Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets

These helmets cover the entire head and most of the face. The hard shell extends from the brow over the cranium to the base of the skull at the top of the neck. The shell rides forward along the cheekbones to encompass the jaws and chin, leaving a wrap-around view port. A clear acrylic visor slides over the view port to block out wind, rain and dust and to ease eye fatigue. Most full-face motorcycle helmets are vented at the chin and within the shell. Vents normally have sliding doors for use in cold weather. The inner shell is highly padded and the helmet has a chinstrap for securing.

These motorcycle helmets are considered the safest type of helmet to wear in terms of sheer protection, as they cover the widest area of the head and face. A disadvantage is that they are the heaviest of all motorcycle helmets, and as such can create the greatest neck fatigue from wind resistance. They are also the most restrictive helmets in terms of limiting sensory input.

Mainly people who own sports bikes or cafe racers, such as Kawasaki Ninjas or Honda Interceptors, wear full-face motorcycle helmets. The better motorcycle helmets in this category are racing helmets, designed to be as sleek as possible, minimizing wind resistance and neck fatigue.

A lighter version of the full-face motorcycle helmet is made for dirt biking. Visually, a dirt bike motorcycle helmet differs from a street helmet by the presence of a large shade bill over the view port and the absence of a visor. Dirt bike helmets are made to wear with goggles.