How Much Should You Spend on a Motorcycle Helmet?

Part of our Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Helmet

You can buy a new motorcycle helmet for under €150, or spend several hundred euro on a premium touring or sports model. At the upper end of the market, specialist racing helmets can cost considerably more.

But does spending more actually get you a safer helmet? And how much should you budget if you're buying your first helmet, commuting every day or planning longer motorcycle tours?

The answer isn't as simple as choosing the most expensive helmet you can afford.

A good motorcycle helmet needs to meet the appropriate safety standard, fit correctly and suit the way you ride. Beyond that, the extra money may buy lighter materials, different shell construction, improved comfort, more sophisticated visor systems or specialist features.

Some of those improvements may be worth paying for. Others might make very little difference to your riding.

This guide explains where the money goes, what to look for at different price levels and how to choose a helmet that offers good value without compromising on the essentials.

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How much does a motorcycle helmet cost in Ireland?

Motorcycle helmet prices vary considerably depending on the manufacturer, model, construction, features and intended use.

At Franklin Motors, our range includes accessible everyday helmets, touring and modular models, carbon fibre helmets and specialist sports designs.

As a general buying guide, it's useful to think about four broad budgets.

Budget What to expect
Under €150 Entry-level and affordable road helmets, including properly approved full-face and other designs
€150 to €300 A wider choice of everyday and touring features, depending on the model
€300 to €500 Premium road and touring options, including some carbon fibre designs
Over €500 Higher-end sports, touring, carbon fibre and specialist racing helmets

These are shopping budgets, not safety ratings. They also aren't rigid divisions between product quality levels.

A particular helmet may cost less or more depending on its specification, finish or current retail price.

The important question is what you actually gain by spending more.

1. Are cheap motorcycle helmets safe?

An affordable motorcycle helmet is not automatically unsafe.

A genuine helmet with the appropriate UN ECE 22.06 approval has met the prescribed testing requirements for its approval category.

Those requirements do not become less demanding simply because a helmet is sold at a lower price.

That's an important distinction for learners and riders working within a limited budget.

You don't need to buy a premium carbon fibre helmet simply to get an approved motorcycle helmet.

However, certification establishes that a helmet meets the applicable requirements. It doesn't mean every approved helmet performs identically in every possible impact.

Individual helmet designs can achieve different results in independent testing.

This is where programmes such as SHARP can provide useful additional information for models that have been assessed.

What should you expect from an affordable helmet?

An entry-level full-face helmet may provide the basic features needed for everyday road riding:

  • An appropriately approved protective shell and impact-absorbing liner.
  • A secure retention system.
  • A conventional visor.
  • Ventilation.
  • Comfortable internal padding.
  • Protective coverage suited to its helmet type.

The precise features vary between models.

More affordable helmets may use different shell materials or have less elaborate ventilation and visor arrangements than premium designs.

That doesn't make them unsuitable for ordinary road riding.

What shouldn't you compromise on?

Regardless of price, make sure the helmet is genuine, appropriately approved and correctly fitted.

Don't buy a helmet that's too large because it's on offer.

Don't accept painful pressure points because a model is heavily discounted.

And don't assume an unfamiliar helmet is properly approved simply because a seller claims that it is.

If your budget is limited, a new, correctly fitting approved helmet is a more sensible purchase than an expensive helmet of uncertain history or condition.

Helmets under €150

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Shop motorcycle helmets under €150

2. What do you get when you spend more?

As motorcycle helmet prices increase, manufacturers may introduce different materials, construction techniques and additional features.

But these improvements don't appear in a fixed order.

A mid-priced helmet may include a feature missing from a more expensive model, particularly when the two helmets are intended for different riding styles.

Here are the areas worth comparing.

Shell construction

Motorcycle helmet shells can be made from polycarbonate, fibreglass, composite materials, carbon fibre or combinations of materials.

Each approach has different design and manufacturing characteristics.

More expensive helmets sometimes use materials selected to achieve particular weight, strength or construction objectives.

However, shell material alone does not tell you how protective a helmet is.

The complete helmet design matters, including the impact-absorbing liner and retention system.

Weight and balance

A lighter helmet can be attractive if you spend several hours riding.

But weight on a specification sheet doesn't tell the whole story.

Balance, fit and aerodynamic behaviour can all influence how a helmet feels on your head.

A helmet that is slightly heavier but fits comfortably may be a better choice than a lighter model that creates pressure or instability.

Ventilation

More sophisticated helmets may offer additional air channels, adjustable vents or airflow arrangements developed for particular riding positions.

For somebody who rides every day, effective ventilation can improve comfort considerably.

However, more vents don't automatically mean better ventilation.

What matters is whether the system works well in your normal riding conditions.

Visor systems

Helmet prices can also reflect differences in visor design and equipment.

Depending on the model, you might find:

  • More sophisticated visor mechanisms.
  • Different visor sealing arrangements.
  • Internal sun visors.
  • Pinlock-ready visors.
  • An included anti-fog insert.
  • Alternative visor options.

Don't assume these features are included simply because a helmet is expensive.

Check the individual product specification.

Comfort padding

Premium helmets may include different liner materials, removable comfort pads or additional fit-adjustment options.

If you're wearing a helmet regularly, these details can make a difference.

However, premium padding cannot correct a helmet shell that's fundamentally the wrong shape for your head.

Specialist design

Some helmets cost more because they are developed for particular applications, such as racing.

They may incorporate specialised aerodynamics, visor arrangements, additional components or competition homologation.

These features can be valuable for riders who need them, but they aren't necessarily useful for somebody commuting to work.

3. Is a €500 helmet safer than a €150 helmet?

Not necessarily.

Both helmets may meet the applicable ECE approval requirements, but their individual impact performance can differ.

Price doesn't provide a reliable way to measure that difference.

An expensive helmet isn't automatically safer than a less expensive one, and an affordable helmet isn't automatically equivalent to every premium model.

The important point is that you cannot establish comparative protection simply by looking at the price tag.

What does SHARP tell us?

SHARP is an independent helmet safety assessment programme operated by the UK Department for Transport.

It tests selected helmets and publishes ratings from one to five stars.

The programme provides additional information about how individual helmet models performed under its testing conditions.

This can be useful when comparing helmets that already meet the relevant approval requirements.

However, not every helmet has a published SHARP rating.

A helmet without a rating should not automatically be treated as unsafe or inferior.

Fit still comes first

A helmet needs to fit your head securely and comfortably.

A five-star helmet that doesn't fit correctly isn't the right helmet for you.

Similarly, paying more for a particular design won't resolve problems with head shape or sizing.

Start with the appropriate approval and fit. Then compare independent testing information where available.

For a more detailed explanation, read our Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards Guide.

4. Are carbon fibre motorcycle helmets worth the extra money?

Carbon fibre is commonly associated with premium helmets.

It can be used to create shells with particular weight and structural characteristics, although the resulting properties depend on the complete construction.

Carbon fibre doesn't automatically make a helmet lighter than every alternative.

It also doesn't guarantee better impact protection.

Why do carbon helmets cost more?

Carbon fibre construction can involve different materials, manufacturing processes and design requirements.

Manufacturers may also use carbon fibre in helmets intended for premium touring or sports applications.

The price can therefore reflect more than the shell material alone.

Who might benefit from a carbon fibre helmet?

A carbon fibre helmet may be worth considering if:

  • You're looking for a particular balance of weight and comfort.
  • You spend long periods riding.
  • A specific carbon helmet fits your head especially well.
  • You want the features of a particular premium model.
  • You need a helmet designed for a specialist riding application.

The important part is comparing the actual helmets rather than assuming carbon fibre always provides a better result.

When might carbon fibre not be worth it?

If you mainly ride short distances and already have an appropriately approved helmet that fits properly, paying significantly more for carbon fibre may not deliver enough practical benefit to justify the cost.

Likewise, if a carbon helmet doesn't suit your head shape, its construction material isn't a reason to buy it.

Carbon helmets

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5. How much should a beginner spend on a motorcycle helmet?

If you're starting your Initial Basic Training (IBT) in Ireland, it's understandable to want reliable equipment without spending unnecessarily.

You may also be buying a motorcycle jacket, gloves, trousers and boots, so your helmet is part of a wider equipment budget.

A properly approved helmet that fits correctly is a sensible place to start.

There's no requirement to begin with the most expensive model in the shop.

What should a learner prioritise?

Focus on:

  1. Appropriate safety approval.
  2. A secure and comfortable fit.
  3. Suitable protective coverage.
  4. Clear visibility.
  5. A reliable, easy-to-use fastening system.
  6. Practical ventilation and visor arrangements.

A full-face helmet is a sensible starting point for many learners.

If you're shopping within a €150 budget, Franklin Motors has a dedicated collection of helmets in that price range.

However, don't choose an incorrectly fitting helmet simply to remain under a particular amount.

If a different model fits you considerably better, it may be worth reconsidering your budget.

Should beginners buy second-hand helmets?

We would advise against relying on a second-hand helmet with an unknown history.

A used helmet may have experienced an impact or been stored incorrectly, and damage isn't always visible.

Buying a new, genuine, appropriately approved helmet is preferable to taking a chance on the history of a second-hand premium model.

6. How much should a daily commuter spend?

If you commute by motorcycle throughout the year, the features you use every day become particularly important.

A helmet that feels acceptable on an occasional Sunday ride may become frustrating if you wear it for an hour or more every working day.

Consider the conditions you actually encounter.

For somebody commuting around Dublin or regularly using the M50, wet-weather visibility, visor fogging, wind noise and comfort may matter more than elaborate graphics or racing features.

Features worth paying more for

Anti-fog compatibility

Cold and damp conditions can cause condensation inside the visor.

A suitable anti-fog insert or visor system can be particularly useful in Irish weather.

Effective visor sealing

A well-designed and properly maintained visor seal helps reduce rain and wind entering around the visor.

Adjustable ventilation

You may want greater airflow during summer and the ability to reduce it during colder conditions.

Comfortable, maintainable interior

Removable and washable comfort padding can be particularly useful for regular riders.

Replacement parts

The availability of compatible visors and other approved components may make a difference over the helmet's usable life.

Is a modular helmet worth the extra money?

Some commuters appreciate being able to open the chin bar when stationary.

That convenience may be worth paying for if you regularly make short stops.

However, a modular helmet is not automatically better for commuting.

A properly fitting full-face helmet can be an excellent everyday choice.

Compare the actual models, including their approval, weight, fit and features.

7. How much should you spend on a touring helmet?

Touring places different demands on a helmet.

When you're travelling for several hours, comfort, balance, ventilation and wind behaviour become increasingly noticeable.

This is where some of the features found on more expensive helmets may justify their price.

For example, a rider travelling regularly along the Wild Atlantic Way or taking longer trips abroad may appreciate a helmet with comfortable padding, effective visor arrangements and provision for communication equipment.

Touring features worth considering

  • Comfortable fit over long periods.
  • Appropriate helmet weight and balance.
  • Suitable ventilation.
  • Reliable visor operation.
  • Effective anti-fog arrangements.
  • Internal sun visor, where useful.
  • Compatible intercom provision.
  • Replacement visor and padding availability.

Not every premium touring helmet includes every feature.

Equally, some more affordable helmets provide a useful combination of touring features.

Full-face or modular for touring?

Both can be suitable.

A conventional full-face helmet offers fixed chin-bar construction.

A modular helmet provides the convenience of an opening chin bar, which some riders value during frequent stops.

Neither design should be selected purely on price.

Our Full-Face vs Modular Helmet Guide explains the practical and safety differences.

Modular and flip-up helmets

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8. When does a premium racing helmet make sense?

At the highest end of the market, you'll find helmets developed with racing and track use in mind.

Some include advanced aerodynamic designs, specialist visor mechanisms, particular shell constructions and additional competition approval.

These features can be valuable for riders participating in activities where they are required or particularly useful.

However, a racing helmet is not automatically the best choice for ordinary road use.

Road riding and racing are different

A helmet developed around a racing crouch may have different visibility, ventilation or aerodynamic priorities from a touring helmet.

The design may suit sustained high-speed track riding but be less convenient for everyday commuting.

A premium race helmet may also omit practical road-touring features that are common on less expensive models.

What about FIM homologation?

FIM homologation is relevant to certain motorcycle racing activities and associated helmet requirements.

It is separate from the general road-helmet approval considerations.

If you're buying for competition, check the particular event's rules and required homologation.

If you only ride on public roads, don't assume that a helmet is a better choice simply because it carries additional racing credentials.

The question isn't whether racing technology is impressive. It's whether the helmet's intended use and features match your riding.

9. Don't overlook the additional cost of ownership

The purchase price isn't always the total cost of owning a motorcycle helmet.

Depending on the model and how you use it, you may need to buy replacement components or accessories.

These could include:

  • Replacement visors.
  • Compatible anti-fog inserts.
  • Manufacturer-approved cheek pads.
  • Replacement comfort liners.
  • Compatible communication equipment.

Before buying, check what's included and what may need to be purchased separately.

For example, a helmet described as Pinlock-ready doesn't necessarily include the Pinlock insert.

Similarly, a helmet with intercom provision doesn't necessarily come with an intercom system.

Are replacement visors expensive?

Costs vary by manufacturer, model and visor type.

Some helmets use particular visor designs or mechanisms that require model-specific parts.

Availability is important, too.

A helmet that uses readily available approved replacement components may be more convenient to maintain during its usable life.

Never substitute incompatible parts simply because they're cheaper.

Helmet visors and accessories

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10. Is buying a discounted motorcycle helmet a good idea?

A discount can offer genuine value, provided the helmet is appropriate for your needs.

But price reductions shouldn't override the fundamentals.

Before purchasing a discounted helmet, check:

  • The actual model and specification.
  • Its approval.
  • The available size.
  • The condition of the helmet.
  • Whether the design suits your intended use.
  • The manufacturer's guidance concerning age and service life.
  • The applicable return conditions.

Don't buy a helmet that's too large because it's the last one available.

And don't assume that an older design is necessarily a bargain simply because the original retail price was higher.

A properly fitting helmet at its normal price may be a better purchase than a heavily discounted helmet that doesn't suit you.

11. Should you spend more on safety or comfort?

This is not necessarily an either-or decision.

Correct fit is important for both comfort and protective performance.

A helmet that creates painful pressure points isn't suitable simply because it carries an impressive specification.

Similarly, a helmet that feels comfortable because it's excessively loose isn't correctly fitted.

Start with approved helmets that suit your head.

Once you've identified suitable models, compare independent safety information, where available, and the practical features you want.

You may find that a modestly priced helmet meets your requirements.

You may also find that a more expensive model offers improvements you genuinely appreciate.

Neither outcome is wrong.

The objective is to choose the right helmet, not simply the highest price.

12. How to get the best value from your helmet budget

Before deciding how much to spend, work through these questions.

What type of riding do I do most?

A learner, daily commuter, touring rider and track rider may need different features.

Does the helmet have the appropriate approval?

Confirm the certification of the actual model.

Does it fit correctly?

Use the manufacturer's sizing information and check the fit carefully. Our Helmet Size Guide explains how.

Which additional features will I actually use?

An internal sun visor or particular intercom arrangement may matter to one rider and not another.

Is there independent safety information available?

SHARP ratings can help compare certain tested models.

What accessories are included?

Check the visor, anti-fog insert and any other supplied equipment.

Will replacement parts be available?

Consider the longer-term practicality of the helmet.

Would I still choose this helmet without the branding or graphics?

This is a useful final question if you're struggling to justify an expensive model.

Our advice: buy the right helmet, not the most expensive one

There isn't a single amount that every Irish motorcyclist should spend on a helmet.

A new rider may find an affordable, properly approved full-face helmet that fits comfortably and provides the features needed for everyday road riding.

A frequent commuter may appreciate spending more on comfort, visor performance or convenience.

A long-distance touring rider may value a different combination of weight, ventilation and equipment compatibility.

And a rider buying for competition may need specific features or homologation that aren't relevant to ordinary road use.

Price can reflect genuine differences in materials, design and features, but it cannot tell you everything about protection or suitability.

Our recommendation is to choose a helmet with the appropriate approval, establish the correct fit and then decide which additional features justify their cost for the riding you actually do.

That's a better way to spend your money than simply choosing the cheapest or most expensive helmet available.

Frequently asked questions

How much should a beginner spend on a motorcycle helmet?

There is no fixed amount. A beginner should prioritise a genuine, appropriately approved helmet that fits correctly. Franklin Motors offers helmets under €150, but fit and suitability matter more than meeting a particular price.

Are €100 motorcycle helmets safe?

A genuine €100 helmet with the appropriate approval has met the requirements of that approval. However, individual helmet performance can vary, and price alone does not establish how much protection a helmet offers.

Is a €500 motorcycle helmet safer than a €150 one?

Not necessarily. Both may meet the relevant approval requirements. Independent safety ratings, where available, provide more useful comparative information than price alone.

Why are carbon fibre helmets more expensive?

Carbon fibre construction involves different materials and manufacturing methods. Premium carbon helmets may also include additional design and comfort features. The material alone does not guarantee better safety.

Is it worth spending more on a motorcycle helmet for commuting?

It can be, particularly if the additional money buys features you use regularly, such as improved visor arrangements, effective ventilation or more comfortable padding.

Do expensive motorcycle helmets last longer?

Not automatically. Helmet service life depends on the manufacturer's guidance, usage, storage, maintenance and condition. A higher purchase price does not establish a longer safe service life.

Are racing helmets better for road riding?

Not necessarily. Racing helmets can include specialist features intended for competition. A road or touring helmet may be more appropriate for everyday use.

Should I buy a discounted premium helmet or a new budget helmet?

Choose the helmet that is genuine, appropriately approved, correctly fitted and suitable for your riding. A discount is not a reason to accept the wrong size, questionable condition or unsuitable specification.

Is a Pinlock insert worth paying extra for?

For riders who regularly encounter cold or damp conditions, an appropriate anti-fog insert can be useful. Check the exact helmet and visor compatibility and whether the insert is included.

Is it better to spend more on the helmet or other riding gear?

A suitable helmet is essential, but the rest of your protective equipment matters too. Budget for appropriate motorcycle gloves, jacket, trousers, boots and other protection rather than treating the helmet as your only safety purchase.

Find a motorcycle helmet that suits your budget

Whether you're buying your first helmet or upgrading your existing equipment, Franklin Motors offers a range of motorcycle helmets for different riding styles and budgets.

Browse the available models, compare features and choose a helmet that fits properly and suits how you ride.

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For more advice, read our Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide, Types of Motorcycle Helmets, Helmet Size Guide and Helmet Safety Standards Guide. Questions? Call us on 01 538 5005.

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