Every motorcyclist knows a motorcycle helmet is a crucial piece of riding equipment and one that shouldn’t be acquired without some consideration.
There are many types of motorcycle helmets, each with a specific purpose. If you’re planning a long road trip and will be wearing your motorcycle helmet for hours at a time, as well as safety, comfort and ease of wearing will be of high-priority.
How to choose the right helmet for touring
Touring involves riding for long stretches and wearing a helmet for hours on end so you want to choose the most comfortable helmet possible.
Comfort can include various aspects, such as how it fits and having proper ventilation to keep cool or warm during various weather conditions.
Make sure to try a motorcycle helmet on before buying, especially if you’re planning on wearing it for long-distance trips. The longer you wear a helmet the more likely you will notice any discomfort. It should have a snug fit so it doesn’t move around, but not so snug that it puts pressure anywhere on your head or face.
Look for helmet models that offer proper ventilation so that you can remain at a comfortable temperature when riding. Soft interior lining that moulds comfortably to the contours of your face and can be removed and washed ensure your helmet will not develop an unpleasant odour.
You may also want to consider styles that are designed to reduce road noise and have a good quality sound system, especially when riding for hours at a time, to make the journey more enjoyable.
Whether you prefer Harley Davidson helmets or any other high-quality motorcycle brand, long touring rides will be much more enjoyable with the right helmet. For motorcyclists looking for the best touring helmet, here are some of the top picks.
Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS helmet
With contoured cheek pads, padded chin straps with D-ring closure, and a padded wind collar that drastically reduces wind and road noise, the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS helmet offers ultimate comfort.
MIPS equipped for added safety, this helmet has some great features that make it ideal for touring, delivering exceptional performance on long-distance rides.
An integrated communication port accommodates Sena and Cardo Bluetooth stereo headset and intercom systems, with integrated speaker pockets for a great sound experience.
With a removable and washable anti-bacterial interior, Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust and Transitions® Adaptive Shield included with anti-fog and UV protection, this helmet promises a comfortable ride every time.
Shoei Ex-Zero helmet
For classic design blended with modern technology and performance, the Shoei Ex-zero helmet offers Shoei’s signature high-level performance, quality and safety.
Front air inlet vents with exposed aluminium mesh for airflow and protection, with the adjustable integrated CJ-3 visor designed to reduce turbulence from wind tunnels and provide UV protection.
Multilayer cheek pads provide comfort and additional helmet stability, with chin bar protection and an emergency quick release system to support ease of helmet removal.
The fully customisable, removable, washable and replaceable interior ensures you can change up the look and feel of the inside of your helmet, and keep it smelling fresh.
Harley Davidson Brawler Carbon Fiber X09 full face with sun shield helmet
The interior foam pads in the Harley Davidson Brawler helmet follow your face curves for ultimate comfort, a necessity for touring.
The anti-fog and UV protection face-shield, with an integrated centre locking mechanism, ensures a secure and evenly distributed seal across the eye-port.
There’s nothing worse for motorcyclists than putting on a smelly and stuffy helmet, but thankfully this helmet model comes with a fully removable, washable and replaceable lining designed to absorb and dissipate odour and humidity.
Stay cool during long rides with the adjustable mouth vent to redirect airflow to the interior surface of the shield, which also helps with reducing fog build-up.
Harley Davidson helmets are designed for riders’ comfort, and that includes sound. The comm-ready speaker pockets allow for easy installation of your favourite Bluetooth communication speaker systems.
Biltwell Lane Splitter helmet
Crafted around Biltwell’s proprietary ABS outer shell, the Biltwell Lane Splitter helmet features a shock-absorbing EPS liner with hand-stitching interior padding, cheek pads and BioFoam chin bar cushion for added comfort.
The Lane Splitter anti-scratch polycarbonate shield boasts accurate optics and simple hinge mechanics for high style and easy removal for replacement or cleaning.
Generous vents in the chin bar get the air flowing and the outlet in the back lets hot air escape, while the mesh audio pockets included in the ear recess boast quality sound.
Visit us at Harley Heaven for a great range of Harley Davidson helmets and a variety of other top motorcycle brands, we have helmets to suit all types of riding and style preferences.