Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets: Cool, but Functionally Useless?

[@ianjones2731]

My rides seem to always end facing the setting sun so...yeah peak is good

[@RideAMAP]

Totally agree. Love my peak blocking sun

[@colorider903]

I ride from sunrise to sunset most trips and love the ability to cut the sun out. Just sunglasses or a tinted shield doesn't cut it at that time of day. It's not just for roost. That is the reason wear it not for a cool factor. Ride longer, you will see.

[@oknevals]

Yeah, same here about sun but, I don't have peak on my road helmets. I'm almost thinking about trying carrying some masking tape to block direct exposure.

[@colorider903]

@@oknevals I experimented with the stickey tape foam, you use in door jams on my street helmet a few years back.

[@oknevals]

@@colorider903 Did it work?

[@0neTwo3]

Anyone who has actually rode off into the sunset knows full well the value of a good visor!

[@nickg2431]

yes and sometimes even sunglasses AND visor!!

[@vood00samurai]

And trees with branches smacking your face

[@nickg2431]

@@vood00samurai LOL yes

[@deaneverlean7408]

The visor no matter what you ride is great

[@JWoodcock]

I've gotta have that visor for sure.

[@christopherbennett4559]

It's great to see a person go straight to the point and is being 100% honest with everyone. Great video. 👍

[@ZafodB3]

I own a dual sport/adventure style helmet and find that while traveling East in the morning sun or west in the afternoon sun the visor can be very useful in blocking the blinding light in my eyes with just a slight tilt of my head.

[@deej19142]

Exactly!

[@lukefish7562]

👍🏽

[@lancemclean5700]

Yup.

[@donniebunkerboi9975]

There's a thing called sunglasses

[@ZafodB3]

@@donniebunkerboi9975 I wear Transitions Extra Actives with prescription lenses but not even dark sunglasses can block direct sunlight like a visor. That’s why all automobiles have them. Are you that guy that drives into the sun in the middle of the road that can’t see anything while those of us coming the other way nearly get run off the road? Try a visor!

[@zyonsdream]

I’ve got an Arai XD-4 and an Africa Twin with a taller windscreen. I can go any highway speed that the bike is capable of without any pulling on the helmet. If you take the time to set your bike up correctly, (correct screen and correct helmet fit) then it’s a non issue. 50% of my riding during the week is in the dark. The other half is usually during a setting sun. I run a clear shield and have no issues blocking the sun with my peak. To each their own but I wouldn’t ride a street bike helmet on my DS or ADV bike.

[@impact0r]

Setting up windscreen, even aftermarket, usually work only for the shortest of riders. It doesn't do much for medium-height riders like 6'2" and upwards, so no setup will fix it and the helmet wind blast is unavoidable.

[@Comrade134]

@@impact0r you can always make your windshield higher with an insert.

[@Andrew-sv3ck]

Only thing is really tall DS windshields look horrible

[@samuelfox8126]

I had a cruiser with a big windscreen and at 6'5" my helmet was in full wind. My seat height was only 26" which is one of the lowest. On a dual sport or ADV I have no chance of a windscreen doing any good.

[@jonathanchwatek1157]

I mostly use my peak to protect my visor from small twigs and branches riding in the forest. I would imagine that is less of an issue where you ride.

[@PriestKikyo]

Yep, I thought that's what it was for... which is similar to where I live.

[@matt_kelly]

Same here, my peak has saved me countless times when I've pulled too far to the side of the trail and some small branches get in my way.

[@zeroskill250]

Same for me. I do a fair bit of woods riding in the Pacific North West and bounce a lot of branches off my peak.

[@inthesPhila]

In the Mid Atlantic States for "single track dual sport" riding, Peak over goggles is for #1 for Sun, #2 Muddy splashes from yourself and nearby riders, #3 Rain #4 sticks and branches #5 roost. #10 looks

[@Hyad3s]

Ye, thats what its for mostly. But i guess Evaride rides mostly in the desert, so he wouldn’t know that.

[@brianhaygood183]

The peak and chin also act like a brush guard so you aren't bashing your goggles or lens into every twig.

[@Holgrinator]

I've got a Bell MX-9 adventure. I bought it for a few reasons. Super comfy (I love their fabrics and it fits my head shape just right) MIPS (safer), lightweight (especially for a non-carbon helmet) Wrights in Salt Lake had them for $170 (which is great for a helmet with MIPS). I wanted to try out a "dual sport/adventure" helmet. The peak does block a little sun in the low position but I also bought a tinted shield. The shield was cheaper than the nice pair of the goggles I wore and lenses were getting hard to find for them (dragon NFXS). Now I can toss a pair of safety glasses in my bag, if the sun goes down the shield goes up and the glasses go on. (Protection, no tint, and easier to carry than another pair of goggles or shield). Wow this turned out long winded. I also only hit the road to get to trails on my WR450F and at 70mph with the peak it still didnt feel like the sail my Fly MX helmet did.

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

I use my MX-9 as an urban commuter helmet, often with an untinted visor and some tinted goggles underneath. Feels awesome when I'm commuting at sunset/sunrise, and I rarely go over 50 on my commute. Surprisingly workable >70 when I have to blast down the interstate too

[@Holgrinator]

@@gregorysteffensen3279 only downside I've found is with the peak in the lower position if you raise the shield all the way they make contact and it will scratch the shield. Just a heads up, I moved my peak back to the full upright position

[@jev2867]

Got mine from Amazon for much less a year ago. Iirc, it was $99 with free shipping. For some reason they have them priced differently with the decals.

[@chrisbowers310]

@@gregorysteffensen3279 Seriously I use mine the exact same way and it is great!

[@joeray5394]

@@jev2867 probably not the ADV model .....it's the older mx model without a shield I would imagine for that price

[@techdragn]

One thing you didn’t really mention, is the size of the viewport in a dual sport helmet vs a street helmet. I personally don’t like the peak as I do ride on the highway, and I do ride lots of gravel and two tracks, but as you say, the peak doesn’t really help. I find that a street helmet does not give me the view I want, because they are typically smaller for safety reasons and aerodynamics. I always go back to a dual sport helmet and pull the peak off

[@johntutto8231]

Visor has great benefits for blocking sun glare especially if you are an early rider during sunrise or sunsets. I have both types of helmets and miss not having my visor when riding.

[@quikboarder93]

My Bell MX-9 Adventure feels perfect. Use tinted goggles with the visor flipped up (they don't even fit weird) when it's sunny and hot out, or put the visor down when it's a little colder or you're going faster. The peak is removable, or it can be left on to block out sun and low hanging branches. Sure, a street helmet is better on street and dirt helmet is better on dirt, but if you just wander around and have no idea what kind of riding the day is going to bring when you leave the house, a dual sport helmet is perfect.

[@cyb3rpr1m35]

I have the same helmet... Love it... and I use a combo of the peak/goggles/shield as well :)

[@Weltbummler23]

Forget about peaks. The DS helmet is all about having larger vision port for goggles and added protection on the highway. Just take the peak off, totally messes with highway wind.

[@mudslinger5833]

Don't know where you are from but here in the Pacific Northwest the sun is pretty low in the sky for most of the year which makes the peak a must have.

[@deej19142]

I concur. From Forks and Sequim Wa!

[@mtnmotoadv]

Not that I don't use the peak off road, but some of the times I've noticed how useful the peak is was while on the road. I have found having a peak so useful that even if I were riding a street only bike I'd probably have a peaked helmet for that as well

[@areess6209]

Olympia Washington here!!

[@chrisbowers310]

I like my Bell MX9 adventure. It works perfectly with tinted goggles in the day at low speeds, on the highway flip down the clear shield. At night loose the goggles and run the clear shield at all speeds. It never fogs. Oh and dawn and dusk the Peak is GOLD.

[@pachacuti8403]

I have one too but it just looks like a lollipop

[@pdrhound]

I Like a visor. I live in the mountains so a visor is good for glare anytime the sun is low. Street or dirt.

[@thewatcher5271]

I Didn't Know It Was Called A Peak. Fifty Years Ago We Called It A Duckbill.

[@dudesweet4151]

I only had a dual sport helmet for a while and I don’t like tinted visors so I used the peak to block the sun! It’s the cheap fly racing helmet and it did me good

[@Loiczzr]

On my street helmet I use something similar to that. Put it inside your shield right above your line of sight. (It can be remove and reapply as many time you want) got mine from my local cycle gear. www.amazon.com/The-Original-Helmet-Sunblocker/dp/B00BSCFETQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Helmet+Sunblocker&qid=1609216185&sr=8-1

[@zatoichi101]

Brother, I think you completely missed the point of the dual sport helmet. I ride an adventure bike (BMW GSA) and I ride at all times of the day -- including early mornings and evenings, when the sun is at angles that are just annoying if you're on a bike. I am not off-road nearly as much as I like, so the airflow features are a non-issue for me. And I am not racing other bikes, so any "roost" is a non-issue as well. But having a peak to block the sun for about 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening, when the sun is right in my eyes, is when I am REALLY happy I have that peak. Being able to tilt my head down, just a bit, gets the sun out of my eyes and clears my vision on the road or trail. I don't wear a helmet to "look cool." My interest in helmets is purely functional.

[@larryambrose5078]

Shoei Hornet X2 is my favorite of all time. Been wearing the X2 for 4 yrs and about 75,000 mi, both street and dirt and on my 2nd one. Comfy, quiet, and great when riding into the sun. Also the face shield does not rattle at any speed or position.

[@samtoshner8002]

It's amazing how similar dual sport helmets are to dual sport bikes. They do both things well enough, but are an exercise in compromise!

[@brianhaygood183]

...and most people will just be driving down the road 90% of the time on them. Yes, that includes gravel roads. I can ride those on my sport bike or sport tourer. I can also ride my WR250R 1000 miles down the road. There are a whole lot of adventury looking bikes out there that can't actually handle a real rough road. They are the SUVs of the motorcycle world.

[@endeavourco]

lol I bought a Scorpion modular-touring-dualsport Helmet, It has all the things including visor, shield, flip down tinted inner shield, modular, two later face shield for fog protection. It's a great helmet but I've not used the visor and it was a big reason i got it!

[@TheParamotorGuy]

My visor is used to protect my eyes from direct sunlight. It is also used to prevent debris from trees from hitting my face shield. I hate using goggles.

[@samgome01]

One reason why I love my mx9 adv is the fact u can wear goggles without removing the visor or the peak, really good for low speed commutes or trail riding.

[@narrator-timothymckean]

I've been thinking about this as well. I live in Phoenix AZ and commute on my bike. In the summer the sun is brutal and being stuck in slow traffic can be awful. I'm wondering if the benefits of a peak for sun protection would offset the added drag when at speed. Maybe I should just look for a full dirt setup for the summer.

[@mikanuutinen2264]

LS2 Pioneer Evo MX436 is the same way. You can use goggles even when the visor is still installed or even shut. And here where I live it's only 130€ which is dirt cheap for a helmet like it.

[@timothyrice2090]

Arai xd-4, clear shield + killer sun glasses. Drive straight into the sun! Visor is awesome! 80 mph blind spot checking, no problem. Riding nc700x with a giving tall screen.

[@jalexb007]

Arai XD4 Works great on dirt and street. it has tons of vents. I use the peak a lot when riding, especially going uphill when the sun is in your eyes and is hard to see. I usually wear goggles on the dirt and the visor can open and close without interference from the strap.

[@toddwmac]

Been wearing one for more than a decade while riding my 990 my 1250 and my little WRR on and off road. I have several other helmets that usually collect dust. I'll never ride on the road or fast gravel without it. As you note, it does well with googles but IMHO any serious Enduro or trail riding deserves the airflow and light weight of a dirt focused helmet. While buffeting can be a bit annoying at triple digits, the ability to manage direct sunlight is just too valuable to ignore. No sunglasses or tint can do that job effectively. That being said, the video points were valid and to each his own.

[@varieze117pj7]

I love my LS-2 Adventure helmet. It's the first helmet I've ever bought that fits my "long oval" head. The visor I use against the setting sun and the flip shield gives me nice ventilation if needed. I ride mostly alone. I'm old and I can also wear my reading glasses down low. I run mostly county maintained gravel roads in North Central Montana. Speeds 35-55 with a bit of highway speeds. Use good judgement when you ride.

[@edwardlawson9200]

I agree and use the peak for sun all the time. I'm currently using the LS2 pioneer and had a MX453 previously. Very impressed with both for the money and although the pioneer is somewhat noisier the airflow is good in summer, it fits goggles well and it's got a good length peak, which is removable should I ever be bothered. The Nexx adventure helmet is also excellent for long oval heads and a brilliant bit of kit if you want a tri composite material since LS2 is only now doing KPA. I'm waiting for my Forcite helmet that has integrated camera and Bluetooth for the road, it's been held up due to Covid19 ☹️

[@roderickborg952]

@@edwardlawson9200 +1 on the noise part. Have been reading different reviews of DS helmets but it seems they are all are noisy.

[@SkyLinMegas]

Honestly .. I just like looking like a discount Spartan super soldier *Ques master Chief attack music*

[@Spartan375X]

You're calling me out. lol

[@lukecalumlyonwrath7723]

So...you have your own Cortana pre-installed on your bike? Sweet!

[@SkyLinMegas]

@@lukecalumlyonwrath7723 just her cousin three times removed. Alexa is her name .

[@SkyLinMegas]

@@Spartan375X red vs blue definitely comes to mind lol .. just need to find a carbon full body suit .

[@laurieberg2880]

The peak on my XD4 helps keep snow off the visor...🤪🇨🇦

[@billbill7894]

Ayyee 🇨🇦🤟

[@infotechsailor]

I thought the peak was the visor

[@flyovercounty1427]

@@infotechsailor Hi Josh Arai refers to the eye shield part you look through as “visor”

[@bikewolf7455]

Arai XD4 does it all you can fit goggles and close your faceshield over them, its more quiet than most street helmets, the shield is big enough to block sun and roost and you cant notice it on the highway, the air vents are big and all over the place and you get almost dirt bike helmet like air flow when theyre all open and you can shut them onroad when its cold. i took the shield off when i rode a sports bike and i felt a very tiny difference but after a couple hundred miles i regretted it because the tiny bit of lift the shield provides would have been convenient because it would support your neck with keeping the head up (because of the tucked seating position). i wouldnt neccessarily go faster than 120mph with the shield on but.... lets keep it legal. i usually wear clear goggles underneath the tinted face shield wherever i go because offroad i really dont like tinted goggles and when it gets dark i just open my face shield and can still see all the other dual sport helmets do have these disadvantages you mentioned in the video but the XD4 just kills it and does everything right. it comes with a big price tag but its well worth it. also a very durable helmet and very customizable. great video bro

[@thepcguy007]

When riding slow in wooded areas, you will bring up the visor and the peak will protect the visor against getting scratched by the branches. It also protects the visor when you take the helmet off. The peak on my dual-sport helmet is also pretty ling and does effectively protect my eyes from the sun.

[@marcjohnson7882]

The peak on my Scorpion ADV helmet does not keep the sun out of my eyes at any angle, but it is removable. Resist the urge to join the ADV costume party and get either a street helmet for street/ highway days or a dirt helmet for dirt. Tyler, your review on ADV boots was spot on also.

[@brianhaygood183]

Exactly.

[@JDT64]

I rely on the visor on my XD4 very frequently to avoid the sun. Very effective while travelling west late in the day. Looks like you bought the wrong helmet.

[@jonsrm125k5]

The peak helps with ability to see in heavy rain, and keeps bugs off the visor and front screen in the spring here in the midwest.

[@shakarocks]

I've got a Bell Mx-9 Adventure MIPS that I love. Face shield flips up perfectly so goggles work great. The peak comes off easily for extended road jaunts.

[@samgome01]

Probably one of the best adv helmets for the money

[@saladdays180s9]

Just got my first ADV bike(KTM 790 R) a couple weeks ago. Went down to my local motorcycle outfitter and explained my needs. This tiny kinda frumpy girl shows up as the salesperson and I’m thinking she merely is doing this as mean to an end part time job. She gave me an education that was nothing short of compelling in every aspect of riding gear, and also focused right on the Bell MX-9. I always try to rely my own thinking and intuition for situations like this, but since she was right on the money most times, I trusted what she was saying and it is reinforced right here.

[@xtina818]

Peak definitely helps with the sun. My eyes are sensitive and help stop the glare

[@lackingpoint]

When the sun gets low the peak has kept me from blind driving right if the road. It also mitigates some rain coupled with a good windshield. My Bell ADV X9 can wear goggles with the face shield up or down if you need to, without interfering the strap. I've never had a significant issue with dirt being vented up through the chin bar, but I dont ride in desert dry conditions here in the Heartland. It is a compermise helmet but it's compromises that are easily made.

[@mrfechu6281]

why when the sun gets low? I never had one of this but I thought it´d be useful when the sun is high.

[@lackingpoint]

@@mrfechu6281 whennthe sun is low, right on the horizon and shinning straight at your face you can dip you head a little and block it with the peak. When it's that low you'd almost need a wielders helmet to block enough light and then you won't see anything else. When it's high there's enough shadow from the brow of the helmet to suffice.

[@cplegrand]

I second this. 80% of my commuting is directly I to the sun when it is in exactly the wrong place. Tinted face shield doesnt help much. Dipping my head with the peak does. I have a Nexx XG200 and an Arai XD4. Both perform just fine at highway speeds and you cant even tell the difference from a street helmet on the roads below 60 mph.

[@BrekRND]

I prefer having a peak to having to store an extra visor for long days/travel.

[@Snoozzzzzze]

I use a Bell ADV helmet in the U.K. Mainly back lane and ‘green’ lane riding and the peak can be very useful when going through overgrown bushes and low hanging trees etc, saves the visor getting scratched. I wear glasses and haven’t found good goggles for going over them yet... I find that they get steamed up when it’s hot.

[@adamprocter4530]

I use my peak all the time for deflecting tree branches riding forest service roads. It is way better to let the peak take the hit rather than scratching up the face shield.

[@nanomckomsncom]

same

[@deej19142]

I will add that the peak on the 950 is designed taller and allows the air to split way easier. I hardly notice it at all, even at 60 mph.

[@MotoKeto]

I use my Peak as a visor for the sun in the afternoon. I have a LS2 Metro V3 modular I like it but it does have a lot of wind noise Peak or not. I ride ADV bikes so quite a bit of my riding is on the street that is why I wanted modular.

[@p.musolf8310]

The peak is like a baseball cap on a sunny day. When wearing sunglasses do you need a baseball cap ? Not necessarily, but if you do wearing one you will notice that at the end of the day your eyes are less fatigued. The same for the peak on the helmet. If you drive days and days in the sun you will appreciate a peak because it will block the glare and intense light.

[@GrizzlyAshton]

Great video. I personally find the bell mx9 adventure is more of a dirtbike helmet with a visor. It moves a lot of air and you can use goggles with the visor up or down. In the Canadian prairies there are a lot of cold mornings, evenings and days, so cutting the cold air is valuable to me, while still allowing big airflow on hot days. Riding hard and racing as a kid, an mx helmet was the only way, but trail riding and messing around, the mx9 adventure is perfect for me. As always, I love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@pittscfllc]

I personally like a dirt helmet, but I do very little highway speed riding when on the street. One thing I would say is if you are going with a dirt bike helmet on a dual sport make sure that it is DOT approved. Helmets and boots are gear where it is just not worth saving a few bucks by going with a cheaper options also discourage buying a used helmet you never know if it has been comoromised

[@foil666]

I've got a 50/50 helmet (acerbis fs-606) mainly because I wear hard contacts, and the wind/dust protection goggles give is an absolute god send. The helmet allows the use of goggles and the visor in tandem, thus I tend to carry tinted and clear goggles depending on the time of day. The wind noise is annoying, but I'll just thrown on some ear plugs if I'm doing plain street riding. I absolutely would not go back to a street helmet.

[@Trickhorn]

I wear clear or polarized (depending on time of day) safety glasses under my helmet. I’m 56 so the type I buy have “reader” magnification lenses too. My visor is rarely down due to heat, but my eyes are always protected and I can read my dash and devices.

[@doobielawson702]

I ride a 250L mostly offroad so I use a dirt helmet as I need the Peak a lot. Wouldn't want to go any heavier on my helmet as I get a burning pain at the base of my neck. Excellent video, great job of pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of each style.

[@toddwoollett]

My Nexx XD1 came with a peak extension that you screw on (awesome) and the visor is made to allow goggles to be fitted with the visor up. Pretty happy with it.

[@ianmcgee8302]

I wear glasses and have never found a pair of goggles that fits well over them so the visor on my old Arai does the job for me and to quote others here the peak is sure nice riding into the sun.

[@rosslangerak8361]

I bought an Arai XD4 about two years ago. The visor made a noticeable difference when dealing with the Sun. And headlights. I have a couple issues with it. The face shield is a little more prone to fogging when it rains. I live in Western Washington, so it rains a lot. Also, swapping face shields is about a 20 minute headache.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Great video weighing up the pros and cons. I've got the Hornet ADV and was amazed how much I'd come to appreciate the peak for extra sun protection in the right conditions when I wore a street helmet or removed it. Mainly doing road though with a little dirt.

[@imanomad557]

Peak has saved my hide a few times riding into setting sun, so get my vote.

[@user-vm5ss2eh3o]

I never ride without my sun blocking peak! It barely bothers me at highway speeds and the benifit of blocking the sun vastly out ways the minor wind sail effects.

[@sk84life80]

I'm a brand new rider that doesn't even have their bike yet. The future bike is a dual sport for 60/40 commute and recreation This was some very useful info. Thank you.

[@scotteldredge5811]

I have a Scorpion Modular, and I keep the peak on for Sun, and it works. Without it, at certain angles the sun reflects on the screen and it's hard to see. It can produce wind buffeting on the street, but I adjust my Madstad windshield up a little and it's smooth and quiet.

[@Toad_Moto]

I got in a wreck two weeks ago. I broke my wrist and my collarbone in four places. Most importantly, I broke my dual sport Fly helmet. Saved my life.

[@martinfoster5163]

I kind of agree. I bought an adventure helmet and now regret it. However I do like the peak for riding when the sun is low. I should’ve bought a motocross helmet. The Fox v3 is on my wishlist. My favorite street helmet is the bell race star. Love it.

[@donnarae2216]

I wish my helmet had a peak. End of day rides are always into the sun. A peak would be super.

[@jerryscott9598]

Hi Tyler, excellent & informative video. This really helps for those of us that don't have the opportunity to test-ride several different helmets. I appreciate the way you explain how to decide on a helmet according to needs. I have a road / dirt helmet for my road bicycle, as I live in the desert, appreciate the sun blocking & rarely get over 40mph, so it's not a big sail, (fortunately). On my Arai road helmet, I've put a 2" sticker, (Troy Lee makes some), so act a bit as a visor, w/out blocking my vision. Many folks may not be aware of how snug a good fitting helmet should be, and when you take yours on & off, you can see this. I see many folks easily slip their lid on, (for comfort), not realizing a loose, (or even improper fitting) helmet can actually be dangerous in some cases. Keep up the great videos.

[@GunFunZS]

I got to say when I was commuting a lot everyday in downtown traffic, I really want an ATV style helmet both for the slightly bigger airflow and usually very wide peripheral vision, but mainly for the visor. Having sun in my eye while trying to look at a traffic light sucked.

[@PabloVaughan]

Eh, I live in the SW, where the sun intensity is much greater and it's hotter too, and it's really nice having a peak during the day. It's great around sunrise and sunset to block out the low sun, but it's damn nice not having the sun blasting downwards on my face midday. I have a huge collection of helmets from years of riding too: street, dirt, adv, modular, half, 3/4 and peaks do have their advantages. Sure, if I were on a sportbike at freeway speed +, wind resistance would be a factor, but that's not much of a factor riding in the city. On a personal side, I also had an eye injury that made my eyes fairly photophobic, so anything that helps keep the the bright fireball from roasting my eyes is greatly appreciated. There really is no wrong opinion here though, so wear whatever you like and works the best for you in your situation.

[@KestrelYI]

Yes! Even more eveRide content! Great video, man. I've been considering the mixed helmet for long trips with some off road, but you sort of convinced me to stick with what I've got- the street helmet, and dirt helmet. If I'm riding on a long trip with luggage and I need a dirt helmet, I'm probably be in a situation I shouldn't be in! Thanks for the input.

[@janiwallin482]

Hi eveRides, I found your video while searching for an explanation about why dual-sport helmet peaks exist, even though 90% of the time they seem to be designed without any real understanding of motorcycling. Thanks to your video, I learned that the peak is considered cool. For me, it makes no difference-I'd ride wearing a rusty metal bucket on my head if it served the purpose. Though, a bucket would just be cold, not cool. Anyway, getting to the point... I've spent my life riding various motorcycles year-round here in Finland's challenging conditions. I've realized that for true all-season use, a properly adjusted helmet peak is indispensable. In winter, we sometimes get 8 inches (20 cm) of slush falling in just an hour, with visibility dropping to around 50 meters. In summer, transitioning between bright sunlight and deep shadow, or riding through heavy downpours, a functional peak makes all the difference. For the past 15 years, I've been using the Airoh S4 helmet. While it was pretty poorly designed out of the box, with a few modifications-such as adjusting the peak, remaking the padding, rerouting the ventilation, and adding a chin curtain-it has become the best helmet I've ever owned.

[@allanhughes7859]

Every day is a day at school is it not ??? But now not sure which helmet to go for because I do a little of everything and am also sadly bias to style ??

[@Fluffy_Vizier]

I loved the peak on my dualsport helmet. Could not pull down the built in shades when wearing googles. On long trips I would remove the peak though, the updraft from the forks made the turbulence unbearable.

[@MelancholyRider]

I mostly ride on road, but I do need the peak as it really help blocks the sun, I lived in a really sunny place so for me it mostly helpful.. 😁 It also helps when I ride in the rain too, it blocks some of the rain drops, heads down, and my face is safe from the prickling rain

[@jamesriley4857]

Took mine off for the weekend because it was mostly on road. I needed it for just 20 seconds going up hill off road and after that experience yes its essential equipment

[@biscuitsalive]

It rains half the time where I live. Having a peak is actually is great when moving slow in rain. Tilt head down slightly and the peak shields the visor. But yes it bugs me on the fast roads when my head gets pulled around in the wind.

[@victor9]

Its good for EUC. If you ride slow you use the peak to block rain when you not using a visor. Cause they fog up sometimes.

[@coderedcamaro4812]

Great video !!! I ride more dirt helmets in the warmer days here in pa and street only helmet in the colder days but after this video I'm convinced to get a shoei dualsport helmet

[@Rikenglebert7558]

I’ve been a street rider for years but bought a ADV bike recently. This was extremely informative. Thank you!

[@r0llc4ll66]

So which helmet did you get

[@LumpkinMumfins1]

“Much love; eveRide [insert 30 second ad here] out.” 😂😂 I felt like I was watching Psych... “Wait for iiiiitt!”

[@Kamel419]

I ride road 99% of the time but love my peak (509 r4 ignite helmet). I find it doesn't catch the wind near as bad as I thought, and actually I've learned that I can intentionally bend my head back to force it to catch wind to clear rain from my visor if I need to.

[@TheFLBClub]

I usually use my dualsport helmet on the DRZ. I don't go so fast on it that the wind is an issue, and I love having the peak to block the sun.

[@ericashwell1392]

The visor of dual sport helmets are big to give a great view in all manner of head movement, so the peak is needed. I took mine off for a long road ride but I really missed the shade. On my Bell Mx-9 the peak doesn’t add any real noticeable buffeting or noise, and I’ve never had it pull my head on an over the shoulder look on the tarmac. If the helmet comes with a peak, leave it on. Taking it off is a sales tactic, and it serves a purpose with the taller face shield opening so goggles can be used on a dual sport style helmet.

[@gregketsdever7299]

What you missed was when you have a face shield full of dust from riding off pavement and heading into a low(ish) sun. the shield can be impossible to see through because of the reflection from all the dust. without a peak, you're out of luck. The peak allows you to dip your head slightly to put a shadow on the shield and improve your vision significantly.

[@dualsportdiary1150]

Dual sport helmets are like dual sport bikes. They don't do anything GOOD, but they will anything.

[@eriksilva4690]

Brian Ford that’s a very valid point. The ol’ KLR adage: it does nothing well, but it will do everything.

[@dragonknightadam]

just to add, the only dual sport helmet really designed for goggles is the Bell MX9 adventure, I have one and it's really nice, the visor will close over the top of the goggle straps

[@MarkDrummond]

The answer is yes. I ride 98% on road. The peak on my XD-4 is a godsend for keeping the sun off my face when I'm on the highway for 6+ hours. A dark smoke face shield is useful too, but there's no substitute for a peak to completely block the sun.

[@deej19142]

A peak for me is all about getting the sun out of my eyes. On my old scorpion full face helmet I did the black tape trick on the inside of the visor, and while that worked, I knew eventually that I was going to move toward a modular helmet. I have a full modular LS1 for my road bike, but it has no peak. Recently I bought the Scorpion EXO -AT950, thinking that this was for my dual sport riding only. With the face shield, peak and drop down sun shield, and being modular this has become my favorite helmet of all time. I use it more now than the LS1. The LS1 matches my bike color (2005 Honda ST 1300), while the new AT950 matches my new Tourmaster Transition 5 Jacket. So depending on which way my OCD is swinging that day, I have a couple of choices....TMI?

[@naterichmond]

Nice comparison Ty! I wear my Shoei Hornet X2 almost exclusively off road on my DRZ in Arizona because of its comfort and convenience. I have to wear glasses and I can see much clearer with the face shield as opposed to OTG (over the glass) goggles. I just either stay in front or keep a bit of distance on riders to deal with the dust. Thanks for posting! 😎👍

[@jaywhoisit4863]

The peak is excellent for protecting the visor if you ride with it flipped up. Even carrying the helmet in your hand that peak will protect from scratches if you bump something. My 4 month old scorpion has a perfectly clear visor without scratches but the peak is surely dinged up.

[@Spartan375X]

1. I like the style 2. It feels less awkward to know people may be staring at me 3. I rarely go fast enough for the wind to knock around my helmet 4. It seems to fit the style of my CRF230M and Grom I ride 5. I've played Halo since 2005.

[@davidrsmith2417]

I wear a Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS (light, plenty of air flow, comfortable and cheap!). I ride dual-sport, highway & off-road.The peak visor really blocks sun late in the afternoon and on some overgrown trails with briars or branches, a quick head dip lets the peak visor take the hit from the vegetation. So briars / branches are discouraged from getting to my neck and chest!

[@hankz9217]

You understate the benefit of shading and blocking the sun. Tilting the head to block oncoming sun is huge. I have a DRZ400, Versys and a Goldwing. Riding with the Shoei Hornet I find the pull, noise and turbulence nil on the Wing at 70mph with cut down windshield. The sun is intense dryer treeless areas of the country with higher altitudes. I've been riding with a modified beak visor on my street helmets for many years. The Shoei Hornet with likely replace my street helmet.

[@garystackhouse5787]

If you can't SEE the peak (which actually IS the case with some helmets) I get your point. But on my XD4, the peak shades the sun well, plus it still protects me from roost and I never have an issue with wind on the highway. You just need the right helmet (ie: the Arai XD4!)

[@narrator-timothymckean]

I ride mainly on street and commute daily with my bike. I live in Phoenix, so it can get pretty hot in the summer, especially when stuck in slow traffic. (No lane splitting here yet) I'm thinking of getting a helmet with a peak simply for the sun protection. Do you think that's a good solution? Will the peak provide enough sun protection that it's worth the extra weight and drag when at speed on the road? Would a full dirt setup (Dirt helmet and goggles) be better in the summer for added air flow? (Some people say in the extreme heat you want less air) Let me know what you think is best for hot desert daily riding.

[@edwardlawson9200]

MX is going to be pretty much like riding with your visor up + 20% more air. I tend to use sunnies until I hit the dirt rather than goggles if I'm using my dirt helmet on the street. I'm so used to the peak I seem to miss it when using my road helmet. Something like the LS2 pioneer is a great compromise between the two and it's cheap as are the visors compared to many. The Bell MX9 is about as close to a road helmet with a peak as you can get and decently priced too. The visor cuts down lots of airflow but you also get the benefit of not feeling like your skin's been half tanned to leather if I'm doing a few hundred klm in the Aussie Summer and worthwhile for bugs too. I'd definitely say try one, but the perfect helmet is a bloody unicorn.

[@gt7500]

My Shoei Hornet X2 is a helmet I forget I am wearing! Even with the peak on the highway all day. In the dirt I either remove the shield or ride with it 2/3 rds of the way down. The peak/visor does a good job with sun in my eyes. Pinlock is top notch. Would recommend to anyone.

[@Scoottoots]

I prefer a road helmet with visor up and padded riding glasses instead of dirt goggles for maximum comfort and air flow to my face when on dirt. When I leave the dirt, I remove the sunglasses and drop the visor. The helmet I currently use is a Biltwell Lane Splitter. The air vents in the chin guard are enormous. Great air flow. Of course, when you're working a tough trail in high heat, nothing is ideal, but this combo works best in most scenarios for me. The peak on a dual sport helmet is pointless.

[@TheFoxyt2]

great vid, saving us tons of time/money! Whatever amount I spend on a helmet, I'm never fully happy with it. I don't think the perfect helmet exists, but there is good enough and everide is spot on...as usual!

[@kevinchapman4408]

Good review and really helpful. I prefer to ride on the street with a peak (visor) to block the sun and googles to allow max airflow. Here in the uk we often don't get much sun or warm weather, so when the sun does come out things can get real stuffy inside a full street helmet!

[@garrickfield]

Bell MX-9 enables both face shield and goggles to be used simultaneously, its my go-to for winter rides, great for the commute sections on a cold morning, or when the downpour starts - just drop the sheild over the goggles, stop the rain getting in, lift it back up when its done and you've got dry clean goggles - don't even need to think about stopping.

[@roadglide]

I don’t ride off road. On the street I wear both. My Shoei RF1400 & Dual sport X2 Hornet. Love the breathing room and air flow of the dual sport and sun protection of the visor visor. Looks cool too. Any Wind resistance issues with the visor are really not a big deal.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Tropics, 80-100% humidity, very hot sunny days - the MX, an open face or a modular helmet is probably high on your list. Climate is a key factor.

[@yinyangthang]

Also, considering that most ADV bikes have a windscreen...that's some built in roost protection right there (for the rare instances one might need it). However, I have ridden 1000s of miles with "ADV" helmets (SHOEI Hornet X2 and Nolan n70-2 x) and the peak was certainly useful and very helpful when riding into low angle sun. In fact, that is the only reason I went with a peaked helmet over a standard road helmet. IAnd while I appreciate the sun-blocking function, I'd say it came into play only 5% of my riding time over many years.

[@charlesbarnett2724]

I wear an LS2 duel. I find it very comfortable. When I'm off road on green lanes its visor up and I throw on a pair of Dwalt work glasses. They work an absolute treat. The peak for me is a wonderful sun visor. Something that I oftern find invaluable on the ride home living quite high in the northern hemisphere.

[@leadsolo2751]

I came here to find out what a Dual Sport helmet is for, while considering one, and U've answered my thoughts & concerns 201% - Thank You for that !!! ❤🙏🏼✌🏼

[@dynamotightstar3472]

My AGV AX9 is brilliant! Peak works, visor works, removable panel on the front for ventilation, goggles fit perfectly with the visor on. Visor comes off easily too. Visor drops over the goggles too. It's lightweight too. My road helmet is noticeably heavier.

[@johndavis6596]

Riding into the sun the visor is a lifesaver. Tilt your head down until the visor blocks the sun... win! Where I ride I go in and out of treed areas quite a bit... go into the shade after staring at the sun and you may as well have a blindfold on for a few seconds.

[@alexandreaubry5808]

Thanks for the very simple, straight forward and accurate video. I live in the Philippines where the sun is hitting the helmet, the temp is above 30 degrees Celsius at all time so I bought a Bell Adventure type which is between the dual Shoei and the dirt helmet you have on the video. I remove the top cause I ride quite fast every day to commute and put googles on when it's too sunny or longer ride. The ventilation is very good and it is a Mips also. Right choice I would think but I still think I should have a second helmet sometimes... Which is a pain for the wallet.

[@rrphotography3600]

I find the peak is the best protection for the visor as when in the up position the visor is protected and when riding the trails you are able to dip your had to brush tree branches over your head rather than across the visor. I have a helmet with a retractable out tinted visor so I'll often ride with that down and the main visor up to get the max air flow. Making the peak great protection for the main visor preventing it getting scratched. But for onroad definetly agree removing the peak makes life so much nicer.