Modular motorcycle helmets offer flexibility that no other helmets can. Imagine feeling the nice air with the face shield up and getting the maximum head protection with the shield down.
In other words, you have a full-face helmet and open-face helmet rolled into one.Finding the best modular motorcycle helmet is very tricky because you have to consider several important features, like size, ventilation, and shell design.
For your convenience, we rank eight of the best modular helmets on the market today. Check our reviews and guide below.
Top 8 Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets
- Shoei Solid Neotec 2
- HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II
- HJC Solid Men’s CL-MAX 3
- 1Storm HB89
- LS2 Helmets Valiant
- Typhoon Helmets G339
- YEMA-925MBL
- FreedConn BM2-S
1. Shoei Neotec 2 – Quietest Modular Helmet
The Shoei Neotec 2 has everything that will make your ride comfortable and quiet.
It has outstanding aerodynamics and sun shield-system to make this one of the best long-distance touring helmets for hybrid motorcyclists.
The shape of this helmet is intermediate oval making it fit most common head shapes.
Highlighted Features:
- We like Neotec 2 because its aerodynamic shell design makes this model one of the quietest helmets on the market. The Noise Isolator cheek pads that seal the openings around the neck while the face cover’s Vortex Generator and chin bar’s Aero Deflector keep the unwanted wind noise out
- Dual-layer EPS liner improves ventilation and impact absorption. The whole interior liner is removable for easy cleaning.
- Micro ratchet chin strap is made with a stainless steel interlocking mechanism for quick and easy closure and release.
- Flip-up face cover and face shield is designed with a 360 Pivot Locking system to ensure safety and closure. You only need to press a single button to release the chin bar and shield.
- Built-in sun shield protects your eyes from the blinding glare of the sun. It has a large slide switch to activate the 3D-injection molded inner sun shield.
- Large upper and lower vent closes for ease even with riding gloves. The new exhaust outlets drive hot air outside.
PROS
- Reduces wind noise while improving airflow
- Has a good aerodynamic shell design
- Convenient and durable chin strap
- Great ventilation system
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- Expensive
Read the Full Review: Shoei Neotec II Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review here.
2. HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II: Editor’s Choice
The HJC IS-MAX II is an excellent modular motorcycle hat if you want safety and comfort in your entire ride.
It has met or even surpassed the safety and quality standards of DOT or Department of Transportation.
With its intermediate oval shape, it fits most people whose heads are quite wide.
Highlighted Features:
- The advanced polycarbonate composite shell is lightweight and it offers substantial impact resistance.
- We like the HJC IS-MAX II because it comes with an adjustable polycarbonate chin bar that lifts with a single button. Every time you want to talk to someone, you can easily raise the chin bar when you stopped on the road.
- It comes with two visors: a QuickSlide clear face shield and a smoke-tinted SunShield to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Advanced Channeling Ventilation System makes you feel cool on the entire ride. The front and back vents flush out the heat and humidity.
- Removable liner and cheek pads are washable for easy cleaning. The fabric is antibacterial and it wicks away moisture to keep you cool.
PROS
- Meet or surpass DOT standards
- Feels sturdy and well-constructed
- Great ventilation system
- Built-in sun visor
- Fairly quiet and comfortable
CONS
- The size may run small
3. HJC Solid Men’s CL-MAX 3 – Modular Helmet For Hot Weather
The HJC Solid Men’s CL-MAX 3 is another great modular helmet that offers a lot of features for its small package.
It offers a single-button release chin bar, efficient ventilation system, and SuperCool interior.
This intermediate oval shape helmet has passed or even surpassed the safety ratings of DOT making it a great companion on the road.
Highlighted Features:
- The Advanced Polycarbonate Composite shell is durable and lightweight using advanced CAD technology.
- It’s designed with an adjustable polycarbonate chin bar that can be easily released with a single button.
- The Advanced Channeling Ventilation System flushes out the heat and humidity with its full front to back airflow.
- We love the CL-MAX 3 because its SuperCool interior is made of antibacterial fabric that wicks away moisture keeping you cool the whole time. Liner and cheek pads are removable and washable for easy maintenance.
- The adjustable smoke-tinted sun visor can protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Its locking mechanism works easily and fast.
PROS
- Wicks away moisture to keep you cool
- Good airflow inside the helmet
- Reduces wind noise
- Easy to use and wear
- Effective sun shield system
CONS
- May fog up a bit but you can use some anti-fogging wipes to fix it
4. 1Storm HB89 – The Best Modular Helmet For The Money
If you’re just a casual motorcyclist who rides on the not so busy highways, then the 1Storm HB89 might be an affordable option.
It only costs under $100 while other helmets on this list run between $150-$699.
Though it’s very affordable, it offers adequate protection and comfort to your head.
Highlighted Features:
- Aerodynamic ABS shell is lightweight and it meets the standards of DOT. It comes with a multi-density EPS material to absorb any impact and protect your head from injuries.
- The liner and cheek pads are removable for easy washing. It helps keep your helmet smelling fresh and clean.
- We love its dual visor design because it gives you the flexibility to ride during the day and night. The outer clear shield protects your whole face from outside elements while the inner smoked visor protects your eyes from the sun.
- The six ventilation opening system allows the entry of cool air and discharge of hot air.
- The quick-release buckle secures the helmet in your head.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Has space for headphones
- Comfortable liner and pads
- Dual visor design
- Doesn’t fog up when breathing
CONS
- The chin clip is a bit challenging to adjust
5. LS2 Helmets Valiant – The Best Harley Davidson Modular Helmet
Nothing looks cooler than to pair your Harley Davidson with the LS2 Helmets Valiant.
This modular motorcycle helmet can get you protected for long rides with its twin shield system and ultra-light Kinetic polymer alloy shell.
Its 180-degree flip makes it design innovative and unique on the market.
Highlighted Features:
- What we love about the Valiant is its FogFighter treated shield which is scratch-resistant and offers no distortion to your vision.
- This helmet uses LS2’s Thermo-Form lining which means no glues and chemicals are used to weld the outer material to the interior foam. The removable liner is washable and safe even to sensitive skin.
- Built-in Twin Shield System protects your face and eyes from harmful elements outside.
- The quick release chin strap holds the helmet in place and gives you a comfortable fit.
- Dynamic Flow-through Ventilation keeps you cool the entire ride by flushing out hot air.
- Chin bar flicks 180 degrees letting you change between full-face and open-face helmet conveniently.
- It can accommodate any SENA Bluetooth device.
PROS
- Built-in sun shield offers maximum clarity
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Hypoallergenic liners and pads
- Bluetooth ready
- Fog-resistant and scratch-resistant shield
CONS
- May be slightly loud at high speed
6. Typhoon Helmets G339: The Best Modular Helmet For Aesthetics
For those who want a good-looking modular helmet to wear every day, the Typhoon Helmets G339 might be your best bet.
It’s available in nine colors including blue, orange, and pink.
It’s DOT certified to be safe for dirt bikes and snowmobiles.
Highlighted Features:
- Advanced front flow ventilation system is built with channels to keep you cool even in hot weather.
- Bluetooth speaker pockets accommodate any brand of Bluetooth speakers or wireless communication systems for the intercom.
- We love G399 because its sculpted aerodynamic ABS shell provides a smooth and lightweight design.
- Standard D-Ring chin strap secures the helmet to your head even with strong impact.
- Removable comfort liner and cheek pads are made with soft materials to provide comfort. They’re washable to keep them clean and odor-free.
- The retractable sun visor deploys quickly with a single push of a button. There’s enough room to fit your prescription glasses.
PROS
- Comes in great colors
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Face shield opens and closes smoothly
- Sun visor works well
- Adjustable air intake
CONS
- May fog up with the face shield on
7. YEMA-925MBL: Lightest Modular Helmet
At 3.7 lbs, the YEMA-925MBL is probably the most lightweight in this list. It’s packed with a lot of modern features to make your ride comfortable on the long road.
This DOT-certified professional-grade motorcycle helmet looks good in your scooter, street bike, and cruiser.
Highlighted Features:
- The aerodynamic ABS shell is built with a multi-density EPs liner to absorb the impact in case of a sudden collision on the road.
- Reinforced chin strap keeps the helmet secure on your head. It comes with a quick- release buckle for convenience.
- Removable liner and pads are washable to keep them clean at all times. There’s extra space to fit your glasses and Bluetooth speakers.
- Intake and exhaust vents are fully adjustable to make a clean airflow throughout the ride.
- High impact visor is scratch resistant and UV resistant. It offers a large field of vision without distortion.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Easy to use even with gloves
- Clear visor visibility
- Feels solid and sturdy
- Vents opens and shuts smoothly
CONS
- Minimal interior padding
8. FreedConn BM2-S: The Best Modular With Bluetooth
The FreedConn BM2-S is a great option for those who want a built-in Bluetooth intercom function on their modular motorcycle helmet.
The BM2-S allows you to enjoy safety and comfort while calling hands-free.
You can stay in touch with your family or friends while riding.
Highlighted Features:
- The BM2-S is built with Bluetooth 3.0 to keep you linked with any Bluetooth-supported devices, like cellphone, MP3 player, and GPS. It’s compatible with T-COM, COLO, and T-Rex Bluetooth headsets.
- The built-in Bluetooth intercom allows you to talk with up to two people at a maximum distance of 500 meters. Built-in speakers and noise-canceling microphone allow you to talk clearly in the middle of the busy road.
- ABS lightweight shell is tough enough to protect your head from injuries during an accident. It comes with an advanced ventilation system to keep you cool while riding.
- Built-in goggles protect your eyes from the sun while the clear shield protects your face from harsh elements on the road.
- Liner and cheek pads are removable and washable. They wick away moisture to keep your helmet clean and smelling nice.
PROS
- Intercom functionality
- Lets you listen to music and navigate the GPS
- Feels durable and solid
- Smoked visor works well
- Speakers sound clear
CONS
- The visor may come off while riding so install it well
Frequently Asked Questions
There are hundreds of modular helmet models out there. To help you find the right modular motorcycle helmet that fits your needs, follow our guide.
Which Materials Make The Safest Modular Helmet?
Generally, modular helmets are made from four different types of materials: polycarbonate, fiberglass, composites, and carbon. Carbon or a mix of carbon and kevlar scores the highest in crash tests, followed by composite, fiberglass, and polycarbonate.
Understand The Shape And Weight Of Your Modular Helmet
The shape and weight of the helmet are crucial to your comfort and safety. You’ll realize what head shape fits you nicely when you determine the style that offers you a snug fit. Here are three of the different head shape categories:
- Intermediate Oval – This particular helmet shape is the most common head shape. It’s quite wide in shape. Most North American helmets follow this shape.
- Long Oval – This is a rare head shape designed for motorcyclists whose head is significantly longer than wide. People with this head shape usually feel increased pressure along the forehead when wearing round or intermediate helmets.
- Round – This is the rarest kind of head shape. The head is more spherical than normal. People with this kind of head shape usually feel an increased pressure at the temple when wearing long oval or intermediate helmets.
As for the weight, you’ll want the modular helmet to be as lightweight as possible to reduce neck fatigue. Compared to full-face helmets, modular helmets tend to be on the heavier. The average weight of helmets run between 3-5 lbs.
Any helmet that weighs between 3 and 3.75 lbs is considered to be lightweight. However, these lighter helmets are very pricey because they use premium materials.
Advanced design methods reduce weight while following strict safety standards.
What Features To Look For
- Chin Bar/ Chin Guard – The safety of the modular helmet mainly lies on the removable chin guard. You want the chin guard to stay fully locked during an impact or else you’ll leave your face vulnerable to injuries. It should also be easy to flip up or move away even when wearing your gloves.
- Built-In Visors – Modular motorcycle helmets usually comes with two visors: a clear shield and a smoke-tinted sun visor. As much as possible, look for a built-in visor that offers a clear vision without distortion. It should be UV-protected to protect your eyes from the sun and foggy-resistant to prevent the fog buildup inside the helmet.
- Ventilation – The weather can be cruel for riders, sometimes. For hot weather, make sure that the modular helmet has a good ventilation system. The vents should be adequate to flush out all the hot air from inside.
Conclusion
Our top pick as the best modular motorcycle helmet is the HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II because it offers the best mix of comfort and safety. It comes with an adjustable chin bar to protect your entire head during impact. You can lift the chin bar in a simple push of a button to enjoy the fresh air when riding at low speed.
This helmet is also fairly quiet so you don’t need to wear any earplugs. The vents provide plenty of airflow without being too noisy.
Since, the size may run small, order one size larger or better yet try it yourself to find the perfect fit.
HJC also has a few helmets listed in the Top 50 Coolest Motorcycle Helmets you should have a looksy at too.