by Michael Satterfield - Updated -07/30/2024
In 1963 Bell released the first full face motorcycle helmet, the Bell Star was considered exotic and expensive at the time, it was by far the best helmet on the market. Just a year later, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced their first helmet safety standards for motorcycles. In 1966, the US Highway Safety Act was passed, which required states to have helmet laws in place if they were receiving federal highway funds. By the late 60s and early 70s, Arthur Fulmer, Life, Shoei, AGV, Simpson, and many others had followed suit with their own full-face helmet. With top motorcycle racers and stuntmen like Evel Knievel wearing their full-face helmets, the average motorcycle rider quickly adopted the full-face helmet.
Today, a new generation is appreciating vintage motorcycles and the style of an era they never knew. Thankfully, safe modern versions of vintage helmets are available to purchase, giving riders a chance to rock the classic style that defined the 1970s without compromising safety.
Here are my favorite retro full-face helmets you can buy today.
Bell Bullit
A classic helmet offered in standard colors and limited editions by different designers, the fiberglass Bullit starts at $264. I love the extra quirky clear bubble shield, which is an extra $40, but a flat shield is standard. Fully custom-built helmets can be designed and ordered online, but expect to start at closer to $700 for these bespoke options.
Shop for it HERE
Biltwell Gringo S
Retro style with lots of detail, like hand-stitched padding and hand-painted exterior finish, and the molded ABS with shock-absorbing EPS liner. The Gringo S is a great value with prices between $250 and $275, and all include a clear shield with aluminum hardware. I personally have a Gringo S for when I am riding a bike that is a bit more retro.Shop for it HERE
TORC Newport
The Newport hits all the marks for a cool retro style and comes in a number of finishes. It uses fiberglass construction with a cloth liner, but a carbon fiber option is available. TORC has a number of different patterns, including cool retro stripes, flames, and metal flake options. You can also get a solid color and customize it yourself. Starting at $279, the Newport offers a lot of style for the price.
Shop for it HERE
AGV X3000 Gloria
AGV was the first European manufacturer to release a full-face competition helmet in 1969. The X3000 is a modern version of that classic helmet. It has a fiberglass shell with a leather and cloth liner and is offered in several paint options. Depending on the paint, pricing is $450-$700. The latest versions of these helmets are now DOT-legal, but check if you shop for a deal overseas; not all models were sent for US approval.Shop for it HERE.
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