The Science of Safety: Choosing the Right Adventure Motorcycle Helmet

Elton Bewsher
4 days ago
6 min read

BMW GS rider wearing helmet on gravel road

As riders, we obsess over horsepower, suspension setups, panniers, and performance exhausts. We’ll sink thousands of rands into our beloved motorcycles without blinking. Yet when it comes to the one thing that could mean the difference between walking away or never getting up again, we suddenly look for the cheapest option.

It’s ironic, really. We wouldn’t buy the cheapest tyres or brakes we could find, yet some are willing to compromise when it comes to protecting their head. We’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s a conversation that needs to be had more often, especially when so few riders really know how to choose a motorcycle helmet that offers true protection. Your helmet is the single most important piece of gear you’ll ever buy. Here’s why...

The Barrier Between Impact and Injury

Not all helmets perform the same, and much of that comes down to what they’re made from. The material used in the outer shell plays a vital role in how well a helmet handles impact, how heavy it feels on your head, and how long it lasts. Here’s a quick look at the most common types and what sets them apart.

Polycarbonate (Thermoplastic): While more affordable, these helmets tend to flex under impact rather than absorbing it, causing the helmet to bounce instead of dissipating the impact force. They’re also heavier and more prone to degradation from UV exposure over time.
Fibreglass Composite: A good strength-to-weight ratio with better energy dispersion.
Carbon Fibre: Premium level protection—very strong and lightweight, but expensive.

Lighter helmets reduce fatigue. Stronger shells offer better crash performance. It’s an investment you don’t want to cheap out on.

Design Features That Protect When It Matters Most

There’s more to a good helmet than just a tough outer shell. Real protection comes from the details you might not notice at first, features designed to absorb impact, improve comfort, and help you walk away from a crash. From internal liners to emergency-release systems, it’s the combination of these elements that truly makes a difference when it matters most.

EPS Liner: Absorbs impact forces. Multi-density EPS performs better across a range of impact types.
MIPS: Developed by Swedish neurosurgeon Dr. Hans von Holst and biomechanical researcher Peter Halldin, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) helps reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts.
Retention Systems: Double D-rings are the gold standard, they’re simple, secure, and used in motorsports. Micrometric buckles are faster but can vary in reliability.
Emergency Pull Tabs: These tabs allow first responders to remove the helmet with minimal neck movement in serious crashes.
Ventilation: Affects endurance, focus, and comfort. Look for multiple intake and exhaust vents. Helmets with adjustable vents are ideal for varying climates.
Sun Peaks: Common on adventure and dual-sport helmets, these shield your eyes from glare when the sun is low, particularly in dusty conditions.
Protruding Chin Bar (Helmet Beak): In adventure motorcycling, crashes often happen in unpredictable and rugged terrain, terrain like rocky descents, sudden washouts, or hidden obstacles on gravel tracks. These kinds of spills frequently send riders over the handlebars, putting their face at serious risk. That’s where the protruding chin bar or "beak" on an adventure helmet comes in. It creates a crucial buffer zone, helping to absorb or deflect impact before it reaches your face. The added space between your mouth and the outer shell offers extra protection for vulnerable areas like the chin, teeth, nose, and lips, which are often the first to hit the ground in off-road falls.

Full-Face vs. Open-Face or Flip-Up Modular Helmets

Many riders prefer open-face or modular helmets for convenience. Being able to chat at a stop without removing your helmet? Great. But when things go wrong, full-face helmets offer far superior protection.

Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of low-speed falls, you know, those typical off-road mishaps that catch you off guard. Time and again, riders wearing modular helmets came off worse, with the chin bar giving way on impact and leaving them with cuts, bruises, or much worse. By contrast, those in proper full-face helmets usually got back on their feet with nothing more than a shaken ego.

While flip-up helmets may seem convenient, we strongly recommend choosing a traditional full-face adventure-style helmet instead, particularly for serious touring or adventure riding. In our experience, the risks associated with modular designs outweigh the benefits. For those prioritising safety, a well-fitted, one-piece helmet remains the most reliable choice.

How to Choose an Adventure Motorcycle Helmet

Picking the right adventure motorcycle helmet can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s all about finding one that fits well, feels comfortable, and gives you the confidence that it’ll do its job if things go wrong. Whether you’re riding every weekend or heading out on a big trip, here are a few key things to look for before you buy.

A Proper Fit: Your helmet should feel snug all around, with no shifting when you move your head. Try wearing it for 10–15 minutes to make sure it stays comfortable over time.
Certified Safety: Look for ECE 22.06, DOT, or Snell certification. These standards mean your helmet has passed rigorous impact and performance tests.
Lightweight Design: A lighter helmet means less fatigue on long rides, especially when you’re standing on the pegs or riding technical terrain.
Good Ventilation: Essential for staying cool and focused, particularly in South Africa’s warmer climates or when riding off-road.
Removable Liners: Being able to wash your padding after a hot, dusty ride is a game-changer for comfort and hygiene.
Emergency Pull Tabs: These allow medical teams to remove your helmet safely in the event of a crash. A highly underrated but potentially life-saving feature.
A Sun Peak: Helps manage low-angle glare and deflects debris like branches, stones, or roosts when riding in a group.
Protruding Chin Bar (Helmet Beak): Provides a buffer between your face and the ground during a forward fall.

The Helmet Brands Motorrad Adventures Recommend

Based on numerous years of conducting training and tours, here are our top 3 brands that we’ve personally tested and trust:

BMW Carbon EVO, EPS liner and MIPS system inside helmet

BMW (GS Carbon EVO Helmet): With its lightweight carbon shell and built-in MIPS for added protection, this helmet strikes a great balance between safety and comfort. Ventilation is excellent, the peak is removable for flexibility, and it’s just as comfortable on long road stretches as it is tackling rough terrain.

Airoh (Commander 2): Designed with adventure in mind, the Commander 2 combines a lightweight, aggressive profile with serious safety credentials. Airoh’s AMS2 system (similar to MIPS) helps manage rotational impact forces, while the helmet’s excellent ventilation makes it a solid choice for demanding, off-road conditions.

LS2 (Explorer): LS2’s top-tier adventure helmet offers solid protection, comfort, and ventilation at a competitive price. It features a lightweight composite shell, internal sun visor, adjustable peak, and ECE 22.06 certification—ideal for long days in South African heat and dust.

These helmets have proven their worth across demanding terrain and long-distance travel. We don’t just recommend them… We use them!

Final Thoughts

We’ve seen the real-world consequences of cutting corners on helmets. The right helmet can mean the difference between a close call and a life-altering injury.

How to Choose an Adventure Motorcycle Helmet... Do your research. Spend the money. The word cheap is never associated with anything of quality. Make sure it fits like it was made for you. Because remember, at the end of the day, the most important motorcycle part isn’t the one under you—it’s the one on your shoulders...

If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.

Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organised tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.

We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.

Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:

✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking

✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support

✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind

✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace

With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.

We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.