[2024 Latest] Can You Buy Zoku-Hel Helmets Online? 6 Popular Picks for Classic Bikes and Tips on How to Choose

What's the appeal of Zoku-Helmet? Is it popular now?

Zoku-Helmet refers to vintage-style helmets modeled after the full-face helmets that began to be used on motorcycles.

Helmets such as the BELLSTAR and BUCO RACER are considered to be the origin of Zoku-Helmets. Full-face helmets, originally used in four-wheel racing, began to be used on motorcycles in the 1970s.

From the 1970s to the 1980s, they gained popularity with the emergence of bosozoku (biker gangs) and were favored by bosozoku and yankees (delinquents), hence they became known as "Zoku-Helmet".

In addition to Zoku-Helmets, there are also "Cafe-Helmets" named after cafe racers, and some are even called "Bomberman" because their shape resembles a character from a famous video game.

Currently, they are particularly popular among riders of classic motorcycles, members of classic car clubs, and American motorcycle enthusiasts.

About the shape of Zoku-Helmet

Helmets referred to as Zoku-Helmet are primarily full-face types. Full-face helmets, which cover the entire face, originated in the US and spread to Japan, often featured in motorcycle magazines of the time.

Also, Zoku-Helmets were cheaper than regular helmets, so bosozoku who didn't have much money often bought them. This trend spread nationwide, and for a time, the impression of bosozoku = Zoku-Helmet became established.

Temporary Decline of Zoku-Helmet

Zoku-Helmet, which can be called a symbol of the era when bosozoku were prevalent, began to decline with the passage of time. Especially after entering the 1990s, the crackdown on bosozoku was strengthened, and gradually the presence of bosozoku almost disappeared from Japan.

Even in the 21st century, the decline of bosozoku continued, and gradually the term Zoku-Helmet itself became a thing of the past. However, it is still alive among those who remember that era and motorcycle enthusiasts, and it is still common to see people preferring and using Zoku-Helmets.

Revival of Zoku-Helmet Popularity

Source：http://www.ashinari.com/

After some time had passed since the decline in popularity of Zoku-Helmet, reissued versions of Zoku-Helmet began to be sold. Along with this, the popularity of Zoku-Helmet gradually returned, and by around 2019, the appeal of Zoku-Helmet was once again recognized.

Among motorcycle enthusiasts, Zoku-Helmet is highly popular, and many people ride with Zoku-Helmets. That said, bosozoku themselves have continued to decline, so they are rarely used for reckless driving. Among those who are nostalgic for old styles, such as classic car clubs, Zoku-Helmet is often seen.

Are there any tips or points for choosing a Zoku-Helmet?

Zoku-Helmets continue to be popular, but some people don't know the tips and points when actually choosing one. Next, we will introduce how to choose a Zoku-Helmet.

Choose a Zoku-Helmet with a simple design

Source：http://www.ashinari.com/

As mentioned earlier, Zoku-Helmet is a full-face helmet. Also, it has no particular elaborate design, and many of them are simple. Therefore, if you choose one, it will be a simple full-face helmet.

The definition of Zoku-Helmet is not that clear; it is merely a reference to the helmets favored by bosozoku in the 1980s. Therefore, if you or a third party can identify it as a Zoku-Helmet, then it is a Zoku-Helmet.

At that time, many designs were simple, and they were considered cool because they matched motorcycles well.

Zoku-Helmets are characterized by their simplicity, so it's a good idea to choose one that matches your motorcycle and your style. They are especially compatible with what are called classic motorcycles.

Color variations are free

The most basic color for Zoku-Helmet is said to be white. Those who know Zoku-Helmet from back then imagine a white full-face helmet, so if you're unsure about the color, you can't go wrong with white.

However, white is only the most popular, and there's no rule that you can't choose other colors. In fact, recently, there's a wider variety of Zoku-Helmet colors available.

Many people who seek Zoku-Helmets often own classic motorcycles.

Therefore, you might think white suits it, but by trying other variations, you might discover a color that suits you, so please look for it.

Try it on to check the size

Source：http://www.ashinari.com/

Zoku-Helmets are originally inspired by full-face helmets made by an American manufacturer called BELL. Therefore, when Japanese people wear Zoku-Helmets, they may be confused by the difference in size. First, you should know what shape your head is.

However, even if Zoku-Helmets have similar shapes, their interiors can vary significantly. Therefore, the best way is to actually try it on and see if it fits. If the size doesn't fit, you will have trouble later.

You can purchase Zoku-Helmets online, but when you do, make sure to check the size carefully. If you have a regular shop you go to, be sure to visit and try on Zoku-Helmets, and consider sizing up as well when making your choice.

Try it on to check the size

Helmets are meant to protect your life, so choose a helmet that meets safety standards to ensure it properly protects your head in the event of an accident.

You can determine if it meets safety standards by checking for safety standard marks such as JIS or SNELL on the helmet.

Available now! 6 Recommended Zoku-Helmets from Online Stores

Some people choose based on appearance, such as design and style that matches classic cars, while others choose based on cost performance.

To make it easier to choose, we will introduce 6 recommended Zoku-Helmets available online, focusing on design and cost performance.

Please refer to them.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ① (Vertex Nostalgic, GT750)

The recommended Zoku-Helmet is the VERTEX Nostalgic GT750, which features a unique chin strap.

The chin strap is a one-touch quick-release type, like a car seatbelt, making it easy to put on and take off even with gloves on.

It comes in a wide range of 6 helmet colors, making it easy to match with your motorcycle, and the interior is removable for washing, which is convenient in summer when you sweat a lot.

It also meets SG and PSC safety standards, so it's a recommended Zoku-Helmet for its wide color selection that matches motorcycles, ease of chin strap detachment, and safety.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ② (Vertex Nostalgic, GT750 CBX)

Next up is the recommended Zoku-Helmet, the Vertex GT750 CBX.

While the GT750 introduced earlier has a simple, solid color design, the GT750 CBX features a painted design that matches classic motorcycles.

It is available in two colors, red and blue, and is compatible with SG and PSC standards for safety.

If you prefer simplicity from Vertex, the GT750 is recommended; if you want a designed Zoku-Helmet, the CBX is a good choice.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ③ (Vertex Nostalgic, GT-751)

It is a helmet from the same GT750 series, and it is a very popular product among Zoku-Helmets. The difference from GT750 is that it has some additional decorations.

The Vertex Nostalgic GT-751 is a Zoku-Helmet with added vents compared to the Vertex GT-750.

It retains the retro atmosphere of the GT750 from its era, with added vents to prevent stuffiness even in summer. Also, like the GT750, it has a one-touch quick-release chin strap, allowing it to be taken on and off even with gloves on.

It complies with SG and PSC standards, so safety, the primary role of a helmet, is also perfect.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ④BELL STARⅡ (Reissue)

Source：https://www.amazon.co.jp/

Around 1967, BELL released "STAR," the world's first full-face helmet for on-road use.
Although its style was too groundbreaking to be immediately accepted upon release, the high safety of the full-face style, which firmly protected the head, was quickly recognized by the racing industry and rapidly spread throughout the market.

Subsequently, following the "120" model which improved visibility, the "STARⅡ" was released in '76.
This model is based on the original STARⅡ, with the shape of the eyeport (viewing area) revised to meet SG standards, remade using modern technology.

The FRP shell and genuine leather used in the mouth liner faithfully reproduce the original down to the smallest detail.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ⑤ (BELL ‎Bullitt Carbon)

Source：https://www.amazon.co.jp/

This product gives the impression of a retro helmet, which is precisely what defines a Zoku-Helmet. However, as it is made with modern technology, its performance is not inferior to other helmets. Some people may prefer this over the BELL STARⅡ.

Also, it comes in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to choose according to your preference. It also incorporates the unique simplicity of Zoku-Helmets and is as excellent as the GT series as a helmet for classic motorcycles.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet ⑥ (Dammtrax AKIRA)

Source：https://www.amazon.co.jp/

This helmet addresses the poor visibility often seen in Zoku-Helmets. If you find Zoku-Helmets difficult to see through while riding, this helmet can solve the visibility issue while keeping you looking cool.

Also, the drawback of Zoku-Helmets being too small might be resolved with this helmet. It is well-received for fitting people with larger heads, so if you are struggling with sizing, we recommend giving it a try.

Any recommended helmet shields to go with it?

Since you have a stylish Zoku-Helmet, you'll want to match it with a helmet shield to your liking.

We have some recommended shields that pair well with Zoku-Helmets, so we'll introduce those as well.

Recommended Zoku-Helmet Shield ① (Vertex GT-750 751 Exclusive Helmet Shield GT-1011)

https://bikeman.jp/

This is a helmet shield exclusively for the GT750 and GT751, which are highly popular among Zoku-Helmets. Since the GT series is almost a must-have for Zoku-Helmet enthusiasts, it's a good idea to keep a spare in case something happens.

The shield is available in 5 colors to suit the scene: clear, light smoke, smoke, dark smoke, and yellow.

The shield is hard-coated, making it scratch-resistant and ensuring long-term clear vision.