The best helmet for a cruiser motorcycle is one that fits securely, meets the requirements where you ride, and gives you the coverage you want. Our two full-face picks to try on are the ScorpionEXO Covert FX Solid for its included clear and dark shields, and the Bell Bullitt GT for a rounded retro design with closable vents. This comparison concerns the manufacturers’ U.S. offerings.
These are recommendations based on documented features, not a crash-safety ranking or a hands-on road test. We have not measured noise, comfort, ventilation or impact performance. Treat the shortlist as a starting point for a fitting, and choose another model if neither fits you properly.
Best cruiser motorcycle helmets: two full-face options
| Helmet | Why consider it | Important tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| ScorpionEXO Covert FX Solid, U.S. model | Angular styling; clear and dark smoke shields; removable, washable liner | Pinlock shields are separate purchases; check the exact size and color combination |
| Bell Bullitt GT, U.S. model | Retro styling; closable vents; tool-free shield removal | Bell lists DOT for the U.S. and ECE for Europe; do not assume an imported version carries the same certification labels |
ScorpionEXO Covert FX Solid: best for an included two-shield setup
The Covert FX Solid is our first option to try if you want an angular full-face helmet with both clear and dark smoke shields included. Scorpion lists a composite shell, a removable and washable liner, speaker pockets and separately available cheek-pad thicknesses. Its U.S. product page lists DOT FMVSS No. 218 certification and ECE 22.06 approval.
Check the selected color’s size options rather than relying on the family’s advertised range: the current part-number table lists Matte Black from XS through 2XL, while 3XL entries appear for Gloss White and Graphite. Pinlock face shields are sold separately. This pick is the standard Covert FX Solid; do not assume other Covert models have the same features.
The extra dark shield is useful for planning a daylight setup, but switch to clear for darkness or poor visibility. Scorpion’s safety manual warns against dark or tinted shields in those conditions. Use the Covert FX manual for shield and liner procedures; confirm accessory compatibility before ordering.
Bell Bullitt GT: best for retro styling with closable vents
The Bullitt GT is the alternative to try if you prefer a rounded, classic-looking full-face design. Bell documents closable ventilation, tool-free shield removal, speaker pockets and eyewear-arm pockets. Its Matte Black page lists XS through XXL and three shell sizes. Try it with your usual glasses before deciding whether the interior works for you.
Be precise about the generation and market: this pick is the Bullitt GT U.S. offering, not an assumption that every helmet called Bullitt has identical features. Bell’s certification field separates DOT (U.S.) from ECE (Europe). We therefore do not claim that the U.S. helmet has ECE 22.06 certification. Confirm the markings on the actual helmet and use its supplied instructions.
Choose coverage and fit before appearance
Our shortlist favors a fixed full-face design with a chin bar. NHTSA’s helmet guidance notes that half and open-face helmets lack a chin guard. It also warns that novelty headgear does not meet its safety standard. A decorative baseball-cap lid or novelty skullcap is not an alternative motorcycle helmet.
Measure around your head above the eyebrows and across the broadest part at the back, then consult the chart for the exact model. Check for a snug, even fit without painful pressure points or movement when you shake your head. NHTSA recommends wearing a new helmet for 30–45 minutes before riding to uncover pressure points. Follow the manufacturer’s retention and fit checks with the chin strap fastened.
At a fitting, check your vision, glasses, shield operation and chin-strap access. Ask about replacement shields and compatible pads, and read the seller’s return conditions before buying. A removable liner or a particular vent layout may suit your routine, but neither tells us how quiet or comfortable a helmet will be on your bike.
Check the exact helmet before your first ride
For a U.S. purchase, look for the rear certification label identifying the manufacturer or brand, model, DOT, FMVSS No. 218 and CERTIFIED. DOT is the manufacturer’s self-certification; NHTSA does not pre-approve helmets. A label alone is not a reason to overlook suspicious construction or a seller’s description of the item as a novelty.
Check the model and manufacturing date against NHTSA’s recall search and the maker’s notices. Model names matter: Scorpion’s Covert X recall notice concerns Covert X and specified HD-X07 helmets, so do not confuse that name with Covert FX. Bell also maintains a recall page. This shortlist is not a declaration that your individual helmet is free of recalls.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these helmets should I try first?
Try the Covert FX Solid first if the included clear and dark shields appeal to you. Try the Bullitt GT if its retro shape is your preference. The fitting should decide between them; neither is a universal winner.
Does “DOT approved” mean NHTSA tested that helmet?
No. DOT compliance is self-certified by the manufacturer. NHTSA tests some helmets and can require a recall for noncompliance; the DOT marking is not an agency endorsement of that individual model.
Can I buy the same size I wear in another brand?
Use the exact model’s size chart as a starting point and try it on. Head shape matters as well as circumference. Do not accept a loose fit or persistent painful pressure just because the size label matches your previous helmet.
Can a novelty lid work for a short cruiser ride?
No. NHTSA advises against wearing novelty helmets while operating or riding on a motorcycle. Choose an appropriate motorcycle helmet for every ride, even when the trip is short.
Are speaker pockets the same as built-in Bluetooth?
No. Both manufacturers describe pockets for installing communication-system speakers. Do not treat those pockets as a promise that a headset is included or that every speaker fits. Verify your chosen system and installation method with the helmet maker.
