There’s a certain romance to riding a motorcycle or a scooter, especially through the city streets on a warm day. It’s a feeling of connection to your surroundings that you just can’t get inside a car. For years, I exclusively wore a full-face helmet, prioritizing maximum protection above all else. But for my short jaunts on my vintage Honda Cub or a weekend cruise on a Vespa, the full-face often felt like overkill—bulky, hot, and isolating. I was searching for something that offered certified protection but also embraced the open-air spirit of casual riding. The challenge was finding a helmet that wasn’t just a novelty item, but a genuinely safe, comfortable, and stylish piece of gear that wouldn’t break the bank. This search for the perfect blend of retro aesthetics and modern safety standards is what led me to the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet, a lid that promises to deliver on all fronts.
What to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle & Powersports Helmet
A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of gear you will ever own; it’s a critical investment in your personal safety. It’s designed to absorb impact energy and protect your head in the event of an accident, but its benefits extend to everyday comfort and riding enjoyment. A good helmet reduces wind noise, deflects road debris and insects, and provides protection from the elements, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. Choosing the right one is a deeply personal decision that balances safety, comfort, style, and budget.
The ideal customer for a 3/4 open-face helmet like this is the urban commuter, scooter rider, or cruiser enthusiast who typically rides at lower to moderate speeds. This rider values a wider field of vision and a more connected, “wind-in-the-face” experience. They appreciate vintage styling and the convenience of a lighter, less cumbersome helmet for frequent stops. Conversely, this style might not be suitable for high-speed highway riding, track days, or aggressive sport riding, where the added chin protection of a full-face or modular helmet is non-negotiable. For those seeking maximum coverage or off-road capability, alternatives like full-face, modular, or dedicated dirt bike helmets are a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is paramount. A helmet that is too loose can shift or even come off in a crash, while one that is too tight will create painful pressure points and become unbearable on longer rides. Always measure the circumference of your head according to the manufacturer’s guide and pay close attention to user feedback regarding sizing, as some models may run large or small.
- Safety Certification & Performance: In the United States, the minimum legal requirement is the Department of Transportation (DOT) certification. This ensures the helmet has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. Look for the DOT sticker on the back as a baseline for safety.
- Materials & Durability: Most helmets in this category use a thermoplastic shell, like the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) found in the Yesmotor model. This material offers a great balance of impact resistance and affordability. Higher-end helmets may use composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, which are lighter and stronger but come at a significantly higher price.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a quick-release chin strap make gearing up and down much faster. A clear, functional visor is essential for visibility. To maintain hygiene and comfort over the long term, look for helmets with removable and washable interior padding and liners, a feature that makes it easy to keep your gear fresh.
While the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is an excellent choice for its intended purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Helmet
Pulling the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet from its box, the first thing we noticed was its impressive finish and classic silhouette. We reviewed the “Light Black” version, which has a deep, glossy sheen that looks far more premium than its price point suggests. The ABS shell feels solid and substantial without being overly heavy—weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it strikes a nice balance. Tucked inside the box was a pleasant surprise confirmed by other users: a soft, fleece-lined helmet bag for storage, a thoughtful inclusion that helps prevent scratches. The overall aesthetic is clean and timeless, evoking the style of vintage helmets from the 60s and 70s, making it a perfect match for scooters, cruisers, and modern classic bikes. The clear visor clicks into place with a satisfying, albeit loud, action, and the quick-release buckle on the chin strap felt intuitive and secure right out of the box. Initial impressions are of a well-made helmet that offers fantastic style and value.
What We Like
- Authentic and stylish retro design
- DOT-certified for safety assurance
- Comfortable, removable, and washable inner padding
- Excellent value for the price
- Convenient quick-release chin strap
What We Didn’t Like
- Sizing tends to run slightly large
- Visor mechanism can be stiff or squeaky initially
A Deep Dive into the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet’s Performance
A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true worth is only revealed on the road. Over several weeks, we put the Yesmotor helmet through its paces on a variety of rides, from quick errands on a Honda Ruckus to longer cruises on a Triumph Bonneville. We focused on the core elements that matter most to a rider: its fit and comfort over time, its on-road functionality, and the safety features that provide peace of mind.
Fit, Comfort, and All-Day Wearability
The first step was nailing the fit. Heeding the advice from several user reviews suggesting the helmet runs large, I measured my 23.5-inch head (which typically calls for a Large) and opted for the Large size as ordered. The fit was snug but comfortable, with no immediate pressure points. One user with a self-described “3XL head” found the XXL to be a perfect fit, confirming our finding that it’s best to size up if you’re on the cusp. For those who wear a do-rag or skull cap, the slightly roomier fit is actually a benefit, allowing for a snug feel without being too tight. The interior padding is surprisingly plush for a helmet at this price point. It’s soft against the skin and does an admirable job of wicking away sweat on warmer days. We found the ventilation to be quite effective; as one rider noted, it “doesn’t make your head sweat too much,” providing good airflow around the ears and scalp. This is a significant advantage over more constricting full-face helmets during city riding. The ability to remove and wash the liner is a huge plus for long-term ownership, ensuring the helmet stays fresh ride after ride. We even tested it with a basic Bluetooth communicator, and the ear pockets were accommodating enough to install the speakers without issue, creating a seamless, integrated setup.
On-the-Road Functionality: Visor, Buckle, and Aerodynamics
On the road, the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet performs admirably for its intended use. The integrated clear visor is a standout feature. It provides a vast, unobstructed field of view that is liberating compared to the narrower eye-ports of many full-face helmets. The optical clarity is excellent, with no noticeable distortion. We found it highly effective at blocking wind, especially on chilly mornings. As one user from Ohio stated, it blocks cold winds to “more than tolerable levels,” a sentiment we can fully endorse. The visor’s mechanism is its one minor weak point. Out of the box, it can be stiff and, as one user experienced, may develop a squeak. We found that a tiny drop of silicone lubricant on the pivot points completely solved this, making the action smooth and quiet. The quick-release buckle is another feature geared towards convenience. The ratcheting mechanism is easy to operate even with gloves on, making it a breeze to secure and remove the helmet. While some purists may prefer the traditional double D-ring system for its ultimate security, we found the quick-release system on the Yesmotor to be perfectly robust and secure for street and scooter use. Aerodynamically, the helmet is stable at city speeds, showing no signs of lifting or buffeting up to around 55 mph. Above that, you’ll start to feel some wind lift, which is typical for any open-face design.
Core Safety and Build Quality
Style and comfort are important, but a helmet’s primary job is protection. The Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is built around a tough Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell. This material is an industry standard for its ability to resist penetration and distribute impact forces. The most critical feature, however, is its DOT FMVSS-218 certification. This isn’t just a sticker; it’s a guarantee that the helmet has been tested and meets the federal government’s minimum safety requirements. This certification provides essential peace of mind, assuring you that you’re wearing legitimate protective gear and not just a fashion accessory. The fit and finish are excellent, with tight seams and a durable paint job. The inner EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam liner feels dense and well-constructed. For the rider using this helmet for its designed purpose—scooter commuting, cruiser rides, and general low-to-moderate speed street use—the combination of the ABS shell and DOT-certified liner provides a reliable level of safety. It’s a well-made piece of equipment that you can confidently choose for your daily rides.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from other riders, a clear picture emerges. The vast majority of users are extremely pleased with the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet, frequently praising its “great value for the price.” The stylish, vintage look is a consistent highlight, with one user loving the “Bruce Lee/Kill bill track suit” aesthetic of their yellow version. Comfort is another commonly cited advantage, with many describing the helmet as comfortable, well-padded, and not too heavy.
Positive comments often focus on the practical features. One rider noted, “My Bluetooth hookup runs seamlessly through the insert. Everything now is one unit.” Another praised the quick-release latch, saying it “works nicely.” The effectiveness of the visor for blocking wind and the helmet’s good ventilation are also frequently mentioned strengths.
On the critical side, the most common issue relates to sizing, with several riders stating that the helmet “runs a little large.” This reinforces our recommendation to measure carefully and potentially size down if you are between sizes. A few users mentioned the visor mechanism could be better, with one reporting it “started to squeak and bind.” One isolated comment suggested there was “way too little padding,” which contrasts with the majority opinion but indicates that head shape can play a significant role in perceived comfort.
How Does the Yesmotor Helmet Compare to the Alternatives?
The Yesmotor helmet occupies a specific niche focused on street style and value. To understand where it fits, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular but different types of helmets.
1. Oumurs Adult ATV Dirt Bike Helmet with Goggles & Mask
The OUMURS helmet is an entirely different beast, designed for off-road and ATV use. It comes as a complete package with goggles and a mask, emphasizing protection from dirt, roost, and debris in an off-road environment. Its aggressive styling, extended chin bar, and large peak are purpose-built for motocross and trail riding. A rider would choose the OUMURS over the Yesmotor if their primary activity is off-roading. The Yesmotor is the superior choice for street riding, commuting, and anyone prioritizing a classic, understated look and a built-in, convenient face shield over off-road specific features.
2. O’NEAL Sierra Helmet
The O’NEAL Sierra is a dual-sport or adventure (ADV) helmet, blending features of both street and dirt helmets. It has a full-face design with a chin bar for enhanced protection, an integrated sun visor, and a peak to block sun glare, but also a large face shield for on-road comfort. This helmet is for the versatile rider who transitions between pavement and trails. While it offers more protection than the Yesmotor, it is also heavier, bulkier, and has a much more modern, aggressive aesthetic. The Yesmotor is the better pick for the dedicated street or scooter rider who values lightweight comfort, open-face freedom, and retro style.
3. ILM Adult Motocross Helmet DOT Approved
Similar to the OUMURS, the ILM helmet is a dedicated full-face motocross (MX) helmet. It features a lightweight shell, extensive ventilation designed for the high-exertion nature of off-road riding, and requires the use of separate goggles. Its primary focus is maximum airflow and protection in a dirt environment. The choice here is clear: if you are riding on the street, especially on a scooter, cruiser, or classic bike, the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is the far more appropriate, comfortable, and stylistically coherent option. The ILM is purpose-built for the dirt track and trails.
Our Final Verdict on the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
After extensive testing and evaluation, we can confidently say that the Yesmotor Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is a fantastic piece of gear that delivers well beyond its accessible price tag. It successfully merges the timeless appeal of a vintage 3/4 helmet with the non-negotiable safety of a modern, DOT-certified product. It is comfortable for daily commuting, provides excellent visibility, and includes thoughtful features like a quick-release buckle and a washable liner.
This helmet isn’t for the track day hero or the hardcore adventure tourer. It is, however, the perfect companion for the scooter rider, the urban commuter, the cafe racer enthusiast, and anyone who wants to feel a bit more of the wind in their face without sacrificing essential protection. The sizing can be a little generous and the visor may need a touch of lube, but these are minor quibbles for what is otherwise an outstanding value. If you’re looking for a stylish, safe, and incredibly affordable helmet for your daily rides, we wholeheartedly recommend it.
