Last year we wrote an article with some Full Face Retro Inspired Motorcycle Helmets. We decided to add some more to that list with this cafe racer-inspired motorcycle helmet list. Since talking about the Torc T1 from last year’s article, we have been seeing more of those around and they have added more designs. There are the usual heavy hitters in the cafe racer classic-looking helmets like Bell. So in this article, we tried to find other brands that are creating vintage-looking helmets like the brands we talked about last year.
Our focus again is cafe racer classic vintage full-face motorcycle helmets. There are some awesome three-quarter helmet designs out there, but I’ve seen someone take a spill on their moped while wearing one. The helmet did its job in protecting her head, it did not do so for the face. She has recovered since but because of that I strongly recommend full-face helmets.
Helmet designs are subjective but these are 4 that we think is a modern take on a classic look. They are sleek and simple without a lot of tabs, switches, slides or whatever that most street bike helmets have. They carry the minimalist look and features like most vintage mopeds.
LAIKEONE VINTAGE STYLE HELMET
Laikeone has a helmet design very similar to the Biltwell Gringo. It’s a full-face ABS shell helmet with snaps for visor or shield attachments. The inner padding is removable and washable. It’s D.O.T certified with a double D-ring chin strap. It’s priced lower than a Gringo, but the Gringo currently has free shipping so they end up closer in price. Why choose this over the Biltwell? From what I can tell is the color options. The Biltwell comes in a variety of colors and designs, but the Laikeone has a few color choices that the Gringo does not. This isn’t the first helmet we’ve seen that is very similar to the Biltwell Gringo. Last time we reviewed some retro-inspired helmets we found the Woljay full-face helmet. Those are not available anymore.
LAIKEONE RETRO FULL-FACE STYLE HELMET
Do you fancy the Biltwell Gringo S helmet? Laikeone has one that is very similar but does have some good features that the Gringo S does not. It’s also an ABS thermoplastic resin shell like the previous one above. The inner padding can be removed and washed. DOT-certified with the double D-ring chin strap. This cafe racer-inspired helmet is priced a bit higher than the Gringo S, but its different or additional features might be worth it. A downside to the Biltwell Gringo and Gringo S is the lack of ventilation. The Laikeone adds five vents to the front of the helmet. It has a visor, that can be removed if needed, that snaps shut so the wind will not flip it open.
BILTWELL LANE SPLITTER FULL-FACE HELMET
Biltwell added a third full-face helmet since our last helmet post. The Lane Splitter is an improvement on the Gringo S and a different design. It looks similar to the Simpson Street Bandit. The shell is the same ABS material as the Gringo and Gringo S. D.O.T. approved with the double D-ring strap. The Lane Splitter has ventilation holes in the front. This is new or different from their other helmets. The padding is similar to their other helmet models. It can be removed for cleaning as well. A foam liner runs behind the front ventilation holes. Some padding material is also placed at the front to help with unwanted wind. The Visor is removable and locks down to avoid accidental wind opening. The Biltwell Lane Splitter comes in a variety of designs and colors.
DMD ROCKET CAFE RACER HELMETS
The Rocket helmet, designed by DMD, has a slick classic design. The Rocket design is inspired by early full-face helmets of the ’70s. The DMD Rocket is DOT-certified and comes with a visor. The visor is equipped with vintage-designed joints and is available clear or tinted. The helmet shell is made of Carbon Kevlar materials in two sizes. The two sizes paired with the removable and washable liners allow for a “perfect” fit. A double D-ring on the padded chin strap secures the helmet to the rider. A DMD Rocket comes in four design options shown below. Currently available with free shipping. If you’re interested in a Rocket below are links to the different designs and sizes:
- White w/Black Stripes – Small ♦ Black w/White Stripes – Small
- White w/Black Stripes – Medium ♦ Black w/White Stripes – Medium
- White w/Black Stripes – Large ♦ Black w/White Stripes – Large
- White w/Black Stripes – XL ♦ Black w/White Stripes – XL
- Black – Small ♦ White – Small
- Black – Medium ♦ White – Medium
- Black – Large ♦ White – Large
- Black – XL ♦ White – XL
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