What is the best cheap motorcycle helmet?

What’s the best cheap motorcycle helmet? Is the most common question we get asked. Maybe you’re new to the world of motorcycling, or perhaps you’re on a budget and your helmet is coming to the end of its life. You could be merely just looking to upgrade your kit. Before we start, let’s check out the basics:

Helmet 101:

• Helmets are recommended to be changed every 5 years. The reason being is that despite the fact you could polish it everyday, take immaculate care of it – eventually the internal materials in the shell will start to deteriorate, potentially meaning they aren’t as absorbent as they once were when it comes to impact.
• There are different types of shell and materials, for example a composite shell made from carbon fibre, super fibreglass typically tend to be more expensive such as the likes of Arai and Shoei.
• It’s important to know where you stand in terms of legalities with visors, as some dark visors aren’t intended for road use but only ‘track’ use – or ‘daylight use only’ visors etc.

What is ECE 22.06?

• The current worldwide safety standard for helmets is ECE 22.06. It’s vital that whichever helmet you’re looking at is ECE compliant, the previous standard was 22.05. Don’t panic, these helmets were still made to the highest standard, the introduction of the 22.06 just means increased testing in certain areas which is always a positive. 

All of the helmets chosen in this article are 22.06 compliant, come from reputable manufacturers and have been voted by you as the best cheap motorcycle helmets on the market. Let’s get into it!

HJC C10 – from £89.99

HJC Helmets are a huge name in world class racing, with their athletes spanning across MotoGP, WorldSBK and domestic British classes more. Names such as Fabio Quartararo, Brad Binder, Cal Crutchlow have flown the HJC Helmets flag on the race scene. They also make a great road helmet.

C10 features:

• ECE 22.06
• Sizes from 3XS-2XL (Youth to adult sizes)
• 3x front vents
• Pinlock ready visor
• Removable cheek pads/liner (interchangeable to get your size)
• Rated 4x stars on SHARPS testing

So, the HJC C10 is a really popular helmet amongst freshly passed CBT riders, riders returning to the roads after a few years who aren’t wanting to spend too much updating all of their gear and more. As always, don’t be put off by the price. The C10 comes from a reputable company that is also not the first in its line, it’s been a staple for the brand for a long time for all good reason that it’s a strong performing helmet for not a lot of money. The solid colours start from £89.99 and the colour ways go up to £99.99.

MT Braker SV – from £99.99

MT Helmets are a fairly new name to a lot of motorcyclists who have been riding for many years, however are an up and coming brand who are well established in high calibre world championship racing such as Moto2 and Moto3.

They’re known for their funky designs, ease of use and all round value for money helmets. However, don’t be put off by the price! Let’s take a look at the technical specifications of this helmet:

Braker SV features:

• ECE 22.06
• Sizes from XS-2XL
• Weight – 1.6kg
• Internal sun visor
• 3x front vents
• Removable cheek pads/liner (interchangeable to get your size)
• Micrometric closure retention
• Pinlock ready visor
• Rated 5x stars on SHARPS testing

Lastly, the MT Braker SV starts in the solid colour range from £99.99, with the colour ways going up to £119.99. These are a real eye catcher and come with a host of features, the ease of an internal sun visor and the Pinlock ready visor means regardless your commute you’re ready for what conditions you’re met with.

AGV K1-S – from £149.99

Who are AGV? They’re a huge name in the motorcycle world, world renown MotoGP athletes using them over the years and their rich history in protecting riders on the road and on the track. AGV released their first motorcycle helmet in 1947 and over the years have protected athletes from Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi and more.

The AGV K1-S has been designed to ‘meet the challenges that come everyday’. With its sporty design, angular features and wide range of colour schemes it not only looks mean but is a great all-rounder that protects your pocket. In addition to the sport theme, there are also a huge number of Rossi replica’s in the collection. 

K1-S features:

• ECE 22.06
• Sizes from XS-2XL
• Double D ring retention
• Quick release visor system
• 2x shell sizes
• 5x front vents
• Removable cheek pads/liner (interchangeable to get your size)
• Weight – 1.5kg
• Pinlock ready visor
• Rated 5 stars on SHARPS testing

So the gloss black K1-S is available for £149.99, with the colour-ways ranging from £179.99 and the racing replicas at £209.99. If you’re looking for something that looks the part, has that Italian premium feel then this may be for you.

Shark Ridill 2 – from £149.99

The Ridill range from Shark has been popular since its release for being a great introductory helmet at a great price. The current Ridill 2 comes with a load of features and some great colour ways too. Despite the fact it’s one of the higher priced helmets in this ‘cheap’ range of suggested helmets you get a lot with the Ridill 2 and you’re also buying into a brand that have manufactured helmets to an extremely high level and again in high calibre sports as above.

Ridill 2 features:

• ECE 22.06
• Sizes from XS-2XL
• 2x shell sizes
• Weight – 1.4kg
• Pinlock ready visor
• Vast range of iridium visors and accessories available (incl. racing only dark smoke visor)
• Internal sun visor
• Micro-lock buckle system strap
• Easy fit for glasses
• SharkTooth intercom compatibility

These helmets are widely popular due to the convenience of the internal sun visor that comes as standard and a whole host of accessories that come with it. You can get the chin curtain as an extra from your local dealer, which accompanied with the vents throughout is a real good extra. It’s one of the lighter helmets on the market too, making it popular if you’re doing a sizeable amount of commuting. The Ridill 2 is available from £149.99 in gloss black, the colour ways go up to £179.99.

So, there’s a whole host of options in terms of the best cheap motorcycle helmet. Ultimately, cost does come into play in any circumstance especially when you’re in a position where you have to upgrade everything. It’s always worth taking a visit into your local dealer, checking out their clothing department and speaking with their staff.

Lastly, even if you’ve been a biker for a long time it’s always nice to have a second opinion. If you’re lucky with where you visit, they may be able to offer you a bundle deal on your purchase too.