There's a reason the sub-$400 bracket is where most riders end up. It's the sweet spot, past the entry-level compromises, well short of boutique pricing, and right in the zone where your helmet does it's job and you can continue to genuinely improve your riding. Better shell construction. Smarter visor systems. Dual certifications. Technology that would have cost twice as much five years ago.
Whether you're upgrading from your first helmet, gearing up properly for the first time, or just ready to stop making excuses for the lid you've been wearing, this list covers the five best motorcycle helmets under $400 available right now, all stocked and shipped by Biker Torque.
What Separates a Sub-$400 Helmet from a Budget Lid
At this price point, you should expect more than just a certified shell. Here's what to look for:
- Shell construction: Fibreglass, composite, or multiaxial materials start appearing here, lighter and better at managing impact energy than basic polycarbonate.
- Visor systems: Optical Class 1 clarity, Pinlock compatibility, and internal drop-down sun visors are standard expectations at this price.
- Certification: In Australia, look for AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05/22.06. The newer ECE 22.06 standard is more rigorous, a genuine mark of quality.
- Liner quality: Removable, washable, and ideally antibacterial. Comfort over time depends on it.
- Advanced features: At this price, expect integrated LED systems, dual certifications, and intercom compatibility to start appearing.
1. Bell Broozer Arc
Best for: Riders who want full face AND open face in a single certified helmet
The Bell Broozer Arc is the most versatile helmet on this list. It carries ECE 22.05 dual certification, independently verified protection in both full face and open face configurations. That's not a marketing claim. It's a tested, certified fact that puts it in a category of its own at this price point.
The removable chin bar comes off cleanly when you want the open face experience. The drop-down internal shield handles sun and debris without a visor swap. At 1350 grams it's light enough that you won't feel it on a long day in the saddle, and the Matte Black/Grey colourway is clean and understated, the kind of lid that looks right on a cruiser, a naked, or anything in between.
Both clear and smoke visors are included in the box. Removable washable liners, dual density EPS, adjustable slider vents, and a padded chin strap with quick release ratchet buckle round out a package that punches well above its price.
For riders who've ever wished they could have both an open face and a full face without carrying two helmets, the Bell Broozer Arc is the answer.
Key specs:
- ECE 22.05 certified in both full face and open face configurations
- Removable chin bar
- Drop-down internal shield
- Both clear and smoke visors included
- Dual density EPS
- 1350g (size M)
- 3 shell sizes
- Matte Black / Grey
Why it makes the list: Two helmets in one, independently certified in both configurations. For riders who do a bit of everything, this is the smartest buy on the list.
2. Bell Broozer Freeride
Best for: Scrambler, adventure and naked bike riders who want the Broozer platform with more character
The Broozer Freeride shares the same dual-certified platform as the Arc, same removable chin bar, same ECE 22.05 certification in both full face and open face configurations, same 1350g weight, same included visors and liner package. The difference is in the personality.
The Matte Grey/Black colourway gives the Freeride a slightly more rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic that suits scramblers, dual-sport builds, and nakeds particularly well. Where the Arc is clean and urban, the Freeride has a bit more grit to it.
Same protection. Same versatility. Same price. Different finish. If you've looked at the Arc and wanted something with a touch more character, the Freeride is your answer.
Key specs:
- ECE 22.05 certified in both full face and open face configurations
- Removable chin bar
- Drop-down internal shield
- Both clear and smoke visors included
- Dual density EPS
- 1350g (size M)
- 3 shell sizes
- Matte Grey / Black
Why it makes the list: Identical dual-certified performance to the Arc in a finish that suits a broader range of bike styles. Pick the one that matches your build.
3. Shark Ridill 2 Matt Black
Best for: Commuters and everyday road riders who want genuine Shark quality at a mid-range price
The Shark Ridill 2 is the second generation of one of Shark's most popular helmets, and it's a genuine step forward from its predecessor. Inspired by sportswear and streetwear design codes, the Ridill 2 brings Shark's racing DNA to an accessible price point without cutting corners on the features that matter.
The high-impact Lexan polycarbonate shell with multi-density EPS exceeds ECE 22.06 standards — the most current and rigorous certification available. The Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock 70 included delivers distortion-free vision. The anti-scratch and anti-fog sun visor means no fumbling with visor swaps when the light changes. And the "Best Fit" interior — developed from a 3D scanning campaign across a wide range of head shapes — delivers a comfort level that punches well above its price.
The patented quick tool-free visor removal system, Sharktooth intercom compatibility, and micrometric buckle round out a helmet that suits naked bikes, sports bikes, and commuters equally well. In Matt Black, it's the most versatile and popular colourway in the Ridill 2 range — and it works with everything.
Key specs:
- High-impact Lexan polycarbonate shell, 2 shell sizes
- ECE 22.06 certified
- Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor, Pinlock 70 included
- Anti-scratch and anti-fog internal sun visor
- "Best Fit" 3D scan-optimised interior
- Sharktooth intercom compatible
- Micrometric buckle
- Matt Black
Why it makes the list: ECE 22.06 certified, Pinlock included, and a 3D-optimised interior. Shark quality at a price that makes sense for everyday riders.
4. Shark Skwal i3 Matt Black
Best for: Commuters and road riders who want to be seen — literally
The Shark Skwal i3 is unlike anything else on this list, and unlike most helmets available in Australia at any price. It's the world's first production helmet with integrated active LED brake lights, front white LEDs and rear red LEDs built directly into the shell, with an automatic brake light function triggered by a built-in triaxial accelerometer. When you decelerate, the rear LEDs flash automatically. No cables. No Bluetooth pairing. No setup. Just a helmet that actively makes you more visible to the traffic behind you, every single time you hit the brakes.
The safety case for this is real. Rear-end collisions are a genuine risk for motorcyclists in stop-start urban traffic, and anything that draws attention to your deceleration is worth taking seriously. The Skwal i3 is certified to ECE 22.06 and the LED system is USB-C rechargeable with steady, flashing, or off modes.
Beyond the LED system: high-impact Lexan polycarbonate shell with multi-density EPS, Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor, Pinlock 70 included, anti-scratch and anti-fog sun visor, patented quick tool-free visor removal, and Sharktooth Prime intercom compatibility. In Matt Black, the LED signature lighting looks as good parked as it does at speed, pure motorsport-meets-science-fiction.
Key specs:
- World-first integrated active LED brake lights
- Triaxial accelerometer, no cables or Bluetooth required
- ECE 22.06 certified
- USB-C rechargeable LED system
- High-impact Lexan polycarbonate shell, 2 shell sizes
- Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor, Pinlock 70 included
- Anti-scratch and anti-fog sun visor
- Sharktooth Prime intercom compatible
- Micrometric buckle
- Matt Black
Why it makes the list: No other helmet in this price range actively improves your visibility to following traffic the way the Skwal i3 does. For Australian commuters especially, this is a serious safety upgrade dressed up as a seriously cool helmet.
5. Shark Spartan RS Byhron
Best for: Sports and road riders who want the best full face helmet in the range
This is the premium pick on the list, it's also one of the best value propositions in Australian motorcycle retail right now. The Shark Spartan RS is the product of an exclusive collaboration between Troy Lee Designs and Shark Helmets, and it shows in every detail.
The multiaxial composite shell construction keeps weight down while delivering impact performance that exceeds ECE 22.06 standards. The Optical Class 1 ultra-resistant visor with 4-point anchor locking system delivers distortion-free vision at speed. The internal UV-treated anti-fog sun visor handles changing light without a visor swap. And the Pinlock 120 Max Vision insert, the highest specification Pinlock available, is included in the box. Not an optional extra. Not an upsell. Just included.
The Byhron graphic in Blue/White/Chrome is one of the most eye-catching colourways in the Spartan RS range. The chrome accents catch the light beautifully, and the blue/white combination is clean, fast, and distinctive — particularly well suited to BMW, Yamaha, and Kawasaki riders. The perforated leather and textile interior adds a neo-retro touch that sets it apart from every other helmet in this class.
Sharktooth Prime intercom compatible, double-D ring strap, removable anti-turbulence chin guard, and ALVEOTECH antimicrobial interior textile. This is a helmet that doesn't ask you to compromise on anything.
Key specs:
- Multiaxial composite shell, ECE 22.06 certified
- Optical Class 1 ultra-resistant visor, 4-point anchor locking
- Pinlock 120 Max Vision included
- UV-treated anti-fog internal sun visor
- ALVEOTECH antimicrobial interior
- Perforated leather and textile interior
- Removable anti-turbulence chin guard
- Sharktooth Prime intercom compatible
- Double-D ring strap
- Blue / White / Chrome — Troy Lee Designs collaboration
Why it makes the list: Multiaxial composite shell, Pinlock 120 Max Vision included, Troy Lee Designs collaboration, and ECE 22.06 certification — at nearly half the RRP. If your budget reaches $400, this is where it should go.
The Bottom Line
Every helmet on this list sits at or under $400 and delivers something that genuinely earns its place:
- Maximum versatility — Bell Broozer Arc or Freeride
- Reliable daily full face with ECE 22.06 — Shark Ridill 2
- Active safety technology for commuters — Shark Skwal i3
- Premium composite construction at a sale price — Shark Spartan RS Byhron
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits, make sure it's certified, and wear it every single time. Your head will thank you.
Ready to find your next lid?
Browse the full Biker Torque helmet range including every helmet featured in this article at bikertorque.com.au/collections/helmets.
Free shipping on orders over $350.