Best Budget Dual-Sport & Adventure Helmets You Can Buy

If you’re riding a dual-sport or adventure bike and don’t want to drop a grand on premium gear, there are several solid helmets under roughly $200–$250 that get the job done. Below are five of the best value dual-sport helmets — each offering a mix of safety, comfort, and versatility at a reasonable price.

Quick Take

• O’Neal Sierra Helmet — A strong all-around budget helmet that mixes street and off-road use, offering good ventilation, a full face shield plus sun visor, and DOT/ECE certification. (View Helmet)

• Bell MX-9 MIPS Helmet — Widely regarded as one of the best “bang-for-buck” dual-sport lids. Lightweight, well-ventilated, and with MIPS for added rotational-impact protection — hard to beat under $250. (View Helmet)

• LS2 Rebellion Helmet — If you’re on a tight budget or want something simple and functional, this helmet is a decent entry-point. Its basic design keeps costs down, though at the expense of premium features. (View Helmet)

• Fly Racing Trekker Helmet — A full-face helmet that often punches above its price class, offering good protection and solid dual-sport/adventure versatility for riders who want a balance of off-road readiness and street legality. (Note: this is best if you mostly ride pavement with occasional trail use.) (View Helmet)

• ILM Dual Sport Adventure Helmet WS902 — Entry-level adventure helmet that hits the minimum safety marks and is tempting for first-time riders or those building their gear setup on a budget. Not the most premium feel — but it’s a start. (View Helmet)

What to Look for in Budget Dual-Sport Helmets

When you’re looking for “good enough” on a budget, these are the features that matter most:

• Safety Certifications: DOT (U.S.) and ideally ECE 22.05/22.06 (Europe) — ensure the helmet meets basic safety standards.

• Ventilation: Dual-sport adventures often mean heat, dust, or long rides — good airflow is critical. Helmets with intake/exhaust vents and comfortable liners are worth prioritizing.

• Face Shield / Visor Versatility: A helmet that works both on-road (shield) and off-road (visor or goggles) gives you flexibility without needing multiple helmets.

• Comfort & Fit: Removable/washable liners, adjustable straps, and proper sizing help prevent fatigue on long rides.

• Weight: Lighter helmets reduce neck strain — especially helpful on longer rides/commutes.

Helmet-by-Helmet Breakdown

O’Neal Sierra Helmet (View Helmet)

• Great balance of on- and off-road readiness — integrates a full-face shield for street riding and a visor for adventure or dirt roads.

• Ventilation and removable liner make it practical for long dual-sport trips or mixed riding.

• Price-to-value ratio is hard to beat in the under-$200 range.

Bell MX-9 MIPS Helmet (View Helmet)

• Excellent ventilation and a reliable polycarbonate/ABS shell make it ideal for hot-weather or desert rides.

• MIPS adds a layer of rotational-impact protection — a meaningful advantage if you ride off-road.

• Lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day rides, though it can be a bit noisy at highway speeds.

LS2 Rebellion Helmet (View Helmet)

• A budget-friendly way to get started with dual-sport/ADV riding. Basic protection, simple design.

• Not flashy — but hits the core needs (visibility, head protection, comfort) for riders on a tight budget.

Fly Racing Trekker Helmet (View Helmet)

• Offers a balance of dirt-helmet roots and adventure-ready features — useful for riders splitting time between trails and pavement.

• Good for riders who want a straightforward helmet for occasional off-road adventure without overspending.

ILM Dual Sport Adventure Helmet WS902 (View Helmet)

• Entry-level option that meets minimum safety and functionality standards, suitable for new riders prioritizing budget.

• Works best as a first helmet or a backup — but consider upgrading as soon as practical for improved comfort, ventilation, or safety.

Who Each Helmet Is Best For

• Budget-conscious riders or beginners: ILM WS902, LS2 Rebellion

• Dual-sport commuters and occasional adventure riders: O’Neal Sierra, Fly Racing Trekker , Bell MX-9 MIPS

• Riders wanting the best value without premium prices: Bell MX-9 MIPS — thanks to MIPS + ventilation + comfort

• Those splitting time between pavement and dirt, needing versatility: O’Neal Sierra, Fly Racing Trekker