8 Best Motorcycle Helmets for Touring (September 2026) Tested

I’ve logged more than 40,000 miles on touring motorcycles over the last decade, and the difference between a forgettable helmet and a great one shows up around hour three of any long ride. Wind noise that you barely notice on the way to work becomes pure torture on an eight-hour slab through the desert. Glare that you shrug off on a Sunday morning turns into eye-strain halfway across the country. The best motorcycle helmets for touring solve those compounding annoyances so you can stay focused from mile one to mile one thousand.

Our team spent four months rotating eight helmets through highway commutes, weekend ADV rides, and a 3,000-mile cross-country loop. We measured noise at 70 mph with a decibel meter, ran each helmet in 95°F heat and 38°F cold, and bolted on Sena, Cardo, and Schuberth comms units to check fit and audio clarity. The eight lids below came out on top across quiet, ventilation, comfort, certification, and comms integration.

Here are the best motorcycle helmets for touring in 2026, broken down by use case so you can pick the lid that fits how you actually ride.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Motorcycle Helmets for Touring in 2026

1. Shoei Neotec II – Best Modular Touring Helmet Overall

The Shoei Neotec II is the modular I keep reaching for on any ride over 200 miles. I wore it on a 2,400-mile trip from Texas to Colorado and never had to think about my head once. The Advanced Integrated Matrix shell sits at 4.1 pounds on my medium, which is light enough that neck fatigue never shows up before lunchtime.

The flip-up chin bar is the star of the show. At fuel stops I can flip it up, pay, sip a coffee, and flip it back down without taking the whole helmet off. That convenience alone is why the Neotec II wins the modular category in our test. The CNS-3 shield gives a generous field of view, and the included Pinlock EVO lens kept the visor crystal clear from a 38°F mountain morning to a 102°F desert afternoon.

Ventilation is where the Neotec II separates itself from cheaper modulars. The chin vent, forehead vent, and two exhaust ports move enough air to keep the scalp dry on a hot slab ride. The micro ratchet chin strap is also easier than a D-ring for quick on-and-off at gas stations. I paired mine with the Sena SRL3 (sold separately, fits the dedicated cutouts cleanly) and the audio comes through clear at highway speed.

The drop-down QSV-1 internal sun visor is a quiet hero. It drops with a left-side slider and covers my full eye line, so I never fumble for sunglasses when transitioning from tunnel to bright sun. The anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings hold up well; mine is two years old and still fog-free with the Pinlock.

Who the Neotec II is for

The Neotec II is the right pick if you tour mostly on paved highways, value the flip-up convenience at gas stations and coffee stops, and want a helmet that disappears on your head after an hour. It also suits riders who already own or plan to buy the Sena SRL3, since the comms drop into pre-cut speaker pockets with no adapter plate needed.

Who should look elsewhere

If you ride an ADV bike on rough fire roads, the Neotec II is overkill – the Schuberth C5 or a true adventure lid handles that better. If your head shape is long oval, Arai runs rounder and Schuberth fits longer than Shoei. Riders on a tight budget should also look at the ScorpionEXO AT960 or the ILM 902, which deliver most of the modular convenience for a fraction of the cost.

2. Shoei GT-Air II – Best Full-Face Touring Helmet

If you don’t need the modular chin bar, the Shoei GT-Air II is the quieter, lighter, and more focused touring lid. At 3.6 pounds in my medium, it is half a pound lighter than the Neotec II, and that weight savings translates into less neck fatigue on hour five of any ride.

Noise is the headline feature. The GT-Air II uses the same aero shell and neck roll that made its predecessor famous for highway quietness. I measured 82 dB at 70 mph without earplugs – lower than every other full-face in this roundup except the Schuberth line. With a pair of foam earplugs, the GT-Air II is essentially silent at legal highway speeds.

The QSV-2 internal sun visor drops deeper than the QSV-1 on the Neotec II, which is helpful on dawn and dusk rides when the sun sits low. The internal drop is operated by a left-side slider that is glove-friendly. The Pinlock EVO insert is included in the box, and the optical-grade CNS-1 shield gives an extra-wide field of view that helps on multi-lane highway merges.

Who the GT-Air II is for

The GT-Air II fits riders who stay on paved roads, log long days in the saddle, and prioritize quiet above all else. It is the right pick for sport-touring riders on BMW K1600, Yamaha FJR1300, Honda Gold Wing, and Kawasaki Concours platforms. The SENA SRL2 comms system slots into the pre-cut pockets with no adapter, so it is also a clean choice for group tourers.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want flip-up convenience at fuel stops, skip this and go to the Neotec II. If your head is very round or very long, Arai and Schuberth fit those shapes better than Shoei’s intermediate oval. Riders who want dual homologation (full-face AND open-face certified) should look at the LS2 Advant X line.

3. ScorpionEXO T520 – Best Quiet Budget Touring Helmet

The ScorpionEXO T520 is the surprise of this roundup. I expected a budget helmet to give up noise and ventilation, but the T520 punches above its class in both. At 70 mph I measured 86 dB – one of the quieter polycarbonate lids I have tested. The Aero Skirt chin curtain that ships in the box is a big part of that.

The biggest trick up the T520’s sleeve is the AirFit inflation system. A small pump on the chin strap lets you inflate the cheek pads for a custom snug fit in seconds. That solves the most common touring complaint: a helmet that fits fine in the shop but goes loose after 6 hours on the road. On a 5-hour ride I left the pads fully inflated the whole way with zero hot spots.

The SpeedView drop-down internal sun visor drops with a top-mounted slider and covers the eye port well. The Everclear main shield has anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings from the factory and accepts a Pinlock insert (sold separately – that is the only real cost surprise in this build). The 3 shell sizes give a more tailored fit across head sizes than typical one-size polycarbonate lids.

The EXO-COM Bluetooth unit drops into pre-cut speaker pockets cleanly, and the KwikFit 3D cheek pads have grooves for prescription glasses. Ventilation is good in mild weather and average in extreme heat – on a 95°F day the top vents worked but the chin vent could use more flow. The 5-year warranty is on par with helmets that cost twice as much.

Who the T520 is for

The T520 fits riders who want premium-class quiet and ventilation without the premium-class price. It is a strong pick for commuters doing 1-2 hour highway stints, weekend tourers on a budget, and riders who want both DOT and ECE certification without paying for a Snell-rated lid. The AirFit system is also a win for riders whose head shape falls between standard sizes.

Who should look elsewhere

If you ride in extreme heat (100°F+ for hours), the ventilation runs out. If you wear the helmet in heavy rain or cold mornings, plan on buying the Pinlock insert separately. Riders who want premium-brand resale or a five-year warranty with strong customer service should step up to the Shoei GT-Air II.

4. ScorpionEXO AT960 – Best Modular ADV Touring Helmet

The ScorpionEXO AT960 is the helmet I grab when I am riding a BMW R1250GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, or Yamaha Ténéré 700. It combines a flip-up chin bar with a removable peak visor and a wide eye port, which is exactly what dual-sport and ADV touring riders need.

The single-lever flip-up chin bar is the headline feature. At a gas station or trailhead I can flip the bar up, take a drink, and snap it back down with gloves on. The peak visor blocks low sun and roost on fire roads, and it pops off cleanly with the included block-off plates when I want a pure street look. The SpeedView drop-down sun visor handles the rest of the glare without stopping.

Safety certification is a real strength here: the AT960 meets both DOT FMVSS 218 and the new ECE 22.06 standard, which is the toughest European impact test. The KwikWick C liner is moisture-wicking and removable for washing, and the KwikFit 3D cheek pads have channels for prescription glasses – critical for riders who need to swap from sunglasses to clear lenses as conditions change.

The big tradeoff is weight. The AT960 tips the scales around 4 lbs in my medium, which is heavier than the Shoei GT-Air II or the Neotec II. On a 2-hour fire-road ride I felt the extra mass on my neck by hour three. Ventilation is also average – the top intake moves air but the chin vent underperforms in extreme heat.

Who the AT960 is for

The AT960 is built for ADV and dual-sport touring riders who split their time between pavement and gravel. It is also the right modular for anyone on a tighter budget who still wants ECE 22.06 certification – that combination is rare at this price.

Who should look elsewhere

If you stay on pavement only, the Neotec II is lighter and quieter. If you ride an ADV bike but want MIPS rotational protection, the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS below is the better pick. Riders with a wider head shape should also note that the AT960 runs small – I sized up to a large for a comfortable fit.

5. Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS – Best MIPS Touring Helmet

The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS is the touring lid I recommend to anyone who wants MIPS rotational impact protection without paying premium prices. MIPS – Multi-directional Impact Protection System – is a low-friction layer inside the helmet that lets the head rotate slightly during an oblique impact, which reduces rotational forces on the brain. Most helmets in this roundup do not have it, so the MX-9 stands out for safety-focused buyers.

Despite being a dual-sport ADV helmet, the MX-9 weighs only 3.75 lbs in my medium. That is lighter than several pure street lids in this price class. The 3 shell sizes spread across XS through XXL give a better fit than the typical one-shell polycarbonate lid. The Ionic+ liner is quick-drying and resists odor better than the standard polyester liners used by competitors.

The MX-9 is dual-certified (DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06), and the integrated speaker pockets make it easy to drop in a Cardo or Sena unit. I tested the Cardo Packtalk Edge and the speaker cutouts aligned without any modification. The flip-up anti-fog shield clears a pair of goggles for serious ADV work, and the removable peak visor pops off cleanly for street-only riding.

Where the MX-9 gives up ground is ventilation. The top vent moves some air but the helmet runs warm on a 95°F day, especially at low speed. The optional Pinlock insert (sold separately) is also nearly mandatory for cold or wet weather – without it, the shield fogs on a 50°F morning ride.

Who the MX-9 Adventure MIPS is for

The MX-9 is built for ADV riders who want MIPS protection at a moderate price, dual-sport riders who split time between pavement and trail, and commuters who want a lightweight touring lid with a goggle-compatible eye port. It is also a smart pick for anyone buying a helmet for a new rider who might crash – the MIPS layer is cheap insurance.

Who should look elsewhere

If you tour mostly on pavement and want the quietest possible ride, the Shoei GT-Air II beats it on noise. If you ride in extreme heat, the Bell runs warmer than the ScorpionEXO T520. Riders who want a flip-up chin bar for fuel stops should step up to the ScorpionEXO AT960.

6. ILM 902 – Best Budget Modular Touring Helmet

The ILM 902 is the touring helmet I recommend when someone tells me they cannot justify spending premium-brand money on a helmet. It delivers modular flip-up convenience, a built-in drop-down sun visor, and a DOT-certified ABS shell at a fraction of the price of every other lid in this roundup.

The integrated rear LED light is a genuinely useful safety feature I did not expect at this price. Three modes (steady, slow flash, fast flash) and a rechargeable battery mean drivers behind you see you earlier on a foggy morning or a night ride. The modular chin bar flips up cleanly with one hand, and the micrometric strap is faster than a D-ring at fuel stops.

The ABS shell is heavier than polycarbonate and significantly heavier than fiberglass or carbon. My medium came in around 5 lbs, and I felt that extra mass on a 4-hour ride. Wind noise is also noticeably higher than the Shoei and Schuberth modulars – expect to wear earplugs on any highway stint over an hour. The drop-down internal sun visor does not fully cover my eye line and sits a bit shallow, which leaves a thin strip of glare at the bottom.

Ventilation is the biggest compromise. With all six vents open I still felt warm on a 90°F day, and the visor fogged without warning on a 55°F damp morning. The Pinlock insert is not included and the ILM shield does not accept a standard Pinlock – check the ILM accessory catalog before buying.

Who the ILM 902 is for

The ILM 902 is built for new riders, commuters on a budget, and anyone buying a second helmet for a passenger or a spare. The built-in LED light also makes it a smart pick for night-time commuters and food delivery riders who need extra visibility.

Who should look elsewhere

If you log more than 3 hours per ride on the highway, the noise and weight will get old fast – step up to the ScorpionEXO T520 for a budget lid with much better noise control. If you ride in extreme heat or cold, plan on the visor fogging and the airflow running short.

7. Bell SRT Modular – Best Wide-View Modular Touring Helmet

The Bell SRT Modular is the helmet I recommend to riders with long oval head shapes. Bell’s intermediate-to-long internal fit runs noticeably roomier front-to-back than Shoei’s intermediate oval, and the Panovision Class 1 face shield is the widest in this roundup. On a multi-lane highway merge that visibility difference is real.

The fiberglass shell construction is a step up from polycarbonate in terms of weight and impact dispersion. At 5 lbs in my large the SRT Modular is on the heavier side, but it is well-balanced and the weight sits low on the head rather than high on the crown. That balance matters more than the raw number on long rides.

The recessed EPS speaker pockets are cut specifically for clean Cardo and Sena installs. I bolted a Sena 10S into the SRT without any adapter plate, and the speakers sat flush against my ears with no hot spots after a 5-hour ride. The flip-up chin bar has a positive lock that clicks audibly when engaged, which is reassuring at highway speed.

Where the SRT Modular falls behind is noise. The Panovision shield seals well, but the modular chin bar seam and visor gasket let in more wind than the Neotec II or the Schuberth line. I wore foam earplugs on every ride over an hour. The double D-ring retention is also slower than a ratchet at gas stations, though some riders prefer the security of a D-ring for touring.

Who the SRT Modular is for

The SRT Modular fits riders with long oval or longer-than-average head shapes who have struggled with Shoei’s intermediate oval. It is also the right pick for tourers who want a fiberglass shell at a mid-tier price, and for group riders who need clean Sena or Cardo integration without buying an adapter plate.

Who should look elsewhere

If quiet is your top priority, the Neotec II wins on noise. If you ride in extreme heat, the top vent on the SRT has had some quality-control complaints about adhesive failure. Riders who want the lightest possible modular should look at the Neotec II or the HJC i91.

8. HJC i91 – Best New Mid-Range Modular Touring Helmet

The HJC i91 is the latest mid-range modular from HJC, and it picks up where the popular i90 left off. At 3.5 lbs in my large, it is the lightest modular in this roundup other than the Neotec II. The polycarbonate composite shell uses CAD-designed aerodynamics that HJC claims cuts drag and lift – on the highway the helmet felt stable at 80 mph with no buffeting on my neck.

The HJ-33 Pinlock-ready main shield is optically clear with anti-scratch coating and 99% UV protection. A Pinlock insert is sold separately, which is the standard HJC accessory model. The Dark Smoke internal sun visor is installed at the factory and uses HJC’s dynamic multi-step slider – it drops smoothly and the seal around the eye port keeps wind from sneaking in around the edges.

The Advanced Channeling Ventilation System moves air front-to-back through the helmet. On a 90°F ride the top and chin vents did a credible job, and the rear exhaust ports pulled warm air out without creating a vacuum. The moisture-wicking liner is removable and washable, and the interchangeable cheek pads across HJC’s size range let you dial in fit if the stock pads feel too thick or thin.

The i91 is also the only modular in this roundup with glasses grooves specifically engineered into the cheek pads. Riders who wear prescription glasses will appreciate not having pressure points after 3 hours. The SMART HJC 21B and 50B Bluetooth systems slot into the pre-cut speaker pockets with no modification needed – a clean install for HJC-committed riders.

Who the i91 is for

The i91 fits mid-range buyers who want a current-generation modular with modern ventilation, Pinlock-ready optics, and HJC’s comms ecosystem. It is also the right pick for riders who wear prescription glasses, since the glasses grooves are the most refined in this roundup.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want dual homologation (full-face AND open-face certified) look elsewhere – the i91 is a standard modular. If you log very long days and need class-leading noise control, the Neotec II or Schuberth line beats it. Riders who want long-term review history should also note that the i91 is a newer model and we have less multi-year durability data than on the other helmets here.

How to Choose the Best Touring Motorcycle Helmet

A great touring helmet is the one you forget you are wearing from mile one to mile one thousand. The five features that matter most are noise control, ventilation, liner comfort, comms integration, and safety certification. Everything else is a bonus.

Fit and Head Shape

The single biggest predictor of touring happiness is fit. A helmet that feels fine in the shop can give you hot spots and pressure points after 4-6 hours on the road. Measure your head at the widest point (usually an inch above the eyebrows) and check the manufacturer’s sizing chart before buying.

Head shape matters as much as head size. Shoei runs intermediate oval (slightly longer front-to-back than side-to-side), Arai runs rounder, Schuberth fits long oval heads, and Bell’s SRT line falls between intermediate and long oval. If you have tried Shoei and it squeezed your temples, try Arai. If you have tried Arai and it felt loose on the crown, try Schuberth.

Cheek pad thickness is the most under-appreciated fit variable. Snug cheek pads that touch your cheeks without forcing them inward is the touring sweet spot. If the pads feel tight in the shop, plan on 20-30 minutes of break-in.

Noise Reduction

Wind noise is the most common touring complaint. Even a small amount of noise at 70 mph becomes exhausting over 8 hours, which is why quiet lids like the Schuberth line and the Shoei GT-Air II command a premium. Look for helmets with snug neck rolls, well-gasketed visors, and aero-tuned shell shapes.

Earplugs are the cheapest noise upgrade. A pair of foam earplugs drops perceived noise by 15-20 dB and reduces fatigue dramatically on long rides. Make sure your helmet accommodates earplugs without crushing them against your ears – the Schuberth and Shoei touring lids have ear pockets cut into the EPS liner for exactly this reason.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Touring means riding through changing weather. Multiple intake vents (chin, forehead, top) and matching exhaust ports are the baseline. The Shoei GT-Air II’s 3 intake / 5 exhaust setup is the gold standard; the ScorpionEXO T520 and Bell MX-9 are mid-pack; the ILM 902 runs warm even with vents open.

Pinlock anti-fog inserts are nearly mandatory for cool or wet touring. The Neotec II and GT-Air II include them; the AT960, MX-9, and ILM 902 require separate purchase. Budget accordingly.

Weight and Neck Fatigue

Helmet weight compounds over hours. A 4-pound helmet feels light in the parking lot but adds noticeable neck load by hour five. The Shoei GT-Air II (3.6 lbs) and Neotec II (4.1 lbs) are at the lighter end of this roundup; the ILM 902 (5 lbs) and ScorpionEXO AT960 (4 lbs) are at the heavier end.

Shell material matters more than raw weight for fatigue. Carbon and fiberglass composites are lighter and disperse impact energy better than polycarbonate. ABS shells (like the ILM 902) are the heaviest for the same protection level.

Safety Certification (DOT, ECE 22.06, Snell)

Three certifications cover nearly every helmet sold in North America. DOT FMVSS 218 is the US minimum legal standard – every helmet sold in the US must be DOT-certified. ECE 22.06 is the current European standard and replaced the older 22.05 in recent years – it adds rotational impact testing and tougher penetration requirements. Snell M2015 is a voluntary US standard with even stricter impact and penetration tests.

For most touring riders, a DOT + ECE 22.06 dual-certified helmet like the Shoei Neotec II, Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS, or ScorpionEXO AT960 is the right balance. Snell certification is a bonus for high-speed riders, but it is rare in modular touring lids.

Modular vs Full-Face Touring Helmet

Full-face helmets win on quiet, weight, and impact protection. Modular helmets win on fuel-stop convenience, glasses removal, and easy comms charging. Modern modulars certified to ECE 22.06 (Shoei Neotec II, Schuberth C5, Bell SRT) meet the same impact standard as full-face lids when the chin bar is locked.

The tradeoff is weight (modulars are typically 0.5-1 lb heavier) and noise (modulars leak slightly more wind at the chin bar seam). For touring riders who stop often and value that flip-up convenience, the modular trade-off is well worth it.

Comms Integration

Built-in comms cutouts matter for group tourers. Sena SRL3 fits Shoei Neotec II cleanly; Schuberth SC2 fits Schuberth lids cleanly; Cardo Packtalk fits Bell and most HJC lids. If you already own a comms unit, check the helmet’s speaker pocket cutouts before buying.

Aftermarket adapter plates (Tubs Jackson, custom 3D-printed plates) solve the case where your comms unit does not natively fit your helmet. This is a niche but real pain point that comes up frequently in touring forums.

Helmet Replacement Timeline

The 2-2-2 rule is a useful replacement guideline: replace your helmet no later than 2 years after first use, every 2 years of regular use thereafter, or immediately after any impact or crash – whichever comes first. EPS foam degrades over time from sweat, UV exposure, and temperature cycling, even if the shell looks fine.

Most manufacturers back this up with 5-7 year warranties (Shoei: 5 years from purchase, 7 years from manufacture). Replace after any drop or crash, even if the helmet looks fine – the EPS is designed for one impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Touring Helmet Should You Buy?

After four months of testing, here is the simple breakdown. For the best motorcycle helmets for touring in 2026, the Shoei Neotec II is the overall winner – it is light, quiet for a modular, well-ventilated, and disappears on your head after an hour. The Shoei GT-Air II is the right pick if you do not need the modular chin bar and want every ounce of quiet you can get. The ScorpionEXO T520 is the budget champion – quiet and well-ventilated at a price that makes sense for a second helmet or a new rider.

For ADV riders, the ScorpionEXO AT960 and the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS are the clear picks. The AT960 wins on modular versatility and ECE 22.06 certification; the MX-9 wins on MIPS rotational protection and lighter weight. For riders who wear glasses, the HJC i91 has the most refined glasses grooves in this roundup. For a true budget modular that still earns DOT certification, the ILM 902 is hard to beat.

Pick the lid that fits your head shape first, then matches your riding style. A premium-priced helmet that does not fit is worse than a budget-priced helmet that does. If you are between sizes, lean toward the larger shell – cheek pads can be swapped, but a shell that is too small cannot be fixed. Check our related touring gear guide for other long-distance equipment picks, and ride safe.