There is a specific moment on every long ride when a full-face helmet starts to work against you. You pull into a fuel stop, the visor fogs in the shade, and instead of lifting the chin bar you have to pull the whole helmet off, dig out your glasses, and stow it somewhere that will not get stolen. A modular helmet solves that in one motion: the chin bar rotates up and you are standing there in the open air, same helmet, no drama.
That convenience is the whole argument for flip-up helmets, and the whole argument against them too. The chin bar is an extra moving part, it adds weight, and it is the reason some riders say modulars are louder than a well-made full-face. I spent weeks working through the best modular motorcycle helmets available right now, comparing shells, certifications, sun visors, noise behaviour and fit notes pulled from thousands of rider reviews, and these twelve are the ones worth your money in 2026.
What follows is a ranked roundup, not a spec dump. Each helmet gets a full write-up covering who it suits, what it does well and where it falls down, plus two decision-focused sections that answer the questions people actually ask at the counter. If you are still weighing types rather than models, our full-face helmet guide covers the alternative in depth.
One note before we start. Fit beats everything on this list. A cheaper helmet that fits your head shape correctly will protect you better than an expensive one that does not, and sizing runs differently across brands, so treat every recommendation here as a starting point for a try-on rather than a final answer.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Modular Motorcycle Helmets for 2026
Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets (September 2026)
All twelve models, ranked, with the headline features that separate them. The detailed write-ups follow in the same order.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shoei Neotec II Modular |
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Check Latest Price |
 1Storm HB89 Modular |
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 HJC C91 Solid Modular |
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 LS2 Advant X Modular |
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Check Latest Price |
 FreedConn BM2-S Bluetooth |
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 ScorpionEXO GT930 Transformer |
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Check Latest Price |
 ScorpionEXO AT960 Adventure |
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Check Latest Price |
 helmelkin Flip-Up Helmet |
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Check Latest Price |
 BELL SRT Modular |
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Check Latest Price |
 ILM 902 Dual Visor |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JZZLSJT Bluetooth Modular |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Orthrus Dobermann |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Shoei Neotec II Modular Helmet – The All-Round Choice
Shoei Neotec II Modular Motorcycle Helmet
AIM composite shell
QSV-1 anti-fog sun shield
3 vents
4.1 pounds
Pros
- Highest average rating here at 4.7 out of 5
- Quiet shell thanks to dedicated noise reduction
- Pinlock EVO lens and breath guard in the box
- Micro ratchet chin strap is easy to adjust
- Five-year warranty from purchase
Cons
- Heavier than entry-level modulars at 4.1 pounds
- Out of reach for riders buying a first modular
The Neotec II is the one I put at the top of this list, and the reason is simple: quietness is treated here as a headline feature rather than a compromise. Shoei built the shell around noise reduction specifically, and it shows on a highway run. Wind noise that reaches most modulars as a rising hiss drops to something you can talk over.
It is not the lightest option in the group at 4.1 pounds, so if you ride four-plus hours a day and your neck is sensitive, notice that. On a typical weekend tour you will not feel it.
Build quality is the other quiet advantage. The AIM composite shell, the micro ratchet chin strap, the QSV-1 sun shield that adjusts on the move, and a Pinlock EVO lens already in the box add up to a package you would normally assemble yourself. Warranty coverage runs five years from purchase or seven from manufacture, whichever comes first.
It carries both DOT and ECE certification to FMVSS 218, which matters if you ride outside the US. Owners report the flip-up action is smooth and the shield system seals well.
What you should know before buying
The Neotec II is a touring-first design. If your riding is short urban hops, you are paying for quietness and materials you will not use. Riders moving up from a cheaper helmet describe the first few hundred kilometres as a period of adjustment while the padding breaks in, not a comfort problem.
Who should skip it
Skip it if budget is the deciding factor or if weight on long days is your main concern. Under 2 kg options elsewhere on this list will feel noticeably lighter on your neck. The safety and noise case only pays off if you ride at highway speed often enough to appreciate both.
2. 1Storm HB89 Modular Helmet – Top Rated With the Most Owner Feedback
1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet Bike Flip up Dual Visor Sun Shield: HB89 Matt Black
Thermoplastic alloy shell
Inner sun shield plus clear shield
4 pounds
Ratchet closure
Pros
- Over 3000 reviews to draw on
- One-button chin bar you can work with a glove on
- Quick-release strap with an audible click
- Intercom cutouts molded into the EPS
- Sizes from S to XXL
Cons
- Sun shield actuator feels cheap
- Sizing suits rounder head shapes
- Some buffeting on fully faired bikes
With more than 3000 reviews on file, the HB89 has the largest owner base of anything in this roundup, and that volume is a genuine advantage: fit complaints, visor gripes and hardware issues have all surfaced publicly, which makes the picture easy to read. At 4.6 out of 5 it also holds the second-highest average here.
The one-button chin bar is the part people notice first. It operates while riding, one-handed, and it is the reason the flip-up feature feels usable day to day rather than a garage-only trick.
The dual visor setup gives you a clear outer shield and a smoked inner lens, so you carry sunglasses only when you actually want them. There is a quick-release strap with a positive click, removable washable pads, three openable vents plus rear exhausts, and an extra spoiler if you want a sportier look. Speaker cutouts are molded into the EPS for an intercom.
It is DOT FMVSS 218 certified with a thermoplastic alloy shell, sized from S through XXL. The closure is a ratchet rather than a buckle, which most riders prefer for consistency.
What you should know before buying
The inner sun shield is the main quality compromise. Owners describe the actuator as light in feel and easily scratched if you rush it. Treat it as functional rather than premium, and use the outer clear shield for high-speed riding when visibility matters.
Who should skip it
Skip it if noise at speed ruins your ride, or if your head shape is long oval rather than round. Buffeting appears in reviews from riders on fully faired sportbikes. Long-distance highway touring riders should step up to the Shoei or the LS2 instead.
3. HJC C91 Solid Modular Helmet – Best for Everyday Commuting
HJC C91 Solid Modular Motorcycle Helmet with HJ-17 Pinlock Shield, DOT Approved (Semi Flat Titanium, X-Large)
Polycarbonate composite shell
Sliding sun visor
Pinlock prepared
3.5 pounds
Pros
- Sun visor on a slider drops in seconds
- Ventilation channels front to back
- Removable washable interchangeable cheek pads
- Glasses grooves moulded into the interior
- Speaker pockets with Smart HJC ready wiring
Cons
- Runs small against the published size chart
- Slightly heavier than comparable modulars
- A little more highway noise than lighter styles
The C91 is the one I recommend to riders who put 40 to 60 kilometres a day on a commute and want a helmet that disappears on the head. The polycarbonate composite shell is light enough for stop-start traffic, the ventilation channels air front to back, and the padding chews through summer heat without turning the interior into a sauna.
The integrated sun visor sits on a sliding rail with an anti-scratch coating, so you can drop shade in the middle of a ride without stopping. It is the feature commuting riders ask about most often, and it is the reason this helmet keeps selling.
Two details separate it from cheaper dual-visor helmets. The HJ-17 shield is Pinlock pin-prepared, so an anti-fog insert drops in without swapping shields, and the cheek and crown pads are removable, washable and interchangeable, which means you can change thickness later and extend the helmet’s useful life. There are also dedicated glasses grooves in the cheek pads, useful if you wear prescription eyewear.
It is DOT FMVSS 218 approved and sized XS through 3XL. Speaker pockets are pre-wired for Smart HJC ready 10B or 20B Bluetooth units, so a communicator is an add-on rather than a retrofit job.
What you should know before buying
Size up. The most repeated note across reviews is that this shell runs smaller than the published chart, and the padding needs a few rides to settle. Order one size larger than your usual measurement and plan on trying it on.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you ride long highway stretches and prioritise quiet, or if you are replacing a helmet lighter than 3.5 pounds and neck fatigue is already a problem. Pair it with a Pinlock insert and a neck roll before winter.
4. LS2 Advant X Modular Helmet – Composite Shell With a Pinlock Insert Included
LS2 Helmets Advant X Modular Helmet (Gloss White – 2X-Large)
High performance fiberglass composite
1600g plus or minus 50g
Pinlock insert included
ECE P and J certified
Pros
- Pinlock insert and tinted visor supplied in the box
- Light weight for a composite modular at about 1600g
- 180-degree chin bar stays stable at speed
- Large speaker pockets fit most Cardo and Sena units
- Emergency release cheek pad system
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Size chart widely reported as inaccurate
- Short ratchet straps are hard to line up blindly
- Cheek pads can feel thick at the jaw
The Advant X is the value play for riders who care most about the two accessories that usually cost extra: anti-fog and communications hardware. A Pinlock insert ships in the box, and the speaker pockets are cut large enough to accept most Cardo and Sena units without swapping the Velcro pads.
At 1600g plus or minus 50g in the shell specification, it is one of the lighter frames in this roundup despite being a composite build. That matters more than the number suggests on a long day.
It meets DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06, and it is ECE P and J certified, meaning it is approved as both an open-face and a full-face configuration. The 180-degree chin bar travels smoothly and stays stable at speed, and owners rate it among the quietest modulars here with the bar down. The 3D laser-cut cheek pads are aimed at intermediate oval head shapes, and the chin strap is a DOT-approved micrometric quick release.
The visor is a Class A polycarbonate unit with a quick release and quick change mechanism, and a built-in sun shield handles low sun. There is also an emergency release cheek pad system for removal after a crash.
What you should know before buying
The sizing advice is unanimous across reviews: order up. The chart is widely reported as inaccurate, and the ratchet strap needs practice to close by feel. Both are known issues rather than defects, but budget an afternoon with the manual.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you have a narrow long-oval head, or if you dislike thick padding around the jaw. If glasses arms are a problem for you, the dedicated eyewear pocket helmet later in this list is the safer call.
5. FreedConn BM2-S Bluetooth Helmet – Best for Group Rides
Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth 5.0 Integrated New EPS FreedConn BM2-S Modular Flip Up Dual Visor Motorbike Helmet DOT FMVSS-218 Approved MP3 FM for Adults Men Women
ABS shell with dual visor
Bluetooth 5.0 intercom to 1680 feet
500mAh battery
2.72 kg
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.0 built in so no separate communicator to mount
- Intercom range of 1680 feet for two to three riders
- One-touch button plus jog dial for calls and GPS prompts
- DSP noise suppression keeps audio clear at speed
- Changeable microfibre lining adjusts fit without a new shell
Cons
- Battery drops into deep sleep after long disuse
- No battery indicator light on the helmet itself
- Manufacturer advises sizing up one size
If you ride in a group, the FreedConn BM2-S removes the step most people skip: mounting a communicator. Bluetooth 5.0 is built into the shell, with an intercom range of 1680 feet between two riders and room for a third. No external unit, no clipped-on box on the side of the shell, nothing to rattle.
Control is via a one-touch button and a jog dial, which handle calls, music, FM radio and GPS prompts hands-free, with Siri and Google Assistant support. DSP noise suppression on the speakers and microphone is the feature that decides whether a call is usable at highway speed, and owners single it out repeatedly.
The 500mAh battery gives 8 to 10 hours of talk or music per charge with 300 hours of standby, which covers a full week of commuting between charges. Fitting is handled by changeable microfibre lining in different thicknesses, so you can dial the fit in without buying a different shell. Ventilation is three-way with a flip-up sun visor, and the ABS shell is DOT and FMVSS 218 compliant.
It is also the most generous box on the list: gloves, sleeves, a face mask, a storage bag and a charging cable all come along.
What you should know before buying
Built-in electronics age. The electronics in any helmet become dated faster than the shell, and when the headset fails you are looking at shell service rather than a component swap. Treat the integrated system as a bonus, not the reason to buy.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you ride solo and plan to keep the same helmet for a decade, or if you are sensitive to the deep-sleep battery behaviour after a few weeks parked. The manufacturer also advises sizing up one size from your usual, so fit checks matter here.
6. ScorpionEXO GT930 Transformer – Best for Multi-Purpose Riding
ScorpionEXO GT930 Modular Helmet Solid (Matte Black – Large)
Polycarbonate shell with dual density EPS
Removable chin bar
P and J dual homologation
5.9 pounds
Pros
- Chin bar fully removable for a true three-way conversion
- Ellip-Tec ratchet system for tool-less shield changes
- Sun shield drops low enough to avoid blocking the view
- Double D-ring retention with anti-roll-off
- Large speaker pockets fit most communicators
Cons
- A heavy build at 5.9 pounds
- Chin strap snap is tucked far to the side
- Speaker pockets are tight for some communicator sizes
The GT930 is the only helmet in this roundup that genuinely converts three ways rather than two. Remove the chin bar with the single-lever release, add the free peak visor, and you have an open-face helmet. Leave the bar fitted and it is a full-face modular. For riders who cover everything from city commuting to weekend touring in one machine, that flexibility is worth planning around.
Owners rate it stable and quiet at highway speed in gusty conditions, and the aero skirt chin curtain and breath deflector are included to keep wind off your neck and chin when the bar is down.
The shield system is an Ellip-Tec ratchet design, which gives a proper seal and 100% tool-less changes, and the Everclear shield is treated against fog, scratches and 95% of UV-A and UV-B. The SpeedView sun shield drops low enough not to obstruct your view of the instruments. Ventilation has a closeable top intake plus exhaust vents, and the KwikWick C liner and KwikFit 3D contoured cheek pads are shaped for eyeglasses.
It carries dual DOT and ECE 22.06 P/J homologation, double D-ring retention with an anti-roll-off system, sizes XS to 3XL, and a warranty of five years from purchase or seven from manufacture. Speaker pockets are large diameter and EXO-COM ready.
What you should know before buying
Weight is the trade-off. At 5.9 pounds it is the heaviest helmet here, and riders on long days feel that in the neck first. If you do not plan to remove the chin bar often, lighter options will serve you better.
Who should skip it
Skip it if neck fatigue is already a problem, or if you are particular about strap placement, since the snap sits far to the side and is hard to find by feel alone. The speaker pockets also run tight on some communicator sizes.
7. ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Adventure Helmet – Best for Adventure Riding
ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Adventure Street Motorcycle Helmet with Bluetooth Ready Speaker Pockets DOT ECE Approved Solid (Matte Black – Large)
Polycarbonate shell with multi-layer EPS
Removable peak visor
1858g in medium
DOT and ECE 22.06
Pros
- Dual DOT and ECE 22.06 certification
- Removable peak visor switches between adventure and street looks
- Single-lever chin bar release works with either hand
- 11cm eye port for a wide field of view
- KwikFit cheek pads fit most eyeglasses
Cons
- A heavy build at roughly 4.09 pounds in medium
- Only three vents for a helmet meant for hard work
The AT960 is the adventure-leaning member of this roundup, and the removable external peak visor is the reason to choose it. Take the peak off and you have a clean street helmet; put it back on and the same shell handles gravel, dust and slow trail work. The block-off plates are included for the closed-visor configuration.
It is one of only a few helmets here carrying dual DOT and ECE 22.06 certification, which means it has been tested against a wider range of impact conditions than a DOT-only shell.
The eye port is 11cm tall with an Everclear fog-free shield treated for scratches and 95% UV-A and UV-B protection, and the retractable Speedview sun visor handles changing light on trail. The single-lever chin bar release works with either hand, which matters when you are wearing gloves and standing over loose ground. KwikWick C moisture-wicking liner and KwikFit 3D sculpted cheek pads round out the comfort package, and 50mm speaker pockets are ready for an EXO-COM communicator.
Weight in medium is approximately 1858 grams. The warranty is five years.
What you should know before buying
With only three vents, this is not the helmet for high-temperature, high-effort riding unless you add a neck curtain and plan your layers carefully. A single-lever release is convenient but takes some practice to operate one-handed while looking down.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you are a pure street rider, or if you need serious cooling. The mass is real and the venting is minimal, so road-only riders are better served by something lighter in a traditional road shape.
8. Helmelkin Flip-Up Helmet – Our Budget Pick
Modular Flip up Motorcycle Helmets for Men Women, DOT Approved, Black, L
ABS shell meeting FMVSS-218
1.4 kg
Dual visor
Quick release buckle
Pros
- Lightest shell in the roundup at 1.4 kg
- Inner sun visor works well over prescription lenses
- Vents move real air through the shell
- Flip-flop design makes it easy on and off
- Speaker provisions for an intercom
Cons
- Runs large so sizing down is often needed
- Bundled gloves are not impact rated and should be ignored
At 1.4 kg this is the lightest helmet in the roundup, and for a first modular or a bike-and-helmet budget pairing that weight is the headline feature. You notice it on the neck within a few kilometres.
The rest of the package is better than the shell material alone suggests. There is a dual visor with an internal shaded sun shield, vents placed for actual airflow rather than decoration, a plush polyester lining, and a quick-release buckle strap. The shell is FMVSS-218 and DOT compliant.
It suits e-bikes, street bikes, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and ADV machines, so if your riding is mixed the sizing is the only real variable. Speaker provisions are molded in for a later intercom upgrade, which is unusual at this level and worth something.
Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 with 70% five-star feedback, and the recurring strengths are light weight, ventilation and the functioning inner visor.
What you should know before buying
It runs large, so most buyers size down. The gloves in the box are the weakest part of the package, so treat them as a bonus and buy proper riding gloves. Check the head shape before you commit, since this is a basic oval shell.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you ride long highway distances, where wind noise dominates your experience, or if you want the chin bar locked down with a ratchet or D-ring retention rather than a buckle. It is a town-and-back helmet more than a touring one.
9. BELL SRT Modular Helmet – Best for Prescription Glasses Wearers
BELL SRT-Modular Helmet, Black, Large
Panovision shield with Class 1 optics
Eyewear arm pockets
3.3 pounds
DOT and ECE 22.06
Pros
- Eyewear arm pockets woven into the liner
- Panovision shield gives a wide field of view
- Light for a modular at 3.3 pounds
- Meets FMVSS 218 plus DOT and ECE 22.06
- Available from XS to XXL
Cons
- Older design platform with mixed early feedback
- Fit and finish draw more critical feedback than newer models
Glasses compatibility is the recurring problem forum riders describe with modular helmets: the cheek pads press in on the temples and the arms get forced outward until the frame digs in. The SRT Modular is built around that complaint. Eyewear arm pockets are woven directly into the interior liner, so the arms sit in a channel rather than against foam.
That makes it a sensible pick for anyone who wears prescription glasses or sunglasses every single ride, which is more of us than the marketing photos suggest.
The Panovision shield is the other differentiator. Class 1 optics give a wide field of view even in a tucked riding position, which makes lane changes and head checks noticeably easier than on a narrow-eye-port shield. At 3.3 pounds it is also light for a modular of its type.
It meets FMVSS 218, DOT and ECE 22.06 standards, and it is a straightforward flip-up design with sizes from XS through XXL.
What you should know before buying
Feedback is more mixed than on newer models, with a higher share of three-star and one-star responses concentrated on fit and finish. It is an established platform rather than a fresh design, so go in expecting a proven shape rather than the latest generation of features.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your priority is a built-in sun visor, since the shield system here is the traditional single-visor arrangement. Riders who want a sun visor built into the shell will find more in the HJC or LS2 sections.
10. ILM 902 Dual Visor Flip-Up Modular Helmet – Best Warranty Coverage Here
ILM Motorcycle Dual Visor Flip up Modular Full Face Helmet DOT with 6 Colors Model 902 (L, Matte Black)
ABS shell to FMVSS-218
Dual visor system
Six vents
2.31 kg
Five-year warranty
Pros
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
- Removable washable liner and cheek pads
- Anti-scratch anti-fog wide-view clear visor
- Six vents for airflow
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Sun shield actuation feels less substantial
- Sizing varies and suits rounder head shapes
The ILM 902 stands out for one number in particular: a five-year manufacturer warranty. Most modulars in this roundup offer one year or a warranty tied to the manufacturer’s discretion, so if you ride every day and expect to keep the helmet, that five-year commitment changes the arithmetic of the purchase.
The shell is high-resistance ABS meeting FMVSS-218 and DOT standards, weighing 2.31 kg, with six vents for airflow and a dual visor system. Owners rate it 4.5 out of 5 with 73% five-star feedback.
The liner and cheek pads are lightweight, soft, removable and washable, which matters more than it sounds because it is the cheapest way to stop a used helmet smelling. The clear visor is treated for anti-scratch and anti-fog and offers a wide view, and the strap is micrometrically adjustable rather than a simple buckle. A storage bag comes in the box.
The shell shape is an oval, which is a reasonable middle ground if you are between round and long-oval head shapes.
What you should know before buying
Fit is the caveat riders mention most: sizing varies between production runs and the shell leans toward rounder head shapes. Confirm the measurement rather than trusting the letter size, and check the strap adjustment range if you have a broad jaw.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you ride long distances and care about wind noise, since the shell is shaped for airflow rather than acoustic sealing. The sun shield actuator is also noticeably less refined than on the HJC.
11. JZZLSJT Bluetooth Modular Helmet – Built-In Audio Without the Extra Mass
Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet,Modular Motorcycle Helmet with Bluetooth,DOT Approved Dual Visor Full Face Flip up Bluetooth Integrated Motorcycle Helmets for Adults Men Women (M)
ABS shell with high density EPS
Integrated Bluetooth headset
Dual visor
1.6 kg
Pros
- Bluetooth headset handles calls
- music and call noise reduction
- Battery level shows on your paired phone
- Light at 1.6 kg with high density EPS cushioning
- Removable washable liner and cheek pads
- Quick release buckle
Cons
- Only a 90-day return window
- Less long-term review history than established helmet makers
The JZZLSJT pairs a 1.6 kg shell with an integrated Bluetooth headset, making it one of the lighter shells in the roundup and the rare modular that adds audio without adding mass. Stereo playback, auto-answer and active noise reduction on calls cover the everyday comms needs without a mounted device.
A detail that sounds small until you use it: the battery level displays on your paired phone, so you are not guessing whether the headset has charge before a ride.
The dual visor arrangement is unusual: a sturdy elastic external sunshade covering a large area for a wide field of view, plus an internal dark sunshade that hides completely when unused. The shell is technical ABS over a high density EPS cushioning layer, the profile is streamlined to reduce wind noise and drag, and the buckle is a quick release. Liner and cheek pads remove and wash. Sizes run medium through XXL, and a teal lens is included.
It meets DOT FMVSS 218 standards for the modular flip-up design.
What you should know before buying
The return window is 90 days, which is short for a helmet, because head shape takes time to judge. Wear it for a full month in varied conditions before you commit to the long term.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need an established service network or long review history, or if you plan to swap the electronics several times. Check exactly what you receive in the box before you commit.
12. Orthrus Dobermann Modular Helmet – Best for Night Visibility
Orthrus Modular Motorcycle Helmet w/ LED Lights, Full Face Helmet for Adult
ABS shell with EPS buffer
LED light with three flashing modes
Mirror sun visor
2.31 kg
Pros
- LED light with three flashing modes for low light
- One-click switch between full-face and open modes
- Mirrored sun visor cuts ultraviolet exposure
- Removable washable hypoallergenic liner
- Published circumference chart across five sizes
Cons
- A 4.2 average with a wider spread of one-star feedback
- Hook and loop closure is less secure than a ratchet or D-ring
The Orthrus Dobermann is the one in this roundup with a light built into it. An LED unit with three flashing modes adds passive visibility in traffic and at junctions, which is a genuine safety argument for night commuting rather than a gimmick.
It is also one of the few budget modulars with a published circumference chart, covering small at 21.5 to 22 inches through XX-large at 24.75 to 25.25 inches, so you can size yourself properly before ordering.
The shell is lightweight ABS with an EPS buffer layer, DOT approved, at 2.31 kg. The visor arrangement is a wide-angle sun visor with RST optical mirror coating that isolates ultraviolet rays, and the liner is hypoallergenic, removable and washable. Vents are spread across the shell and the profile is streamlined to cut wind resistance and noise. The helmet switches between full-face and open-face in one click, and it is Bluetooth ready for an installed communicator.
Owners rate it 4.2 out of 5, the joint lowest average in this group, with a wider spread of one-star feedback that points to fit and closure preference rather than one dominant defect.
What you should know before buying
The hook and loop closure is the weak point. It is easier to pull open by accident than a ratchet or double D-ring system, and it is worth checking the security every few rides until you are used to it.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you ride at highway speed often, where the lighter sound insulation shows, or if you want the highest confidence in retention hardware. Riders prioritising quiet and secure closure will find more in the Shoei or ScorpionEXO sections.
What Is a Modular Helmet and Why the Chin Bar Matters
A modular helmet, sometimes called a flip-up helmet, is a full-face design with a hinged chin bar that pivots up over the crown. That hinge is the entire product. In the down position you get the chin bar, the visor and the full face shield working as one unit. In the up position the bar rests on the crown and you get airflow, easier communication and no helmet removal at every stop.
The mechanism is not a weak link by design. Modern chin bars are latched rigidly in the down position, and models carrying P/J dual homologation are certified as both a full-face and an open-face helmet. The parts that wear are the ratchet and the sealing surfaces, which is why cleaning and periodic checks matter.
What the hinge does add is weight and a seam in the shell. Both show up as wind noise, and both are the reason full-face designs remain quieter. That trade is the entire argument between the two types.
Safety Certifications Explained: DOT, ECE 22.06 and P/J
DOT FMVSS 218 is the US standard, covering impact attenuation, penetration resistance and chin strap retention. ECE 22.06 is the European standard and adds rotational impact testing, a wider range of impact conditions and visor testing, so it is the stronger of the two in terms of what gets measured. ECE 22.05 is the older European standard; helmets carrying 22.06 replaced it.
P/J homologation matters specifically for modulars. The P mark approves the helmet as a full-face configuration and the J mark approves it as an open-face configuration. Two helmets in this roundup carry dual DOT and ECE 22.06 P/J approval, and that is a meaningful safety signal for a flip-up design.
Certification sets the floor, not the ceiling. Shell material matters too: ABS and polycarbonate sit at the entry end, fiberglass composite is the middle, and carbon fibre and advanced composite shells like Shoei’s AIM sit at the top for impact absorption per unit weight. Every helmet here is DOT or ECE certified, so you are choosing on fit, noise, weight and features rather than on basic safety.
Full-Face vs Modular: The Honest Comparison
Safety: a one-piece full-face has no hinge and no seam, so it is structurally simpler. That does not make a P/J certified modular unsafe, but it is why many track and race rules exclude modulars entirely. If you ride a track, that decides it.
Noise: full-face wins. The uninterrupted shell and visor seal of a one-piece design is quieter than anything with a rotating chin bar, which is exactly why the Shoei Neotec II earns its ranking here.
Weight: full-face wins again. Every modular carries a hinge, a latch and a second visor, so the same shell size typically lands 300 to 500 grams heavier.
Convenience: modular wins decisively. Communication at a stop, eating, drinking, hearing your surroundings in traffic, and dealing with prescription glasses are all easier with the bar up. Riders who switch between riding styles will make more use of that flexibility than the weight difference suggests.
If noise and weight are your top two criteria, our best full-face helmet picks cover that side properly. If you stop often, wear glasses, or ride mixed terrain, the modular wins on fit for your actual riding.
How to Choose: Fit, Head Shape, Glasses and Features
Measure your head circumference with a tape, then identify your head shape. Round oval suits shorter, wider heads, long oval suits longer, narrower heads, and intermediate oval sits between the two. Every helmet in this roundup except a couple of budget options names its shape, and that name is a better predictor of fit than the size letter. Measure, check the shape, then try the specific model before committing.
Glasses deserve their own test. If you wear eyewear, look for a helmet with moulded glasses grooves or dedicated eyewear arm pockets, and try it on with your actual frames. The BELL SRT Modular and the HJC C91 both name eyewear accommodation explicitly, and the ScorpionEXO models use contoured cheek pads shaped for glasses.
Sun visors are close to essential for commuting and touring. A drop-down or sliding shield means you never ride with sunglasses over a clear visor, which is both uncomfortable and a vision risk in low light. The HJC C91, LS2 Advant X and Shoei Neotec II all include one, and the LS2 ships a Pinlock insert in the box too.
Bluetooth is a preference rather than a checkbox. Many experienced riders avoid built-in systems because the electronics date faster than the shell, and prefer a comms-ready helmet with large speaker pockets instead. If you ride solo and keep a helmet for a decade, the EXO-COM and Smart HJC ready approach is the more flexible choice.
Weight matters more than most guides admit. A helmet under 1.5 kg feels noticeably different from one above 1.8 kg on a full day, and the lightest shells in this roundup sit at the budget end. Cooling matters too, so check the vent count, and for winter riding add a breath guard, a neck roll and a Pinlock insert rather than a thicker liner.
Modular Helmet Maintenance and Lifespan
Replace a modular helmet roughly five years from the date of first use, even if it looks perfect, and never after any impact. The EPS liner is designed to absorb one significant hit and it is permanently crushed by doing so, so a helmet that took a moderate fall is finished even if the shell looks unmarked.
Clean the cheek pads and liner on a schedule, not when they smell. Most liners here are removable and washable, and a helmet that breathes properly also fogs less in humid conditions. Keep the chin bar latch and the ratchet free of grit, and check the strap webbing for wear every few months.
Finally, treat a scratched shield as a visibility problem rather than a cosmetic one. A hazed shield is a permanent replacement cost, and the models with tool-less shield systems, such as the ScorpionEXO GT930, save money every time you need to swap one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a modular helmet worth it?
A modular helmet is worth it if you stop often, wear prescription glasses, ride mixed terrain, or want airflow and easy communication at fuel stops and junctions. The flip-up chin bar gives you open-face comfort without carrying a second helmet. You give up some weight and a little sound insulation compared with a one-piece full-face design, so riders on long highway tours should test quieter premium options before deciding.
What are the disadvantages of a modular helmet?
The main drawbacks are weight, wind noise and the moving chin bar mechanism. Modulars are typically heavier than comparable full-face helmets because of the hinge, latch and second visor. The seam at the chin bar produces more wind noise, which matters most at highway speed. Long-term users also report the ratchet and latch loosening with age, and most track and racing organizations do not accept modular helmets at all.
Who makes the quietest modular motorcycle helmet?
Among the models reviewed here, the Shoei Neotec II makes the strongest quietness case, with noise reduction built into the shell design and owner reviews repeatedly praising it for low wind noise on highway rides. The LS2 Advant X is also rated among the quietest, particularly with the chin bar down. Budget helmets in this roundup are noticeably louder at speed, and the shell shape rather than the price is usually the deciding factor.
Which modular helmet is best for touring?
For long-distance touring, the Shoei Neotec II leads because of its noise reduction, DOT and ECE certification, included Pinlock EVO lens and five-year warranty. Riders who prioritise the lowest possible weight and want a Pinlock insert supplied should look at the LS2 Advant X, which has a 180-degree chin bar and composite shell at roughly 1600 grams. For adventure touring with removable peak visor hardware, the ScorpionEXO AT960 is the better fit.
How long does a modular helmet last?
A modular helmet should be replaced about five years from the date of first use, even if the shell looks undamaged, because the EPS liner degrades and its protective qualities are not visually detectable. Replace it immediately after any significant impact, since the liner is crushed permanently by a single hard hit. A helmet bought new and used consistently may be close to end of life sooner than one used occasionally.
Can you wear glasses with a modular helmet?
Yes, and several models in this roundup are designed for it. The BELL SRT Modular has eyewear arm pockets woven into the interior liner, the HJC C91 has moulded glasses grooves in the cheek pads, and the ScorpionEXO GT930 and AT960 use contoured cheek pads shaped for eyewear. Try the helmet on with your own frames, because cheek pad thickness varies and the shape of the temple area is the part that causes discomfort.
Final Verdict
The best modular motorcycle helmets are not a single winner, they are a shortlist matched to riding style. The Shoei Neotec II takes our overall pick on the strength of the best owner rating in the roundup, dedicated noise reduction and a generous box with a Pinlock lens included. Commuters should take the HJC C91 for its sun visor and washable padding, light-focused riders should look at the LS2 Advant X with its supplied Pinlock insert, and group riders get the most out of the FreedConn BM2-S built-in intercom.
Whatever you choose in 2026, try it on first and measure your head. Sizing is inconsistent across every brand on this list, and a helmet that fits correctly protects you better than a better-made one that does not. If you are still undecided, the full-face comparison is worth a read too.