Racy lids | Best FIM homologated motorcycle helmets

Whether you’re looking for an authentic race replica for the road or want to take to the track wearing the best protection available, then an FIM homologated motorcycle helmet is the only way to go. Certified for use at the highest level of motorcycle racing, these helmets are identical to those worn by riders in the MotoGP and World Superbike championships. If you are simply looking for a sporty helmet though these may be more money than you really need to spend, but of course why not buy the top of the line helmet if you can.

This category of helmet is smaller than most others but we have tried some this of helmets out on both road and track to give you an idea of which one is best for you.

Other FIM helmets to consider

FIM Homologated explained

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) is the worldwide governing body of motorcycle sport and as such specifies the rules and regulations for every aspect of international competition. In 2019 the FIM introduced its own helmet testing programme, FRHPhe-01, whereby manufacturer’s lids are put through a series of stringent tests to ensure that they meet the extreme safety demands conducive with high speed competitive use. All helmets used in FIM road racing must comply with this standard.

In order to be considered for the testing programme, a helmet must already be certified to the current ECE, Snell and JT standards, have a one piece shell with fixed chin bar and feature a double-D strap retention system. A sample group of 10 helmets is then subjected to a barrage of a tests under three main headings – linear impact, oblique impact and penetration.

Linear is designed to measure impact absorption, whilst oblique is concerned with rotational forces and penetration to ensure rigidity of the shell. If a helmet exceeds the specified values for all criteria it can then carry the official FIM hologram label, which must be sewn to the chin strap. Each size and variation of a given helmet has to go through the testing programme individually in order to achieve its specific FIM approval.

In November 2022 the FIM launched the next phase of the testing programme, FRHPhe-02, designed for off-road helmets. This will become mandatory for all relevant FIM competition from 2026.

How MCN tests helmets

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

We’ve worn these tested adventure bike helmets for hundreds or thousands of miles on MCN test bikes and we ride in all weathers and conditions, too. We’ll never recommend a helmet we wouldn’t put our own head in!

If you can’t see a review against a helmet on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These helmets will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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Our scores explained

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

• 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
• 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
• 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
• 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
• 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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Justin Hayzelden is a Commercial Content Writer at MCN Products. He has extensive industry experience, having spent over 10 years as a freelance road tester and journalist.

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