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NEWS
MotoCAp
Publishes Results for
30 New Helmets
In its latest round of motorcycle helmet safety testing, the independent rating program MotoCAP( via the Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets( CRASH) scheme) has released results for 30 new helmet models. The updated data is now live on the MotoCAP website and offers riders incisive, scientifically‐backed information about helmet protection and comfort.
What’ s especially notable in this iteration is the strong focus on dual‐sport / adventure‐style helmets— a category that straddles on‐road and off‐road riding and is experiencing rapid growth among touring and adventure motorcyclists. These models were tested under the same rigorous protocols as full‐face street and motocross helmets, but the findings highlight some of the unique risks and opportunities inherent in dual‐sport use.
What MotoCAP Tests and Why It Matters
MotoCAP’ s helmet testing framework emphasises two principal metrics: protection and comfort. Protection is assessed via impact performance( high and low speed), retention, dynamic stability, coverage and oblique( angular) impact management. Comfort covers ventilation, noise, field of view, weather‐seal and other rider‐experience factors.
These tests are independent of minimum certification standards( such as AS / NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05); they go further to compare how helmets perform relative to one another. The results help riders make informed choices rather than simply relying on a generic certification label.
With 30 new models benchmarked, the breadth of data means riders now have more comparative options, particularly in less‐addressed categories such as dual‐sport and adventure helmets. As one commentary noted:“ Thirty newly released motorcycle helmet safety and comfort ratings have been published … providing more options for safer motorcycle helmets.”
Dual‐Sport Helmets: What the Data Says
The dual‐sport category— helmets designed for both road and trail use— drew particular attention this round. For many riders, investing in one helmet for mixed terrain is appealing, but the testing underlines that not all models perform equally when the conditions switch from asphalt to gravel to sand.
Key findings for dual‐sport helmets include:
High severity impacts still matter. While dual‐sport helmets often sacrifice some of the aerodynamic polish of pure street helmets in favour of trail‐style ventilation or peak visors, the MotoCAP data reinforces that energy absorption and coverage remain critical— especially when riding off‐road or on unsealed surfaces.
Comfort trade‐offs are real. Dual‐sport helmets often provide extra ventilation or peak visors to handle trail riding, but these features can introduce noise, compromise aerodynamic stability at higher speeds, or reduce weather‐sealing. MotoCAP’ s comfort ratings expose such trade‐offs clearly.
Value in the category is strong. Some dual‐sport helmets in the test achieved high protection ratings while remaining reasonably priced, showing that riders don’ t necessarily need to pick the priciest lid to get solid safety. For example, the government release noted a dual‐sport helmet retailing at approximately AU $ 200 achieving a four‐star safety rating.
Fit and intended use matter. MotoCAP emphasises that even the best‐rated helmet won’ t perform if the fit is poor or the helmet is used outside the conditions it was designed for. For dual‐sport riders toggling between tarmac and trail, this is especially relevant.
In short: if you ride both sealed and unsealed roads, the dual‐sport category offers compelling options— but it pays to scrutinise the ratings and match the model to your actual use‐case.
Highlights From the Latest Results While full individual model ratings are available on the
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