Tag Archives: Helmets

Does your helmet protect from rotation?

Claims that some helmets protect riders from brain injuries caused by rotation have been questioned since there is no official testing procedure for those forces.

Swedish brain safety technology company MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) says they are concerned about the accuracy of claims made by a couple of recently released systems that they address rotational motion and reduce strain on the brain in certain impacts.

However, MIPS boss Johan Thiel says they are more concerned that there is no industry-wide standard from third-party testing organisations.

“We at MIPS have conducted more than 22,000 tests and we know that not all helmets are equally safe, not even the ones that claims to address rotational motion”, he says.

“Right now, almost anyone can claim that their helmet is reducing rotational motion because there is no standard they have to meet.

“This is serious and concerning for the users who think they are buying a helmet with added protection.”

MIPS techBell helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) rotation

Motorcycle helmets with MIPS include: Answer, Alpinestars, AVA, Bell, Flaxta, Fly Racing, Fox, Kabuto, KTM, KYT, LS2 Helmets, Moose Racing, MSR, Salomon, Scott, Thor and TLD.

The MIPS-patented Brain Protection System (BPS) is designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head.

It MIPS activates 10-15mm movement in any direction in less than 10 milliseconds after an impact, reducing the tearing effects on the brain resulting from rotational motion.

Crash forces to the head can be divided into radial and tangential forces.

Testing for radial forces mostly demonstrates a helmet’s ability to protect against skull fracture.

Helmet still crash tested in Australia rotation
CRASH testing

Tangential force testing demonstrates a helmet’s ability to prevent potential brain injuries such as diffuse axonal injury, subdural hematoma, and concussion.

Currently, official helmet testing for consumers is only focused on radial forces.

Rotation testing

MIPS tests on other systems have found they do not reduce rotational motion to a sufficient degree.

Over the years there have also been more than 13 third-party tests conducted by insurance companies, universities and organisations that have incorporated the rotational motion test method, but no standard has been set yet.

“We welcome a vigorous scientific debate on all aspects of rotational motion solutions, because it needs to be a standard in place to protect the user,” Johan says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Jarvish offers Tron smart helmet

Jarvish has now secured more than enough crowd funding to launch their X and X-AR smart helmets, adding a Tron version with LED strips.

Their smart helmet will include a host of technology such as head-up display, cameras, Bluetooth intercom and GPS all with voice-only control through Siri, Amazon Alexa and OK Google.

The Taiwanese company launched a Kickstarter campaign last year, securing $420,000 in funding.

The full-featured X-AR is being offered at $US1099 (about $A1550) compared with the retail price after the campaign of $US1599 ($A2260). It is scheduled for delivery in September 2019.

The “budget” X version without HUD and the rear camera costs $US499 (about $A700) for early bird backers compared with the retail price of $US699 ($A990). Delivery is planned for April 2019.

Shipping will be free in the UK and US, but $US100 (about $A135) elsewhere.

Tron special

Jarvish have now switched to an Indiegogo campaign for further funding and announced that supporters who ordered the helmet can switch the special Tron version for an extra $US100 ($A140).

The Tron helmet’s micro-draw LED strips can be turned on via voice command attract more attention at night and make the rider even safer.

If you’ve already bought an X on Indiegogo and want to upgrade to the Tron design click here and if you’ve ordered the X-AR click here.

Those who ordered on Kickstarter can upgrade to the Tron when they select their helmet size.

Tron comes with a waterproof helmet bag and extra one-year warranty.  

New customers can buy the X Tron for $599, or the X-AR Tron for $1199 on the Indiegogo page. 

Jarvish features

Jarvish X-AR augmented reality HUD smart helmet

The helmet features front and rear 1080p 360-degree cameras, Bluetooth audio, active noise cancelling to reduce wind noise, a drop-down HUD screen, and integrated satellite navigation.

A range of those features has been promised in other smart helmets, but none promises all of them.

There are other points of difference:

  • The cameras will not only record video on 16 GB of internal storage plus a 256GB card slot but the rear camera can also be used as a rear view mirror;
  • Its head-up display screen is voice-activated to retract and deploy so it isn’t in your face the whole time;
  • Automated sensors turn the helmet on when you put it on and turns off when you remove the helmet;
  • Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer and ambient light sensors analyse the weather and road conditions to provide real-time alerts;
  • Access to Siri, Alexa and OK Google is voice activated without having to tap a button; and
  • Wireless charging.

Jarvish promises to deliver

The Jarvish HUD promises to show “critical information” such as bike speed, local speed limit, time, weather, chance of rain, media, phone calls, fuel stops, compass, navigation, traffic alerts, and even “road slip notifications”.

That’s a lot of information available to overload the rider and possibly make the helmet very heavy.

However, voice activation means the rider can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the bars while  control the cameras, make a call, adjust the volume, play music and more.

Even with all that technology and capability, the ECE and DOT-approved carbon helmets weigh only 14.kg for the X and 1.7kg for the X-AR.

Battery life will be six hours for the X. The extra tech in the X-AR will drain the military-grade solid-state flexible type lithium ceramic battery in four hours.

There is also an Android and iOS app that comes with the helmet to widen its capabilities.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Would you pay $40 to scan your helmet?

Riders may soon have peace of mind their helmet is safe to use after a drop or crash, thanks to a new invention that uses a laser to scan your helmet.

The Helmet Doctors who developed the device now want to know if riders would pay $40 for the safety scanning service?

You can take part in their quick 10-question online survey by clicking here.

Early feedback on the poll shows strong support for a helmet scan service.

However, some riders have expressed concern that authorities could make such scanning services compulsory.

Why helmet integrity is important?

helmet doctors scan
Scott, Brayden and family

The Helmet Doctors is a family venture founded by Brayden Robinson and his father, Scott, of the Sunshine Coast.

“We grew up with the kids and me riding motocross and we would often see kids crash then continue to use their helmets which appeared to be unscathed,” Scott says.

“When Brayden was hospitalised with a fractured skull, we were shocked to see how good the helmet still looked.

“So we started looking for a better way to assure helmets are still in a safe condition after a crash.”

helmet doctors scan
Brayden is taken away in the ambulance

This led Scott and Brayden to invent a helmet laser-scanning technique with the help of a Belgian lab who primarily work in aeronautical and spatial technologies.

This Belgian experimental science lab develops, operates and makes solutions to improve the design, mechanical strength and durability, under a vibratory environment, of equipment and structures.

Scott and Brayden did extensive research and development with this Belgian company and with the help of the Composites Research Group in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland.

The father-and-son team investigated sound waves, x-rays and other non-destructive testing techniques.

“We found this laser scanning technique can categorically guarantee that, if there is any damage to the helmet’s outer shell, our technique will identify it.

“It’s ground-breaking, proven science.”

Helmet Doctors laser scan helmets
Helmet scanner

The Helmet Doctors have a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application that allows them to enter their patent application into any of 152 jurisdictions by 23 June 2020.  At present the application has been examined by the international PCT body and all but one claim has been found to be novel over identified existing technology .

The Helmet Doctors are keen to turn this into a commercial venture.

How the scan works

Scott says very few riders know exactly when to replace their helmet.

Manufacturing safety standards say a composite helmet has a lifespan of five years and, if used frequently, about three years.

But what if you drop it or have a crash?

Helmet Doctors laser scan helmets
Helmet scan identifies a flaw

“We have all heard how if you drop your helmet once you should replace it. But very few do this,” Scott says.

“No one knows how much impact a composite helmet can tolerate before the shell is critically weakened.

“Composite materials have many layers and tiny fibres that can be damaged in a fall.

“The impact energy is dispersed among the fibres and away from the brain which it is designed to do.

“This is why a dropped helmet may still look ok.

“However, the impact could have led to a small crack or splintering which you can’t see with the naked eye.

“Our device can view, read and record the helmet 100,000 times better than the naked eye and find if there are any cracks, splintering or deformations which would make the helmet defective and unable to withstand another impact.”

Helmet-scanning scheme

The Helmet Doctors plan to test their service first in South East Queensland.

Riders would take their helmet to a participating motorcycle dealer where they would leave it and pick it up a few days later.

The helmet would be sent to the nearest scanner depot where it would be scanned, assessed and returned.

Scott says the Federal Government is considering some funding for the safety service but needs to know if it would be well received by riders, racers and the motorcycle industry.

“As you could imagine this experimental laser camera is very expensive, but our goal is to make this service accessible and cheap enough for everyone to use it,” Scott says.

If the project is successful, they hope to extend the service to other states and overseas.

If you have a few minutes, click here to take this short 10-question survey and help the Helmet Doctors.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Funding boost for Aussie Forcite smart helmet

Australian motorcycle helmet startup Forcite has received a welcome funding boost that will ensure its ultralight and ultra-hi-tech smart helmet hits the market in the next few months.

The Forcite helmet integrates a camera system, navigation, intercom and active noise-cancelling. It also features an electronically tinted visor that changes tint within a few milliseconds.

Uniseed funding

It looks so impressive, Australia’s longest-running research commercialisation fund Uniseed, has invested in the company, bringing Forcite’s total funding to $2.8 million. 

Forcite spokesman Alfred Boyadgis says the money will allow them to “focus on completing the product and getting ready for test-days”.

“It also means we can stop eating pop tarts and two-minute noodles,” he jokes. Forcite smart helmet funding

Alfred says the helmet will be launched in late April to mid-May.

A founder’s limited-edition helmet in carbon composite with gold logos will be available at around $US949 (about $A1330) to those who come along to their test days.

“This makes our helmet the most affordable smart helmet to be on the market,” Alfred says.

“The founder’s edition is only available to “test pilots” and will be heavily discounted as the point of it is to give something special to those who help us.

“We are selective with the test group and only 10% of people make it in.” 

Smart helmet revolutionForcite smart helmet funding

The smart helmet revolution is coming with several hi-tech helmets or add-on units hitting the market in the next few years, changing riding forever. 

Not to be outdone by Silicon Valley and Asian tech wizards, Alfred and Julian Chow of Forcite Helmets in Sydney have developed their own smart helmet software package.

It evolved from an undergraduate UNSW design project after Alfred’s “near-death experience” in a motorcycle accident where his helmet cracked in half and the attached action camera almost penetrated his skull.

The helmet is based on similar smart helmets Forcite has developed for other industries, and the business recently received mentoring in the UNSW 10X Accelerator. 

They say their helmet and software package give riders “greater situational awareness and allows them to overcome their lack of visibility on the road by communicating essential information about their ride in a completely safe manner”.

It can also alert riders to nearby safety hazards and provides video and audio recordings of the ride.

“We have seen riders attach all sorts of equipment to their helmets in an effort to record their rides – either for fun or for safety,” Alfred says.

“However, the practice of attaching cameras to helmets is currently illegal in NSW and being investigated by standards bodies in many countries as the devices add to the weight of the helmet and at high speed impact, can crack helmet shells, leading to death or injury.” 

(Our understanding is that NSW and Victorian police still believe external fittings render a helmet illegal, but NSW have been ordered not to fine riders until the issue is officially resolved.)

Forcite futureForcite smart helmet funding

Forcite recently invited riders to test the helmet in Australia and the US. More than 2000 riders registered to be test pilots. 

Alfred says the company is now in discussions with major motorcycle brands and distributors in Australia and the United States.

“The early interest has resulted in a groundswell of momentum that will culminate when our helmets hit the road early this year,” he says.

Uniseed investment manager Natasha Rawlings says the need for the product is “immense”.

She says the market for helmets with electronics embedded is already worth more than $17 billion a year and will grow 10% in the next eight years.

“Our funding will enable the company to address this growing unmet need and deliver a safer, better experience for thousands of riders worldwide,” she says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

AGV X3000 helmet honours Barry Sheene

AGV has released a Barry Sheene limited-edition tribute helmet in their new X3000 collection.

The Sheene helmet will cost $899 when it arrives in March 2019, but you can pre-order now to ensure you don’t miss out on the limited-edition model.

It is part of the extensive X3000 range led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini. There are also 10 colour choices ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.

AGV X3000 helmets retro helmet Barry Sheene
X3000 colours

Click here to read our AGX X3000 review.

The Barry Sheene X3000 is highlighted by the iconic lucky number seven that became Barry’s trademark on the track as well as the quirky Duck on the crown of the helmet all tied together with the infamous black and gold graphic.

It also has the likeable larrikin’s signature painted on the back.

The fibreglass helmet is engineered in three shell sizes with a vented visor, leather and suede fabric, removable and washable interior, anti-scratch visor with micro-opening system and a double-D chin strap.

Barry Sheene history

Barry Sheene AGV

Here is a history of Barry as supplied by Australian AGV distributors, Link International.

A true rockstar of the sport, Barry Sheene became a household name quickly taking the sport of motorcycle racing into the living rooms of people across the world. Even if you weren’t interested in motorcycle racing you were interested in what Barry Sheene was doing and his antics on and off the track. Known for his likeable demeanour and sex appeal Barry was envied by men and wanted by women, rarely ever photographed without a female companion by his side. He married a Penthouse cover girl Stephanie McLean who became his “lucky charm” as she attended nearly all of his races as a time keeper.

Barry went on to win two consecutive world titles in 1976-1977, a feat that had not been accomplished by a British rider at the time. A series of near fatal accidents threatened to derail his career but the attitude and determination that was Barry Sheene prevailed.

Barry was a dedicated showman who made time for his fans and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the people who supported him and came to watch his races. Barry’s larrikin personality lead to many headlines in the press over the years including the two fingers he used to show behind his back while racing again accomplished racer “King” Kenny Roberts. 

Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene

In 1984 after unsuccessfully trying to reclaim his title as world champ Sheene retired to Australia in the late 1980’s seeking a warmer climate to aid his recovery from injuries and arthritis. It was here he pursued business ventures and even worked for the 9 Network as a commentator of the World Motorcycle Grand Prix and also appearing in Shell ads with the legendary Dick Johnson.

It was here that Australian riders and fans set in stone their love for Barry Sheene, as his sense of humour struck a chord with the Aussie population. His knowledge and opinions helped shape Australian motorsport today with many riders, racers and teams receiving a helping hand from the motorcycle racer including Mick Doohan and Garry McCoy. Sheene was inducted into the MotoGP hall of fame and in 2017 was inducted into the motorsport hall of fame with his former engineer and sister accepting the honours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Helmet still crash tested in Australia

Motorcycle helmets are still being crash tested in Australia despite European-standard helmets being available here for several years because they provide riders with “more information”.

The NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) crash-tests 30 helmets a year and releases the details every November.

Centre for Road Safety active executive director Craig Moran says that while all helmets sold here meet either Australian Standards or global standard UNECE 22.05, CRASH ratings “give riders more information so they can chose the best helmet for their situation”.

Helmets tested

CRASH has tested 34 full-face helmets since 2017 and 1012 pre-2017, 17 open face helmets since 2017 and 35 prior and nine dual-purpose helmets since 2017 and 23 prior.

It is not as comprehensive as the similar British SHARP helmet safety scheme. It has tested and rated hundreds of helmets, almost all of which are now available for sale in Australia.

“The helmets are chosen based a number of criteria including their approximate number of sales or popularity or if the consortium identifies a particular helmet as requiring further performance testing,” Craig says. 

“Helmets are proven to reduce the severity of head injuries as well as the likelihood of death and disability.

Helmet still crash tested in Australia
CRASH testing

“We also recently launched MotoCAP which is a consumer information program designed to provide riders with scientifically-based information about the protection and comfort of a range of motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand.”

CRASH is run by a consortium of NSW government agencies and Swann Insurance.

It assesses and compares motorcycle helmets in terms of their ability to protect the wearer’s head in a crash and how comfortable the helmet is to wear.

Click here for more information about CRASH testing procedures.

Last year we assessed helmet ratings from CRASH and SHARP to assess whether price correlates with safety.

We found some surprising results! Click here for the full story.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Shoei joins smart helmet revolution

Shoei is the first major motorcycle helmet manufacturer to join the growing smart helmet revolution with the announcement of their IT-HT helmet.

The IT-HT helmet will include Bluetooth intercom and head-up display which includes a translucent screen that shows vital information to the rider without them having to take their eyes off the road.

Shoei IT-HT Shoei joins smart helmet revolution
Shoei IT-HT screen

Information can be customised by the rider to include bike data such as speed and revs, but also navigation, incoming phone calls, etc.

Revolution

The revolution is yet to get off the ground.

While there are many start-ups with smart helmets and aftermarket add-on devices such as Hudway, Nuviz and Seemore, few have made it to the market or proved their reliability.

Shoei has a long history of making safe and quality helmets, so their addition to the smart helmet revolution is welcome.

In fact, Shoei is Australia’s most trusted helmet brand, according to a 2018 Canstar Blue survey.

It also lends credibility to the argument that this technology is the future of motorcycling.

Some even predict these smart helmets will make bike instruments obsolete.

Shoei announced the IT-HT at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but did not say when it would be available.

This tech does not come cheap. Most start-up company smart helmets cost well over $1000 such as the Jarvish and Skully helmets.

However, Shoei’s mass-production could mean they are cheaper.

Shoei has partnered with fellow Japanese technology company NS West which makes instruments for cars such as Mazda and head-up displays.

Meanwhile, Australia is also getting in on the smart helmet revolution with the Forcite to be launched in March this year.

Forcite smart helmet revolution
Forcite smart helmet

This year could be when the smart helmet revolution really gets into gear.

But do you think it is safe or a distraction? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Shoei updates GT-Air touring helmet

Shoei has updated its GT-Air touring helmet with a longer internal sun visor, better venting and more aerodynamics to make it quieter.

The GT-Air II will be available in April. Australian pricing is not yet available, but in the USA it will cost $US599 (about $A840) for single colours and $US699 (about $A980) for graphics.

Perhaps to make way for the new model, current GT-Air helmets are on sale in Australia from $790 to $883 depending on graphics.

GT-Air a polular tourerShoei GT-Air II touring helmet

Shoei is the most trusted helmet brand in Australia and the GT-Air has long been popular among tourers who ride all day and into the night.

The GT-Air II model should improve on that status.

Aussie riders will appreciate that the internal sun visor is now 5mm longer for improved glare protection. 

Shoei has also redesigned the main visor so it has a “first position” opening for better venting and to prevent fogging. However, it also comes with a Pinlock EVO anti-fog insert.

Tourers often fit bluetooth intercom units to their helmet and the GT-Air II now has a special recess on the base to fit the new Sena SRL2 unit.

Another new addition is a micro-ratcheting buckle instead of the conventional double-D ring.Shoei GT-Air II touring helmet

While racers use double D for security, the quick-release buckle is more convenient for tourers who often stop for fuel, coffee or a toilet break. It makes it easier to fasten, remove and adjust.

StreamliningShoei GT-Air II touring helmet

Shoei has streamlined the new shell in a wind tunnel so it is more compact and more aerodynamic which reduce the amount of fatiguing wind noise inside.

While most helmets have a couple of intake vents and one exhaust vent, the GT-Air II has three intakes and five exhausts, so it should be a lot cooler in the summer.

It comes with the 3-D Max Dry System that is removable, washable, replaceable and adjustable.Shoei GT-Air II touring helmet

They claim it absorbs sweat twice as fast as nylon and is shaped to match a rider’s head. But if you’ve got a weird head shape, you can buy thicker and thinner pieces to ensure an optimum fit.

Like the GT-Air, the new model has the Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS) that allows first responders to remove the helmet from an injured rider’s head without further injuring their neck.

It will come in a range of sizes from XS to XXL and colours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Helmets getting smarter by the year

Motorcycle helmets are getting smarter all the time with head-up display, crash alerts, air-conditioning and active noice-cancelling, while some riders (or pillions) are not so smart (watch this video!)

something wrong

Helmet tech has been around for a long time like this turbo visor that cleans the visor in the rain.Helmets getting smarter by the year smarter

But in recent years smart tech has exploded, mainly with head-up display.

It displays important information such as speed and navigation guidance on a small screen in your periphery vision.

This tech has been around for a few years with many promises but few product deliveries.

Forcite smart helmet
Forcite seeks test pilots

In 2018, Skully controversially returned to the market and Australian startup Forcite started looking for riders to act as test pilots for their ultralight but ultra-hi-tech smart helmet.

Smarter, smaller, tougher

The tech is getting smarter, smaller and more robust and in the next few years it will become cheaper.

But HUD is yet to play a major role in primary motorcycle safety. Perhaps that will change in 2019.

Meanwhile, there is other tech that is available now that is an advantage to riders.

One is active noise-cancelling. Like Bose headphones, it produces a mirror images of ambient sound waves to cancel out damaging wind noise.

Loud helmets (Image from Promotor) smarter
(Image from Promotor)

Sena has developed a helmet with this tech and, of course, you can also wear noise-cancelling earphones under your helmet.

It’s not yet certified for Australia and may have some difficulty getting Euro approval as some European countries ban Bluetooth and/or earphones in helmets.

Helmet AC

If you believe in global warming, then airconditioning for helmets will be vital for the survival of motorcycles.

There have been all sorts of strange contraptions to add to helmets.

Now American inventor and avid rider Steve Feher has launched the world’s first air-conditioned helmet that is claimed to decrease temperatures by 10-15º Fahrenheit (6-8ºC).

Feher ACH-1 air-conditioned helmet smarter
Feher AC helmet

Not cheap

The biggest problem with all this smart motorcycle helmet technology is that it will make helmets more expensive, so you will not only need to lock your bike from thieves, but also your helmet.

So here comes the Kobe Smart Helmet Case which electronically secures your helmet to your bike when parked and neatly folds away when not in use to be visually discrete and aerodynamic while riding.

Sounds like a good idea, but it will cost you €199 (about $A310, $US225).

Kobe Smart Case smarter
Kobe Smart Case

While tech tries to make our heads smarter and safer, some people would prefer no helmet or even a turban!Turban Sikh sikhs helmet

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

AGV X3000 retro helmet review

Everything old is new again in the world of helmets and the latest to join the retro helmet rage is the very stylish AGV X3000 race replica.

The X3000 range is led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini.

There are 10 colour choices ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.AGV X3000 helmets retro helmet

Style and function

The X3000 retro helmet series replicates the original helmet that AGV founder Gino Amisano worked closely with Ago to develop.

It features a low chin guard, tapered bottom and the contoured chin piece that Ago requested so he could lean his head on the tank.

The low chin guard not only looks retro, but also provides a wide aperture for good vision.

Safety first

That’s a great primary safety feature, but what about secondary safety – crash protection?

Top UK-based SHARP helmet rating system has not tested the X3000 series yet.

However, our survey of all their ratings shows AGV is the second-highest rating in safety behind Shark.

AGV also rated third in the Canstar Blue helmet customer satisfaction survey.

The fibreglass shell and EPS structure are in three sizes for a close fit and safety.

They also feature a sturdy double-D chin strap clasp.

AGV X3000 retro helmet review
Stylish “AGV” stamp on clasp

Retro helmet road test

Australian importer Link International sent me a $699 black and white Legends to review.

It’s a handsome helmet with high-quality gloss finish and luxuriously plush leather and fabric interior. The lining is breathable, replaceable and washable.

The helmet could easily go on the mantlepiece for all to admire.

However, this is for test, so I’ve taken it on several rides to test comfort and practicality.

Fit is different for every head. AGV helmets fit my particular head shape well with no pressure points on my head.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

However, I seem to take one size larger than with other helmets, so it’s important to try it on in a store, rather than (or before) ordering online.

Pulling the helmet on it feels very comfortable. There is an ear recess where you can fit your Bluetooth intercom speakers without hurting your ears. It’s a snug fit, but I found I can still wear earphones without pulling them out as I pull on the helmet.

Speaking of Bluetooth, there is no way to use the clamp attachment as there is no gap between the lining and shell. Instead, you will need to use a sticker mount.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

Visor closure

There are two traditional magnetic snap-latches on either side of the visor. You can open the visor with just your left hand, leaving your right hand free to stay on the throttle.

Closing the visor requires a firm push on both sides and the middle to fit the seal around the wide face aperture.

Most retro helmets have large gaps around the visor. It may be traditional, but it makes them noisy and tiring on a long trip.

This has a rubber ring around the aperture for a firm fit. It is easily the quietest retro helmet I have tested with the visor closed.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

However, there are a lot of different whistling sounds when the visor is open.

Like many retro helmets there is no chin spoiler to deflect wind and noise.

Surprisingly, not a lot of wind noise comes up through the chin gap. Yet you do get a lot of cool ventilation for your face.

There is only one long and narrow vent at the front of the visor. It is blocked by a removable black rubber gasket.

AGV X3000 retro helmet review
Single vent

Pull it out and it feeds cooling air straight into vents at the top of the aperture that channels into the shell.

Together with the facial air flow, it’s surprisingly cool on a hot day.

But with no chin spoiler it might be a bit breezy in winter.

Visor change

Changing the visor from clear to tinted or vice versa is not as easy as many modern helmets that simply pop into place.

This one is held by a screwed-in plate and a circlip on each side.

To undo, pull off the small black plastic cap and unscrew the round metal plate with an allen key (not provided).

Pull out the circlip, careful not to drop the two plastic gaskets that locate the visor.

That’s five pieces to remove.

It’s needlessly fiddly, time-consuming and will fill up your swear jar.

Conclusion

If style and safety is your thing, try the X3000 which is the most practical of the retro helmets I’ve tested.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com