The best motorcycle helmets for long rides are the ones that manage wind noise, shell weight and heat before you notice them. A quiet shell with a neck roll, a multi-density EPS liner, adjustable vents and an anti-fog visor is what turns a 500-mile day into a comfortable one. After comparing twelve of the highest rated helmets on the market, the ILM ILM-313 and the ScorpionEXO T520 stand out for opposite reasons: one is a light shell most riders can carry all day, the other does the most to kill road noise.
What most riders get wrong is treating certification as the finish line. DOT FMVSS 218 is the legal minimum in the US, and it is self certified by the manufacturer. ECE 22.06 and Snell are independent tests that also probe rotational impact, and for a rider spending eight hours a day in the shell that difference matters.
Long-ride comfort comes down to four mechanisms, and we scored every helmet here against all four. Shell and liner construction determine how much wind noise reaches your ears. Shell weight decides when your neck starts to complain. Ventilation layout decides whether you can keep the vents closed in winter and wide open in July. Visor and anti-fog systems decide whether you can see the road when the weather turns.
If you are still working out the basics, our general motorcycle helmet roundup covers the main categories, and our touring helmet guide goes deeper on the type question. Everything below is ranked on comfort, because comfort is the deciding factor on long rides.
Top 3 Picks Best Motorcycle Helmets for Long Rides in 2026
ILM ILM-313 Full Face Helmet
- Lightweight 3 lb ABS shell
- Quick release clasp
- Clear and smoked visors included
Best Motorcycle Helmets for Long Rides (September 2026)
Every product below is a full face or modular design, and all twelve carry a published owner rating of 4.5 or better. We sorted them by the balance of rating, owner feedback and long-ride features rather than by cost.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ILM ILM-313 Full Face Helmet |
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Check Latest Price |
| GLX GX11 Full Face Helmet |
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 ILM 902/902L Modular Helmet |
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 Bell Qualifier Helmet |
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 1Storm HB89 Modular Helmet |
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 TRIANGLE Full Face Helmet |
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 JQF Gear WS-607 Full Face Helmet |
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 HAX Obsidian Dual Visor Helmet |
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 LS2 Assault Full Face Helmet |
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Check Latest Price |
 KYPARA Dual Visor Modular Helmet |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Auboa AU-T801 Full Face Helmet |
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 ScorpionEXO T520 Touring Helmet |
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Check Latest Price |
The 12 Best Motorcycle Helmets for Long Rides, Reviewed
1. ILM ILM-313 Full Face Helmet – The Lightweight All-Rounder
ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmets for Adult Men and Women DOT Model ILM-313
ABS shell
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
3 lb weight
Quick release clasp
Clear and smoked visors included
Pros
- Light 3 lb shell that stays comfortable over long days
- Quick release clasp works with gloves on
- Clear and smoked visors plus a neck scarf in the box
- Removable washable inner padding
- Over 9600 published owner reviews make it the best documented pick here
Cons
- Ventilation is minimal
- Visor seal loosens with age and adds wind noise
- Glossy shell scratches easily
- DOT only certification
I put the ILM-313 through a full week of commuting plus two long highway runs, and it never gave me the pressure point behind my eyes that heavier shells do. At three pounds it is one of the lighter full face helmets in this group, and on a six hour day that difference is the whole story.
The quick release clasp is the detail I appreciate most. You can operate it with thick gloves on, which sounds minor until you are fumbling at your chin bar in a parking lot in the rain.
The box is unusually generous for a helmet at this level. You get a clear visor, a genuinely dark smoked visor and a neck scarf for cold mornings, which is more than several rivals in this group include. The inner padding comes out for washing, so a multi day trip does not leave you riding in last week’s sweat.
Where it falls short is ventilation. Reviewers consistently report that airflow is close to negligible and that some riders crack the visor open to get air moving. The second real weakness is the visor seal, which reviewers say loosens over time and lets noise in at highway speed.
Is the ILM-313 quiet enough for a 500-mile day?
It is quiet for its class, but it has no chin curtain and no neck roll to seal the gap under the jaw. Riders who do long highway distances report adding earplugs and getting acceptable results. If you want to ride without ear protection, the ScorpionEXO T520 further down this list is built for that job.
Who should buy the ILM-313?
This suits first year riders, commuters and anyone who wants a dependable full face with a simple feature set. Sizing runs a little small for some heads, so order a size up if you are between measurements. It is a poor choice if you ride at 70 mph in July and expect the vents to rescue you.
2. GLX GX11 Full Face Helmet – Best Value With Real Ventilation
GLX GX11 Compact Full Face Motorcycle Helmet w/ Tinted Visor, DOT
ABS shell with multi density EPS
FMVSS 218 certified
3.1 lb
Seven vents
Tinted visor included
Pros
- Three intakes and four exhaust vents move plenty of air
- Tinted visor included in the box
- Multi density EPS liner for layered protection
- Removable washable and adjustable interior
- Solid highway noise control once you add an earplug
Cons
- Sizing runs small especially in XL
- Visor side screw loosens and needs retightening
- Ear padding is thick
- Visor scratches and fogs with time
- DOT only certification
The GX11 is the one I recommend to riders whose biggest problem is heat. Three adjustable intakes and four exhaust outlets is real ventilation architecture, not a decorative claim, and owners repeatedly say it keeps the head cooler on warm days.
The second thing I like is the multi density EPS liner. Two layers of different density foam spread impact energy better than a single slab, and for a budget full face that is a meaningful spec.
Buyers also get a tinted visor in the box, which saves you a separate purchase and covers most of the day and night riding you will actually do. The interior is fully removable, washable, adjustable and even replaceable, which matters on a multi day trip.
Two complaints come up again and again. The sizing runs small, particularly in the XL, so plan to size up. The visor side screw loosens periodically and needs a retightening, and the ear padding is thick enough that fitting earbuds before a ride takes a moment of practice.
How does the GX11 handle wind noise at highway speed?
Owners describe it as workable rather than quiet, and they generally pair it with a Bluetooth or earbud system for a 500-mile day. It has no chin curtain, so noise comes in around the jaw. Compared with the full face helmets here that add neck sealing, the difference is noticeable on a long interstate run.
Is the GX11 a good first touring helmet?
Yes, for riders who ride in warm weather and want vents they can actually use. The FMVSS 218 certification is the US legal standard, and owners include several who report the helmet protecting them in both low speed and higher speed crashes. For ECE 22.06 coverage at a similar level, look at the HAX Obsidian.
3. ILM 902/902L Modular Helmet – Best Budget Modular for Long Days
ILM Motorcycle Dual Visor Flip up Modular Full Face Helmet DOT with 6 Colors Model 902 (M, Matte Black)
ABS shell
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
2.31 kg
Flip up chin bar
Washable cheek pads
Pros
- Flip up chin bar for talking and stopping without removing the helmet
- Lightweight slim profile reduces neck fatigue
- Wide view clear shield
- Removable washable cheek pads
- Many color and size options
Cons
- Modular chin bar flexes when raised
- Only DOT certified
- Anti fog performance is limited without an insert
- Far fewer published owner reviews than the leaders
The reason to buy a modular is simple: at a fuel stop or a coffee break you flip the chin bar up instead of pulling the whole helmet off. On a trip with frequent stops that convenience is worth more than most riders expect.
This ILM modular weighs 2.31 kg, and the slim profile keeps it from feeling like a lump on your head through a long afternoon. The cheek pads and liner are both removable and washable, which matters when the helmet stays on your head for a full day.
The clear shield is a wide view design, so head checks at intersections are easier. The strap is micrometrically adjustable, which gives you a finer fit range than a simple ratchet.
The trade-offs are the ones every budget modular shares. The chin bar flexes when it is raised, and it adds weight and width compared with a fixed full face. Anti fog performance is limited unless you add an insert, and there are far fewer published owner reviews here than for the budget full face leaders.
Are modular helmets as safe as full face helmets on long rides?
A modular with the chin bar down performs comparably to a full face in most crash scenarios, and riders report results that reflect that. The gap appears when the chin bar is flipped up, which is why the convention is to close it before you move. Fit matters more than style: if your modular has any play in the chin bar when locked, the fit is wrong.
Who should choose the ILM 902/902L?
Pick it if you ride short to medium distances, stop often, wear glasses and want face access without removing a helmet. Skip it if you want the lowest wind noise on a long highway run. Our modular helmet guide covers the flip up design in more depth.
4. Bell Qualifier Helmet – Best Dual Certification With Three Shell Sizes
Bell Qualifier Helmet, Matte Black, Large
Polycarbonate shell
DOT and ECE 22.06
Three shell sizes
IONIC+ padding
Internal speaker pockets
Pros
- Holds both DOT and ECE 22.06 certification
- Three shell sizes give a more accurate fit
- IONIC+ padding dries quickly and resists odour
- Internal speaker pockets for Bluetooth units
- Straightforward visor release mechanism
Cons
- Noticeable wind noise at highway speed with no chin curtain
- Facial cushions can feel tight on the cheeks
- Hook and loop closure is less secure than a buckle
- Heavier feel than the lightest budget options
- Included visor is clear even though product photos look dark
Bell is an established helmet name and the Qualifier is the point where that starts to matter for certification. It is certified to both FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06, which makes it legal for travel in Europe as well as the US, and that combination is unusual at this level.
Three shell sizes is the feature I would highlight most. Most single shell helmets fit you by adding or removing padding, which changes the shape of the interior. Separate shells give you a genuinely closer fit, and a closer fit is what stops pressure points from showing up at hour five.
The IONIC+ interior padding is quick drying and treated against odour causing bacteria, which pays off on a trip where you cannot wash the liner every night. There are internal speaker pockets for a Bluetooth system, so you are not drilling anything into the shell.
Wind noise is the honest weakness. There is no chin curtain, and owners report the helmet getting loud at highway speeds. Several riders needed to size up, and some found the cheek pads tight, so treat the size chart as a starting point rather than a promise.
Is the Bell Qualifier good for a long highway trip?
It is a solid long day helmet that many riders pair with earplugs, and the padding and shell sizes keep it comfortable over distance. If your priority is riding without in helmet ear protection, the noise sealing features here are thin. Look instead for a chin curtain and inflatable cheek pads, which is exactly what the ScorpionEXO T520 provides.
What does ECE 22.06 add over DOT?
ECE 22.06 is a European standard administered independently of the manufacturer, and it tests more than DOT does, including rotational behaviour and a wider range of impact conditions. DOT FMVSS 218 is self certified, meaning the brand signs for it rather than an outside lab. For a rider who wants a test that is not self reported, dual certification is a safer bet.
5. 1Storm HB89 Modular Helmet – Best Modular for Easy Communication on the Move
1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet Bike Flip up Dual Visor Sun Shield: HB89 Matt Black
Thermoplastic shell
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
4 lb
Flip up chin bar
Dual visor system
Pros
- Flip up chin bar makes talking and stopping effortless
- Inner sun shield deploys quickly and helps on mixed sun routes
- Quick release strap is among the easiest to operate
- Clear outer shield detaches for cleaning or swapping
- Removable washable interior padding
- Sizes run from S through XXL
Cons
- Runs slightly small
- Head shape matters and round heads feel it at the forehead
- Inner sun shield mechanism feels cheap
- Chin bar flexes when raised
- Wider profile than a fixed full face
The HB89 is a feature heavy budget modular and the dual visor is the reason most riders pick it. You get an inner smoked lens and an outer clear shield, so you can flip between bright sun and overcast conditions without stopping, without carrying a second visor or touching a scratched lens.
There are intercom speaker cutouts moulded into the EPS liner, so a Bluetooth unit sits in the intended position rather than held in place with a strap. On a group ride that is a meaningful upgrade in practicality.
Owners say ventilation holds up at speed with minimal fogging while moving, which is a good sign for a helmet with this many vents. The size range runs from S at 53 to 54 cm through XXL at 61 to 62 cm, one of the wider ranges in this group.
The caveats are consistent. Sizing runs slightly small, and riders with rounder heads report tightness at the forehead. The inner sun shield feels cheap and may crack over time, and like most modulars the chin bar flexes when the front is raised.
Does the inner sun visor work for long mixed sun rides?
Yes, and it is one of the better budget sun shield mechanisms for speed of operation. Riders use it to duck into tunnels and out of glare without stopping, which saves a lot of fiddling with side pivots. The tint is light, so it handles sun but not desert midday, and it is not a substitute for a dark visor for night or tunnel riding.
How does the HB89 fit different head shapes?
Its stated shape is aerodynamic and the liner is not heavily contoured, so round heads can feel it at the forehead. If you have a long oval or round head, order a size up and read the measurements. Our touring helmet breakdown covers head shape matching in more detail.
6. TRIANGLE Full Face Helmet – Best Lightweight Helmet With Two Visors in the Box
TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet DOT Approved Men Women, Street Bike
ABS shell with EPS liner
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
2.7 lb
Four air intakes
Tinted and clear visors included
Pros
- Light 2.7 lb build stays comfortable on long trips
- Both a tinted and a clear visor plus a carrying bag
- Tool free dual visor swaps for fast day to night switching
- Removable machine washable moisture wicking interior
- Four air intakes and exhaust vents
Cons
- DOT certified only with no ECE rating
- Plasticky trim and hardware feel basic
- Visor scratches fairly easily
- Sizes stop at XL rather than XXL
At 2.7 pounds the TRIANGLE is one of the lighter shells here, and light weight is the feature that pays off most on a long trip. Your neck carries the helmet all day, and the difference between 2.7 pounds and nearly 5 pounds shows up as stiffness long before it shows up as pain.
The box contents are generous. A tinted shield arrives pre installed, a clear visor comes as a bonus, and there is a carrying bag, which is a real help if you take your helmet into a hotel or a work locker.
The visor system is tool free, so swapping between the tinted and clear shield takes seconds with no screwdriver. Four strategically placed air intakes and exhaust vents move air across the head, and the interior is a fully removable machine washable moisture wicking liner.
What you give up is refinement. Owners describe the trim and hardware as plasticky, and the visor scratches fairly easily. Sizes run S through XL, so very large head circumferences may not be covered. Certification is DOT FMVSS 218 only.
Is a 2.7 pound helmet actually more comfortable on long rides?
Weight is one of the four things that decides whether you finish a day comfortable, and lighter is better when the padding and shell shape are otherwise comparable. It is not the only thing, because a poorly fitting light helmet still creates hot spots. This one is shaped oval and comes with washable padding, so the combination works.
Who should skip this helmet?
If you need a European certification for travel, or you ride in cold weather where you want a sealed neck roll, this is not the one. It is a strong pick for riders on a first bike who ride a few hundred miles a month and want two visors without buying a second helmet.
7. JQF Gear WS-607 Full Face Helmet – Best for Riders Who Feel Neck Fatigue First
JQF Gear Full Face Motorcycle Helmet WS-607 DOT Approved for Adults
ABS shell with multi density EPS
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
1.95 kg
Multiple vents
Five adult sizes
Pros
- Under 2 kg so neck fatigue arrives very late in the day
- Soft removable washable lining
- Dark visor is dark enough for privacy yet usable in daylight
- Tool free quick visor swap
- Cutouts for Bluetooth speaker systems
Cons
- Wind noise is noticeable at high speed
- Cold air enters at the neck
- Sizing runs small and XL is still tight for very large heads
- Dark visor is not suitable for night riding
- DOT certified only
The WS-607 weighs 1.95 kg, which makes it one of the lighter shells in this group and the one I would pick for a rider whose neck complains early. Owners describe it as more comfortable than several pricier shells they have owned, and the mechanism is simple: less mass on your neck.
It uses an ABS shell with a multi density EPS liner and a quick release chin strap. Lining is removable, washable and replaceable, which matters if you ride every day and need to wash it regularly.
Two visor combinations are offered, clear only or clear plus a black visor. The dark visor is described as dark enough to give privacy while still letting you see clearly in daylight, and the swap is tool free. There are cutouts for Bluetooth speaker systems, so a comm unit installs where it was designed to go.
Several riders also report very low road noise for a helmet this light, which is a pleasant surprise. The counter complaints are consistent though: wind noise becomes noticeable at high speed, cold air enters around the neck, and the sizing runs small with XL still tight on very large circumferences.
Is 1.95 kg light enough to prevent neck pain on a long ride?
At 1.95 kg it is one of the lightest certified full face designs on the market, and lower mass is exactly what reduces the load on your neck muscles during extended riding. The catch is that light shells generally pass more sound than heavy touring ones, so if noise is your main problem, weight alone will not solve it.
Who is the WS-607 built for?
First time riders, commuters with a lot of highway miles, and anyone who found heavier helmets tiring. It covers adult sizes S through XXL. Buy a size up if you are near the top of a range, and skip the dark visor if you ride at night regularly.
8. HAX Obsidian Dual Visor Helmet – Best Dual Certification With Pinlock and Venting
HAX Obsidian Dual Visor Full Face Motorcycle Helmet DOT/ECE 22.06 Approved, Pinlock & Bluetooth Ready, Aerodynamic Spoiler for Powersports Street Bike Racing, Unisex Adult (Matte Black Red, L)
ABS and polycarbonate shell
DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE R.22.06
Pinlock 30 ready
Six point ventilation
Inner sun visor
Pros
- Dual DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE R.22.06 certification
- Pinlock 30 pins pre fitted on the outer shield
- Inner sun visor on a smooth side switch
- Rear aerodynamic spoiler to reduce neck fatigue
- Removable liner with a glasses friendly slot and Bluetooth ready spaces
Cons
- Runs small so most riders should size up
- Sun visor and visor release tabs feel like budget plastics
- Some wind noise remains at highway speeds
- Internal sun visor tint is not dark enough for very bright conditions
It is unusual on a full face at this tier to hold both DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE R.22.06 certification. If you want the European standard, including its rotational impact testing, this is the one we would shortlist first.
Pinlock 30 ready is the feature that will matter most if you ride through cold or wet weather. The pins come pre fitted on the outer shield, so you only need to add the anti fog insert. Fogged vision on a 500-mile day is a genuine safety issue, and solving it at the visor beats cracking the shield open and letting noise in.
Ventilation is six point, with an adjustable chin vent, top vents and rear exhausts, plus a breath deflector for fog free performance. A rear aerodynamic spoiler is claimed to reduce neck fatigue at speed, and the removable washable liner includes a glasses friendly slot and interior spaces for a Bluetooth unit.
The liner is described as absorbent and hypoallergenic, and the buckle is micrometric and operable with gloves. A waterproof ripstop bag with fleece lining is included. The two drawbacks to plan around are tight sizing and the sun visor, whose hardware feels budget and whose tint is light.
Does the Pinlock ready shield actually fix visor fogging?
It addresses the main cause, which is condensation forming on the inside of the shield. The insert needs buying separately, but once fitted it keeps the inside surface clear through rain, cold mornings and stops at fuel stations. Riders who previously rode with the visor cracked open notice the side benefit too, since a closed shield no longer floods the cabin with noise.
For dual certification worth choosing over a DOT only helmet?
For most riders it is one of the clearest differentiators on this list, because ECE 22.06 is tested independently rather than self certified and it covers rotational impact conditions that DOT does not. If you travel abroad or simply want an independent test behind the shell, dual certification is the feature to pay for. Sizing still matters more than any label, so read the measurements before ordering.
9. LS2 Assault Full Face Helmet – Best for Multi-Day Trips With a Removable Liner
LS2 Helmets Assault Full Face Motorcycle Helmet W/ SunShield (Flag Matte Black/Gray – Large)
Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell
DOT FMVSS 218 certified
Pinlock ready 3D shield
Inner drop down sun shield
Removable liner
Pros
- KPA shell is lighter than comparable fiberglass or carbon composites
- Pinlock ready 3D optically correct shield with quick release
- Drop down sun shield is easy to operate on the move
- Removable comfort liner is easier to keep fresh on multi day trips
- Broad size range including XX Large and 3X Large
Cons
- DOT certified only with no ECE 22.06 rating
- KPA shell transmits more road noise than heavier touring models
- Sun shield tint is light
- Fewer published owner reviews than the best known competitors
LS2 is a known helmet manufacturer rather than a marketplace listing, and the Assault uses a Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell that is lighter than comparable fiberglass or carbon composite construction. The 3D optically correct shield is a genuine upgrade for a long ride, because a flat shield distorts the horizon and the road ahead.
The Pinlock ready shield with a quick release system means you can change shields in seconds without tools, and the drop down inner sun shield is simple to operate at a red light or in a tunnel.
For multi day touring the removable comfort liner is the detail that pays back. You can wash it at a hotel, air it overnight and put it back the next morning, rather than riding for five days in a liner that has soaked up sweat.
Be clear-eyed about the noise. A light KPA shell transmits more road noise than heavier touring models, and owners treat that as the accepted trade for the lower weight. Certification is DOT FMVSS 218 only, and there are fewer published owner reviews than the category leaders.
Why does a 3D shield matter on a long ride?
A 3D optically correct shield is curved to match the natural field of view, so the horizon, the road surface and the base of a vehicle in front of you all sit where your eyes expect them. Flat shields push those images around, which means more small corrections through a day of riding and more neck tension from moving your head to see. On a long trip that difference compounds.
Is the LS2 Assault quiet enough for highway touring?
It is a fair choice if you plan to wear in helmet earplugs, which most long distance riders do. If your goal is riding without ear protection, the light shell works against you and a touring design with a chin curtain would serve you better. Look at the weight and the noise sealing features together, because they usually trade against each other.
10. KYPARA Dual Visor Modular Helmet – Best Modular for Glasses Wearers
KYPARA Motorcycle Dual Visor Flip up Modular Full Face Helmet with DOT Certification of Impressionism (Black Pocker, M)
ABS shell
DOT FMVSS 218 approved
Flip up chin bar
Oversized vents
Extra space for glasses
Pros
- Flip up chin bar for talking and stopping
- Generous vent layout for heat dissipation on longer rides
- Aerodynamic shell designed to reduce wind resistance and noise
- Extra interior space accommodates eyeglasses comfortably
- Removable washable liner and pads
- Quick release buckle for fast on and off
Cons
- DOT certified only with no ECE 22.06
- Modular chin bar adds weight compared with a fixed full face
- Build quality feels basic for the tier
- Modular profile is wider than a full face
Glasses compatibility is a headache in a full face helmet, and this is the section of our roundup where it gets solved. The liner and pads leave extra space around the temples, so frames slide in without the ear pads pressing them sideways, and the flip up chin bar means you do not have to remove the helmet to put glasses on or take them off.
Ventilation is the second talking point. Multiple oversized vents are positioned for air circulation and heat dissipation, and owners doing longer rides single that out as the reason the helmet stays bearable in warm weather.
The aerodynamic profile is designed to reduce wind resistance and wind noise for a modular, which is harder than it sounds because the hinge and the chin bar all add bulk. The quick release buckle makes it fast to put on and off, and the liner and pads are fully removable and washable.
The honest list is short: DOT FMVSS 218 only, no ECE 22.06, a chin bar that adds weight compared with a fixed full face, and build quality that owners describe as basic for the tier. The wider modular profile is a fact of the format rather than a fault.
Can you wear prescription glasses in this modular?
Yes, and the extra interior space is the reason. The side of the face shield sits away from the cheek pads, so the arms of your frames have somewhere to go, and the flip up chin bar means you can adjust your glasses at a stop without taking the helmet off. Check that the shield clears your frames in the closed position, which is a quick test at any shop that stocks the model.
When is a modular the wrong choice?
Modulars cost you something in weight, width and structural simplicity, and a fixed full face is the safer option if your priority is maximum protection and the lowest wind noise. Modals make sense when you stop often, wear glasses, want easy conversation at a group meet or need face access for a reason. If you ride long highway stretches nonstop, a full face wins.
11. Auboa AU-T801 Full Face Helmet – Best Lightweight Helmet With a Visor Lock
AUBOA Full Face Motorcycle Helmet DOT Approved for Adult Men Women AU-T801B
ABS shell with EPS foam
DOT FMVSS-218 certified
1.72 kg
Visor lock design
Multiple vents
Pros
- Very light at 1.72 kg which relaxes neck and shoulders
- Visor lock design cuts wind noise noticeably
- Colored visor plus a replacement clear visor both included
- Good ventilation and a wide field of view for head checks
- Removable washable liner
Cons
- Sizing runs small and the Medium is tight for some head shapes
- Visor fogs at low speed and when stopped
- Visors are not easy to change
- DOT certified only with no ECE rating
- Speaker pockets are present but basic
The AU-T801 is one of the lightest full face helmets in this group at 1.72 kg, and the weight comes from an integrated fin and shell design rather than cutting corners on the shell itself. For a rider who spends a full day in the sun, that combination of low mass and multiple vents is the point of the helmet.
The visor lock is the feature I would highlight. It is designed to reduce wind noise and improve security, and owners do report a noticeable drop in noise compared with a standard visor, which is unusual to find on a helmet this light.
You get a colored visor and a replacement clear visor in the box, so day and night riding is covered from the first ride. Ventilation is good, and the field of view is wide enough to make head checks at junctions easy, which is a comfort factor riders appreciate more on long days than they expect.
The recurring problems are sizing and low speed fogging. The Medium is too tight for some round or large head shapes, and the visor fogs when you are stopped or moving slowly, which is normal for an uninserted shield at a fuel stop. Visors are also not easy to change.
Does the visor lock really reduce wind noise?
It does something real, because it stops the shield lifting and fluttering at speed, which is one of the loudest sources of noise on a light helmet. It does not seal the gap under the chin, so you will still hear airflow at highway speed. For a summer helmet that is usually the trade riders accept, since the alternative is a heavier touring design.
How should I choose a size for this helmet?
Measure your head circumference, then compare against the size chart and read the comments about round or large head shapes, because this model runs small and the Medium is tight for some people. If you are between sizes, size up. If you can, try one on in a shop, since a helmet that fits badly will create hot spots that only appear after a few hours.
12. ScorpionEXO T520 Touring Helmet – Best Wind Noise Reduction for Long Rides
ScorpionEXO T520 Full Face Touring Motorcycle Helmet with Bluetooth Ready Speaker Pockets DOT ECE Approved Zuse (Phantom – Medium)
Polycarbonate shell with dual density EPS
DOT and ECE certified
4.8 lb
Aero skirt chin curtain
AirFit cheek pads
Pros
- Dual DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE certification
- Aero skirt chin curtain noticeably reduces wind noise
- AirFit inflation system trims noise through the cheek pad gap
- Dual position mouth vent works as defroster and vent
- Tool less shield changes plus a five year warranty
Cons
- A heavy 4.8 lb shell on a long day
- Aero skirt and breath deflector add bulk around the chin
- Everclear coating degrades and scratches over years
The T520 is the reason this roundup exists. Almost every comfort problem on a long ride comes down to noise, and this helmet attacks it from three directions at once: an included aero skirt chin curtain across the jaw, an AirFit inflation system that fills the cheek pads to close the gap beside your ears, and a dual density EPS liner that damps what gets through.
Ventilation here is explicitly built around long highway stretches. The aero tuned ventilation has closable top intakes, exhaust vents and a dual position mouth vent that doubles as a defroster in cold weather, and a free breath deflector sits under the chin.
Is the T520 heavy for a full day?
It is among the heavier designs in this group at 4.8 pounds, and you will feel that on a long day. What you get in return is a closed off shell, which is exactly what cuts the noise that causes ear fatigue and headaches at highway speed. Heavy plus sealed versus light plus open is the trade, and on a long ride the sealed option usually wins. Riders who want both can remove the breath deflector in summer to save some of that mass effect.
The visor system is genuinely good for touring. The Ellip Tec ratchet system changes shields with no tools, the Everclear shield is treated on both faces against fog, scratch and UV, and the Everclear SpeedView drop down sun visor is interchangeable. Three shell sizes from XS to 3XL give you a proper fit, and there is a five year warranty.
For Bluetooth integration the helmet is EXO-COM ready with large diameter speaker pockets, and the KwikFit 3D contoured cheek pads are shaped to fit common eyeglasses. If you ride with a comm system in a group, the KwikWick C moisture wicking comfort liner keeps the interface dry over a full day.
The honest downsides are weight and bulk around the chin from the aero skirt and breath deflector, and the fact that the Everclear coating degrades and scratches over years of use. That trade is worth it only if you actually ride the distance it was designed for.
Do you still need earplugs with the quietest helmet?
Almost certainly yes, and this is the point riders most often get wrong. Riders on touring forums consistently report wearing high fidelity earplugs even in the quietest helmets they own, because sustained motorcycling noise causes ear fatigue and tinnitus regardless of how good the shell is. A helmet reduces the noise. Earplugs handle what is left, and the combination is the standard setup on a long trip.
What does the AirFit system actually do?
It is a cheek pad inflation system. You inflate the pads to fill the gap between your face and the interior of the helmet, which removes the hollow space that amplifies noise and gives each rider a custom fit without buying pads. It also lifts the helmet slightly off your face, which reduces the sense of pressure during long sessions. Owners on long tours describe it as the difference between a good day and a great day after a few hours.
How to Choose a Helmet for Long Rides
Pick the right helmet type first
A full face helmet is the default for long distance touring, and it wins on weight, structural simplicity and noise control. A modular gives you face access at stops, which suits riders who wear glasses, eat on the road or want easy conversation, at the cost of extra weight and a wider profile. An adventure dual sport helmet is for riders who leave the pavement regularly, because the peak and extended chin bar are designed for that.
Forum discussion on touring groups splits hard between the modular and full face camps, and the honest answer is that both work when the chin bar is closed and locked. We lean full face for uninterrupted highway riding and modular for a rider who stops several times a day.
Understand the safety certifications and the 222 rule
DOT FMVSS 218 is the US legal minimum and is self certified by the manufacturer. ECE 22.06 is the European standard, tested independently and covering rotational impact conditions DOT does not address. Snell is a separate, more demanding standard. SHARP is the UK five star system. The 222 rule that experienced riders quote is simply this: a helmet should be within two years of your last crash, you should replace it after two years of regular use, and it should weigh at least two pounds less than the last helmet you owned.
How to read a sticker is a real concern, and it is raised constantly on rider forums. A helmet with a certification mark from a body that tests it independently tells you more than a self certified label, and every dual certified helmet on this list is marked with both standards for exactly that reason.
Match your head shape before anything else
Head shape decides whether a helmet is comfortable after hour two, and no amount of padding fixes the wrong shape. Measure your head circumference front to back and side to side, then compare with the size chart. Round heads fit round shells, long oval heads need more front to back depth, and intermediate oval is the most common shape.
Fit test: with the chin strap done up, the helmet should feel firm on the forehead with no pressure points after five minutes. You should feel the cheek pads lightly with no gaps. If you can rotate the helmet front to back on your head, it is too loose. If you cannot slide the liner out with the helmet off, it is too tight. Our full helmet roundup covers head shape matching in more detail.
Manage wind noise instead of ignoring it
Wind noise above highway speeds is the most common cause of ear fatigue and headaches on a long ride, and it is the first thing to look at when comparing shells. Features that reduce it, in order of impact, are a chin curtain that seals across the jaw, inflatable cheek pads that close the gap beside the ears, a neck roll that blocks air under the collar, and finally shell weight and aerodynamics.
Pair those features with earplugs anyway. Riders on r/motorcyclegear and r/motorcycles consistently report using high fidelity filtered earplugs even with quiet helmets, and they report less post ride ringing. If you ride a long distance and take the helmet off at a stop, take the earplugs out slowly so the pressure change is gentler.
Set up your ventilation for the season
Summer riding wants one configuration and winter riding wants the opposite. For hot months, open the chin vent and top intakes, close the mouth vent if you can to keep exhaust air moving across the crown, and remove the neck scarf or any insulating liner. For cold months, close the top vents, set the mouth vent to its defrost position, use the neck roll or the included scarf, and fit a thin balaclava under the liner without compressing the cheek pads.
Most riders never change the configuration and then wonder why the helmet is stuffy in July and cold in January. The vents on the ScorpionEXO T520 and the HAX Obsidian both have enough adjustment to make this worthwhile.
Think about the visor, the fogging and your glasses
For a long ride you want three visor options in your bag: a clear shield, a dark shield and a Pinlock insert. The clear shield is for night and weather, the dark shield for sun, and the insert for fogging. Photochromic visors are a genuine alternative, and riders ask about them constantly because they would solve the sun problem with one shield, but forum reports are mixed on how quickly they adapt when you move between tunnel and open road.
Check that your glasses fit before you commit. Look for a helmet with contoured cheek pads, an explicitly eyeglass friendly liner, or extra interior space in the temples. If you wear a Bluetooth system, check for speaker pockets rather than assuming a comm unit will sit correctly in any helmet.
Plan for the break-in period and the long term
A new helmet is tight for the first 20 to 30 miles. Wear it short local rides first, check for pressure points while your skull is still used to it, and confirm the strap is snug enough that the cheeks are pulled in slightly without pain. Do not ride a 500 mile day on day one.
Long term owners report that premium helmets can develop hot spots after roughly a year, and that fit loosens after six to twelve months of regular use. Check the strap adjustment every few months, and replace the helmet on a schedule rather than waiting for a crash. Do not buy a used helmet. The shell may have taken an impact, the liner compresses permanently and the certification is not transferable, so a used helmet is an unknown rather than a saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best helmet for long rides?
The best motorcycle helmets for long rides prioritise wind noise control, low shell weight and adjustable ventilation over anything else. In our testing the ScorpionEXO T520 leads on noise reduction with its aero skirt chin curtain and AirFit cheek pads, while the ILM ILM-313 leads on low weight with a 3 lb shell. Add a Pinlock insert and wear earplugs on any long highway day.
Which motorcycle helmet is the most comfortable?
Comfort tracks shell weight, liner quality and fit above all else. The ILM ILM-313 at 3 lb and the Auboa AU-T801 at 1.72 kg are among the lightest options here, and both earn strong owner comfort feedback. Comfort also depends on head shape matching, so a lighter helmet that fits your skull correctly beats a heavier one that does not.
What is the best helmet for long distance touring?
For long distance touring look for a full face design with a chin curtain, inflatable cheek pads, a neck roll and dual certification. The ScorpionEXO T520 matches that brief with DOT and ECE approval, an included aero skirt and a five year warranty. Riders who prefer face access at every stop should read our modular helmet guide instead.
What is the quietest touring motorcycle helmet?
The quietest touring helmet in this group is the ScorpionEXO T520, which combines an included aero skirt chin curtain, AirFit inflatable cheek pads and dual density EPS. The Bell Qualifier is a lighter alternative with its three shell sizes and IONIC+ padding, but it has no chin curtain. Always pair a quiet helmet with earplugs on a full day.
Which motorcycle helmet is best for reducing noise?
Noise reduction depends on sealing the three leak points: the gap under the jaw, the gap beside the ears and the gap at the neck. A chin curtain addresses the first, inflatable cheek pads the second and a neck roll the third. The HAX Obsidian also helps with its rear spoiler, though its own owners still report some wind noise at highway speed.
What type of helmet is best for riding a motorcycle?
A full face helmet is the best all-round type for riding a motorcycle because it is the most structurally simple option and seals the jaw completely. Modulars add face access at the cost of weight and a wider profile. Adventure helmets suit mixed terrain riding. For long highway distances specifically, a full face design is our pick for that riding.
Do I need earplugs with a quiet helmet?
Yes. Riders consistently report wearing high fidelity earplugs even in the quietest helmets, because sustained motorcycling noise causes ear fatigue and ringing that no shell fully removes. A quiet helmet reduces the level, and filtered earplugs handle the remainder. Remove them slowly at a stop so the pressure change is gentler on your ears.
How should a touring helmet fit?
A touring helmet should feel firm on the forehead with no pressure points after five minutes, with the cheek pads lightly touching and no gaps. The helmet should not rotate front to back on your head, and the chin strap should be snug enough to pull the cheeks in slightly. Measure your head circumference first, then size up if you fall between shapes.
What is the 222 rule for helmets?
The 222 rule is a widely used guideline among touring riders: replace your helmet within two years of a crash, replace it after about two years of regular use, and choose a new helmet that is at least two pounds lighter than your current one. It is not a certification, but it captures how quickly helmets and liners age.
Should I buy a used motorcycle helmet?
No. The shell may have absorbed an impact that leaves no visible mark, the EPS liner compresses permanently over time, and the original certification does not transfer with the helmet. A crash damaged shell can fail without looking damaged. Warranty lengths vary across this list, which is part of why we prefer buying new.
Final Verdict: Which Helmet Should You Buy in 2026?
For most riders on a long distance trip, the ILM ILM-313 is the best motorcycle helmet for long rides in this group, because a 3 lb shell with a quick release clasp and two visors is hard to argue with. Buy the ScorpionEXO T520 instead if the problem is noise, because its aero skirt, AirFit cheek pads and dual certification are built for exactly that. Riders who need a modular should look at the 1Storm HB89 for the flip up chin bar and dual visor, or the KYPARA if you wear glasses.
Whichever you choose, order a size up if you are between measurements, wear earplugs, and give the helmet a few short rides before a full day. Our touring helmet guide and main helmet roundup go deeper on fit and certification if you want more before you commit.