.com/browse/auto-tires/motorcycle-helmets/91083_4530084_5976113