Best Budget Motorcycle Helmets In 2022 [Cheap Picks]

The helmet is indispensable for a ride whether you are a professional rider or a beginner. There is no substitute for a motorcycle helmet.

If you don’t want to spend more money on the other gear, you might look for cheap or budget but you cannot completely ignore the helmet protection option. Most people assume it is very difficult to find the best budget motorcycle helmet.

They have to spend a lot of money for getting a good quality helmet even if the helmet is exceeding the requirements.

We have written this article to let you know all the low-cost or best cheap motorcycle helmet options available for you. We have only selected the helmet which would not compromise on safety, quality, style, and fitness.

Moreover, you can meet the other requirements with the specifications of the helmet and select the most suitable for you.

Our Top Picks
Staff Pick

ILM motorcycle helmet JK - 313
ILM JK – 313

Best Pick

LS2 model 353-1107 full face helmet
LS2 Rapid 353-1107

Contents

How to Choose a Budget Motorcycle Helmet?

How to Choose a Budget Motorcycle Helmet

It is very well said that don’t buy the helmet just based on its price. There are plenty of low-cost options available but must compromise on certain things like safety, quality, etc.

In this regard, we have tried to stand out some factors that must be carefully considered before buying the helmet for you.

Safety standard

You cannot ignore this factor altogether as it is the foundation of the helmet-wearing tradition. The helmet is all about safety. Two safety standards are considered in the USA, DOT, and Snell.

DOT is the minimum standard that must be met by all the helmet manufacturers in the USA while Snell is especially for professional-style helmets. In these standards, various tests like penetration, impact resistance, vision range, and strap strength are measured.

Purpose

What is the purpose of your ride is a very crucial factor to consider while buying the helmet. You must know for what kind of riding you are going to deploy your helmet.

There are different designs of helmets for different kinds of riding like touring bikes, scooters, sports bikes, motocross, cruisers, and smaller bikes. Certain variations are made in their design for various kinds of helmets.

Visor design

There are various designs available in the market. Some people like to have a dark tinted style visor and some like to have crystal clear shields. However, it doesn’t matter what kind of shield you are going to have it must not impede your visibility.

Communications

For tour bikers, the helmet must be compatible with the Bluetooth-enabled communication process. The helmet must be capable of taking or ignoring phone calls, streaming audio, and listening to GPS or radio.

In this case, you must buy helmets that show great flexibility in the communication process like the helmet from companies like SENA, or Cardo.

Ventilation system

Ventilation is necessary for getting a fresh experience every time you go for a ride. You must only buy the helmet which has a good vent and exhaust points otherwise you might be frustrated from fogging or humidity problems inside the helmet. There must be a smooth flow of air through the helmet.

Style

There are various styles of helmets that come in the market like open face, half face, 3/4th open face, or full face helmets. Every helmet has its pros and cons and is suitable for certain needs. You must only buy the helmet which is the most suitable for you.

Best Budget Motorcycle Helmets Reviews 2022

Helmet ModelImageFeaturesPrice
ILM JK313ILM model JK313Weight: 2.97 Pounds
Material: ABS
LS2 353-1107LS2 model 353-1107Weight: 4 pounds
Material: ABS
1STORM 353-11071STORM model 353-1107Weight: 4 pounds
Material: Thermoplastic
LS2 328-1001LS2 model 328-1001Weight: 8 pounds
Material: Thermoplastic
Bell QualifierBell QualifierWeight: 5 pounds
Material: ABS, Polycarbonate
LS2 325-1007LS2 model 325-1007Weight: 4 pounds
Material: ABS, Polycarbonate
LS2 569-3044LS2 model 569-3044Weight: 2.95 pounds
Material: Kinetic Polymer Alloy,
Cotton

Now we are going to discuss the best budget motorcycle helmets we have enlisted for the article. We will cover everything from specifications to general overview to features to its pros and cons.

You will be quite clear about your choice after going through this review. Let’s have a look at the best cheap motorcycle helmets one by one.

1. ILM Full Face street bike Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 13.78 x 10.24 x 10.24 inches
  • Weight: 2.97 Pounds
  • Color: Matte Black
  • Recommended for: street bike
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
ILM Full Face Best Budget Motorcycle Helmets

General overview

Here we have the ILM full-face motorcycle helmet which has been specially designed for street biking. It comes with many useful features. let’s have a look at them one by one.

Personal Assessment

Here is my personal experience, I am going to highlight some unique features which have proved highly useful for me when I deployed this helmet for personal use.

I have been highly impressed by its easy-to-manage feature as I have to go on a long drive occasionally that’s this feature was very attractive for me. Some features like inside also might not be very high quality but still would not disappoint you.

However, it comes with two visors which are made from quality material. I was also not expecting a quality neck guard as it would not be much in my need.

You need to be cautious about its visor as it would be easily scratched. you cannot find the overall comfort and value at this price in this helmet.

 Features 

  • Modern design, highly advanced, and extremely lightweight durable ABS shell along with high-quality EPS liner inside it.
  • Inner pads are easily removable and washable for getting a fresh experience every time you wear them.
  • A highly streamlined aerodynamics design reduces drag resistance and wind noise as much as possible.
  • Easy to use as it has a quick-releasing clasp and strap.
  • There are two visors in it, one clear and one smoked one along with the neck scarf, especially for winter use.
  • Anti-scratch and tinted visor give you a wider and extremely clear view.
  • It is easy to open and close the vents at the front and back sides by just pushing with the help of your fingers.
  • Some extra accessories are also available if you want to buy like an anti-fog visor, tinted visor, and a clear visor.
Pros
  • Perfectly fit everywhere.
  • Ultra comfortable.
  • Quick releasing buckle.
  • Easily interchangeable high-quality visors.
  • Side pads are also removable.
  • Leather-made neck guard.
  • Worthy of its price.
Cons
  • Incomplete instructions on the manual.

2. LS2 Full Face Rapid Street Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Color: Crypt
  • Recommended for: Motorcycling
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
LS2 Full Face Rapid Street Motorcycle Helmet

General overview

Here we have the LS2 full-face helmet which has a very unique design and attractive look. LS2 helmet is a great value addition to the market. It comes with a variety of features. let’s have a look at them one by one.

 Features 

  • Despite having a large it is a very lightweight helmet.
  • It comes with a quick-releasing chin strap.
  • Aerodynamically designed shell for reducing wind resistance and noise.
  • Removable and washable inner pads for a fresh experience.
  • Moisture wicking pads and EPS liner inside the helmet.
  • High-quality shells are made from High-pressure thermoplastic technology.
  • Two perfectly fit shells are available.
  • It is available in a variety of aggressive and attractive colors.

Personal Review

If you are looking for a helmet for your girlfriend or wife, here we have the best helmet for you which has highly attractive and aggressive looks.

The sleek look and cryptic graphics will also be appealing to the ladies. My wife has size issues while wearing a helmet. she has an in-between size.

This helmet resolved this problem once and for all. I bought this helmet in small size and it gradually breaks in and becomes perfect for my dear wife. It is extremely lightweight which also makes it perfect for ladies.

LS2 Full Face Rapid helmet vents, lock, visor pictures from our lab

Pros
  • Perfectly fit a helmet.
  • Ideal for ladies.
  • Extremely low wind noise.
  • Perfect for night riding as it comes with a tinted visor.
  • Sleek design and smart-looking helmet.
  • Extremely convenient and quick-releasing strap.
  • Cool crypt graphics.
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a drop-down sun shield.

3. 1STORM Full FACE Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Color: Cement Gray
  • Recommended for: Motorcycling plus cycling
  • Material: Thermoplastic
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
1STORM Full FACE Motorcycle Helmet under budget

General overview

Here we have another full-face helmet from another well-known brand named 1 storm. It is very well known for its cool visor and booster skull. There are also many other useful features in it. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

 Features 

  • Highly durable and ultra-lightweight helmet due to its extremely light thermoplastic-made shell.
  • Aerodynamically designed helmet for reducing wind and noise pollution as much as possible.
  • The ventilation control system at three positions and five passages of channels for smooth airflow.
  • Fully padded and extremely cushioned interiors which are also easily removable and washable.
  • Glossy and highly attractive finishing.
  • Rear venture effect for the ideal ventilation system.

Personal Experience

I have bought this helmet for my cruiser bike to have a very cool look while riding. It proved up to par. It has saved my ass many times in some low-level crashes like a few scratches with cars or trucks.

Whenever I wear it in the public, I got a lot of compliments from the public as well as friends. There is a little bit of issue of suffocation even by keeping the vents open.

Nevertheless, I tested this thing only at 30 mph as I could not go very fast on the cruiser. But padding is highly comfortable. I have bought the iron man looked model for my son and he has dropped it many times but the helmet is still very much intact as it was brought initially.

1STORM HG335ABS front back and top vents shown

Pros
  • Attractive and aggressive look.
  • Snug fit helmet.
  • Worthy of price.
  • Highly protective inside padding.
  • Crash tested.
  • Pretty lens.
  • Easy to use a chin strap.
Cons
  • You need to have a clear visor for a great night view.

4. LS2 Full Face Stream Street Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: ‎ 12 x 12 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 8 pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Recommended for: Motorcycling
  • Material: Thermoplastic
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
LS2 Full Face Stream Best Budget Street Motorcycle Helmet

General overview

Here we have the LS2 street-type motorcycle helmet which is the best available option in the lowest possible range. It is among the best motorcycle helmets under 200. There are multiple useful features in it. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

 Features 

  • Dual type built-in twin shield system which gives you good protection against the sun as well as a quick flip-up option at the same time.
  • Easy to use quickly releasing chin strap.
  • Easily removable and washable inner liner for getting a fresh experience every time.
  • With its long oval shape, it is extremely good in terms of fitness.
  • Extremely lightweight thermoplastic-made shell is also aerodynamics in shape.
  • 3D laser technology has been used for high-quality foam making including cheek pads.
  • You will find no hot spot in it.
  • Scratch-resistant and optically correct shield.

Reviewed

I have become a very dire fan of this helmet since I crashed into a rock while wearing this helmet. There were many bruises throughout my body but not a single scratch on the head as well as on the helmet.

It is the most durable helmet I have found on amazon. It also fits very great exactly according to the chart available and is extremely comfortable. The wind noise is low as possible.

You will find it a very decent helmet in terms of price. The pin lock feature makes it unique. It is completely vibration free for the great stability of your head. Believe me, you will not disappoint a little if you are looking for the best motorcycle helmet under 200.

If your budget is above 200$ then you can have a look at our reviews for motorcycle helmets under 300$.

Pros
  • High durable against any kind of crash.
  • Good shade visor.
  • Excellent ventilation system.
  • Chin skirt.
  • Speaker pockets are also available.
  • Crystal clear optics.
  • User friendly.
Cons
  • Chin skirt popping out the issue.

5. Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: ‎ 28 x 11.34 x 11.42 inches
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Color: Matte black
  • Recommended for: Motorcycling
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polycarbonate
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet

General overview

Here we have the full-face helmet from the Bell qualifier which is well known for its exceptional performance and incredible value. It is fully packed with extraordinary features. let’s have a look at them one by one.

 Features 

  • It comes with both the clear and tinted shield as well.
  • Extremely lightweight ABS shell from the polycarbonate material.
  • It has also padded collars for reducing wind and road noise as much as possible.
  • Nutrafog UV protected shield which is easy to replace whenever you need to have it.
  • Smooth flow of the air for the great ventilation system.
  • There are various shells and EPS for every kind of look.
  • The liner comes with anti-bacterial properties.

Personal Experience

As far as the durability of the helmet is concerned, I have personally experienced it when I crashed into a bike at the speed of 55 mph and my head was badly hit with stone but I was miraculously saved by this helmet.

I also have to face some head and face shape issues but this helmet has also resolved this issue forever. I was looking for the perfect fit helmet for my kind of head but I could only find it HJC helmet which was pretty good but not perfect in terms of fitness until I found the Bell qualifier helmet which seems perfectly designed for my head.

Bell Qualifier helmet back and side view showing vents

Pros
  • Crash tested.
  • Perfectly fit.
  • Comes with a clear visor.
  • The very quiet helmet even with the open vents.
  • Quick visor changing method.
Cons
  • A little bit of fogging issue at the start of the riding.

6. LS2 Modular Strobe Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: ‎ 15 x 12 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 4 pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Recommended for: Motorcycling
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polycarbonate
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
LS2 Modular Strobe Motorcycle Helmet

General overview

If you are looking for the best budget motorcycle helmet with up-to-par features, then the LS2 is the perfect helmet you can buy. It seems like it has been designed by the riders for the riders. Have a look at its demanding features.

 Features 

  • A full metal latch system offers excellent safety.
  • Easy to use even with the gloves on your hand by just pushing a single button.
  • 3D and optically correct visors are made from high-impact resistance material.
  • Crystal clear visor for minimum distortion and perfect clarity.
  • Removable, washable, and replaceable inner liner for getting a freshening experience every time you wear it.
  • Highly reinforced and quickly releasing strap.
  • Smooth flow of the air for good ventilation with fully adjustable intake and exhaust ports.

Personal Experience

I was looking for a budget helmet with quality features. Since I tested this helmet as it was available to one of my friends, I have become a fan of this helmet. Now, whenever I wear it I enjoy its comfort and easy-to-use features.

It is a perfectly stitched helmet with quality Materials for construction. Initially, I found it narrow for my ears but gradually I become used to it.

The space at the sides also allows a headset. Nevertheless, there are some delicate parts of the helmet that need to be taken care of.

Another major issue is its fogging problem, especially in cold weather. In warm weather, the fog removes immediately but it is problematic in cold weather.

Pros
  • Best low-cost motorcycle helmet.
  • Quality construction.
  • Aggressive look and design.
  • Pin lock lens is excellent.
  • Easy to install.
  • Best looking like a helmet.
Cons
  • Fogging issue in the cold weather.

7. LS2 Open Face Track Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

  • Dimensions: ‎ 14 x 12 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 2.95 pounds
  • Color: Gunmetal
  • Recommended for: Street-sport-motorcycles, cruisers, scooters
  • Material: Kinetic Polymer Alloy, Cotton
  • Safety ratings: Dot Certified.
LS2 Open Face Track Cheap Motorcycle Helmet

General overview

Here we have the updated version of the LS2 track 569 open-face motorcycle helmet which comes with an integrated sunscreen and many other quality features. let’s have a look at its unique features.

 Features 

  • Optically correct and easily flipping up a shield. It is also quite easily replaceable with the short shrift tool.
  • Highly phenomenal peripheral vision seems like a giant window.
  • The twin shield system comes with a general and drop-down sun shield which is easy to use with the slider mechanism.
  • You can easily operate it even with the gloves on your hands.
  • Highly comfortable liner made from breathable fabric and it is also easily removable, washable, and replaceable.
  • As a multi-dimensional helmet, it is equally good for general commuting, touring, and scootering purposes.
  • The easily adjustable flow of the air for ventilation settings.
  • Extremely lightweight helmet made from high-pressure thermoplastic technology.

Personal Review

If you have some claustrophobic issues while wearing the helmet, you can buy this helmet as it would be perfect for you. I have a chance to replace it with another half-face helmet.

One of the most striking features of this helmet was its extraordinary safety against all kind of debris, bugs, and rain which most other half-face helmet doesn’t offer.

I have also some other issues with the full-face helmet like restricted vision, restricted movement of the head, and general uncomfortable feeling.

With this helmet, I don’t even have to face take my glasses off while wearing it. Vents are working very well. With the easy-to-use fastener, it is easy to put on or take off this helmet.

Pros
  • Fits very well.
  • Attractive look.
  • Perfect twin shield system.
  • Best cheap motorcycle helmets.
Cons
  • Noise issue as it is open face.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pay for a motorcycle helmet?

If you are looking for the top of a line helmet, then you have to pay at least 1000 dollars. Nevertheless, if you are a beginner and also looking for a cheap helmet, then you can also buy it for up to 100 dollars easily which is a very fair price.

Some people like me are looking for average helmets as they have to buy a helmet for various kinds of riding in various styles of bikes. They should buy a helmet in the range of 100 to 200 dollars as we have also enlisted most of the helmets in this article in this range.

Are expensive helmets worth it?

Helmet safety certifications like DOT and ECE are almost the same for all kinds of helmets irrespective of their price. Expensive helmets might have some better ventilation system, quality material of construction, lightweight, and some additional appealing features but it is equally good in terms of safety as some other less expensive helmets.

Thus, you must only buy an expensive helmet when you have a lot of money otherwise only buy a helmet that comes at the average price.

Should I buy a cheap bike helmet?

Cheap bike helmets are not endurable for the long ride as they are no more reliable. You must always buy some expensive or average price helmet for this kind of ride.

If you are buying a helmet for short rides, then you don’t spend a lot of money and spend only the minimum possible price you can afford.

Conclusion

The best budget motorcycle helmet doesn’t mean you must buy some cheap helmet or low-quality helmet. We have enlisted some best quality helmets in the price range of 100 to 200 dollars.

You can buy any one of them which would meet your requirements or needs and believe me you will never disappoint after buying any of the helmets available on the list.

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