Proper vintage motorcycle helmets were worn by daredevils like George Meier, pictured above on this supercharged BMW at the 1939 Isle of Man TT where he lapped at an incredible average speed of 89.38mph, winning the race and leading two Brits on the podium. Something that would have grated all the locals for years afterwards.
The sort of cork helmet worn by Meier just wouldn’t be tolerated today. It’s just not safe enough.
But we’ve picked a selection of vintage-inspired helmets that give you the classic look of days gone by but with state of the art technology. It’s important that your lid has an ECE-2205 rating or a 6658:1985 British Standard BSI Kitemark or it won’t be road legal. All of our picks meet the requirements.
If you’re going for a vintage motorcycle helmet to complete your look, then check out our showcase. They’ll look great on a classic bike or a modern retro.
RRP £199.99
Our colour pick: Mono White
Reminding us of the legends before, the AGV Legends X3000 provides a vintage look within a modern-day helmet. A fibreglass shell and Double-D retention system offer protection. Comfort is ensured with a front vent and a genuine leather and suede fabric interior. The interior is, of course, removable and washable. A dual button anti-scratch visor completes the look.
RRP £249.99
Our colour pick: Stone Grey
A classic modular helmet, the HJC V90 features a bubble-style visor that allows for better peripheral vision. An internal sun visor helps with glare and is quickly positioned with an easy-to-reach lever. The interior SilverCool liner wicks moisture away, offers antibacterial protection, and is also fully washable. CAD technology ensures that the fibreglass shell offers a superior fit as well as comfort.
RRP £139.99
The Viper F656 has the look and feel of a vintage racing helmet. This classic full-face fibreglass helmet features a Double-D retention system. The anti-scratch visor is replaceable. To ensure comfort, the interior is made of leather and suede.
RRP £129.99
Our colour pick: Gloss Garnet
A no-fuss, 1960s-style helmet adapted to the ECE 22.05 safety standards. The Biltwell Gringo helmet features an ABS injection-moulded shell and an EPS safety liner. A Double-D fastener and a moulded urethane chin bar offer additional protection. The interior comfort liner is removable and replaceable and is made of brushed fleece Lycra.
RRP £389.99
Our colour pick: Command Vintage White/Red/Blue
Inspired by the Bell helmets of the ’60s, the Bell Bullitt DLX offers a classic style helmet in line with today’s needs. Front intake vents and exhaust vents offer ventilation. The interior is made of genuine leather and is fully removable and washable. Contoured cheek pads enhance comfort and fit. Integrated speaker pockets are an additional perk. The shell is made from composite fibreglass and also features a Double-D retention system.
RRP £299.99
Our colour pick: Titanium / Yellow
The Nexx X.G100 racer oozes old-school racing style. The light outer shell is made from a combination of multiaxial fibreglass, 3D organic fibres, and an aramid fibre and carbon reinforcement. The removable and washable interior offers anti-sweat and anti-allergic protection and is made with X-Mart Dry technology. The adjustable flow-through chin ventilation keeps you cool, whilst the flat, unbreakable, anti-scratch visor provides a large field of vision.
RRP £499.99
The Hedon Heroine Classic is a visor-less ultra-light composite shell helmet with loads of classic style. The signature “Hed Armour” ensures 360-degree cushion padding for comfort and protection, as well as anti-bacterial comfort and a natural calf leather trim. Wear with sunglasses or goggles or fit with one of Hedon’s Sun Peaks to complete the vintage look.
Motorcycle Helmet FAQs
How do I know if a helmet is road legal?
In order to be road legal a motorcycle helmet has to have one of the following: a British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark or a UNECE Regulation 22.05 or a European Economic Area member standard offering at least the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark.
How do I know what size helmet I need?
It’s always a good idea to visit your local motorcycle dealer and ask for help from one of their staff. You can not only find the right size helmet but you can try on different makes and models to find the best fit for you. It pays to buy a helmet from a dealer as you’d be able to get a good fit, personal service and they’ll be able to help you out if you have any future issues.
If you are ordering online, use a fabric tape measure to measure the complete circumference of your head. Start across your forehead and run the tape measure past your ear, around the back of your head and past your other ear. Join it back up with where you started and that length, in centimetres, is the size helmet you should try on.
