Best Motorcycle Helmets Under £200 UK
Top-rated motorcycle helmets under £200 with excellent SHARP scores. ECE 22.06 approved budget helmets that don't compromise on safety.
Looking for more gear recommendations?
Browse All GuidesThe common assumption is wrong. Budget helmets can be genuinely safe. SHARP testing proves helmets under £200 regularly achieve 4-5 star safety ratings, matching models costing twice as much.
What Budget Helmets Sacrifice: You're not sacrificing safety. You're sacrificing refinement. Budget helmets are heavier (1,500-1,700g versus 1,200-1,400g for premium). Ventilation is basic. Noise levels are higher. Interior materials feel cheaper and wear faster.
These trade-offs affect comfort on long rides. They don't affect crash protection. A well-fitted budget helmet protects your brain just as well as a premium option.
Top Budget Picks: The HJC i70 scores 5 stars in SHARP testing. Features include internal sun visor, decent ventilation, and reliable build quality. For the money, it's exceptional value. *(Price when reviewed: ~£150-180 | Check price)*
The LS2 FF320 Stream (around £100-130) delivers 4-star SHARP protection at entry-level pricing. Basic features but proven safety. Ideal for new riders on tight budgets.
The Caberg Drift EVO (around £130-160) offers another 4-5 star option with slightly sportier styling. Good ventilation and reasonable noise levels for the price.
What to Look For: ECE 22.06 certification is your legal baseline. SHARP ratings tell you how well the helmet performs beyond minimum standards. A 4-5 star budget helmet outperforms a 2-3 star premium model.
Fit remains critical regardless of price. A poorly fitting £180 helmet is less safe than a well-fitted £100 option. Head shapes vary; brands fit differently. Try before buying.
What to Avoid: Unknown brands without ECE certification. Helmets without SHARP test data. Anything that seems too good to be true. If a "premium" helmet sells for £50, something is wrong.
Second-hand helmets carry unknown history. Impacts damage helmets invisibly. Always buy new from reputable retailers.
When to Spend More: Long motorway commutes benefit from premium features. Wind noise and weight matter over 50+ miles. A £350 Shoei NXR2 is noticeably more comfortable than a HJC i70 after two hours at 70mph.
For short urban commutes and weekend riding, budget helmets deliver everything you need. The safety is there. The comfort is adequate. The savings fund better gear elsewhere.
Our Recommendation: The HJC i70 represents the sweet spot under £200. 5-star SHARP protection, useful features, and build quality that lasts. Spend the savings on quality gloves or a back protector.
New to motorcycling? Our quiz helps identify which helmet features matter for your riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap motorcycle helmets safe UK?
Yes, if they're ECE 22.06 certified. Budget helmets like HJC i70, Caberg Drift EVO, and LS2 FF320 score 4-5 stars in SHARP testing - matching helmets costing twice as much. You sacrifice comfort features and build quality, not fundamental safety.
What is the best budget motorcycle helmet UK?
HJC i70 offers exceptional value at £150-180 with a 5-star SHARP rating. LS2 FF320 Stream (£100-130) and Caberg Drift EVO (£130-150) also score highly. All exceed safety standards and offer features like drop-down sun visors.
Is it worth buying an expensive motorcycle helmet?
Premium helmets (£400+) offer better ventilation, quieter rides, lighter weight, and superior build quality - but not necessarily better crash protection. If budget is tight, a well-fitted £150 helmet with good SHARP scores protects as well as a £600 option.
Related Guides
Find Your Perfect Gear
Expert guides for helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, and more. Safety-focused recommendations for UK riders.
Browse All Guides