Modular motorcycle helmets offer the most versatility when it comes to riding with the faceshield and chinbar in the open or closed position. For many years a modular motorcycle helmet was seen exclusively as a smoker's helmet, but with the rise of adventure touring riders and more hybrid approaches to motorcycling, the modular helmet has gained great popularity over the last several years.

Most modular motorcycle helmets offer a chin bar and shield that flips up, but some, like the next-generation Shark Evoline offer a mutli-position chin bar which when up completely locks back behind the head to offer a more aerodynamic line for riding at speed in the open position. When choosing a modular motorcycle helmet, aside from price, there are other factors to take into consideration like style of chin bar, face shield positioning, locked position, hinge shape and other optional features like internal sun visors. Modular helmets are made by a number of manufacturers including Shark, Shoei, Nolan and KBC.

• Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide