There’s a shift happening in the motorcycle world. It’s subtle, but undeniable. The lines between road and dirt are blurring with bikes like Triumph’s Scrambler series. But what do you put on your head when your morning commute involves a blacktop run followed by an unplanned detour down a dusty single track?
Adventured helmets with their distinctive peak visors and generous eye-ports are no longer just for globe-trotting adventurers. Their versatility, advanced features, and inherently aggressive style have made them an unexpected favorite among urban commuters and modern custom riders alike. They offer the best of both worlds: the safety and coverage of a full-face street helmet, paired with the ventilation and field of view of a motocross helmet.
We’ve gathered seven adventure helmets on the market. These are the lids that truly earn the “all-road” title, ready for everything from the freeway to the fire road.
ScorpionEXO XT9000 CARBON
The ScorpionEXO XT9000 Carbon arrives with the express mission of achieving perfect equilibrium between road and dirt performance. Hand-crafted using an aircraft-grade, resin-infused 3K Carbon fiber shell (TCT-Ultra™), it offers superior strength and extreme lightness—a crucial factor for minimizing neck fatigue on long-haul ADV rides. Despite this dedication to low mass, it’s both ECE 22.06 and DOT certified.
Aerodynamics were a central focus here. The peak visor is CAD-refined to keep buffeting and lift to an absolute minimum at highway speeds. For riders who spend more time on the pavement or want a cleaner look, the peak visor can be easily removed to achieve an even more streamlined, quiet, and stable aerodynamic profile. Versatility is baked into the design, featuring a wide eyeport that maximizes peripheral vision and is tall enough to perfectly accommodate most brands of goggles once the tool-less face shield is quickly swapped out.
What really sets the XT9000 apart is the unique Airfit® liner inflation system. This ScorpionEXO-exclusive feature allows the rider to customize the fit of the cheek pads at the touch of a button, reducing wind noise, buffeting, and lift while ensuring a personalized, snug fit. Complemented by an advanced multi-layer EPS with strategically placed channels for superior airflow and Comm-Ready speaker pockets, the XT9000 Carbon is truly an all-weather, all-road contender built for comfort and safety. [ScorpionEXO]
Simpson Xcursion
The Simpson Xcursion marks the legendary brand’s foray into the true Adventure Motorcycle segment, blending Simpson’s unmistakable, aggressive design with the rugged features required for off-road exploration. It’s a full-face adventure helmet designed for the rider who craves the unknown without sacrificing that classic “tough-guy” styling the brand is known for.
The lightweight Tricomposite shell is available in three shell sizes for optimal fitment and profile. For versatility, the Xcursion features a removable 3-anchor peak visor to shield the sun and deflect debris, paired with an interior drop-down sun visor that is conveniently interchangeable, adapting to changing light conditions without needing to swap the main shield.
Simpson ensures maximum comfort with an upgraded interior and highly effective ventilation, including a closable top vent and a three-position chin vent. The helmet also comes standard with a Pinlock 120 Max Vision insert, guaranteeing fog-free visibility in any weather conditions. With dual DOT and ECE 22.06 certification and universal communications compatibility, the Xcursion delivers a blend of legendary Simpson style and genuine dual-sport capability. [Simpson Race Products, Inc.]
Klim Krios Pro
The Klim Krios Pro is a technological powerhouse, setting a new benchmark for premium ADV helmet design. It was the first DOT-certified adventure helmet in North America to feature KOROYD® impact absorbing technology—a structure of thousands of tiny polymer tubes that are highly effective at absorbing impact energy by crushing homogeneously. This technology integrates seamlessly into the hand-laid Full Carbon Fiber shell, helping the Krios Pro achieve an exceptionally low 1450g weight.
The Krios Pro truly excels in versatility, offering Four Ride Modes (Street, Adventure, Dirt, Trail) thanks to its quick-release, tool-less system for the shield and visor. But the ultimate feature for the all-road rider is the included Photochromic Light-Sensitive Shield, which rapidly adapts to changing light conditions by darkening in the sun and clearing up in the shade. This eliminates the need to carry separate shields or sunglasses.
Comfort and convenience are further elevated by the luxurious Klimatek™ antimicrobial/moisture-wicking liner and the innovative FID-LOCK® strap closure system. The Fid-Lock uses a self-locating magnet system that is incredibly easy and fast to operate with gloves on, a game-changer for riders constantly on the go. The helmet’s aerodynamics, combined with the Koroyd’s highly vented structure, deliver superior airflow while minimizing buffeting at speed. [KLIM]
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS
The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS is a testament to highly adaptable, affordable safety. Bell took their proven MX-9 motocross platform and added road-ready capability, making it a perfect entry point for riders looking to blend off-road excursions with daily pavement duty. The standout safety feature is the integration of Mips® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a leading slip-plane technology designed to reduce the rotational forces transferred to the head during certain impacts.
Versatility is key to the MX-9’s appeal. It ships with an integrated, clear, anti-fog, anti-scratch faceshield that can be quickly flipped up to leave ample room for goggles in extreme dirt conditions. The adjustable visor can also be easily removed entirely for a classic, stealth street helmet aesthetic. Ventilation is managed by the Velocity Flow ventilation system, which works in conjunction with a removable, washable IONIC+™ quick-drying liner that manages sweat and fights odor.
The helmet is designed with three shell sizes to ensure a proper fit across the size range, maintaining a lower profile. While utilizing a lightweight polycarbonate shell to keep the price point accessible, the inclusion of MIPS and dual DOT/ECE certification ensures the MX-9 offers solid protection. With integrated speaker pockets, it is Comm-Ready right out of the box, offering a highly functional, safe, and easily adaptable package. [BELL SPORTS LLC]
Speed and Strength SS2600
The Speed and Strength SS2600 helmet is tailored for the urban adventurer who demands style and features without breaking the bank. Built with a lightweight A.T.P.A.™ Advanced Thermo-Poly Alloy Shell, this lid sets itself apart with its clean lines and its focus on everyday street comfort combined with dual-sport readiness.
Comfort and airflow are a priority thanks to the Air-Strike™ direct course ventilation system and a removable, washable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic interior liner. It features a convenient drop visor internal sun shield for rapid light changes. The main face shield is optically correct, anti-scratch, and includes the Lockdown shield lock security system for a secure, tight seal.
The SS2600 adds significant value by including an additional color-matched Iridium visor right in the box, allowing riders to instantly switch up their look. Furthermore, the interior is glasses-compatible, a thoughtful feature for riders who wear prescription glasses or sunglasses. Meeting both DOT and ECE 22-05 standards, the SS2600 delivers aggressive styling and urban-ready function in a comprehensive, accessible package. [Turn 14 Powersports]
ILM Z302
The ILM Z302 is engineered for the rider, prioritizing maximum adaptability and value. Constructed with a high-strength ABS outer shell and high-quality EPS foam, it meets both DOT and ECE safety standards, ensuring solid protection. However, its most compelling feature is its Unique Multi-Configuration Design, offering four distinct riding setups.
This versatility is achieved through a detachable front cover and a detachable visor. The rider can transition between a full-face ADV look (with both parts installed), a stealth street look (peak removed), a dirt-ready look (faceshield removed for goggles), or a stripped-down street helmet. The detachable visor even features two adjustable angles and includes an integrated camera mount, catering directly to the content-creator side of the modern ADV rider.
Aerodynamics and comfort are addressed with nine ventilation points to maximize airflow, ensuring the rider stays cool. The helmet includes a tinted outer lens for sun protection, which is easily removable or replaceable. By offering multiple configurations and key features like a camera mount at an accessible price point, the Z302 positions itself as a highly practical choice for the versatile, budget-conscious rider. [ILM]
NEXX X.RALLY
NEXX has engineered a helmet that truly redefines what ‘lightweight performance’ means in the Adventure sector. Thanks to its X-PRO Carbon shell technology, the X.RALLY weighs in at a startling 1,350 grams, meaning neck fatigue is simply not on the agenda, even after tackling hours of riding. Beyond the sheer lack of mass, it’s packed with intelligent protection, including the innovative X-Foam crash bumpers—ultra-lightweight EPP foam running the full perimeter of the bottom trim. This is more than a simple style line; it’s an engineered buffer designed to absorb impact energy and, crucially, soften forces that could otherwise lead to collarbone injuries.
What makes the X.RALLY so versatile, however, is its ability to adapt to three distinct ride modes. Whether you’re running a clean, peak-free profile for a high-speed commute or switching to full Off-Road mode with goggles and enhanced airflow, the conversion is slick and simple. The exceptional seal comes courtesy of the spring-loaded Recoil Visor System, which automatically tenses the visor against its beading for optimum noise insulation—a godsend on the tarmac—while a complex aerothermal ventilation system, featuring nine inlets and six outlets, guarantees maximum cooling when the pace slows down and the sweat starts to drip. Complete with a Pinlock lens, an integrated hydration system in the cheek pads, and aluminum-magnesium alloy double-D rings, this helmet is ready for any adventure you can throw at it, on road or off. [NEXX Helmets]
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