German motorcycle helmets are low profile helmets that were commonly used by German troops during World War II.

These helmets don’t cover the entire face. Instead, they rest on the crown of your head, come down to your eyebrows, and extend a little bit back out above the nape of your neck.

Modern German-style helmets are made of tough polycarbonate or carbon fiber material, and although they may seem unsafe at first glance, there are actually DOT approved models available.

The street names for this kind of helmet include Shorty, Skid Lid, and Skull Cap.

The inside of these helmets have a comfortable padding – after all, what use is a helmet if the plastic directly transfers the force of the impact to your head! The padding greatly filters out the impact and lessens the potential damage that can be done.

German motorcycle helmets are more common with choppers and hogs – you can almost picture a Harley-riding biker going down the road on a summer day wearing jeans, a leather vest, and a german helmet!

History of German motorcycle helmets

World War II saw extensive fighting all over the globe – the scale of fighting was unprecedented and troops were mobilized on the ground, the sea, and in the air.

Ground troops needed an effective mode of transport – four wheelers were good, but limited as far as the places they could access. They needed wider, clearer pathways and were not able to handle very extreme terrain. That also slowed them down quite a bit.

Motorcycles, on the other hand, were perfect for zipping around here and there – they were a quick and dirty way for soldiers to get from one place to another regardless of road conditions.

One of the most powerful and impactful bikes made by Germany in WWII (there’s no question that the Nazis were able to produce some terrifying and awe-inspiring wartime tech) was the BMW R71. It was fast and mobile on European battlefields, and when the fighting spread to North Africa, the BMW R71 performed flawlessly in the Sahara desert sand.

Allied bikes, on the other hand, quite struggled!

Even since WWI and WWII, people have had a good idea of the fact that a helmet is an absolutely necessary accessory when riding a bike – as evidenced by this helmet design.

Today, these helmets are worn because they look cool and remind us of the glory days of motorcycles, when some truly amazing bikes were made.

The German helmet design was quite unique compared to others, so they became the symbol of WWII motorbike nostalgia rather than other helmets – even though it was a Nazi regime that developed these bikes and possibly these helmets, today’s use is far more innocuous and only fashion-centered in intent.

Anytime you see someone wearing this style of helmet, they really catch your eye!

Popularity of German motorcycle helmets

So who likes to wear these helmets, anyway?

It’s really unlikely you’ll see someone on a sport biking wearing one of these low profile helmets – sports bike and dirt bike riders generally prefer the modern, full face helmet.

No doubt, those helmets offer a lot more protection than the German low profile ones. Still, a lot of riders are fashion-conscious and many people prefer to wear the German style helmet.

These helmets are more popular with folks who ride Harleys and choppers. The long, stretched out bikes with high handlebars, a laid back seat – something that most people would picture in their minds when they think of the word “biker”.

This image of bikers has probably been popularized thanks to the multiple pop culture references to Hell’s Angels and biker gangs.

Advantages

• Looks awesome if you’re into military fashion
• Great for those living in hot climates – the full face helmets can be rather suffocating
• There are DOT compliant models available for safety
• Do a good enough job of protecting your skull in crashes

Disadvantages

• Would look strange if used with a sports bike
• Not quite as effective as full face helmets – you can break your nose or scratch your face up pretty badly with a rough impact

Low profile helmet sizing

These helmets usually come in 3 size brackets:

• Extra-small (XS) to medium (M)
• Large (L) to two-extra large (2XL)
• three-extra large(3XL) to five-extra large(5XL)

The helmets are wider on the sides and slightly narrower front to back, as is the shape of a typical human head, but if you have a very round head, these helmets will still work because the padding compresses and creates a snug fit.

Please refer to the size chart below for more information.

Example of a German low profile helmet

DOT Certification

We highly recommend that if you wish to get a German motorcycle helmet, you should use one that is DOT certified. DOT standards are basic safety standards that the Department of Transportation has ruled must be present in certified helmets.

There are non-compliant helmets available, too, but they will not match the same safety standards and wearing them will pose a huge risk to your safety. This is why our reviews will only be of compliant helmets, and no others.

DOT certified helmets will have a special logo on the back of the helmet, in an effort to curb counterfeits.

Manufacturers are supposed to test the helmets for compliance by themselves, and the compliance is kept in check by the department acquiring random samples and testing them.

Related:

Blind spot mirrors can help you see better with a helmet on

Blue Skull German Motorcycle Helmet

This helmet weighs right around 30 ounces and is fully DOT compliant so you can be assured of safety when wearing this helmet on the road. The shape of the helmet is German military style, but with a unique twist on it with skull graphics.

There is a one inch liner inside the helmet and stainless steel rings support the chin straps.

If you have a smaller head, you may feel like this helmet is a little too big(even if you get your size) – the wall of the helmet is rather thick and may look strange on a small person’s frame.

Nuzari German Style Half Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The Nuzari helmet comes in a neat, matte-black finish that will look really nice and sharp on your head. The outer shell is made of durable ABS thermoplastic, and the inside is made with EPS. These two substances are chemically resistant, water resistant, and most importantly, impact resistant to protect your head.

The buckle strap is very strong and will make sure that the helmet stays on your head in case of an impact.

The inside padding is made with a breathable, moisture-wicking material so you don’t feel too sweaty under the helmet. The inside cushioning is moderately soft – some helmets have much softer cushioning.

Since this is an open-face helmet, there will be plenty of ventilation from all the air rushing on your face! It’s a good idea to wear goggles or glasses if you don’t have eye protection.

The manufacturer suggests the following sizes for the size of your head(circumference in centimeters)

• Small: 55-56cm
• Med: 57-58cm
• Large: 59-60cm
• XL: 61-62cm
• XXL: 63-64cm

1Storm Novelty Half Face German Style Motorcycle Helmet

The 1Storm helmet is like most of the others in this list, except one feature that really popped out at me was the fact that the inner fabric padding is fully removable and washable.

After some use, the padding will inevitably begin to give off an odor and the ability to wash it is great.

Other than that, you’re looking at a neat, DOT approved half face(up to the brow) helmet made from tough thermoplastics for proper head protection.

There is a quick release buckle that makes putting the helmet on and taking the helmet off quite a cinch.

For the most part, the sizes are spot on and the helmet is a very comfortable fit. The front of the helmet does come down quite low so if you have a small forehead you may see that the helmet is touching the bridge of your nose.

Iglobalbuy German Half Helmet

This DOT approved low profile helmet is UV protected, which I am not completely sure means as far as helmets are concerned!

The shell is made of strong ABS thermoplastic and nylon Y strap is easily opened, closed, and adjusted to ensure a tight fit on your head.

It’s a very lightweight helmet which makes it ideal for scooters or touring – although I would not recommend using it on a sport bike! You’d probably look very strange, ha!

This helmet is a lot more low profile than the other helmets we’ve listed, so of the lot, this will look the sleekest on your head.

There are some sizing discrepancies, though, where the helmet seems to be a bit too big for user’s heads. It may be wiser to get one size smaller in that case.

The straps are also hit or miss and you may find that you have to replace them very soon.

Even though there are many body parts that require extra protection on the road, the legs require special consideration if you ride a motorcycle. Today, we take a closer look at the options for leg protection, so be sure to read on if you want to be the safest you can be.

Clothing Is a Priority!

Many people who just get into motorcycles think that motorcycle attire is just the lifestyle, but it provides the protection you need to prevent injury in case of a collision or fall.

When it comes to protecting your legs, you will need a pair of sturdy boots and durable pants. The boots must provide you with ample protection since they could be the difference between severe injury or light injury when your motorbike ends up on your leg. A durable pair of pants could protect your skin against abrasions, cuts, and scrapes, so make your decision carefully.

What Are the Best Motorcycling Boots?

Now we determined you will need good motorcycle boots, let us elaborate on what you need to look out for.

Motorcycle boots must be a blend of comfort and protection; this means you should be able to wear them all day long. Of course, there are more things to look out for, which we will describe below.

The Height of Your Boots

Biking boots come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, but the height of your boots is more important than anything. The height of good motorcycle boots must at least come over the ankle. They must also provide sufficient support and be made from durable materials to deliver ample protection.

One of the main injuries that could occur during a crash is caused by the foot being trapped underneath the bike. Therefore, if you have a good set of boots to protect you from the weight of the bike, you could prevent some serious injuries.

Another type of injury that could be encountered is scraping or cutting of the foot and leg. Once again, sturdy boots made from a durable material could potentially prevent such an injury. So, when you are buying your boots, make sure you check its height!

The Material of Your Boots

The material your boots are made of is important too. Materials such as canvas and soft leather do not provide the protection you need on your motorbike, since a fall could mean you encounter the asphalt. Instead, you will need biking boots made from more durable leather.

Thick leather is usually the recommended material for biking boots; this because the leather has more resistance against abrasions. However, your choice is not limited to thick leather, since there are materials that combine the durability of thick leather with the breathability of other textile materials.

When selecting the material for your boots, be sure to check the recommended “reinforced” areas on your boots. Some areas on the boots must be extra strong, so be sure to check for double material layers, plastic sliders, and textiles for additional protection.

In addition to having ample protection during crashes and falls, bikers must also consider the weather. When you ride a bike, you are often exposed to poor weather conditions. For example, if you have your heart set on boots made from thick leather, make sure the leather is treated; this ensures the water gets repelled instead of absorbed when encountering rainy weather.

The Closures of Your Boots

Biking boot manufacturers can use a variety of closures for your biking boot; this includes laces, zips, buckles, and Velcro. When it comes to closures, you often have free reign. However, we must mention that the boots must provide a secure fit, so if you cannot obtain that from laced boots, you may want to look at Velcro instead.

Some bikers are concerned about the additional injuries some metal materials used for buckles and zippers can cause during an accident. However, the strategic placement of these closures reduces the chance of this problem occurring.

We must mention that most bikers prefer Velcro and buckles; this due to the fact these closures provide a better fit and prevent the boots from coming off during a high-speed collision or crash.

The Stitching of Your Boots

While boot stitching might not be the first thing you think about, it is still important for the durability of your biking boots. Proper boots always have double and even triple-stitching, which provides more protection during a collision or crash.

When checking the stitching used on your biking boots, also have a look at how the sole has been attached to the boot. If the sole is glued on, your biking boots will not provide as much protection as soles that have been stitched on the boot.

The Grip of the Soles

Bikers who need to buy a new set of boots also need to look at the bottom of the boot, more specifically at the grip of the soles. Your ability to control your bike during a dangerous road situation could depend on it!

There are various types of soles available, each with their own benefits. Many bikers go for softer soles, which allows them to get more grip on the foot peg. However, these types of soles tend to wear down quicker than harder equivalents. Contrary to that, if you purchase boots with a harder sole, you will have less grip, but a more durable boot.

Check out motorcycling boots

What Are the Best Motorcycling Pants?

Motorcycle pants can come in various material, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Below, we have provided an overview with the most common types of biking pants materials, so you can make an informed decision in stores.

Denim

Denim pants is not recommended for bikers, even though they are being sold in stores. They have virtually no abrasion resistance, which means injuries are more likely in case of a fall.

Aramid

Contrary to denim, aramid is a much better choice. The material is made from heat-resistant synthetic fibers as well as a liquid chemical blend. The result is a material that is more resistant to abrasions that could occur during a fall or a collision.

Check out Aramid pants on Amazon

Kevlar

Bikers should consider Kevlar first and foremost. You might recognize the name Kevlar since this material is used in the manufacturing of body armor. Kevlar is lightweight, but has incredible strength, abrasion resistance, and provides additional protection against heat. Kevlar is also five times stronger than steel, so it is no surprise that many bikers prefer Kevlar for their biking gear!

Check out Kevlar pants on Amazon

Ballistic Nylon

Another material you could encounter in the biker store is ballistic nylon. The material is based on the synthetic fiber nylon but is reinforced to make applications for biker equipment possible.

Ballistic nylon is commonly used as reinforcement material in biker gear. Much like Kevlar, ballistic nylon has great strength and abrasion resistance. Therefore, this material should also be a consideration for bikers.

Check out ballistic nylon pants on Amazon

Keprotec

Most bikers are familiar with the materials mentioned above, but not everyone is familiar with Keprotec. Keprotec is a material manufactured by a company called Schoeller in Switzerland. The material provides lots of abrasion resistance but is also breathable. So, for bikers who feel uncomfortable in clothing made from the toughest leather, Keprotec gear might be better for them.

Check out Keprotec pants on Amazon

Is Stitching Important for Motorcycle Pants?

We already covered the topic of stitching in the boots section of this article, but it is worth mentioning again for pants. Once again, the material of your gear is important, but so is the stitching.

You may have bought gear made from the strongest materials, but this does not mean you have maximum protection against abrasions! No, the stitching must be on point too, so always check the strength of the stitching used on your biker gear. It could mean the difference between a light and serious injury.

What Are the Characteristics of Genuine Motorcycle Pants?

Genuine motorcycle pants will meet certain requirements. Firstly, it will be made from heavy textile or thick leather, ensuring proper protection for the biker in case of a fall or collision. It will contain flexible hard armor in the knees and hips, stretch panels for comfort, reflective piping, and memory foam inserts to absorb potential impacts. So, if you are buying some new gear, be sure to look out for these essentials on biking pants too.

What Are the Differences Between Touring, Daily, and Dedicated Motorcycle Pants?

When you head to the store, you will notice that motorcycle pants are advertised by the purpose they are made for. However, for maximum protection, you will always need dedicated motorcycle pants. Even though touring and daily pants provide some degree of protection, they do not come close to the protection dedicated motorcycle pants can provide you.

In conclusion, dedicated motorcycle pants are always best when it comes to your safety. Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, so even if you are an experienced biker, it does not mean you are not going to encounter an accident. Therefore, protection is key for your safety!