We live in the era of the modern tracker. Manufacturers like Ducati and Triumph have scrambler-style models in their line-ups. Vintage dessert sleds are fetching top dollar on secondhand platforms. And shows like the Handbuilt and The One show are seeing the scrambler platform taking over what the Cafe Racer used to be.
While vintage styling is all the rage, vintage safety standards leave something to be desired. Helmet manufacturers are reacting to the desire for vintage styling with modern safety. These lids echo the raw aesthetic of the 70s and 80s, yet they carry within them the refined engineering of the modern era. For riders chasing that nostalgic MX look without compromising on comfort or safety, today’s retro-styled helmets strike the perfect balance. Here’s a list of the best modern motorcycle helmets that look like they belong on a dusty desert track.
Bell Moto-3
Mention vintage MX helmets and one name always rises to the top: Bell Moto-3. First released in the late 70s, the original Moto-3 helped define the very look that this new wave of retro helmets draws from. Bell has wisely brought it back with careful updates, preserving the classic shell shape, extended chin bar, and five-snap visor while upgrading everything else to meet modern expectations.
Constructed from a fiberglass composite shell, the Moto-3 includes a dual-density EPS liner for enhanced protection. The chin bar is also EPS-lined, and the helmet is offered in three shell sizes for a more refined fit. Featuring an assortment color-ways, the Moto-3 is certified DOT and ECE, offering riders a helmet that looks like a throwback but protects like a premium modern lid. [BELL SPORTS, LLC]
Biltwell Gringo
Few helmets have carved out a cult following quite like the Biltwell Gringo. Stripped back, timeless, and unapologetically retro, the Gringo captures the minimalist ethos of early full-face lids while offering the functionality today’s riders demand. The Gringo uses the same shape as the Gringo S, but ditches the integrated shield in favor of three snaps—making it easy to swap in a bubble shield or Moto visor and pair it with goggles like Biltwell’s own Moto 2 Goggles. It’s a favorite among café racers, chopper riders, and scrambler fans alike.
But don’t let its old-school looks fool you. Under the ABS shell lies a modern dual-density EPS liner. The chin bar includes a molded urethane pad for increased comfort. Inside, the liner system uses open-cell foam fleece Lycra and ventilated BioFoam panels to keep you cool and comfortable. Certified to the latest ECE R22.06 standard and DOT compliant, the Gringo is a reminder that you can still ride safely while looking like you just rolled out of a vintage dirt track photo shoot. [Biltwell Inc.]
Torc Baja
If you squint just right, the Torc Baja could pass for a helmet straight out of a 1980s Baja race. But beneath its nostalgic lines are thoughtful designs that merge classic form with high-performance function. The fiberglass composite shell is lightweight and sculpted for a snug fit, while the wide eye port is ideal for goggles—further cementing its MX roots. The Baja’s slightly angular silhouette gives it a modern edge without straying too far from its vintage DNA.
On the inside, things get even more comfortable. A plush, faux suede liner offers antimicrobial properties and sweat-wicking functionality, and it’s fully removable and washable. The helmet comes in two shell sizes and features a removable three-snap visor for further customization. Certified DOT-compliant, it weighs in at just over 1200 grams, making it a great choice for long days in the saddle. The Torc Baja sits comfortably at the intersection of affordability, heritage, and everyday usability. [H&H Sports Protection USA Inc.]
Hedon Heroine Classic
For riders who want vintage style served with a side of bespoke luxury, there’s no rival to the Hedon Heroine Classic. Designed and hand-finished in London, the Heroine Classic is the kind of helmet that wouldn’t look out of place on a Bonneville record-setter—or parked beside a custom-built café racer outside an East London coffee shop. These helmets have been discontinued in regular production but are still available through Hedon’s made-to-order program, making each one a limited-edition piece of wearable art.
The Classic’s shell blends carbon fiber and fiberglass and is accented with brass hardware, leather trim, and a Hed Armor liner that envelops your head in 360° of plush padding. The interior fabric is antimicrobial, breathable, and built for long-haul comfort. It’s also compatible with goggles, visors, and Hedon’s distinctive Sun Peaks. With certifications from DOT, ECE 2205, and ECE 2206, the Heroine Classic is as legal on the road as it is jaw-dropping at the curb. [Hedon]
HJC V60
The HJC V60 is the stealthy sleeper. At a glance, it checks all the vintage boxes—classic full-face shape, wide eye port, and a sculpted chin bar reminiscent of old motocross lids. But a closer inspection reveals an arsenal of features designed for modern-day comfort and safety. Built with an advanced fiberglass composite shell developed using CAD technology, the V60 is lightweight, strong, and finely balanced on the head.
Inside, the V60 features moisture-wicking fabric, interchangeable cheek pads, and an emergency-release system for added safety. An integrated drop-down sun visor hides just above your eyeline, deploying quickly when needed and retracting when not. There’s even a glasses groove for spectacle wearers and a removable peak visor for added flair. Goggle-friendly and feature-rich, the V60 is proof that you don’t have to trade convenience for cool.
Whether you’re chasing the glory days of 70s motocross or just want to look good on your daily ride, these MX-inspired motorcycle helmets offer the best of both worlds. They blend raw, unfiltered vintage styling with the kind of comfort, safety, and tech that would make the pioneers of the sport green with envy. There’s a retro helmet here to match your vibe, your ride, and your road.
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