Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets for the Great Outdoors
Meet adventure head on
Adventure motorcycle helmets blend the features of on-road and off-road helmets, providing adventure riders with versatility that mirrors the capabilities of their machines in the great outdoors. Manufacturers of all kinds have entered the ADV helmet market, offering riders a wide array of options. To simplify your decision, we've compiled our top three picks of the best adventure motorcycle helmets, based on our extensive review and testing process, along with feedback from trusted enthusiasts and fellow journalists. When it comes to safety, we do our best to avoid recommending budget options, so below you'll find three picks that we believe are very similar in performance quality. As a result, these recommendations are listed in no particular order, and choosing the right one for you will largely depend on personal preference in terms of style and fitment.
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Table of Contents
1a: Shoei Hornet X2
Back in January 2015, when Shoei first unveiled the Hornet X2, our Tom Roderick took notice of its potential for adventure riding. Following Roderick's review, site editor-in-chief, Evans Brasfield decided to conduct extensive testing in 2018, especially considering the importance of using up-to-date helmets for safety.
During our extensive testing, we found that the Shoei Hornet X2 lives up to Shoei's reputation for producing top-quality helmets. The fit of the helmet was near-perfect, consistent with the high standards we've come to expect from Shoei. The 3D Max-Dry Interior stood out for its excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, a vital feature for rides in hot and arid conditions. We also appreciated the safety provided by the Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS), offering added peace of mind.
A significant aspect of our findings was the Hornet X2's impressive performance in noise reduction at high speeds, despite its sizeable sun visor. This feature exceeded our expectations, maintaining low levels of wind noise. The helmet's design effectively minimized lift at higher speeds, addressing a common issue with other adventure helmets. Although there was some additional neck torque when checking blind spots at speed, it was considerably less than what we've experienced with other models.
We were impressed with the Hornet X2's ventilation, facilitated by its 11 vents. This design effectively maintained airflow, keeping the rider comfortable. The versatility of the helmet was another high point, with a wide eye port and a high-flipping face shield accommodating goggles for off-road use. Removing the sun visor, however, required some effort, despite the presence of quarter-turn fasteners.
One challenge we encountered with the Hornet X2 was in swapping face shields. Contrary to Shoei's claims, we found that adjusting the sun visor was a necessary step in this process, and aligning the various components was more challenging than with other Shoei models.
Still, our experience with the Shoei Hornet X2 was overwhelmingly positive. Its standout features include quietness, effective wind management, comfort, and versatility, making it a strong recommendation for adventure riders. The only minor issue we noted was with the shield swapping process.
1b: Arai XD-5
The Arai XD-5 is the latest ADV lid from the Japanese firm, succeeding the popular XD-4 after its decade-long run on the market. Still handcrafted in Japan, the XD-5 touts several updates to its fiberglass and resin shell, utilizing the latest Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate (PB cLc 2) construction techniques also seen in Arai's top-level roadracing helmet, the Corsair-X. In fact, we're also seeing the inclusion of the brand's "Super Fiber" reinforcement in the forehead region, providing extra strength in that critical zone.
Quite a few changes are afoot for the XD-5, though it's still visually comparable to its predecessor and builds on the egg-like philosophy seen across the brand's complete helmet range. To that end, the new exterior shell features a rounder shape, while an overall smoother profile is achieved with the help of the new faceshield and peak design, which are both lowered by 20mm to improve impact deflection performance or as Arai calls it: "glancing off." Four unique shell sizes accommodate a size range of XS to XXL, and as is the case with most Arai helmets, we are seeing an intermediate oval fitment. The helmet is both Snell M2020D and DOT-certified.
Arai injects versatility into the XD-5 by promoting it as a do-it-all lid: ADV, dual-sport, and street riding are all fair play. That narrative takes hold thanks to the new peak, which is refined to reduce lift at higher speeds — though you're still going to feel it at freeway speeds — and can be removed with a single screw for a street-oriented configuration. At the opposite end of the spectrum, off-road riders will be pleased to know that goggles can once again be used with Arai's ADV helmet, though the brand recommends removing the faceshield when doing so, which is easy thanks to the toolless locking system. As far as visibility is concerned, we're enjoying the massive field of vision, and the new MaxVision faceshield is optically correct, which is a major improvement over what is offered with the XD-4. An anti-fogging PinLock insert is also provided.
The helmet's interior features a one-piece, multi-density EPS liner designed to absorb impact energy effectively. Arai uses softer densities of EPS foam wherever possible, aiming to provide initial contact comfort without compromising safety. The liner is tailored specifically for each helmet size, ensuring a more accurate fit.
Comfort is further enhanced by a roomier helmet entry, with a wider bottom chin area and an additional 5mm of width at the cheek pads. The interior liner is adjustable, featuring peel-away comfort pads at the cheeks, temples, and crown. To customize the fit, riders can also choose from seven different thicknesses of cheek pads, ranging from 15mm to 40mm.
Ventilation has been improved by adding a rear spoiler that houses new exhaust vents, enhancing airflow and reducing interior heat. The helmet also features multiple adjustable intake vents, including brow vents and a chin vent, encouraging better airflow than the prior helmet.
While the XD-5 offers numerous advancements, some riders may find the helmet's weight slightly higher than its competition's. Additionally, the premium materials and handcrafted construction contribute to a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
The Arai XD-5 represents a significant evolution in the Japanese ADV helmet offering, one that enhances aerodynamics, safety features, vision, and comfort across the board. Yet, the XD-5 expands on versatility by genuinely making it a dual-sport helmet that can be quickly configured for nearly any on- or off-road riding environment. Nobody likes weight gain, and we'll aim our few complaints in that direction. But, taken together, the XD-5 brings a lot to the table.
1c: AGV AX9 Carbon
While we haven't had the opportunity to conduct a hands-on review of the AGV AX-9 Carbon Helmet, it comes highly recommended by fellow enthusiasts and trusted sources in the riding community. We are eager to get our hands on this helmet for thorough testing to provide our own in-depth analysis.
The AGV AX-9 Carbon Helmet is an upgrade from its predecessor, the AX-8 DS EVO Helmet. One of its standout features is the ultra-lightweight 100-percent carbon fiber shell, which contributes to both its durability and comfort. Aerodynamics have been a focal point in its design, with a newly redesigned and adjustable peak that aims to reduce the sail effect at high speeds.
Ventilation in the AGV AX-9 is handled by a total of five vents. This includes an adjustable chin vent, two brow inlets, and two extractors, delivering ideal airflow during rides. The helmet features four different configuration options: with or without a peak and/or visor, and with options for using goggles. This makes it a great option for a wide range of riding scenarios.
Comfort is also a focus on the AGV AX-9. The interior is designed to accommodate glasses comfortably, a crucial feature for riders who wear them. In addition, the padding inside the helmet is treated to maximize comfort. Finally, the cheek pads and top liner are moisture-wicking, while the neck roll is water-resistant.
We plan on conducting our own thorough review of the AGV AX-9 so we can experience firsthand why it's a top recommendation in the Motorcycle.com community.
FAQs
Which features do I need to consider when choosing adventure motorcycle helmets?
This mostly depends on what and where you ride as well as personal preferences. If you live in a climate that is hot, ventilation might be an important feature. Or, if you live in a rainy climate, you may want to consider a helmet with a Pinlock-compatible shield to reduce the chance of fogging. Weight is also a factor that often correlates to price, which is itself another important point. The helmets listed above provide a wide range of options for curious ADV riders.
What’s the difference between adventure motorcycle helmets and regular helmets?
The biggest difference between adventure helmets and other street helmets is fairly obvious just from looking at the two side by side. Adventure helmets meld off-road and street helmet features into one. The peak, large viewport, and pointed chin guard all help bridge the gap for performance on and off-road.
What are the advantages of a modular adventure helmet?
Being able to flip up the front of the helmet to eat, drink, and talk to people is less of a big deal on most ADV helmets, because most ADV helmets already give you a much bigger eye port and more airflow that a traditional full-face. But if you’ve gotten used to a modular, it’s hard to go back, since eating, drinking, and talking is mostly what you do on your motorcycle anytime you’re not riding it. So far, Schuberth and Scorpion are the only helmet makers on our list to offer a modular.
Recent Updates
January 28, 2025: Replaced Arai XD-4 with the updated Arai XD-5, which Motorcycle.com is currently evaluating.
January 23, 2024: We have decided to reduce the number of recommendations for best adventure helmets to three for 2024. These are the top three adventure helmets we've personally used or come highly recommended from trusted fellow enthusiasts.
September 2022: Updated images and text.
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Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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None of these helmets come in sizes big enough to accommodate large American noggins! The only helmets that fit my 3XL head are those made by Bell and a few of the Shoei helmets.
I'm waiting on the new Klim due for release in March, which courtesy of The Criminal, will now be even more expensive.