Smart helmets with head-up display and other hi-tech features rank as the most exciting piece of kit riders are keen to try in 2022, according to a new UK survey.
The Bikesure survey found that riders are keen to invest in new technologies to improve their safety while riding.
We have been hearing about these smart helmets for sever al years with a raNge of technology such as head-up display like jet fighter pilots have been using for years.
The helmets are now starting to hit the market with features that display GPS directions, allow phone calls, show 360° rearview footage from an inbuilt camera, provide traffic alerts and even alert you to traffic hazards.
Whether these are a safety feature or create distraction is still open to debate.
However, the UK study found smart helmets were ranked top of the kit wish list by 52% with younger riders most receptive while over 65s (35%) were more hesitant.
A slim 51% majority of those surveyed believed their riding experiences would be enhanced by new technologies in smart helmets.
Over half of those set to consider investing in new technologies and modifications say that safety credentials are the most important buying consideration (53%) which beat out other considerations such as price, weight and looks.
Other safety improvements that riders are most excited about include modular helmets with improved flow and visibility; airbag vests, jackets and full-length suits; and lightweight adventure riding gear.
Similarly, younger riders are more receptive than older riders to this new gear.
Riders are also considering modifications and technological upgrades to their bikes in 2022.
Some 39% are likely to invest in bikes with ABS, 32% in adaptive headlights, 28% in smart windshield upgrades, and 26% in a bike with vehicle-to-vehicle technology (V2V) or bike-to-vehicle technology (B2V).
The company claims its ECE 22:05 and DOT FMVSS218 approved, carbon-fibre Atlas 3.0 helmet is quieter, more comfortable, safer and with more colour and graphic options, although not really any more expensive.
I reviewed the Atlas 2.0 helmet a little over a year ago. I found it quite comfortable and full of handy features, but with some issues over noise.
Company spokesman Ben Conie says they listened to rider feedback in updating the helmet as well as the accompanying Shockwave audio system.
However, if you upgrade from the Atlas 2.0 to the Atlas 3.0, the old Shockwave audio ($A210) will not fit, so you will have to buy the new one, thankfully at the same price.
The Atlas 2.0 helmet originally cost around A630-$A700 depending on graphics. There are still some available at about a $150 discount.
Atlas 3.0 full range
Atlas 3.0 models also start at $A630 with most $A700, some $A740 and the Nebula Carbon and Liquid Carbon models $810. My “Carbonised Gold” test model is one of 16 varieties to choose from.
One of the most basic upgrades has been going from two to three shells sizes which is not only good for sizing and comfort, but also safety.
The Atlas 2.0 has only recently been tested and rated at four out of five stars by the respected British helmet safety site, SHARP, so we can expect the updated model to be at least the same standard … maybe higher!
The first thing I noticed after removing the helmet from its plush boxing is the-lusher and softer interior. It feels like sticking your head inside a pillow!
Plush interior
Another great feature from the boxing is a contoured foam pad to place your helmet on when it is not on your head.
It even includes a groove to hold your spare Pinlock-ready wraparound visor which comes in a range of options including new Chrome and Pink iridescent.
Speaking of which, they say the visor locking system is more secure and easier for swapping visors. It may be more secure and air tight, but it is quite stiff making it difficult to swap visors quickly.
Maybe it will loosen up if I keep changing the visor, but I rarely ride into the night because of wildlife issues, so I doubt I’ll be replacing the tinted visor anytime soon.
Ruroc says the main engineering improvements are in the aerodynamics.
That should not only make it feel quieter but with less drag there should be less fatigue after a long day riding on a bike without a windscreen.
I can’t discern any difference in the noise levels to the previous model.
But I can hear the audio much better probably because the speakers have been improved and it is easier to position them exactly where needed.
Incidentally, for me, that means placing them not where the recess is, but a little further forward and higher. Maybe my ears are strangely positioned!
Thankfully they are covered in a comfortable thick foam so they don’t hurt my ears.
I’m still not a fan of the discrete Bluetooth system’s controls at the back of the helmet, but at least the buttons are now three times bigger. They are still pretty difficult to find with thick gloves on.
Installation is now much easier with integrated cable routing for the speakers and mic, plus magnetic fitment for the unit so you don’t have to fiddle with (and lose) tiny screws.
Like most modern Bluetooth systems, it is quick and foolproof to pair and operates without any issues.
It now also offers support for rider-pillion intercom and music sharing, improvements to sound quality, battery state monitoring and LED indications as well as updated voice prompts.
All Atlas 3.0 helmets are made from T-400 carbon fibre and weigh just 1.4kg and no discernible weight increase from the tiny audio and speakers.
Together with the improved aero, this results in very little helmet fatigue after a long day in the saddle.
Thankfully the handy Magnetic Fidlock chinstrap has been retained from the previous model.
It means no fiddling around with double-D mechanisms and is even easier than a snap-lock mechanism.
Just put the clasps close together and the magnetised ends “find” each other and lock in. It feels safe and secure and will not come undone unless you grab the red release strap.
However, I can’t see the racing authorities approving the system.
I can probably still take it to on track days. In fact, out of all the reviewed and bought helmets in my cupboard, this is now my go-to helmet because of comfort, handy features such as the clasp and the discrete, built-in and high-quality sound system.
A company named VELDT has taken it upon itself to perk up noggins across the country with customizable helmets – and the options are seemingly endless.
Now, a software system integrated on their website shows you your options when it comes to decking out your new lid.
We’re talking multiple choices in paint design and texture, interior, trim and aeration – you can even choose whether you need your new retro-style helmet to be ECE or DOT certified.
All of this is tweakable to your own personal color palette – and as if it weren’t already obvious that VELDT doesn’t just involve the stereotypical, check out this VELDT lid in ‘silver foil’ that we found:
The VELDT Mark-1 helmet is already well-known for the clever configuration of extra accessories for their base helmet, resulting in multiple choices of helmet styles for the client – now available on your own custom lid. You can even get helmet hangers to show the lid off in your favorite foyer.
We took the liberty of getting some screenshots of the configuration process. Ignore the scheme chosen for the helmet…er, the cat walked over the keyboard.
Prices for VELDT’s customizable helmet range start at $700 USD, and any potential upgrades to the material itself are a surprisingly reasonable price…depending on what you choose, of course.
Bottom line, it’s worth it to check out their configurator and see if you can’t get that helmet to match your BMW baby in the back of the garage.
Company spokesman Ben Conie says the changes are the result of listening to rider feedback.
They include: three shells sizes, up from two; removing the visor cover; more EPS lining; and a wide range of colours and visors.
Atlas 3.0 full range
Chief among the changes are the improvements to aerodynamics that have made the quiet helmet even quieter such as removing the visor cover which should also improve the field of vision.
The visor mechanism thickness has also been reduced by 25% freeing up more space for EPS which should not only make it safer, but quieter again.
Further decreasing wind noise is a new locking pin with a precision-engineered polycarbonate locker, so there’s no longer a hole in the visor.
The reduced wind noise in the helmet should make the aftermarket Bluetooth system easier to hear without having to crank up the volume.
Bigger buttons
While I’m not a fan of the discrete Bluetooth system’s controls at the back of the helmet, at least the buttons are now three times bigger.
And it’s now easier to install, with integrated cable routing and magnetic fitment.
All Atlas 3.0 helmets are made from T-400 carbon fibre and weigh just 1.4kg. Prices have not yet been released, but as an indication, the Atlas 2.0 was priced from $US430 ($A620) to $US490 ($A720) depending on colours and graphics.
Speaking of which, I particularly love the classy “Carbonised Gold” model, but you can surely find one you like as there are 16 varieties.
There are also nine Pinlock-ready wraparound visors to choose from, including new Chrome and Pink iridescent options.
Swapping visors takes less than 30 seconds, making it easy to match your visor to the conditions.
Thankfully the handy Magnetic Fidlock chinstrap has been retained.
Atlas helmets are ECE 22:05 and DOT FMVSS218 approved.
It includes a live tracking beacon to provide emergency services with your location if you crash.
Unlike some other helmets with integrated communications it doesn’t have wires, velcro speakers, dials, knobs or an exposed microphone.
Only 200 of the carbon fibre helmets have been manufactured for this quarter with USA delivery promised by Christmas, so long as you order by November 15.
The helmet will roll out in larger numbers across more countries next year.
Price has not yet been revealed, but it should be affordable as their ECE and DOT-approved helmets cost $US300 (about $A390) for the McQ open-face helmet, $US350 ($A450) for the SpitFire full face and $US540 ($A700) for the 1270 gram carbon full-face Ghost helmet.
Quin Helmets founder and CEO Ani Surabhi says the Quest helmet is the result of customer requests.
“This new versatile modular helmet offers our customers the added layer of Quin technology, allowing them to ride apart, but never alone on any adventures they choose,” Ani says.
Among its other features are a drop-down internal sun shield, UV-coated visor and a removable peak so you can wear it for adventure rides.
With the peak on, it weighs 1.7kg (3.86lb) for medium size and 1.6kg (3.66lb) with the weak removed.
The one-button chin bar can be locked in the open position, but be aware it may not be officially approved in your country to be used in that position while riding.
Quin claims their Aerodynamic Ventilation System has large upper intakes that pour plenty of cooling air into the deep ridges in the EPS liner.
Fly Racing has revealed it’s 2021 MX racing helmets and their respective liveries/color options with an entirely new cost-effective helmet model to throw into the mix.
Formula Carbon
The Fly Racing Formula Carbon is a lightweight, DOT and ECE approved motocross helmet with a full 12k carbon fiber construction. Being the top-dog of the 2021 lineup, Fly Racing was sure to pack as many features into this helmet as possible. The lid has been designed with as many energy mitigating materials as possible “including RHEON, a leading-edge viscoelastic material – fine-tuned to greatly improve impact management over traditional helmets”. Lots of marketing departments come up with their own lingo to set their products apart from the rest, but the most important takeaway with this helmet is the carbon fiber construction, quick-release cheek pads (makes for easer helmet removal by emergency responders), and the high-level safety ratings. The Formula Carbon comes with a tag of around $582 USD for adults and $546 for children.
Formula CC
The Formula CC is the next step on your way down the pricing ladder. It’s pretty much the same as the Carbon edition boasting both ECE and DOT approved safety ratings with the same AIS (Adaptive Impact System) and RHEON tech but with a Tri-weave composite shell in exchange for the carbon fiber. This helmet should retail for approximately $426.86 USD for adults and $400 USD for youth sizes.
Kinetic
The new Kinetic model is the final helmet I’ll be going over. It drops the ECE approval to bring the pricepoint down (I mean, waaaaay down) to $131 USD for adults and $117 USD for youth. The lid is still DOT approved with its polymer shell and features the same cheek pad release mechanism found in its more expensive siblings.
This may or may not get slightly confusing with the sheer amount of ‘X-Names’ as every model and technology from NEXX starts with an X and ends with something else.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary in the helmet manufacturing world, NEXX has refreshed its entire lineup of helmets with the addition of two new models.
Many of their existing models got graphic overhauls and will come in new colors while the NEXX X-WED 2 VAAL and the X.VILIBY have grand unveilings.
The NEXX X-WED 2 VAAL is a dual-sport/ADV helmet that reaps the benefits of NEXX’s new X-PRO CARBON fiber shell construction allowing for an even lighter shell of only 1460g (3.1 pounds). As with any good ADV helmet, you’ll be looking for something you can wash thoroughly in the event you fall into the mud or your riding partner rooster-tails you with 15 pounds of dirt when you’re riding behind them. Nexx recognizes this need and designed the helmet accordingly with its X-MART dry fabric liners being fully removable and machine washable.
Have you had enough of X-names yet? No? Good, because the NEXX X-WED 2 VAAL also includes their X-HIDRO system which allows you to attach the tube and mouthpiece from your hydro bladder (if you have one) to the inside of your helmet so water is always accessible on-the-go.
The X.VILIBY takes design cues from the older X.VILITUR and puts them into a comfortable and ergonomic option for riders seeking a helmet perfectly suited for urban riding.
The helmet comes in 3 shell sizes and features an extremely large visor for maximum visibility when dodging through traffic on quick commutes. This massive visor allows for “opening angles 15% beyond normal requirements” (as per their ‘NEXX’s X-Sensus Vision’) and includes a lock and rubber seal to keep road noise minimal.
The final notable feature of the X.VILIBY is the ability to incorporate their X-COM 2 Bluetooth communications device.
If you’re interested in learning more about the 2021 NEXX lineup, please visit their website where they also offer options for purchase in the event they can satisfy your helmet needs.
French motorcycle helmet company Roof has unveiled a limited-edition Boxxer Carbon Cage modular helmet with leather interior, an additional iridium silver visor and a helmet bag that doubles as a backpack.
It features a beautifully exposed carbon-fibre shell in a “cage design”, hence the name.
The helmet will cost €679 (about $US800) and is limited to only 1000 units worldwide, so get in quick!
It’s not the first carbon modular helmet. That honour goes to Italian manufacturer AGV whose Sportmodularweighs in at just 1295g, compared with the Roof Boxxer Carbon Cage at 1500g.
However, it should be noted that the 1090g weight figure is for their small shell size to fit XS to M sized heads, while their ML to XXL helmets weigh 1150g which is still lighter than the X-Lite.
So, perhaps they are again quoting the weight for the small shell size for the Cage.
It has some interesting features, including a removable, washable and adjustable “Silent Lining” which we imagine reduces wind noise.
That would be most welcome as modular helmets are often noisier than full-face helmets because of the chin bar joint which is near your ears.
Further reducing noise are a chin curtain and patented “silicon lip seal system”.
That could mean the visor easily fogs up, so they have incorporated an “active and passive defogging system”. Not sure what that is, but it sounds like it could be useful. Ventilation should also be good with “Venturi-effect” air vents. An example of Venturi effect is pinching the end of a hose to make the water spurt out faster and further. The smaller aperture increases the speed of the liquid or gas (in this car fresh air) passing through it.
They also say the cheek pads are suitable for use with glasses and ready for an intercom set.
It comes with a “Micrometric” chinstrap buckle for quick fastening and release.
Roof helmets have been around since 1993 and have ECE22.05 certification.
Australian smart helmet start-up Forcite is about to go on sale and has attracted major investment support.
The first batch of 1000 limited-edition carbon fibre helmets sold out at $1599 each and the MK1 helmet is now available for order at $1299 with deliveries around December after suffering production setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Now it has also attracted funding from fund manager Atlas Advisors Australia, bringing the combined post-sales funding to $1.2 million.
The money will be used to finalise production lines for a roll-out of product in Australia.
Forcite’s smart helmet is the only smart helmet to pass ECE 22.05 safety accreditation pre-testing.
Forcite Chief Executive Officer Alfred Boyadgis claims the helmet’s technology which warns of road hazards with flashing lights can reduce the number of accidents and save lives.
“Our smart helmets have a unique system that can give advanced alerts much like K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider as well as communications and camera systems integrated into one complete unit,” he says.
“We are now developing on building human-machine interfaces with top motorcycle manufacturers which we plan to exhibit at EICMA 2020.”
The MK1 helmet features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining Formula 1 LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.
Forcite’s smart helmet is designed to deliver road alerts and visual and audio turn-by-turn navigation without a phone, enabling riders to see or predict things before they happen to avoid danger.
It also automatically records dashcam footage of multiple lanes without distracting the rider.
All the technology is incorporated into the helmet without the need for an externally mounted device.
More Investment
Alfred with early-design helmets
Forcite will open a Series A investment round later this year to scale up in European and United States markets as well as conduct further research and development into in-bike computer vision and LiDAR systems that link with the helmet.
Industry heavyweights such as Casey Potter, former head of brand for the United States helmet giant Bell will be joining to lead Forcite’s United States operations.
Executive Chairman of Atlas Advisors Australia Guy Hedley said it was a unique opportunity for investors in a $35 billion marketplace.
“Foreign investors via the Business Innovation and Investment Program are playing a critical role in supporting the Australian economy, pouring money into venture capital and seed-stage companies,” he says.
“This is helping Australian grown companies to drive innovation and create intellectual property for new market-leading products.”
Chief Executive Officer of Uniseed, Dr. Peter Devine says investing in start-ups like Forcite is positioning Australia at the forefront of disruptive technological developments including in industries like motoring.
“We are building the next generation of local companies that will go onto to become regional and global market leaders generating more employment and value opportunities for our nation,” Dr. Devine said.
Australian smart helmet start-up Forcite Helmets, has released exciting world-first, racer-perspective video from their Forcite MK1 helmet with an integrated camera, bypassing the usual racing restrictions on body-worn cameras.
The Forcite MK1 helmet retails for $A1299 and the next limited batch will be available for Australians this summer.
ASBK competitor Giuseppe Scarcella on board his Forcite Racing Ducati 1299, filmed his race with an integrated camera contained within the chin of the Forcite MK1 smart helmet at the recent NSW Championship race meet at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Watch this video which will make you feel like you are really there.
The film of Giuseppe coming from the back of the grid to finish third overall captures the daring and skill needed to handle a Ducati 1299 at race pace.
From being tucked in down the straight at just a few clicks under 300km/h, to leaning over millimetres from the tarmac, the POV helmet footage gives the viewer an exhilarating experience that on-board cameras cannot.
The video was made as part of the European certification (ECE 22.05) process.
Forcite’s co-founder and CEO, Alfred Boydagis, believes this footage will be a game-changer for fans.
“The Forcite MK1’s ability to capture every twist and turn of the race from the perspective of their favourite rider will give fans an unbelievable perspective on the action,” he says.
“The race legal integrated camera is engineered to give the best view, whatever the position of the rider. Fans can expect this POV footage on their TVs soon – this is the cutting edge of live race action.”
While testing the MK1 during the opening round of ASBK/WSBK at Phillip Island in March, Forcite Racing’s Giuseppe Scarcella says he is happy with the way the helmet feels on the race track.
“Especially popping up from the bubble at over 300km/h to brake for turn one,” he says.
“The helmet’s just stuck to my head and just feels amazing. You realise the difference between a great helmet and a cheap helmet.”
The Forcite MK1 shell is made of carbon fibre and the helmet is packed with AI such as Forcite’s patented RAYDAR™ helmet system.
This server-based software system uses millions of data points through mobile applications, GPS, and cameras around the world that are currently inaccessible to motorcycle riders.
It also features LED technology inspired by communicative visual cues found on F1 car steering wheels, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.
A special app also allows the rider to control settings and use their phone for sat-nav, music and calls.
With all this tech integrated, it does away with the need for bulky click-on devices. That also means it passes race scrutineers who ban body-worn cameras and helmet attachments.
It would be the ultimate track-day helmet to video and relive your day!
