Cool It Down: The Best Motorcycle Helmet for Hot Weather and Other Helmet Cooling Tips

Are you looking for the best motorcycle helmet for hot weather or ways to keep cool while riding your dirt bike during hot weather? Your helmet is a great place to start.

With summers getting hotter and hotter, it’s important to find the best motorcycle helmet for hot weather. But, did you know that you can also modify your existing helmet to stay cool on the trails? In this article, we’ll share some simple modifications that you can make to your current helmet to improve its ventilation and airflow.

We’ll also give you some tips for staying cool during hot summer rides, including the use of a wet bandana. Let’s get started on making your dirt bike helmet the best it can be for hot weather riding.

In this article, you will learn:

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Dirt bike rider with a helmet on lap pointing a finger to an air flow vent

Helmet Cooling: The Importance of Keeping Cool While Riding Your Dirt Bike in Hot Weather

Riding a dirt bike on a hot summer day can be an incredibly fun experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not taking the necessary steps to stay cool. One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe while riding in hot weather is to make sure your head stays cool and comfortable. This is where helmet cooling and helmet ventilation comes in.

Helmet cooling or helmet ventilation is the process of modifying your motorcycle helmet or choosing a helmet with features that help to improve internal airflow and ventilation. This helps to reduce the amount of heat that builds up inside your helmet and keeps your head feeling cooler and more comfortable while riding.

Why is this so important? When you’re riding in hot weather, your body is already working hard to keep itself cool, and adding the extra heat from a poorly ventilated helmet can be dangerous. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions that can occur when your body overheats, and they can be life-threatening if left untreated.

By focusing on helmet cooling, you’re taking an important step to protect yourself and prevent these types of conditions from occurring. A helmet with good ventilation can help to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cooler and more comfortable throughout your ride. It can also reduce the amount of sweat that builds up inside your helmet, which can lead to goggle fogging and other visibility issues.

Ultimately, the importance of helmet cooling cannot be overstated. If you’re serious about staying safe and comfortable while riding your dirt bike in hot weather, it’s essential to take steps to keep your head cool and comfortable. Whether that means modifying your existing helmet or investing in a new one with advanced cooling features, it’s a step that’s well worth taking.

How To Improve Helmet Ventilation for Hot Weather Riding

Looking for ways to keep your head cool while riding your enduro bike, motorcycle or dirt bike during hot weather can be a challenging task. Luckily, there are several ways to make sure that you are comfortable and safe while riding.

Next, we will be discussing some of the best types of motorcycle helmets for hot weather, as well as simple modifications that you can make to your existing helmet to help increase airflow and ventilation and overall helmet cooling.

The first modification that we will be discussing is how to drill air vents bigger in your helmet to increase helmet cooling and ventilation. This is a simple and effective way to improve the helmet ventilation and air circulation inside your helmet, and can make a huge difference on those hot summer days.

Another way to increase helmet air flow is to replace or remove the chin bar vent grill mesh material, which can often restrict air from flowing through the helmet.

Finally, wearing a wet bandana can provide maximum helmet cooling and is a popular method for keeping cool on the trails. By soaking a bandana in cold water and placing it inside your helmet, you can help to regulate your body temperature and keep your head comfortable during long rides in the heat.

By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your helmet cooling and ventilation and stay comfortable on your motorcycle rides during hot weather. Don’t let the heat hold you back from enjoying the open road – invest in the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather and make the necessary modifications to keep cool and ride safe.

Drill Air Vents Bigger To Increase Helmet Cooling and Ventilation

When you ride dirt bikes in hot weather, you should focus on breathable dirt bike gear that allows maximum airflow around your head and body. The hot air should escape easily to cool you off. The same goes for the dirt bike helmet. Any increase in helmet cooling and airflow inside the helmet will help in keeping you cool.

Dirt bike helmet for hot weather with a drill next to it on a table
Use a drill to open up the air flow vents for better helmet cooling and air flow inside the helmet.

Next, we are going to cover the steps to drill the helmet air flow vents larger. The larger, more direct air flow channels will increase the cool air circulating inside the helmet. The increased airflow will make the helmet and your head much cooler in hot weather.

Step 1. Remove the Helmet Liner

Remove the helmet liner and padding from the inside of the helmet. They are held in place by velcro or snap-in buttons.

Locate the air vents around the helmet that push in fresh air inside the helmet for cooling. They are usually covered with closable flaps, but some smaller ones may only have a mesh covering. After this, you are ready to drill the air vents larger to improve the helmet for hot weather riding.

Step. 2. Find Air Vents and Matching Drill Bit

Once you have located the air vents, that go through to the inside of the helmet, find a matching drill bit size. You may need to use different sizes to match the opening size. Select the size that fits well inside the hole and is not damaging the outer shell or the vent closing flaps of the helmet.

You may need to remove the air vent covers with flaps, if the hole in the top liner is not large enough. Carefully pry off the vent covers. You can also remove the visor to be able to access the front air vents easier to improve helmet cooling.

Step 3. Drill the Vents Open To Increase Helmet Cooling

Carefully, drill the openings out. Start drilling from the inside. You can use a smaller drill bit first to find the correct angle and location. Helmets usually have a styrofoam type liner that can easily be drilled off around the vent openings. Avoid damaging any other materials, such as inner liner connecting snaps or MIPS cups.

Dirt bike helmet rear air vent drilled larger for hot weather
Left rear vent is drilled to 1/2″ size. The vent cap is removed to allow larger hole drilling into the top liner.

As you can see from the picture above and below, many of these air flow holes are very small. They allow almost no air directly inside the helmet and can be greatly improved by drilling them out. To make the airflow better inside the helmet for hot weather, the air vents need to be larger.

Front side of a dirt bike helmet showing air vents
Top front side air vents before drilling. The helmet air flow is greatly restricted resulting into poor helmet cooling
Dirt bike helmet with a front air vent drilled open for hot weather
Front air vent after drilling the soft inner styrofoam material larger to allow more helmet ventilation and cooling.

Step 4. Clean Insides and Reattach Liner

Clean the debris off from the insides of the helmet and reattach liner. Check that the liner and pads are not blocking the air vents for maximum helmet cooling. If the liner is closing the air vents, you should consider modifying the liner to further increase the airflow directly into your head for maximum helmet ventilation.

Replace or Remove Chin Bar Vent Grill Mesh Material for Better Helmet Cooling

In the front of the helmet, in the chin bar, many helmet designs include a vent grill. The vent grill usually has some thick mesh material, which will get dirty and restrict helmet air flow. You should clean the mesh material regularly if you can access it. Cleaning the mesh material will increase the helmet ventilation and making the helmet better for hot weather.

Dirt bike helmet chin bar air vent open and set on the table
Remove the front chin bar mesh material or replace it with thinner cloth material for increased helmet air flow.

For hot weather, you can completely remove the mesh material or replace it with a lighter cloth material that will let more air flow inside the helmet. Bandana material or similar light weight cloth will work well. If you ride in dusty conditions, wet the cloth to provide increased dust resistance.

Wear a Wet Bandana for Maximum Helmet Cooling

After you have made the airflow better inside the helmet, wearing a moist cloth or a wet bandana inside the helmet will cool you down.

The increased airflow inside will already make the helmet more suitable for hot weather. But, when the water vaporizes from the wet cloth and is pushed out of the helmet, your head will cool down much more effectively. The effect is very noticeable and can help anywhere from 30-60 minutes at a time. If you get overheated in the trails, you can also pour some water inside the helmet to wet the insoles.

Best Motorcycle Helmet for Hot Weather

A best motorcycle helmet for hot weather should have good internal ventilation, be lightweight, and made of breathable materials to keep the rider cool and comfortable during long rides. It should have strategically placed air vents to increase helmet air flow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet by increasing ventilation. The best motorcycle helmet for hot weather should also use moisture-wicking materials to help evaporate sweat and prevent discomfort.

Read also: Lightest dirt bike helmet on the market

The fit of the helmet is also important, as a tight-fitting helmet can increase the body’s temperature and reduce helmet cooling, leading to more sweating and discomfort. The best helmets for hot weather should also have removable and washable liners to keep them clean and hygienic.

When it comes to materials, a best motorcycle helmet for hot weather should be made from lightweight and breathable materials such as polycarbonate, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. These materials provide excellent protection while allowing for good airflow and reducing weight on the rider’s head.

Ultimately, the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather are those that provide excellent protection and comfort, while also allowing for good helmet ventilation and breathability. It’s important to choose a helmet that fits well and feels comfortable during long rides, as this will help prevent fatigue and make for a more enjoyable riding experience.

Top 5 Best Motorcycle Helmets for Hot Weather

Here is a list of best motorcycle helmets for hot weather, specifically designed for hot summer dirt bike riding.

1. Bell Moto-9 MIPS Dirt Bike Helmet

The Bell Moto-9 MIPS dirt bike helmet is one of the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather. Its aerodynamic and lightweight shell, along with the MIPS technology, offers maximum protection while reducing rotational forces. The helmet’s superior ventilation and comfortable fit make it an ideal choice for riders looking for hot weather gear.

  • The helmet has 3-layer impact absorption, good ventilation, and a moisture-wicking liner for maximum comfort
  • Lightweight composite carbon shell construction
  • Velocity Flow Ventilation system for maximum cooling
  • Removable and washable X-Static XT2 silver liner
  • MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for added safety
  • DOT and ECE certified

2. KLIM F5 Off-Road Motorcycle Helmet

The KLIM F5 Off-Road motorcycle helmet is an ideal choice for hot weather riders. It is equipped with advanced ventilation system to provide maximum air flow for cooling effect. Its Carbon Fiber Shell construction is lightweight yet strong, while the moisture-wicking liner keeps you comfortable even during long rides. This helmet also comes with anti-fog and anti-scratch lenses for better visibility in different weather conditions. With excellent design and high-tech features, the KLIM F5 is one of the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather on the market.

  • Lightweight, aerodynamic shell with 16 intake/exhaust ports
  • Unique shape maximizes airflow and provides superior heat dissipation
  • Emergency removable cheek pads and quick-release shield system
  • Features an antibacterial liner that is removable and washable
  • Meets or exceeds ECE and DOT safety standards

3. Arai VX-Pro4 Dirt Bike Helmet

The Arai VX-Pro4 dirt bike helmet is a high-end option for hot weather riding. It features a durable, lightweight shell and a ventilation system that provides excellent airflow. The helmet also has an emergency cheek pad release system and a removable, washable liner. With its superior protection and cooling features, the Arai VX-Pro4 is one of the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather.

  • Lightweight and aerodynamic design for comfortable wear
  • High airflow ventilation system for excellent cooling
  • Features removable, washable liner for easy maintenance
  • Comes with emergency cheek pad removal system for added safety
  • Meets DOT and Snell standards for top-tier protection

4. Fox Racing V3

The Fox Racing V3 helmet is engineered for maximum protection and comfort during hot weather dirt bike rides. It features a multi-directional impact protection system, superior ventilation, and a comfortable, moisture-wicking liner. The V3 helmet also has a lightweight, aerodynamic shell and a highly adjustable visor. With its combination of safety, comfort, and style, the Fox Racing V3 is a top pick for riders looking for the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather.

  • Multi-composite shell with maximum ventilation for hot weather conditions
  • X-Static Silver liner with moisture-wicking properties for all-day comfort
  • Magnetic cheek pads with integrated ventilation system for quick and easy adjustments
  • 14 intake vents and 4 exhaust vents for superior airflow and cooling
  • Meets DOT and ECE safety standards for maximum protection on the trail

5. Troy Lee Designs SE4 Carbon

The Troy Lee Designs SE4 Carbon is a top-performing dirt bike helmet. It boasts a lightweight carbon fiber shell, providing maximum protection while remaining comfortable to wear for long hours of riding. With a superior ventilation system and a removable, washable liner, this helmet is perfect for hot weather riding. It also comes with an emergency release system, making it easy to remove in case of an accident.

The SE4 Carbon is DOT and ECE certified, ensuring top-notch safety standards. Overall, the SE4 Carbon is a great choice for riders looking for a high-quality dirt bike helmet that offers both protection and comfort during hot weather rides.

  • Made of carbon fiber for lightweight and durable construction
  • 20 intake and exhaust ports for superior ventilation in hot weather
  • Removable and washable comfort liner to keep helmet fresh
  • Multi-density EPS foam inside for impact protection
  • Comes with a helmet bag for storage and transport

Conclusions

Finding the best motorcycle helmets for hot weather is crucial for any rider who wants to stay comfortable and safe during long rides in hot conditions. Choosing a helmet with excellent ventilation and cooling features can make all the difference in the world.

The helmets we have discussed in this article, including the best helmets for hot weather, offer superior cooling and ventilation, making them excellent choices for hot weather riding.

In addition to selecting the best ventilated motorcycle helmet, riders can take other steps to improve helmet cooling and ventilation, such as drilling air vents, replacing or removing chin bar vent grill mesh material, and wearing a wet bandana.

By following these tips and selecting the best helmet for hot weather, riders can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable riding experience even in the hottest of conditions.

Keep a cool head on the trails!

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