Alpinestars Motorcycle Helmets – SM3 and SM5 Off-Road Range

Alpinestars Helmet Models -- What Each Is For

Helmet Safety Certification - What ECE 06 and DOT Mean

Every Alpinestars helmet in this collection carries dual certification: ECE 22.06 (European standard) and DOT (US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard). Here is what each means and why it matters for an off-road helmet:

About Alpinestars SM3 and SM5 Helmets

Alpinestars has competed in and supplied protection gear for motocross and off-road racing since the brand's founding in 1963. The SM3 and SM5 helmet lines represent the brand's current off-road helmet platform, developed in parallel with the apparel and boot range used by Alpinestars-sponsored riders in FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP), AMA Supercross, and Hard Enduro events globally.

The SM3 is Alpinestars' core motocross helmet shell -- a lightweight open-face design optimised for the specific combination of protection and usability that off-road riding requires. Motocross helmets differ from road helmets in several important ways: the shell is open-face because a chin bar would obscure vision for the low-position riding posture of motocross; the visor aperture is sized specifically for MX goggles rather than a built-in visor; the ventilation is tuned for the high physical output and heat generation of off-road riding; and the liner is removable and washable because off-road riding generates significantly more dirt, sweat, and moisture than road riding.

The Honda SM5 HE5 edition reflects Alpinestars' long-standing partnership with Honda's off-road racing programme. Honda and Alpinestars have a formal technical partnership in off-road racing, and the HE5 edition carries the Honda Racing livery used by the partnership's factory riders in competition. This is an officially licensed product, not a generic branded helmet.

What distinguishes the Alpinestars SM3 and SM5

• ECE 22.06 certification -- the current European standard, more rigorous than the previous ECE 22.05. Tested by an independent accredited laboratory, not self-certified. All SM3 and SM5 models in this collection are ECE 22.06 certified.
• MX goggle compatibility -- the SM3 visor aperture is specifically sized and shaped for standard MX goggles. The shell geometry is designed to allow goggles to sit flush without gaps at the temples, preventing roost (dirt and debris thrown from the front wheel) from penetrating the eye gap in competition.
• Removable and washable liner -- the interior padding system is fully removable for washing. Off-road riding generates substantially more sweat and dirt than road riding; a washable liner is not optional for this riding type, it is a practical requirement.
• Youth sizing on SM3 Youth range -- Alpinestars produces the SM3 in youth-specific shell sizes, not simply a scaled-down adult shell. The youth shell is separately engineered and separately certified, ensuring the fit, retention, and protection geometry are correct for smaller head sizes.
• Honda partnership on SM5 HE5 -- the Honda SM5 HE5 is produced through a formal technical partnership between Alpinestars and Honda Racing, not a standard licensing arrangement. The livery is the factory Honda Racing specification.

How to Choose Your Alpinestars Helmet

For adult motocross and enduro riders starting with the SM3 range

The SM3 Solid is the entry point -- the cleanest, most accessible version of the SM3 platform. ECE 06 and DOT certified, removable liner, goggle-compatible visor aperture. If you want a no-frills off-road helmet from a brand with a strong MX competition heritage, the SM3 Solid is the correct starting point. Choose the SM3 Heat graphic if you want Alpinestars racing graphics on the same certified platform.

For Honda riders and Honda Racing programme followers

The Honda SM5 HE5 is the dedicated Honda partnership helmet. The SM5 sits above the SM3 in the Alpinestars range -- typically a more premium shell construction and enhanced ventilation. The HE5 edition carries authentic Honda Racing livery from the Alpinestars-Honda technical partnership. If you ride a Honda CRF, ride under Honda Racing colours, or want the factory team identity in a premium off-road helmet, this is the correct model.

For junior and youth off-road riders

The SM3 Youth range covers junior motocross and trail riders who need a properly sized and separately certified helmet. Do not put an adult SM3 on a young rider and expect it to fit correctly -- the retention system and shell geometry of the youth version are designed for smaller head sizes. The SM3 Youth Solid is the clean entry point; the SM3 Youth Radium adds the Alpinestars Radium graphic treatment. Both carry ECE 06 and DOT certification at the youth shell specification.

SM3 versus SM5 -- which should you choose?

The SM3 is Alpinestars' accessible MX helmet platform -- correct for recreational motocross, trail riding, and entry-level enduro. The SM5 (represented in this collection by the Honda HE5 edition) is positioned as a more premium platform with enhanced ventilation, shell construction, or materials depending on the specific model. The Honda SM5 HE5 is also positioned at a higher price point ($235 vs $140-$176 for SM3). If you are a recreational or club-level off-road rider, the SM3 is the correct choice. If you want the premium SM5 platform in Honda team livery, the HE5 is the only SM5 option currently in this collection.

Sizing the Alpinestars SM3 correctly

Alpinestars SM3 helmets are sized to standard European head measurements in centimetres. Measure the circumference of your head at the widest point -- typically just above the ears and above the eyebrows -- with a flexible tape. Alpinestars provides size charts correlating head circumference (in cm) to helmet size (XS through 2XL for adult; XS through L for youth). Motocross helmets should fit firmly and evenly all the way around the head, with no pressure points and no ability to rock the helmet front-to-back or side-to-side. A correctly fitted SM3 should require slight downward pressure on the ear pads to put on. If it slides on without any resistance, size down.

Frequently Asked Questions -- Alpinestars Helmets

Are Alpinestars SM3 helmets full-face or open-face?

The Alpinestars SM3 and SM5 are open-face helmets -- they do not have a chin bar. They are off-road and motocross-style helmets designed for use with MX goggles. If you are looking for a full-face road helmet, these models are not the correct choice. Please browse our full helmets range for full-face options.

What Alpinestars helmets do you stock?

We stock 59 Alpinestars helmets across the SM3 and SM5 off-road range -- SM3 Solid adult helmets in multiple colourways, SM3 Heat graphic helmets, SM3 Youth Solid and SM3 Youth Radium junior helmets, and the Honda SM5 HE5 premium off-road helmet in Honda Racing livery. All are ECE 22.06 and DOT certified. Prices from $111 to $235.

What safety certification do Alpinestars SM3 helmets carry?

Every Alpinestars helmet in this collection carries dual ECE 22.06 and DOT certification. ECE 22.06 is the current European motorcycle helmet safety standard, tested by an independent accredited laboratory and covering impact absorption including rotational energy. DOT is the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Both certifications are confirmed on each product page.

Are Alpinestars SM3 helmets suitable for road use?

The SM3 is designed and certified as an off-road and motocross helmet. It is an open-face design without a chin bar. While it carries ECE 22.06 certification (the European road helmet standard), the lack of chin protection means it does not offer the same frontal impact protection as a full-face helmet. We would not recommend the SM3 as a primary road helmet for motorway or A-road use. It is correctly specified for motocross, enduro, trail, and off-road riding.

What is the difference between the SM3 and the Honda SM5 HE5?

The SM3 is Alpinestars' core motocross helmet platform -- ECE 06 and DOT certified, lightweight open-face design, available in solid and graphic options at $140-$176. The Honda SM5 HE5 is a premium SM5 platform helmet produced through the Alpinestars-Honda Racing technical partnership, at $235. The SM5 typically features enhanced ventilation and shell construction relative to the SM3. The HE5 edition carries authentic Honda Racing livery.

Do you stock Alpinestars SM3 youth helmets?

Yes. We stock the SM3 Youth Solid and SM3 Youth Radium in multiple colourways. These are youth-specific shell sizes with separate ECE 22.06 and DOT certification for the youth shell geometry, not scaled-down adult helmets. They are suitable for junior motocross and trail riders. Measure your junior rider's head circumference (in cm) and use the Alpinestars youth size chart on the individual product page.

What is your return policy on Alpinestars helmets?

We accept returns on all unused Alpinestars helmets in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery, provided the helmet has not been ridden in or had its liner compromised. If the size is not right, email info@thebikerwears.com and we will arrange a return or exchange. Note: for safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on helmets that show signs of impact or wear.

Alpinestars Helmets at The Biker Wears

We stock the current Alpinestars SM3 and SM5 helmet range across adult and youth sizing and dispatch from London, UK, with full parcel tracking. Questions about fit, certification, or which model is correct for your riding -- contact our team at info@thebikerwears.com.

Complete your Alpinestars gear combination

• Alpinestars Motorcycle Gloves -- 153 styles from the Alpinestars range including short MX sport gloves, Drystar waterproof touring gloves, and the AMT 10 winter gloves. Match your SM3 with Alpinestars off-road gloves for a consistent brand combination.
• Alpinestars Motorcycle Jackets -- the full Alpinestars jacket range including Drystar waterproof, leather sport, and AMT adventure jackets for road and mixed-terrain riders.
• Dainese Motorcycle Helmets -- full-face road helmets from Dainese, including Carbon-shell and ECE 22.06 certified models for road and track use.
• BMW Motorrad Helmets -- full-face, flip-front, and open-face helmets from BMW's precision-engineered helmet programme; ECE 22.06 certified for road use.