Open face motorcycle helmets are making a strong comeback, especially among urban commuters and casual riders. We can certainly see why, as these scooter helmets strike the perfect balance between freedom and protection, combining comfort, airflow, and style. Whether you’re cruising through the city or heading out for a relaxed weekend ride, an open face helmet keeps things simple and enjoyable at all times.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 open face helmets available in the UK. This is based on the safety they deliver, comfort levels you’ll feel while riding, as well as how stylish they are. From budget-friendly picks to premium options, there’s an open face motorbike helmet here for every type of rider.
Why Would You Choose an Open Face Motorcycle Helmet?
There are a multitude of reasons why you would choose to wear an open face motorbike helmet over their full face and flip-up counterparts. For one, you can argue that you will have increased visibility while wearing a jet helmet. You will find most models with tend to have a wider field of vision than a full-face helmet, and as a result you’ll feel more aware of the road and your surroundings.
Another major benefit is that you will find airflow is much more apparent with an open face scooter helmet, mainly due to the fact that, well they’re open! Excellent ventilation is a massive bonus to those of us who ride predominantly in the summer and warmer months, as they’re better equipped to keep you cool in traffic and while commuting on a hot day.
You’ll also find that you will have a more relaxed riding experience. Most if not all open face motorcycle helmets are lighter in weight, and thus less restrictive and less cumbersome than their full face counterparts. This can definitely feel like an upgrade, especially for those of us who fear tight spaces and want to be able to feel more at ease while riding, which is extremely important!
With this said, you’ll find that riders who have a short commute and enjoy their city and town riding over long touring rides will enjoy an open face motorcycle helmet more often than not. This is especially true for those of us who prioritise comfort and their riding aesthetic over the maximum protection available from a full face helmet.
Here’s a short list of what we recommend you always check against when looking for your next open face lid:
- Safety – Always check for certifications such as the new ECE 22.06 certification. A strong outer shell constructed from carbon-fibre, multi-composites and fibreglass are a great choice, especially when paired with multi-density EPS liners which delivers reliable impact absorption.
- Comfort & Fit – The fit of any motorcycle helmet is the most important factor when it comes to choosing your next helmet. A helmet that is snug and fits correctly will be best suited should they be tested. Ensure the helmet has a quality interior with moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties, along with removable liners to keep your helmet fresh.
- Ventilation – As you will most likely be wearing these helmets in the summer and during the warm weather we do occasionally experience in the UK, ventilation and airflow is paramount. Superior airflow prevents fogging of an outer visor is applicable, and most importantly ensures you remain cool while riding and therefore focused on the road ahead.
- Weight – Open face helmets are generally lighter, but premium models can be exceptionally lightweight. This is due to the high-quality material used during the manufacturing process, and at times you won’t even realise you have a helmet on your head!
How to Choose The Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmet For You
- Riding Style: When selecting your next open face scooter helmet you must consider your riding style. Are you a daily commuter? A hardened touring veteran? Perhaps you’re a couple who manage to get out on a weekend when the weather takes your fancy? It’s important to be realistic and ensure that the helmet you choose lends to the type of ride you look to be doing over the next few years.
- Riding Priorities: You also have to ask yourself what are your priorities. Do you value maximum protection? We would argue that if you do, you should perhaps look to a full-face motorcycle helmet as they’re unrivalled in this area. However there are extremely safe options for those of us who want to wear an open face helmet, and we’d recommend looking into the materials used in the helmet, as this alongside the fit of the helmet will have the biggest influence in this department.
- Style: While it’s not something we all like to admit, we do want to make sure your helmet matches the rest of your gear, and most importantly your pride and joy too. A vintage open face helmet will be the perfect match for any of us lucky enough to own a café-racer, while if you ride a sportsbike, you’ll want to look to at a race helmet to complete the look.
- Fit & Comfort: As previously mentioned, fit is arguably the most important factor when it comes to helmets. We always recommend trying on the helmet before purchase, and at our Nottinghamshire store, we carry out all of the necessary tests to ensure we find the perfect helmet for you. If you choose to order online, check manufacturers sizing guides and contact us directly to give yourself the best chance of a good fit the first time round.
- Helmet Features: Not all open face helmets are created equal. They can come with a wide variety of specifications, and there will be a helmet that falls in line with you’re needs. For example an integrated sun visor helps battle sun glare on a sunny day. Most major helmet manufacturers now allow for Bluetooth intercoms to be installed, but some still don’t. Be sure to ask yourself if there’s anything from your current helmet or if there’s anything you really fancy from your future rides. I personally love being able to communicate on the go safely with my Bluetooth intercom.
Top 10 Open Face Helmets Available In The UK
Making a definitive list isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially as there is such a wide range of open face motorcycle helmets available in the UK. We’ve broken down our picks into a few categories. This includes the safest designs to the most stylish retro and vintage looks. We’ve also chose helmets to suit all riders budgets, including budget-friendly choices alongside premium models packed with premium features. So in no particular order:
Stylish Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Style-focused helmets are perfect for retro bikes, cruisers or riders who want their gear to match their personality. They lean heavily into aesthetics, and with a timeless design you’re sure to fit right in.
Shoei’s J.O2 combines premium build quality with understated style. Its advanced composite shell, integrated visor system and classic design make it a safe and massively comfortable option for everyday riding.
2. Bell Custom 500 Helmet
While we don’t sell Bell helmets at BDLA Motorbikes, it’s hard to look past the Bell Custom 500 helmet. A true classic that has helped define the open face category. With its low-profile fit and retro vibes, it’s perfect for riders who love timeless style.
Blending retro looks with modern helmet safety, the LS2 Bob II open face helmet offers character and practicality in one package. It’s a popular choice among riders who want standout design without losing peace of mind.
Best Entry Level Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Entry level open helmets are ideal for new riders or as a second helmet for short trips during the summer. They are a great starting point with your journey, however if you have budget spare of plan to ride for long periods of time, you may wish to look at a more premium option in the future.
4. LS2 OF616 AIRFLOW II HELMET
As the name suggests, The LS2 OF616 Airflow II is perfect for summer riding and riding cool. We personally see it as the star of the show if you don’t want to break the bank. The lightweight Airflow II is a strong choice for commuters and casual riders who want value without compromise.
For riders who love a retro look, but need to keep costs down, the MT Le Mans 2 open face helmet delivers in spades. Stylish, lightweight and comfortable, it’s an excellent entry point into the world of open face helmets.
Sleek Italian styling meets urban practicality with the Caberg Riviera v4 X open face helmet. With a panoramic visor, excellent ventilation and a sharp design. The Riviera v4 X is ideal for riders who demand function without compromising their flair.
Best Premium Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Premium open face helmets are worth the investment if you’re on the road often. As the old saying goes, you only get one head! Their advanced comfort, materials, and tech make a big difference on longer rides.
An advanced Fibreglass composite outer shell delivers optimal comfort and safety with the HJC F31. ECE 22.06 certified and designed for modern commuters, the HJC helmet provides excellent protection with the added convenience of an integrated sun visor and efficient airflow.
For those of us who want to stand out, the modern and versatile Airoh J110 open face helmet is the choice for you. The J110 balances safety, comfort and design effortlessly. With a removable chin bar and sleek finish, it’s an ideal premium choice for riders who want a helmet that does it all.
Open face helmets combine freedom, comfort and style in a way full-face helmets simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking for a retro-inspired classic or a high-tech safety-first option, there’s an open face motorcycle helmet out there to suit your riding needs.
When choosing, remember to prioritise safety and comfort first, with style as the finishing touch. The right helmet doesn’t just look good, it ensure you ride safely and confidently on every ride.
