MCN's favourite FIM homologated motorcycle helmets | Tried and tested for thousands of miles

Beyond mere sport bike helmets, there’s another option. You can face danger with the same protection as professional racers do. FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) homologated helmets come with the FRHPhe-01 safety rating, meaning it meets the extreme safety demands that come with any motorcycle competition. Motorbike helmets used in FIM road racing must comply with this standard. This safety rating dates to 2019, and ensures legality, compliance and maximum protection for anyone who races for a living. 

Jump to:

• What is FIM homologation for helmets?
• What is an FIM homologated helmet?
• Do you need an FIM homologated helmet?
• Are all FIM helmet models available in the USA?
• Best FIM homologated helmets
• Frequently asked questions
• How MCN tests FIM helmets

Do you need a FIM helmet? Likely not. An FIM helmet has no sun visor, room for communications or anything that might add unnecessary weight. If a racer doesn’t need it, it won’t have it. They might be noisier than regular helmets as well. 

But if you’re a regular at track days or compete in amateur or semi-pro series racing, you might consider one. You can make a compelling case for buying the best (and safest) helmet money can buy. On the off-chance you actually are a racer in a FIM-sanctioned sport, you already know this. 

What is FIM homologation for helmets? 

In addition to being ECE 22.06, Snell and JT standard-certified, an FIM helmet must have a one piece shell with fixed chin bar and feature a double-D strap retention system. A sample group of 10 helmets is then subjected to extensive testing under three main headings – linear impact, oblique impact and penetration.

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Linear testing measures impact absorption, oblique testing measures rotational forces, and  penetration testing ensures rigidity of the shell. If a helmet meets and exceeds specified values for said criteria it gets the official FIM hologram label sewn to the chin strap. Importantly, each size and variation of a given helmet gets tested in order to achieve its specific FIM approval.  

Additionally, a new FRHPhe-02 standard designed for off-road helmets will become mandatory for all relevant FIM competition starting in 2026. 

What is a FIM homologated helmet?

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) is the worldwide governing body of motorcycle sport and as such specifies the rules and regulations for every aspect of international competition. In 2019 the FIM introduced its own helmet testing programme, FRHPhe-01, whereby manufacturers’ lids are put through a series of stringent tests to ensure that they meet the extreme safety demands that come with high speed competitive use. All helmets used in FIM road racing must comply with this standard.

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In order to be considered for the testing programme, a helmet must already be certified to the current ECE (22.06 at the moment), Snell and JT standards, have a one piece shell with fixed chin bar and feature a double-D strap retention system. A sample group of 10 helmets is then subjected to a barrage of a tests under three main headings – linear impact, oblique impact and penetration.

Linear is designed to measure impact absorption, whilst oblique is concerned with rotational forces and penetration to ensure rigidity of the shell. If a helmet exceeds the specified values for all criteria it can then carry the official FIM hologram label, which must be sewn to the chin strap. Each size and variation of a given helmet has to go through the testing programme individually in order to achieve its specific FIM approval.

In November 2022 the FIM launched the next phase of the testing programme, FRHPhe-02, designed for off-road helmets. This will become mandatory for all relevant FIM competition from 2026.

Do you need an FIM homologated helmet?

Most riders do not really have a requirement for a FIM helmet, and if you do, you probably already know that you do, as it will be a requirement to compete in your racing, and chances are your sponsor will provide it.

FIM homologation does not mean that it is safer than others, it simply means it has been tested to allow it to be used in certain races. If a helmet has a good SHARP rating and meets the latest ECE standard then it is plenty safe enough for road use.

FIM homologated helmets often lack luxury and comfort features that you might find on a sport touring helmet. in order to remain exceptionally light. They will not have a drop down sun visor or cut-outs for intercom speakers, or may lack good ventilation and are often noisier than road helmets.

Are all FIM helmet models available in the USA?

Unfortunately not. The FIM safety standard is very similar to the latest ECE 22.06 regulation in Europe – which is also used in MCN’s native UK market – so it’s relatively simple for the FIM helmets to be homologated for road as well as track use.

Some helmets have USA-specific versions available that aren’t FIM-approved and others simply aren’t in the North American product range at all. For example, the Shoei X-SPR Pro is FIM approved in Europe, but the US equivalent (X-Fifteen) meets DOT and Snell but not FIM. It is possible to import an X-SPR Pro from another market, but it won’t be homologated for street use.

It’s a similar story for Arai, with the Corsair-X meeting DOT and Snell requirements in America but no FIM version (called the RX-7V Race FIM in Europe).

Tried and tested FIM helmets

• ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R10 
• HJC RPHA 1 
• SHARK RACE-R PRO GP FIM 

Other FIM helmets to consider

• AGV PISTA GP-RR 
• LS2 THUNDER CARBON RACING 

Frequently asked questions

What does FIM-homologated mean? 

“Homologated” means approved for use in racing or sale in a market. FIM homologated means a helmet has been tested to meet stringent standards for impact energy absorption, sharp objects penetration to meet FIA approval. 

Are FIM helmets the safest? 

Not necessarily. FIM homologated helmets must pass ECE 22.06 standards before going through additional FIM testing. While FIM testing is more rigorous than ECE testing, the lack of creature comforts and comm devices could be dispruptive for road riding or touring. 

Are FIM homologated helmets more expensive than other helmets? 

Yes. FIM helmets are usually priced at around $1,000, give or take. Budget accordingly if you’re in the market. 

How MCN tests FIM helmets 

Some of our U.K.-based testers, such as Michael Neeves, spend lots of time on track during bike launches, bike tests or even club racing. We don’t conduct testing for impact absorption but do evaluate them in the context of wearing them day-to-day or at said events. 

Our testers consider the following with an FIM helmet, or any other helmet for that matter. 

Comfort: This covers subjective things like fitment, but also covers liner material, weight and how it performs over time. 

Visor: Visor size and position is crucial, especially in a full racing tuck. They also consider ease of changing the visor and how easy it is to operate. 

Ventilation: Air flow is critical, especially on a track. Good ventilation keeps you comfortable and cool, allowing for plenty of fresh air while minimizing fogging and condensation from your breath. Vent switches must be operable with gloves on.. 

Noise: Tracks are extremely noisy. Ear plugs are generally used, rather than any sound-dampening qualities of the helmet itself. But on the road, wind noise can be unbearable even with earplugs. Whistling vents or vibrations can make road use impractical. 

Looks: This is subjective, but given our testers’ experience, we include their POV in our reviews. You are free to agree or disagree according to your taste and preferences. 

Quality: Perception of quality matters. Pictures can’t show what a helmet feels like. Flimsy vents and trim are noted, or whether the visor feels notchy or smooth. FIM-approved helmets are generally of the highest quality (and price point). But if not, we’ll certainly mention it. 

Value: This doesn’t mean a price point. An expensive helmet can be a great value. A less expensive helmet might offer fine value as well. In addition to price, our testers also factor in warranties among similar products. 

The MCN team of expert journalists have decades of experience over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t torture test anything. We use it just like you do in the real world and in all conditions to deliver impartial helmet buying advice. 

MCN covers countless miles each week and tries lots of options in a short space of time. We quickly discover which helmets feel great, which ones don’t and why. 

We only feature helmets we’ve extensively tested. Comparison helmets will be included if deemed important and relevant. Testing is ongoing and we will continually add gear and products to our site. 

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products. 

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Products are given a score from 1 to 5 stars. Beyond the ratings tab, you’ll find in-depth info on product and gear performance and attributes. 

Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

• 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
• 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
• 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
• 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
• 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products. 

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