Best Helmets for Sport Touring Riders
Riding long distances on a motorcycle can be easy, and it can be tiring. Many things go into making a long 2-wheeled trip enjoyable, but the helmet you choose can make all the difference. Sport touring riders need a helmet that is comfortable for hours on end, relatively quiet, fits well, has easy to use features, gets good ventilation in the summer months, and performs well both with air turbulence and in open air.
Below are a few of our favorite helmets for sport touring, after years of testing just about every option on the market. These helmets are listed in no particular order.
HJC RPHA 11 Pro
While this helmet was designed with the track in mind, it also pulls double duty as a street helmet. The shell is refined aerodynamically, so no matter what type of machine you are on you stay comfortable. This helmet offers an incredibly wide eye port, making it easy to see everything around you all the time. The shield comes with a tinted replacement, an anti-fog lens insert, and dual lock system for use at higher speeds. Air flow is controlled with a rolling wheel adjuster that is easy to use with gloves and does allow a considerable amount of air to move through the helmet. The RPHA 11 Pro is one of the lightest street helmets on the market. This is one of the most comfortable and affordable helmets on the list, and is Marisa's top pick for sport touring helmet.
Arai Corsair X
Arai designed the Corsair X to not only guard against impact, but also to help minimize the effect of "glancing off" impacts as well. This shell design is more likely to redirect impact energy than absorb it, decreasing the amount of force to the body. The included chin curtain helps block air intrusion and increases negative pressure to enhance exhaust venting. Pockets in the ears allow the easy addition of communication speakers. A clear pin-lock lens insert is included.
Shoei GT-Air II
The GT-Air II has an enhanced ventilation system which keeps you cooler than other Shoei helmets. The helmet includes a built in sun shade and a stainless steel interlocking mechanism chin strap. The face shield is also taller and wider than some other helmets Shoei offers.
Shoei Neotec 2
The Neotec is a modular helmet that has been wind tunnel tested and optimized to perform in a variety of riding positions. A ratcheting chin strap makes securing and removing the helmet as simple as pulling a lever. A large button in the chin allows the front of the helmet to pivot open when riding or while stopped. This helmet also includes a built in sun shield which we love. This is Florian's favorite helmet on the list!
HJC RPHA 70 ST
The RPHA 70 is the little brother to the RPHA 11 pro, but with a few slightly different features. Speaker pockets in the ears make it easy to install a communication system of your choice. A flip down sun shade gives you options for sunny days when traveling. The shell is constructed with a carbon fiber and carbon glass hybrid materials for enhanced shock resistance.
Schuberth C5
The newest modular helmet from Schuberth, the C5 is a refined modular sport touring lid. It comes with the flip down sun shade, anti-fog lens insert, and a pre-installed speaker and microphone! This helmet is plug-n-play ready to be used with the Schuberth SC2 communication system.
Klim TK1200
This modular helmet is like most, with the flip up face shield, but what sets the TK1200 apart from the rest is the use of a Transitions windshield. The Transitions shield will sense the brightness of the light around you and adjust to an appropriate darkness accordingly. On sunny days, the shield will remain dark but when the sun goes down or a storm moves in it will lighten to allow you to see more clearly. The shield also comes with an anti-fog insert.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400
The EXO-ST1400 is Scorpion's top of the line carbon fiber helmet. They use a resin infused composite weave for superior impact energy protection. This helmet uses the AirFit system, making the helmet adjustable to fit you and your riding style. A ratcheting systems allows you to adjust the face shield for maximum seal at speed or for additional adjustment positions for lower speed riding, increasing air flow to the face.
AGV Sport Modular
The AGV sport modular is incredibly lightweight, having been constructed of carbon fiber. The helmet liner is two sided reversible, so you can choose which liner is best given the weather conditions. A pin-lock lens insert is included, as well as an internal flip down sun shield. The flip up front uses a Visor Lock System (VLS) to reduce the chance of accidental openings.
Bell Race Star Flex DLX
This is a redesigned version of the Bell Race Star, reducing weight by about 10%. The Carbon shell design keeps aerodynamics and weight in mind and is comfortable at a variety of speeds and positions. It uses a jade mesh liner, to help keep you cool even on the hottest days. The Bell Race Star Flex DLX also uses a photochromatic tinted face shield, which adjusts to lighting conditions automatically on the fly.