MCN tested these sport helmets for over 30k miles | Here are our favorite options

A sportbike describes a wide array of differing motorcycles. Sport, Naked, Super Naked, Hooligan and even Streetfighters are all descended from the same enthusiast DNA. Sport gear and sporty motorbike helmets will serve them all.

A sport helmet looks great with a sport leather jacket and boots. And while you could opt for an FIM-approved helmet to wear on your Panigale V4 on a track day, chances are a sport helmet will serve you better in the long-term on your Triumph Speed Triple, Suzuki GSX-R1000 or Honda CBR600RR. 

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The aerodynamics of a sport helmet will definitely help riding anything without a fairing. Even less aggressive sport touring helmet options look the business and keep you connected with comms devices and drop-down sun visors. 

So whether you’re chasing lap times, heading out for a Sunday blast, commuting to work or exploring on a longer tour, a sporty motorbike helmet could be the ideal choice.

Here are some of the best we’ve tested recently at MCN – alongside each option you’ll find details of who tried it and for how long and you can find out more about how we test here.

Jump to:

• Best sporty motorbike helmets
• Things to consider before you buy
• Sporty helmet features to look for
• How we test

What to know before you buy

Safety is always top of mind with sport helmets. In the U.S., voluntary Snell certification is common, using thorough testing methods for helmets. It’s considered an unofficial “mandatory” for sport helmets. Look at the back of the helmet, towards the base for a Snell sticker, often placed next to a DOT sticker.  ECE 22.06 is the latest certification used in Europe but helmets with the previous standard (ECE 22.05) are still available in some cases at good prices. But once stocks are gone, they’re gone. 

FIM homologated helmets are worth considering for those who race or spend lots of time at the track. FIM testing is mandated by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, motorcycle sport’s governing body worldwide, for use at the highest level of racing. 

Sport helmets (and all Arai models) don’t come with drop down sun visors since most rider will simply swap to dark visors between sessions. If you tour or regularly ride in mixed conditions, you might want to look at a helmet that includes this feature. 

Chin straps are available in double-D ring, ratchet, seatbelt or even magnetic clasps. But most sport helmets usually opt for the traditional security of a double D-ring. 

Check your vision out of the top of the visor. They may not offer a good line of sight when you’re in full tuck on a straightaway. 

Key features to look for?

The sportiest helmets (and all Arai models) don’t come with drop down sun visors because on a sunny day on track you simply swap to a dark visor. If you are touring or regularly ride in mixed conditions, you might want to look at a helmet that includes this feature.

Visors must be marked with a BSI or ECE stamp to be road legal in the UK and anything that blocks more than 50% of light is not road legal.

Chin straps are available in double-D ring, ratchet, seatbelt or magnetic clasps, with the sportiest helmets usually opting for the security of the double D-ring.

Make sure you have enough vision out of the top of the visor, too. I’ve worn supposedly sporty helmets before that seem fine when you’re sitting up around town or in a half tuck but completely obscure your vision with your chin on the tank.

Tried and tested sportbike helmets 

This selection is taken from across the market, everything here has achieved at least four stars overall in our test but they appear in no particular order. If you love your sporty helmet but can’t see it on the list, get in touch at mcn.online@motorcyclenews.com.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to ride a sportbike to wear a sports helmet? 

No. Your preferences for style, looks, features and comfort are key to your helmet choice, not the type of bike you own or ride. 

Is a sport helmet safer than other types? 

Not necessarily. Some sport or race helmets earn additional safety ratings like FIM, Snell, ECE 22.06 or even the British SHARP rating. These ratings matter for track or competition use and at extreme speed. For everyday riding or commuting, a sport helmet may not be as comfortable or usable. A helmet that detracts from the riding experience can be unsafe. 

Why are some sports helmets more expensive? 

Intricate designs or race replica livery will add to the price. Plain or single colored helmets are less expensive. Additional or higher safety ratings (like FIM or ECE 22.06 certification) will add to price as well. 

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How MCN tests Sports 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. 

Scoring 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 helmet 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 helmet 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 helmet with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
• 4 stars – A helmet 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 helmet 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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