The Best Winter Motorcycle Helmets for Cold Weather Protection

The Best Winter Motorcycle Helmets for Cold Weather Protection

Why do you have to get the best winter motorcycle helmet? It’s not just about warmth. More importantly, it’s about safety.

Riding with a badly scratched or misted-up visor is never pleasant. But it’s worse when riding in the cold and the inside of your visor gets steamed up. If you try to open the chin vents, which can reduce the steam, your eyes will suffer a cold blast. Riding in the rain or cold will reduce your visibility significantly, which can lead to a road accident.

Without the right protective gear, you are also more likely to suffer severe cold while riding, which is also not good. To prevent all of these from happening, you need to put on gear specifically designed for the cold. One of the most important protective wear is the helmet – a winter motorcycle helmet.

You need the best winter motorcycle helmet to maintain your visibility in the cold as well as to prevent you from freezing. After extended research and testing, we have compiled a list of some of the best cold weather motorcycle helmets on the market. Read on to see our top picks.

Best Overall

ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Best Value

Scorpion EXO-GT920

Honorable Mention

GMAX GM-11S

Top Pick

The ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf is our top pick because it is designed for winter riders. It will keep you comfortable, warm, and safe in the cold. It also provides super-clear vision and undistorted view while riding in foggy and cold weather conditions.

Here Are the Best Winter Motorcycle Helmets:

1. ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf

The ILM Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf is one of the best cold weather motorcycle helmets on the market today. This headgear is designed to be used in all weather conditions. You can use it in the sun, rain, and winter. It comes with a removable winter neck scarf to keep you warm when riding in the cold. The scarf is made of high-quality material and it will keep you comfortable and warm regardless of how cold the weather is.

This full-face winter headgear features a streamlined aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag and noise. You will not be disturbed by the rushing wind while riding in the cold. It also provides maximum visibility even in foggy weather conditions. This unit comes with two visors – one clear and one smoked.

This helmet also features solid construction and it will serve you for a very long time. It is made of lightweight, durable, and advanced ABS shells. This material is strong and will keep the cold out. The gear has inner lining pads that you can easily remove and clean. The pads are there to provide your face and head with a comfortable and warm environment.

This helmet meets and exceeds the safety standards of DOT and FMVSS-218. It is available in four different sizes and seven different colors. To crown it all, this unit comes with a pocket-friendly price tag.

Specs

  • Material: ABS Shell
  • Size: Medium
  • Weight: 3 Pounds

Pros

  • Available in different sizes and colors
  • Very comfortable on the head
  • Keeps cold out
  • Highly visible and reduces drag, noise

Cons

  • A bit difficult to switch the visors

2. Scorpion EXO-GT920 Full Face Modular Helmet

The Scorpion EXO-GT920 Full Face Modular Helmet is another great headgear for the cold weather. This gear benefits from a completely redesigned shell, providing greater stability and a more aerodynamic profile. It comes with all the features that modern bike riders are looking for in a helmet. This unit is made of premium polycarbonate shell, which is engineered to be strong and light. It is also designed to maximize impact displacement.

It comes with an interchangeable internal sun visor that you can retract. It has an easily-sliding mechanism that allows you to choose the down or up position with ease. Both surfaces of the visor have an exclusive Ever Clear anti-fog coating. With this feature, you can use this helmet in extreme cold and foggy weather conditions without having a distorted view.

When it comes to comfort, this helmet is at the top of the game, thanks to its KwikWick II washable comfort liner. The anti-microbial fabric liner is designed to keep you warm in chilly weather and dry, cool in warm weather. This is a versatile helmet, as you can use it in any weather condition.

You can also remove and wash the liner with ease. This unit also provides superior energy displacement, thanks to its advanced multi-layer EPS. In addition to being optically clear, the shield is also anti-scratch. It provides 100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection. You can also get it in three different sizes and four different colors.

Specs

  • Material: Polycarbonate Shell
  • Size: large
  • Weight: 2 Pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Made of high-quality materials
  • Ideal for use in all weather conditions
  • Provides maximum protection

Cons

  • On the higher end of the price spectrum

3. GMAX GM-11S Trapper Snowmobile Helmet

If you are looking for a high-quality and durable helmet that will help you to maintain great visibility in the cold, you should consider the GMAX GM11S Trapper Snowmobile Helmet. This is another highly versatile helmet, as it is designed for different weather conditions.

This dual-sport helmet comes with an electric face shield and breath guard that prevents fogging. You will not experience any blurry or distorted view even when riding in cold or foggy weather. It also has a chin curtain to keep you warm when the weather is extremely cold. This helmet is designed to handle high-speed bombing runs and low-speed technical riding.

It features a ram-air chin port that works with exhaust vents and crown intake to help you keep your cool when the weather condition slows you down. This unit also comes with a peak visor that is designed to reduce lift when the weather is clear for you to ride at high speeds.

This helmet is DOT certified and it complies with the Department of Transportation’s FMVSS 218 requirements. This means it is safe for you to use. You can get it in 10 different colors, with sizes ranging from small to 2X-large.

Specs

  • Material: ABS Shell
  • Size: Medium
  • Weight: N/A

Pros

  • Ideal for use in all conditions
  • There is a size for everyone
  • Meets safety standards
  • Designed to keep you warm and cozy in the cold

Cons

  • Pricey

4. Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet

The Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet is the number one choice of many motorcycle riders. Riders love this headgear because it provides superior performance in any weather condition. It is designed to withstand extreme cold while keeping you cozy and warm on the inside.

This gear features a lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell construction, making it one of the highest quality winter bike helmets on the market. It is averagely-priced and you can get it in seven different sizes ranging from X-small to 3X-large.

The gear reduces road and wind noise significantly, thanks to its padded wind collar. It features a Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust, which allows for adequate airflow. This helmet meets several safety standards including DOT and the FMVSS 218 standard. It also meets the requirements of CARB (California Air Resources Board).

The shield of this headgear is anti-scratch, NutraFog II anti-fog, and UV protected. It is a unisex helmet, which means it is ideal for both males and female helmet. It also comes with a removable, washable liner that is engineered to provide you with maximum comfort while riding.

The unit comes fully decked with aggressive styling and the high-quality components it is made of ensures durability. The antimicrobial, antibacterial, and microfiber interior lining also help to keep the interior more comfortable and hygienic.

Specs

  • Material: Polycarbonate/ABS shell
  • Size: Large
  • Weight: 4.85 Pounds

Pros

  • Made of high-quality and durable materials
  • Antibacterial, antimicrobial, microfiber inner lining
  • Anti-fog coating
  • Provides great visibility in the cold

Cons

  • A bit weighty

5. Scorpion EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet

We have another great winter motorcycle from Scorpion – the Scorpion EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet. This dual-sport, flip-up helmet comes with many great features that separate it from others on the market. You can use the flip-up ability of this gear to wear goggles on your trail ride, ask for directions, and protect yourself from UV rays.

Scorpion made this helmet with an advanced LG polycarbonate shell, which is a lightweight and highly durable material. It is strong enough to withstand strong impacts in the event of a crash. It comes with a dual-density EPS liner –an advanced EPS multi-layer EPS liner that provides great energy displacement. This unit also comes with an optically clear Ever Clear No-Fog face shield with advanced fog-free technology, making it a great winter headwear.

The helmet provides great vision in all weather conditions. With the enhanced and clear visibility of this gear, you can use it to ride at night and in winter fog. It also provides you with an expanded field of view with its 11cm tall eye-port.

The shield also provides 100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection and it has an anti-scratch coating. Regardless of when you are riding in, whether winter or summer, this helmet is engineered to provide you with all the weather protection you need. It also features a great ventilation system to keep you cool and dry when riding in the hot summer.

Specs

  • Material: LG polycarbonate shell
  • Size: Large
  • Weight: 5 Pounds

Pros

  • Designed for use in winter and summer
  • Removable and washable interior
  • Comfortable interior material
  • Great ventilation system

Cons

  • Quite expensive

6. HJC Helmets CS-R3 Motorcycle Helmet

If you are looking for an averagely-priced motorcycle helmet that delivers exceptional performance in winter, we recommend you go for the HJC Helmets CS-R3 Motorcycle Helmet. This gear comes with a matte black finish and it does a great job of keeping cold out. It is unisex, making it suitable for both men and women.

This unit comes with a pocket-friendly price tag. Despite being affordable, it still features quality construction. The shell of this helmet is made of advanced polycarbonate composite, which is a highly durable and lightweight material. The shell can withstand strong impacts in the event of an accident.

This unit is also safe for you to use, as it is approved by DOT. You can use it for different vehicle service types and on different terrains. It comes with a hard-coated 3D, anti-scratch face shield that provides 95 percent UV protection. The shield also helps to keep your vision clear and sharp when riding in cold weather.

It has two rear exhaust vents and adjustable chin and forehead vents that promote adequate airflow. The headgear is suitable for both winter and summer. It comes with a secure and simple ratchet system that allows for easy, quick, and tool-less installation and removal. The helmet is very comfortable and it fits perfectly. It also comes with fully removable and washable interior cheek pads and liner.

Specs

  • Material: Advanced Polycarbonate Composite Shell
  • Size: Medium
  • Weight: 4.45 Pounds

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Fits perfectly
  • Offers maximum protection
  • RapidFire shield replacement system

Cons

  • Kinda heavy

7. AGV Full Face Winter Motorcycle Helmet

The last on our list is the AGV Full Face Winter Motorcycle Helmet. This motorbike headgear is designed for the cold. It can handle extremely cold weather while keeping your head and face cozy and warm. This unisex-adult helmet is ideal for both men and women.

It is a sports helmet that is suitable for everyday riding challenges. With this gear, you can counter every road experience, whether in winter or summer. The shell of this unit is made of high-resistance thermoplastic resin and it is available in two different sizes. It also has a four-density EPS structure engineered in four sizes.

It comes with an anti-fog visor that provides clear and bright vision when riding in the cold. You will not experience any blurry or distorted view with this helmet. The visor is also anti-scratch coated and it provides a wider vertical and lateral field of view.

It comes with acronymically shaped front air vents to keep you comfortable when riding in the summer. This headwear is also designed to maximize performance and provide stability at a higher speed. The interior is soft and very comfortable.

Specs

  • Material: High-Resistance Thermoplastic Resin Shell
  • Size: Medium
  • Weight: 5 Pounds

Pros

  • Designed for everyday riding challenges
  • Keeps you comfortable and warm in extremely cold weather
  • Anti-fog and anti-scratch visor
    Well-ventilated

Cons

  • Does not come cheap

How to Find the Best Winter Motorcycle Helmet

Anti-Fog Visor

There are many motorcycle helmets on the market, but not all of them are ideal for use in the winter. The best winter motorbike helmet comes with an anti-fog visor. This feature helps to provide you with clarity and a wider view when riding in winter. It ensures that your visor is always clear and fog-free. This allows for better visibility and much safer rides in the cold.

Safety Standards

Your helmet should meet minimum safety standards. The best motorcycle helmet for this weather condition should have a good shock-absorbing capacity. It should also be able to withstand a sharp blow from sharp objects. The helmet should meet some safety standards such as Snell, DOT, and ECE.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the helmet are two important factors you should also consider. You want to make sure the helmet fits perfectly – it should not be too large or small. It should also be lightweight, as you do not want to be riding in the cold with a heavy helmet that will cause discomfort.

winter helmet

Versatility

We highly recommend you go for the versatile options – helmets that you can use in all weather conditions. This is because you do not want to invest in different helmets for different weather conditions. The helmet should provide UV protection and ventilation while keeping you warm and cozy when riding in the winter.

Don't forget to wear other protective gear such as winter motorcycle boots and gloves.

Summary

With the right motorbike headwear, you can ride through the cold and ice without feeling the impact on your face. The helmet also ensures your vision is always clear and sharp. It will also keep you protected in the event of an accident.

All the winter headgear on this guide are great, but the ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet tends to stand out because of its great features and winter-specific design. It will keep you warm, comfortable, and safe when riding in winter.

joshua mattie

Joshua D. Mattie

My motorbike addiction began with 50cc at 5 years old. I rode motocross as a teenager & into my 20's when I worked as a mechanic. This helped me to see the light—sportbikes & cruisers became a passion. Now I'm building BikersRights to be the #1 resource for everything on 2 wheels!