Long-distance comfort meets sporty styling in these sports-touring helmets | Tried and tested by MCN

Sport Touring is a classic term for a riding category that’s still very much alive. Most Sports Touring happens today on an ADV or Adventure Bike. Sport Touring motorcycles aren’t as common as they were 20 or 30 years ago. But like they say, it’s the rider, not the ride. Whatever you ride, if you need to stay comfortable all day while knifing through highway winds, a Sports Touring motorcycle helmet is for you.  

• Related: Travel in style and comfort with a two-piece touring suit 

Sports Touring helmets take the hard-edged looks and streamlined shell shapes of sportbike helmets  designed with lap times in mind and add features like drop-down sun visors and integrated Bluetooth headsets. If you plan to actually use your ADV bike off-road, there’s plenty of adventure bike helmets to choose from. But if you’re sticking to pavement for hours at a stretch, you’ll appreciate not having their extra trim and surfaces creating wind noise and drag.  

• Related: Touring essentials for stress-free travel 

Tried and tested Sport Touring helmets

Here are some of the best sports-touring motorbike helmets the team at MCN has tested recently:

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• Related: Best clothing for motorcycle touring

FAQ’S 

Does it have a Pinlock insert? 

Many helmets come with a Pinlock (anti-fog inserts) included, while some include mounts and Pinlock is sold separately. In the case of the latter, factor in this extra expense. 

How much does it weigh? 

A heavy helmet puts extra strain on your neck, making extended riding difficult. A lightweight helmet can help add enjoyment (and miles) to longer touring. 

Is the lining removable? 

All helmets are susceptible to sweat and odor, especially ones used for strenuous off-road or trail riding. A removable, washable inner lining is highly recommended. 

Is the visor easy to remove? 

An easily removable visor makes cleaning simple. Look for a visor that can be removed without specialized tools.  

Does it have an integrated sun visor? 

An integrated “flip-down” sun visor means never having to stop to put on sunglasses. 

Is it well ventilated? 

A hot helmet is an uncomfortable one. Make sure the helmet has vents easily operated by a gloved hand. The more vents, the cooler your head will be. Heads up, some vents do create additional wind noise. 

Is it ready for a communications system? 

“Communications ready” means a helmet is designed with extra recesses around the ear to insert headphones for a communications system. Without them, headphones can stick out in irritating and even painful ways. 

Is it designed for glasses? 

If you wear prescription glasses, look for helmets designed to allow glasses to sit comfortably between the lining and your face. 

What kind of strap fastener does it have? 

Helmets come with two types of helmet strap fastener – a D-Ring or a ratchet-style. The D-Ring requires manually threading and tightening of the strap, while the ratchet-style system is a simple push-fit. The choice between them is a matter of rider preference. 

Can I buy a dark visor? 

Aside from laws mandating various levels of eye and face protection (depending on the state), riders are free to choose tinted, shaded or dark visors as they see fit. Make sure visibility holds up in changing conditions like shade, tunnels or enclosed spaces. 

What safety ratings should I look for? 

An ECE 22.06 (Economic Commission of Europe) rating is the gold standard in Europe. You may also see the previous ECE 22.05 rating on some remaining helmet stock. In the U.S., voluntary Snell certification is common, which also uses thorough testing methods for helmets. Look at the back of the helmet, towards the base for a Snell sticker, often placed next to a DOT sticker. All helmets sold in the U.S. must be DOT-certified, at a minimum. A helmet without a DOT sticker is considered a “novelty helmet” and should never be used for riding.  

Open-face helmets won’t get an ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 rating. But some do get Snell certification. Snell refers to them as “¾ helmets”.  

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How MCN tests Sports Touring helmets 

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. 

Each reviewer tests helmets in ways both subjective and objective. This includes the helmet’s safety rating, if comms systems are compatible, type of chin strap, weight and whether it has a drop-down sun visor, removable peak or other aerodynamic properties. 

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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Our scores explained

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.  

• 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.

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