It began with an invite to ride one of the most exciting motorcycles – the Himalayan – from the house of Royal Enfield amidst the magnificent Himalayas. And given Royal Enfield’s recent track record of delivering impressive motorcycles, expectations from the new Himalayan were naturally high. Now, the reason I bring up the Himalayan ride is because tackling such challenging terrains on a motorcycle of that calibre demands proper riding gear. With all preparations in order, I realised that my existing off-road helmet was outdated, which meant that it was time to get a new one.
After spending what felt like an eternity scouring the internet for viable options, I noticed that off-road helmets are either exorbitantly priced or are offered by brands that are unfamiliar to most.
All this is primarily because of the stringent requirement of helmets bearing the ISI mark. Without this certification, dealers can’t sell them, resulting in a conspicuous lack of proper helmets from reputed manufacturers. The only exception is Royal Enfield. In recent years, RE has made significant strides in producing high-quality riding gear, earning a reputation for offering affordable gear without compromising quality. Thankfully, their product range also includes off-road friendly helmets, including the one in question here – the Royal Enfield Escapade. At ₹3,700, it not only offers a competitive price point but also the RE brand value, and it also meets the essential ISI mark requirements.
Having used the Royal Enfield Escapade extensively for hundreds of kilometres now, I can confidently recommend it as an excellent choice for those looking for an off-road helmet on a budget. Its noteworthy features include a touring-friendly design with a visor, a wide viewport that does not obstruct peripheral vision, and commendable build quality. The helmet’s liner is decent, and the presences of vents on the top ensure effective cooling during rides. What truly impressed me was its stability even at triple-digit speeds – the helmet does not lift even when the UV-treated visor is up.
Watch: Royal Enfield Himalayan Review
At 1200g, the Escapade is a simple helmet, which is really good for touring and off-roading. Sure, a double D-ring fastener and safety certification like ECE or DOT would have been better, but considering its price, the Escapade undoubtedly is the best choice in the current market conditions.
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