Vintage And Retro Style Motorcycle Helmets: Part II

July 26, 2015

The design that started the vintage motorcycle helmet aesthetic started during the World War II era, which relied on a shell helmet with large goggles. Once the motorcycle craze began in the 1960s and 1970s, the designs began to alter with the times.

Nowadays, there are various types of helmets, but one design that always sticks out is the retro concept. In the first part of this series, we looked at some of the top of the line retro motorcycle helmets on the market.

In the second portion of this series, we look at a few more vintage-inspired motorcycle helmets:

5) LS2 OF583 Bobber Open Face Helmet

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/ls2-of583-bobber-open-face-helmet/371-583-1001.aspx" name="LS2 OF583 Bobber Open Face Helmet" image="371-583-1021" price="129.95" alignment="right" ]For a simplistic design and retro look, the LS2 OF583 Bobber Open Face Helmet is hard to beat. The helmet is designed with an ultra lightweight and skinny tri-composite fiberglass shell. For those looking to avoid the full face helmet, the OF583 Bobber is a three-quarter helmet that provides all day comfort.

This helmet comes with a washable liner. Both the trim and quick release chin strap are made from real leather. With a five-year warranty against any defects, the LS2 OF583 Bobber Open Face Helmet starts at $129.95 and comes in black, matte titanium and white.

6) Biltwell Gringo Spectrum Limited Edition Full Face Helmet

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/biltwell-gringo-spectrum-limited-edition-full-face-helmet/072-0101-7292.aspx" name="Biltwell Gringo Spectrum Limited Edition Full Face Helmet" image="072-0101-7292" price="189.95" alignment="right" ]For the completely retro look, the Biltwell Gringo Full Face Helmet might take the cake. With an absolutely gorgeous design, the inner parts are what make this helmet shine. It's built with an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) outer shell with a hand-painted finish.

The inner shell is expanded polystyrene (EPS) and the interior includes an internal BioFoam chin pad that has hand-sewn contrast stitching. With a starting price of $189.95, this is a hard helmet for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts to pass up.

7) Arai RX-Q 75 Retro Full Face Helmet

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/arai-rx-q-75-retro-full-face-helmet/381-8310.aspx" name="Arai RX-Q 75 Retro Full Face Helmet" image="381-8310" price="647.99" alignment="right" ]With the intentions of being the "Ultimate Street Helmet," the Arai RX-Q 75 Retro Full Face Helmet is certainly making a case. With comfort, stability and quietness all major features of the RX-Q, this helmet is perfect for all conditions, speeds and terrain.

The RX-Q has a hand-formed natural shell shape, which provides more stability and an aerodynamic stillness. Typically, these types of helmets don't make the cut for the retro style, but the RX-Q has a smaller shape than most other full face street motorcycle helmets, meaning less weight.

This helmet is built with an aggressive style. There are side vent cowls added to help riders during any level of speed. The helmet has a one-piece bottom edge, which means it doesn't have to have seams for a cleaner look.

Arai is known for its top of the line motorcycle helmets, but adding this retro-built street helmet to its line up gives riders a vintage option. This helmet starts at $647.99.

8) Bell Custom 500 Retro Open Face Helmet

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/bell-helmets-custom-500-retro-open-face-helmet/650-7062373.aspx" name="Bell Helmets Custom 500 Retro Open Face Helmet" image="650-7062373" price="119.95" alignment="right" ]Bell has released another vintage-inspired helmet with the Bell Custom 500 Retro Open Face Helmet. With a low profile carbon composite shell and 5 shells and EPS liner, this is the ultimate sleek three-quarter helmet.

The Custom 500 has a custom suede interior liner and a padded chin strap with a D ring closure. Both the goggle strap and the D ring pull are made from leather. While the 500 Retro is not far off from the Bell Bullitt, this three quarter helmet provides riders with a piece of gear that is open and lightweight.

For a starting price at $119.95, you can get the Bell Custom 500 Retro Open Face Helmet in light blue.