Why Do Dirt Bike Helmets Have Peak Visors?

A full-face street helmet has an important feature to protect you when you're riding a motorcycle: a visor. It prevents rocks and other road debris from hitting you in the face. 

But dirt bike helmets are different. Instead of a face shield, they have a peak (also known as a visor) that runs across the top like the bill of a baseball cap, which is an iconic part of the offroad helmet design.

Why Wear an Open-Face Dirt Bike Helmet?

The purpose of the visor across the top of the helmet is the same as a closed-face visor. When you’re leaned forward on the dirt bike, the long visor — paired with goggles — protects your face from rocks, dirt and other debris on the trail or track. 

Why Not a Closed-Face Dirt Bike Helmet?

Riding a dirt bike is much more physically demanding than riding a street bike. On the trail, you use your entire body to keep the bike under control, and that includes a lot of movement between standing and sitting. That physical exertion gets you hot, and the open-faced helmet offers more airflow to keep your head cool.

Are There Other Helmet Options for Off-Road?

If you’re doing a little bit of everything — street and offroad bike riding — a dual sport helmet might be the happy medium you need. 

Dual Sport Helmet

Dirt Bike Helmet

These helmets offer some versatility to give you a closed face option on the road, and more airflow with an open design when you’re on the trail. Is it what you’d want to wear in a motocross race? No, but if you dabble in both street and offroad riding, a dual sport design strikes a good balance between offroad and street helmet.