Harley-Davidson's Best Motorcycle Half Helmets
August 23, 2023 Comments CommentReady to hit to road in classic style? Find out what separates the best half helmets from the rest and explore our riders’ favorite options in this guide to the best motorcycle half helmets.
What is a Motorcycle Half Helmet?
Harley-Davidson® half helmets feature a hard helmet top that covers half of a rider’s head and stays on head with the help of a chin strap. The smallest DOT-approved headgear option available, half helmets provide much-needed protection while maximizing exposure to that wind in your face that’s synonymous with the feel of the open road.
Lighter and significantly less bulky than their full-face helmet counterparts, motorcycle half helmets are typically cooler to ride in thanks to the increased breathability and airflow. Additionally, their smaller size makes them easier to transport and store than larger alternatives.
Resembling original helmets from the early days of motorcycle history, half helmets also offer an iconic look, one often preferred by casual riders and everyday enthusiasts alike. And when combined with the eyewear of their choice, a half helmet provides not only classic style but important protection from the elements. Harley-Davidson® half-shell helmets, for instance, are crafted with quality materials that keep them from being scratched, scuffed, or otherwise damaged even in harsh weather conditions.
Best Motorcycle Half Helmets
Want to see what our riders have to say about our half helmets? The helmets you see below are our most popular motorcycle half helmet options. Check our their reviews to see what other riders are raving about.
Why Should I Wear a Half Helmet?
Half helmets’ fully open and lightweight design make them a top choice for many riders that enjoy cruising at lower speeds and prefer the feel of the wind in their face as they ride.
Of course, it’s also important that half-helmet users are comfortable with the trade-off between feel and functionality. While some half-helmets can be equipped with hands-free Bluetooth® headsets that allow for easy, over-the-air communication with other riders, you won’t get the fully integrated sound system and advanced noise control options offered by some of the latest modular and full-face helmets.
Likewise, riders must consider the compromise between comfort and protection. While DOT-approved half-helmets deliver critical protection for the head in the event of an accident, they lack the full support and face protection offered by state-of-the-art full-face helmet options. For this reason, half helmets are typically recommended for urban bikers and cruisers who don’t often take to open roads or get up to highway speeds.
