The Best Graphic Motorcycle Helmets Under $500

Why We Picked It:

Who doesn’t want to look like Maverick from Top Gun? The LS2 Spitfire Helmet comes in several retro-inspired graphic styles if half-naked women on WWII missiles aren’t your thing. Regardless, the graphics on the Spitfire are always top-notch art. Make sure to check out the other styles; we really like this one as a V-twin alternative.

The LS2 Spitfire’s safety foundation is a lightweight composite shell, while the interior features laser cut EPS. The plush lining is hypoallergenic and breathable, and works with an internal ventilation system to keep you cool.  There’s also a dark smoke drop down inner sun shield included, so your eye protection is covered.

The LS2 Spitfire is DOT approved, and features a DOT-approved quick release chin strap as well. As always, your chin is exposed on a 3/4 helmet so keep that in mind. Easy on the wallet, cool retro styling, and some modern tech put the Spitfire on a level above other open-face helmets.

Why We Picked It:

The newly revamped Bell Custom 500 helmet is extremely impressive. It comes in 5 different shell sizes to ensure a non-bobblehead effect even if you wear an XS. The low-profile shell also ensures that the helmet sits lower on the forehead, providing even more protection.

The Custom 500 Riff DOT approved, with a multi-density EPS liner for superior energy dispersion in case of a crash. Visors, which snap on in 5 points, are available as a separate purchase – so eye protection will be needed if you choose to forego the visor. As always, your chin is always exposed on a 3/4 helmet so keep that in mind.

As far as looks, the Bell Custom 500 Riff features a throwback design to the 60s and 70s, when big bold stripes in solid colors was the style of the day. This even reached international levels, as many riders chose national flag colors for their stripes, and because wide and thick stripes were easier to track with the naked eye, it helped fans pick out their favorite riders. It also doesn't cost any more than a standard Bell Custom 500 helmet, and even then, it still comes with a 5 year warranty against manufacturer defects. This one’s a winner if you’re looking for a minimalized helmet with maximum styling.

Why We Picked It:

Versatility is all the rage, and the HJC i30’s got urban versatility covered. The included clear face shield is designed to be ridden 3 ways: down, up, or completely removed with no tools. But wait, there’s more! A drop-down sun visor is also included. Removing the face shield gives you loads of air directly to the face, so ventilation is not a worry.  The comfort liner is designed to accept eyewear, and also features integrated speaker cutouts for an optional communication system.

The HJC i30’s foundation is a lightweight polycarbonate shell. Over that shell is a simple but bold graphic that feels a little spacey and kinda like a motherboard (we think… maybe). There are several other colors to choose from, and are worth a gander before making a decision if the HJC i30 features sound like your jam.

Why We Picked It:

No one does epic graphics like ICON Motosports. It’s no secret that every helmet produced is done by true artists with impeccable attention to detail. There are multiple designs and add-on accessories that will blow your mind and sometimes even scare soccer moms. But don’t let the pretty package fool you into thinking that protection has been compromised. No way, no how. In fact, the Airflite made the staff pick list at Revzilla, where they don’t mess around.

The Airflite’s foundation is a strong and lightweight injection molded polycarbonate shell. It is ECE (Europe), SG (Japan) and SAI (Australia) certified as well as DOT (USA) approved. Dual-density EPS foam helps disburse more energy where it counts, and a soft touch removable liner adds to comfort.

Newly updated for 2023, however, the Airflite now features the Multi-directional Impact Protection System, or MIPS, to help prevent rotational injuries to your head and brain by gradually accelerating your head inside the helmet during contact with the ground. This helps stop your grey matter smashing against the inside of your skull, causing a traumatic brain injury, so it's only fitting that for this pick, we chose a graphic design that features... well, a skull!

Our most favorite feature is the massive amount of airflow this helmet offers. The Airflite features tons of venting to all the right places, which keeps things breezy even in the hottest weather.  It even has the ability to convert to a dual-sport helmet with the purchase of an additional kit that includes an off-road style sun peak so you can rock goggles if it suits your fancy.

Why We Picked It:

The Scorpion EXO-AT950 boasts the versatility and rider-favorite features of both a touring and an off-road helmet. What more could you ask for as an ADV rider? More color? Make sure to check out the other flashy color variations available. We especially like how the graphics are styled specifically to camouflage small nicks and scrapes from the inevitable beating of repeated adventure rides.

A strong and lightweight polycarbonate shell serves as the foundation for protection on the Scorpion-AT950. A dual density EPS foam liner offers superior energy dispersion where it counts. The helmet is DOT approved and comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty against defects. It also features a modular chin bar which allows you to rehydrate, slam a snickers, or just smile at all the onlookers while you refuel.

The Outrigger’s eye-port is extra large for a set of off-road goggles, and there’s also an MX style sun peak that promises to block the sun but is also easily removable so as not to become a sail on the highway. If googles aren’t your thing, the AT950 comes with a clear anti-fog face shield and a dark smoke drop-down internal sun visor.

A wicking liner and forced-air venting keeps you as dry as the desert you dare to explore. Bluetooth speaker pockets are also included, and for us visually impaired riders, the cheek pads are even eyeglass compatible – it seems as though Scorpion has thought of everything. There’s no question why this helmet is a staff pick at Revzilla.

Why We Picked It:

Never before has one helmet played so many parts. We love the Scorpion EXO Covert X helmet because it transforms from a full face to a 3/4, and even a half-shell helmet depending on your needs. The “Kalavera” features skulls adorned in the traditional Dia de Muertos style. The whole look of the helmet makes you feel ready for battle.

The helmet comes with a clear visor for night riding, and a dark smoke internal sun visor for daytime. Even the replaceable face masks – they use strong magnets to hold in place – come with your choice of graphics. We particularly like this skull design from the Scorpion EXO store on Amazon.

The Covert X is DOT approved, has a fiberglass-aramid-resin composite shell, and even features a dual-density EPS foam liner, which adds to the protection factor compared to other half-shell helmets.

In warm weather, internal venting helps keep you cool, while the antimicrobial wicking liner keeps you dry. For cold weather, a set of insulated ear covers with Bluetooth speaker pockets are also included. Last but not least, the Covert X features a traditional double D-ring retention system.

Why We Picked It:

The LS2 Valiant II is a revamp of the wildly successful and unique Valiant modular helmet. This puppy’s chin bar flips a full 180 degrees, which allows for the rider to switch from a full face to a 3/4 helmet on a whim.

Other modular helmets just don’t do that, and aren’t safe or designed to ride in with the chin bar open. Advantage Valiant. Let us also mention the Valiant II’s Revo and Orbit graphics also make it much cooler looking (we think it looks a bit like a Transformer… the good kind) than most plain-Jane modular helmets. Game point – Match!

The Valiant II’s foundation is a Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) shell, which is a lightweight but strong composite material. The helmet features two shell sizes, and non-removable moisture-wicking comfort padding.

As for breathability, Valiant II features multiple intake and exhaust channels cut directly through the EPS liner, forcing flow-through ventilation. A full metal latch assures the chin bar will stay locked when closed even at higher speeds.

Why We Picked It:

Once again, the graphics masters reign supreme over the land with the Airframe Pro Soul Food. This helmet is jam-packed full of killer monster imagery on top of a race-ready hand-laid fiberglass composite shell. Of course, there are other designs to choose from if you’re afraid. Flashy as always, the Airframe Pro Soul Food has the cool feature of the teeth and eyes glowing in the dark. A dark smoke visor is installed for you, with a clear visor included so your day and night visor needs are covered without any extra money out of pocket.

The Airframe Pro is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a top-shelf lid.  It is ECE (Europe), SG (Japan) and SAI (Australia) certified as well as DOT (USA) approved. Four shell sizes help to reduce bulk and weight as well as keep a low profile even if you wear an XS.

Dual-density EPS foam helps disburse more energy where it counts, and a 5-piece liner with 3 thicknesses available in each size (thicker and thinner liners are sold separately as kits) helps you create a truly custom fit while still staying under $500, even with the extra liner kit purchase.

The sculpted neck roll allows for both unimpeded full-tuck mode on the track as well as wearing a hooded jacket and a backpack comfortably while commuting. And as the name suggests, airflow is a top priority for riding in even the hottest of circumstances.

Channels to direct the air are molded directly into the EPS foam. You won’t find another helmet with these features at this price unless you get extremely lucky during a closeout clearance. Don’t take that bet, just buy the ICON.

Why We Picked It:

When Scorpion launched the original EXO-R1 Air in the second half of 2020, it was the culmination of taking all of the research and technology that was in their FIM-certified EXO-R1 GP racing helmet and placing it into a street and track sport helmet. It uses the same Ultra-TCT fiberglass, aramid and polymer shell from the racing helmet, but due to every riders’ head being slightly different in shape, they decided to install their AirFit system into the helmet. This way, even if the helmet is slightly too big around the jawline and neck, a few quick pumps and those pads are flush to your face.

This specific lid celebrates the design that Alvara Bautista, riding for Ducati in World SBK and sponsored by Scorpion, had made for the series’ stop in Laguna Seca in 2021. The red, white and blue graphics are fully painted onto the helmet, not just a wrap or sticker applied to it, and with the subtle metal flake in the blue, it just screams America from every angle.

It will also keep your head safe, as it is, for all intents and purposes, a racing helmet. Even the two included visors, one clear, one smoke tinted, have Pinlock II posts on the inside, and tear-off strip posts on the outside. The central latch is motorsports grade, so you need a good, hard push with your thumb before it unlocks. The helmet carriest DOT/ECE 22.05 certifications, and as it is related to FIM-certified R1 GP helmet, it’s safe to say that this is one of the best sports lids with a killer design you can get today.

Why We Picked It:

Bell is one of the original manufacturers of riding helmets, and has kept their rudder firmly straight ahead ever since. While the Qualifier helmet style has been around since 2015, it was the 2021 refresh that added both MIPS and the Transitions visor that turned it into the Qualifier DLX. While there are a lot of graphic designs for the helmet, our choice is the Devil May Care graphics as they are subtle but still aggressive.

The original Qualifier helmet was a mainstay on top 10 lists the internet over for most of the 2010s, but now that we’re in the 2020s, it’s time to upgrade to the new. The key thing with the Qualifier DLX MIPS is in its name, MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. This technology is a small sled in the top of the helmet that allows the helmet to accelerate during an impact, and gradually speed your head up to match it. While the time it takes to work is measured in milliseconds, that’s enough time to dissipate a lot of kinetic and rotational energy so that your brain doesn’t end up being tossed around inside your skull. This helps reduce the possibility of a concussion as well as reduce or prevent traumatic brain injuries.

The other thing about the Qualifier DLX MIPS that makes it a bargain at $290 is that it comes with a free Transitions Adaptive Polychromatic visor. A technology originally designed for eyeglasses, the visor will tint when exposed to sunlight, and when it is dark outside, the visor will remain clear. No more fiddling in your backpack or panniers to find your clear or smoked visor, just flip it down and go riding knowing that your lid is subtly aggressive, and your head is protected to DOT/ECE 22.05 (in testing for ECE 22.06) standards.