Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet Review & Buying Guide

If you are someone who uses helmets daily for long tours or long commuting sessions, owning a lightweight helmet can make a world of difference. While there are tons of options in the market at different price categories, choosing the fitting helmet that will be lightweight, safe and falls right in your budget is confusing.

After hours of research, we rounded up the 8 best lightweight motorcycle helmets and discussed them in detail. First, we discussed each product’s weight, material, price, and safety, basically, everything you need to know about these helmets.

Then there is a buying guide to give you an idea about the criteria we followed to make our selection. Lastly, we answered some common questions riders might have regarding lightweight motorcycle helmets.

Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet Review: In a Nutshell

In case you don’t have time to read the full review, we gave the products categorized titles with a short discussion. Have a look!

ILM Full Face Modular Motorcycle Helmet – Best Lightweight Modular Motorcycle Helmet

Full-face modular helmets are great in terms of safety and convenience, but the hinge system always makes them heavier. Weighing only 2.98 pounds, this modular helmet is one of the lightest in the market.

Westt Jet Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Ventilated Motorcycle Helmet

Good ventilation is a crucial point in the overall comfortability of any helmet. Being an open-face helmet, this one already has good ventilation. Combined with front and back vents, the ventilation system of this helmet is one of the best.

ILM Modular Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Rated Modular Motorcycle Helmets

With over six thousand reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most popular helmets with great features. An average rating of 4.5 stars speaks for itself.

TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet for Beginners

No, this is not the straight-up lightweight helmet on this list. We all know full-face helmets are the safest as well as the heaviest of all types. However, considering the weight of most full-face helmets, this is one of the lightest for sure.

AHR Run-F DOT Motorcycle Full Face Helmet – Best Bang for Buck Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet

If you are on a tight budget and looking for a good helmet that covers all the good stuff like material, build quality, safety, ventilation, and dual visor, this is the helmet you should check out.

ILM Open Face Half Motorcycle Helmet – Best Summer Motorcycle Helmet

Long bike tours in summer are something a lot of people look forward to. If you are one of those people, get this lightweight half-face helmet that provides enough safety and excellent airflow on the road on hot summer days.

FreedConn BM2-S Bluetooth Modular Helmet – Best Lightweight Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet

Answering/ rejecting calls, listening to music, or connecting with fellow riders, everything is possible for this helmet with an integrated com system and Bluetooth 3.0 technology.

What is a lightweight motorcycle helmet?

Different types of helmets are available in the market with different styles and weights. Because of that, no global or industry-standard weight range defines a lightweight helmet. The definition of lightweight can drastically change depending on the type and the features available with the helmet; we are just trying to give you a general idea.

Is the lighter weight a threat to the helmet’s safety?

This is a very common question everyone has in mind and is concerned about too. So yes, in pursuit of lighter helmets, the chance of compromising safety is higher. Still, if you check out the user reviews and safety ratings first and be sure about it, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

ILM Full Face Modular Motorcycle Helmet – Best Lightweight Modular Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Full-face, Modular
• Weight: 2.98 pounds
• Safety Certification: FMVSS-218 and DOT Certified
• Visor Type: Dual Visor

As a helmet manufacturer, ILM has been a popular name in the industry for a while now. They have made some great lightweight and comfortable helmets over the years, and this particular helmet is just an example of how they are doing a great job making both safe and lightweight helmets.

Taking about safety first, this helmet has FMVSS-218 and DOT certification, so you don’t need to worry about safety on the road at all. In addition, this helmet is quite comfortable to wear with removable inner lining pads, which you can replace or clean too.

With all the basics right, the feature that stands out most about this helmet is its weight. Made from a high-quality abs shell, the ILM full-face helmet weighs about only 2.98 pounds. The design is both practical and stylish.

It features a quick-release clasp system to remove the helmet quickly and a streamlined aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise and ensure good ventilation through multiple air vents.

It’s a dual anti-scratch visor helmet, with one clear and one smoked visor at the front for clear vision while riding day and night. Lastly, this helmet comes with a neck scarf that can save you from the chilled wind of winter.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight build
• Reduced riding noise and good ventilation
• Comfortable for long rides
• It comes with a neck scarf
• Scratch-proof dual visor

Cons

• Switching between the visors can be a bit difficult

Westt Jet Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Minimalistic Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Open-face
• Weight: 4.06 pounds
• Safety Certification: ECE 22.05 certification
• Visor Type: Dual Visor

Next up, we have an open-face helmet from Westt. Westt has been a familiar face for their open and half-face helmets in the market for many years now. Like other Westt Jet helmet models, this one also has plenty of positive feedback from their users, proving just how good their helmets are.

Westt Jet open-face helmet features a durable yet lightweight ABS shell with shock-absorbent multi-density EPS inside that adds up to the helmet’s overall safety and comfortability. As we talk about comfortability, this may be the second most important thing in a helmet. Well, this open-face helmet also gets the full mark in this category too.

The helmet has shock-absorbing, laser-cut breathable paddings inside that ensure it sits comfortably on your head for a long time without causing any discomfort at all. The paddings are removable and washable too, so when they get dirty, you can toss them in the washing machine and clean them too. In addition, there is ECE 22.05 certification for safety, which is one of the European standards of the minimum safety requirements of a bike helmet.

This helmet comes with a dual visor. The front is the clear anti-scratch polycarbonate one which is removable, and on the inside, it boasts a drop-down tinted shield that’ll save you from the sun in hot daytime riding.

Finally, to keep the helmet still on your head, the helmet has a quick-release micro-metric buckle with a reinforced chin strap which can be easily removed even with hand gloves.

Pros

• Removable anti-scratch front visor
• Comfortable interior padding
• Shock-absorbent multi-density EPS
• It can be buckled down easily with hand gloves

Cons

• The chin strap’s design and fitting can be a little uncomfortable

ILM Modular Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Rated Modular Motorcycle Helmets

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Full-face, Modular
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Safety Certification: DOT and FMVSS-218 certification
• Visor Type: Dual visor

This modular helmet has many great features that make it worth the extra few bucks it costs as the second entry from ILM. With over six thousand reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, this is arguably one of the most popular helmets in the market.

Regarding lightweight helmets, the weight might seem a bit too much, but modular helmets are always heavier than other helmet types because of the large hinge system. Compared to other modular helmets’ it’s still lightweight and has DOT and FMVSS-218 safety certifications. ILM used highly resistant ABS material for the build, improving durability and keeping the weight as minimum as possible.

There are air vents at the front and back for optimum ventilation for good airflow. Depending on the weather conditions, you can also close the vents if you want.  

A polyester strap with a quick-release clasp function lets you quickly remove or secure the helmet on your head, even with hand gloves. The paddings inside the helmets are interchangeable and washable, so you can wash them after long rides to prevent odours.

As a modular helmet, this one has a hinge system dual visor at the front, which is removable, and you can easily swap between these visors. The clear one is for nighttime use, while the tinted one is made to handle bright sunlight in summer. You can flip up the chin bar to expose your face by pressing a single button on the side and getting some fresh air.

Finally, one of the most distinguishable features of this helmet is the red LED lights at the back of the helmet. The main objective of these lights is to make the rider visible on the road and minimize any accidents. You can also control the flashing speed and turn the light off with a switch located just under the LED lights.

Pros

• Fog-resistant anti-scratch front visor
• LED lights at the back
• Adjustable air vents
• Lightweight compared to other modular helmets
• It comes with a chin curtain

Cons

• It gets noisy with the air vents left open
• The inner visor tends to wobble sometimes

TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet for Beginners

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Full-face
• Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Safety Certification: DOT and FMVSS-218 certification
• Visor Type: Single visor

Unlike most other lightweight helmets in the market, this helmet from Triangle offers the protection of a full-face helmet while weighing only 3.1 pounds. As we usually see, full-face helmets have a reputation of being one of the safest helmet types, but they weigh a bit more. However, this helmet is an exception, and it’s truly impressive how Triangle pulled it off.

Triangle full-face motorcycle helmet is made of an advanced ABS shell with high-pressure thermoplastic technology. Alongside the ABS shell, there is a multi-density EPS liner for good fit and shock absorbency. Finally, to clear out any remaining doubts about safety, it has both DOT and FMVSS-218 certifications. According to your head size, you get four different size options to choose from.

This helmet has a single removable clear PC visor that works great against strong winds and keeps the noise minimum. In addition, there is a padded chin strap with a micrometric closure option to secure the helmet on your head.

The helmet’s ventilation system is nothing extraordinary, but it gets the job done. Some standard intake vents at the front allow the wind to pass through and get out by the exhaust vents at the back. Inside, there are removable and washable liners that are washable and removable. The liners also dissipate extra moisture to prevent any bacteria build-up and keep the helmet odour-free.

Pros

• Multi-density EPS liner
• Very lightweight for a full-face helmet
• Simplistic design
• Removable and washable antibacterial padding

Cons

• Only a single clear visor

AHR Run-F DOT Motorcycle Full Face Helmet – Best Bang for Buck Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Full-face
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Safety Certification: DOT certification
• Visor Type: Dual visor

If you are looking for a quality full-face helmet that weighs less than others, you should check out this AHR Run-F DOT full-face helmet. This helmet features a simple yet fashionable design with all the essential features, making it an excellent lightweight helmet option for all bikers.

First of all, this helmet is DOT-approved, which means it’s evident in terms of official safety approval. Like all the other parts, the construction of this helmet is also made using the best material available in the industry. The helmet is made of an upgraded ABS shell with a high-density EPS liner that provides maximum impact absorption.

The interior features a soft liner and cheek pad inside for utmost comfort. The paddings are removable and washable to keep the interior clean and odour-free. If you want to replace the liners at some point, contact the store’s customer service, and you can buy new liners from them. This helmet has three colour options and four size options to choose from.

This helmet has a streamlined aerodynamic design for excellent airflow through the vents at the front and back for easier ventilation. The aerodynamic design also helps to minimize the wind noise and drag of riding this helmet.

Lastly, this helmet features a dual visor system which a switch can easily control. The front one is clear for night, and the tinted inner visor works great to save your eyes from harmful sun rays.

Pros

• Perfect for all kinds of riders
• Replaceable liners and cheek pad
• Great design and ventilation
• Dual visor to ride conveniently any time

Cons

• Hard to operate with gloves on

ILM Open Face Half Motorcycle Helmet – Best Summer Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Open-Face Half
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Safety Certification: DOT and FMVSS-218 certification
• Visor Type: Single visor

If you are a cruiser biker who’s looking for a lightweight helmet without compromising safety, you have come to the right place. ILM designed this lightweight helmet with high-end protection and all the best characteristic of a good open-face helmet. 

ILM used an ABS shell for the construction of the helmet, which plays a crucial role in making this helmet lightweight. Combined with a high-density EPS liner, this helmet offers better protection and impact absorbency than any other open-face motorcycle helmet. This helmet also offers three colours and five size options to match riders’ head sizes and colour choices.

Open-face helmets are already known for being lightweight and have the best ventilation possible because of their trademark build, and this helmet from ILM is no exception. There is no chin bar or face mask, so cool air can easily pass through the helmet and keep your head cool.

Inside the helmet, you get premium quality liners and ear flaps on both sides to wear and adjust the helmet comfortably.

ILM open-face helmet equips a single drop-down tinted visor which can be easily removed and replaced. You can buy the clear visor separately later.

Pros

• Good ventilation
• Option to buy visor separately
• Great colour options
• Quick-release chin strap

Cons

• Only one visor is mountable at a time

FreedConn BM2-S Bluetooth Modular Helmet – Best Lightweight Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet

Specifications

• Helmet Type: Full-face, Modular
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Safety Certification: DOT, ECE, and ‎BQB certification
• Visor Type: Dual visor

As we mentioned earlier, there is no fixed weight range to call a helmet lightweight as every type of helmet has heavier and lighter versions. The same goes for this FreedConn BM2-S modular helmet with high-tech features and great design aesthetics.

However, the design is not the only reason someone should get this helmet as it has Bluetooth connectivity with a com system built inside and weighs less than other helmets in the Bluetooth category.

Talking about safety first, this helmet is made of high-quality ABS for a durable and lightweight build. The helmet itself weighs a mere 4 pounds, which is barely noticeable if you look at the features. It has both DOT and ECE certifications, making it a safer choice and road legal in the USA and Europe. A dual visor at the front allows you to have great vision both day and night.

Next up, the interior of this helmet features a washable and removable microfiber liner and cheek pad. You can wash the liner any time after long rides to keep it odour-free and prevent bacteria from growing. You also have the option to buy extra liners if you want. Furthermore, this helmet boasts multiple vents at the front and back for an effective ventilation system. 

Unlike other products on our list, this helmet has Bluetooth with an integrated computer system. As a result, talking with your fellow riders or answering and rejecting calls is much easier with this helmet. Three riders can pair simultaneously with the com system, while two can talk within a range of up to 1640 feet. In addition, with Bluetooth 3.0 and two built-in speakers inside, you can easily chat, enjoy music, and listen to the radio and GPS voice prompts.

This whole Bluetooth and intercom system is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides 8 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby time. For rejecting and answering calls with volume control, there is an easy-to-use single-button control system on the left side of the helmet.

We admit this Bluetooth helmet is on the higher side of the price spectrum, but looking at the features, indeed, this helmet is worth the extra money and one of the best modular motorcycle helmet under 200$

Pros

• Integrated com system
• Great connectivity with long-range
• Pretty lightweight for a modular Bluetooth helmet
• Good ventilation
• Easy to operate

Cons

• Rechargeable batteries would have been great
• Gets noise at high speed

Buying Guide

Like every other product, a helmet should check some primary feature boxes to be considered good. Fancy features or any speciality about any helmet, that part comes later, but when you choose a lightweight helmet, you must get these fundamentals straight to get the most suitable helmet for yourself.

These are the very same factors we considered too when compiling this list. So let’s talk in detail about those factors and why they are so important. 

Safety

Safety is the main, and I think, the only reason we wear a helmet in the first place, right? So no matter which type of helmet you plan to get, safety should be the most crucial factor to consider while buying a helmet. In the case of lightweight helmets, this question is more important and trickier.

Although, as we said earlier, the manufacturers are trying their best to cut down the weight as the popularity of lightweight helmets is growing, it’s not unusual that safety is getting compromised in that process. While shedding any extra weight, some helmets may end up with thinner and low-density body structures, which can threaten your safety.

So do your homework, and while getting one, check out the safety certifications the helmet has to make sure the helmet is lightweight enough.

Cost

Cost is another tricky aspect of buying anything, especially for a helmet. Why? Well, many options are waiting out there in the market with different price categories. You may have a heavy wallet or a light one, we don’t know that, but we know that whatever budget you have, you want absolutely the best one possible in your respective budget.

So first, decide how much you want to spend on your lightweight motorcycle helmet. You’ll find helmets starting under 200$, and the high-end models can quickly go up to 500-600$ easily. However, we are here to assure you that, even if you had the minimum budget, you could easily get some decent deals at that price if you select them wisely.

Helmet Type and Use

If you use it frequently for long tours or daily commuting in long-distance, using a lightweight helmet can provide you ultimate comfort and help you get rid of neck pains. All types of helmets have lighter models in the market, and that makes it even more confusing.

No matter what kind of helmet you use, you’ll have to choose the type first according to your use and then look for a lightweight model for that particular type. Full-face, modular, half, open-face, and off-road are widely used motorcycle helmet categories, and all have lighter and heavier models.

In general, open-face helmets are the lightest because of their simplistic designs, but they can be a safety concern too.

Comfortability: Cushioning, Fit, and Ventilation

These three may seem like an entirely different conversation, but these things also go hand in hand to make a helmet comfortable. Another reason to consider comfortability is that it’s the main reason we look for lightweight helmets for comfort on long rides.

Being lightweight is already a pre-condition for comfort, but other features too add up to make a helmet even more comfortable. For example, choosing the right size for the helmet can give you a firm fit on your head, preventing wobbling and making the helmet comfortable.

Inner cushions are essential, too; soft cushioning inside can ease the discomfort of wearing a helmet for a long time. Lastly, you should check out the helmet’s ventilation system, so the wind can flow freely through your helmet and keep you sweat-free on hot days of summer.

FAQ

Conclusion

Helmets are crucial to our riding experience, ensuring our road safety.  Over time, we have seen the design and build drastically change with different materials and refinements. As a result, helmets are more modern, safer, and the part we will talk about, lighter than ever.

As more manufacturers are trying their best to make their helmets lighter every day, with the increasing number, it’s getting more and more challenging every day to find the right one that doesn’t compromise rider safety.

In this situation, our review article is just a mere attempt to point you in the right direction to get you the best-suited lightweight motorcycle helmet for yourself. Every product we discussed is excellent, but you’ll have to check out the reviews first to know why we chose them. Then, pick any of these lightweight helmets, and you should be good to go.