Looking for a new helmet that combines style, safety, and advanced technology?
Look no further than the Givi 50.9 Atomic Helmet. It is a full face helmet made of polycarbonate, It includes an efficient front
ventilation system: two upper ones and one on the chin guard and 2 rear extractors.
Read this post and more in issue 17 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
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Sometimes, you have a product that just makes you think ‘… why didn’t I get these sooner?’ And that product for me are these Weise Ion Textile Heated gloves.
Read this post and more in issue 17 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
Or join ZINIO Unlimited gives you complete access to over 5000+ digital magazines with the touch of a button. Find all your favourite magazines in one place to read on all your devices whenever, and wherever you are. Free month trial and then £8.99 per month which gives access to not only us but also over 5000+ digital magazines
With the thousands of miles I cover each year in any season and weather, I am always on the lookout for a great touring suit that I can rely on.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to try the RST Endurance jacket and trousers. I was sent one in black colour, which is always good as it goes with any bike but I must admit, it does lose some of the detail of the design and styling that other colours give.
Read this post and more in issue 17 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
Jess @beastbobber reviews the RST Roadster 3 CE Ladies Leather jacket.
My first ever ‘proper’ motorcycle leather jacket was an RST jacket, when I was 17 years old, that I subsequently wore on every ride after purchase. I loved that jacket, and still do…
You can read the full review along with Jess’s awesome photography in the next issue, pre-order a printed copy and subscribe to digital copy below
Review by Jess – check out her and her beaut Bobber Black on instagram @beastbobber.
You could say I have not a love hate, but a hate hate relationship, with waterproofs and textiles. They can be so hit and miss, often times more miss than hit, that I had honestly stopped bothering. Bulky, ill-fitting (particularly for women) and sometimes not always even any good at keeping the rain out, I had almost given up.
Read this post in full (you can also order a printed copy) and more in issue 11 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
New generation back protector added to Vanucci’s expanding motorcycle range…
As someone who always rides with a back protector I will also be the first to admit that doing so can often be a nuisance and on occasion even a distraction. My approach has always been a “one type for all occasions” and after having tried out the latest offering from Vanucci I’ve realised the error of my way.
You can read this post in full and more in issue 10 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News – Review by Danny McFadden
The RST Airbag Armour Shirt is a game-changer in the world of motorcycle safety gear.
Made from high-quality materials and incorporating state-of-the-art technology, this shirt aims to minimize the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. Designed to be worn under a regular motorcycle jacket, the RST Airbag Armour Shirt features built-in airbag protection that deploys when it detects an impact.
Read this post in full and more in issue 8 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
The LS2 brand has already proven to be absolutely spot-on when it comes to ladies’ fit, quality and price.
The helmets are far superior to the price and the clothing items fit the brief in so many ways. The LS2 Chart Evo Lady Pant are no different. They are great for many different riding styles and will see you through most of the year, at least in the UK where the summers don’t last very long.
Read this post in fill (you can also order a printed copy) and more in issue 8 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
The LS2 Serra Evo Ladies Jacket is an all-purpose jacket ready to take you from the daily commute to a long tour. Suitable for most weather conditions, it is waterproof, breathable and well-fitted.
The LS2 Serra Evo Ladies jacket is well fitted to a woman’s shape and suitable for a variety of motorcycling rides.
Earlier in the year (June), I had a trip to Norway and this time it was a different style of riding. I knew there would be plenty of off-roading to do and wanted a jacket that would be suitable for any weather without having to stop to adjust anything. LS2 Serra Evo Jacket fitted the requirement. It is waterproof and breathable with vents for warmer days. It also comes with a thermal lining but I was hoping that won’t be necessary (it wasn’t).
What I really like about the jacket is the flattering fit for a lady. With several adjustments available, it really follows the body shape beautifully for a look that is safe and attractive.
Read this post and more in issue 7 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News
Danny McFadden of Danny McFadden Racing tests the Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet with thanks to helmetcity.co.uk
I’ll be the first to admit that the very mention of a flip up helmet produces images of head to toe cordura, RoSPA, owners clubs and intercoms. Something only applicable to proper grown ups. However after spending the last few weeks acclimatising to the new Shoei NeoTec 3 I’m a true convert.
Having always opted for the race end of the helmet market the ease of use offered by the NeoTec 3 for road riding was a breath of fresh air. The level of comfort and wind noise on offer is as per my current X-Spirit Pro which I believe is a testament to the race helmet in being able to match the NeoTec 3 on these fronts despite the weight savings a race helmet is expected to produce.
The Neotec 3 comes with the optional chin curtain fitted which is something I have tested with my race helmet and found to help reduce helmet lift and buffeting and as per my X-Sprit Pro I haven’t had any issue with either of these problems unlike I would find with my previous X-Spirit under certain conditions. Which certainly points to the amount of work Shoei puts into its wind testing along with listening to their customer feedback.
I found the quick close/release ratchet strap system to be easily operated with a gloved hand unlike a standard double ring set up.
The flip up operation of the helmet, and integrated sun visor are also easily operated by a gloved hand and their locations are also very intuitive to locate and use. Something I found myself doing during my longest test ride. It being a breezy, overcast day with damp but drying conditions the sun visor came in handy for the moments the sun found its way through the clouds which was usually at the most inopportune times.
The sun visor seems to provides the same level of light reduction as the light smoke visor I use for racing which still affords the ability to spot damp parts/tarmac differences of the road which I personally prefer over a dark visor that does provide more direct sun light reduction .
As someone who suffers from hay fever I often find there are days when I’m out riding where the overwhelming need to be able to itch my nose or a part of my face, often has me trying to do so through an open visor with limited success. This is where the flip up played its first ace for me by being able to almost instantly deal with the irritant at hand. I also found it refreshing and easier to ride through villages and towns with the helmet open instead of fiddling to open the visor and shut the visor to keep cooler with the limited air flow being forced through the various vents at the low speeds urban riding provides.
The flip up continued to impress during group rides to be able to easily communicate with the other riders during the many ‘which way to go/shall we stop’ type of interactions that are usually painfully attempted to execute with lots of shouting, hand gestures before finally admitting defeat and having to dismount and walk over to the other parties. By simply being able to see your full face the power of lip reading seemed to come into play with excellent results.
The NeoTec 3 also has a fully removable, washable and customisable for size/fit lining as per the X-Spirit range and is ready to receive Shoei’s own Comlink intercom system.
The NeoTec 3 is a good looking helmet, echoing the XSpirit style and I believe unless it was pointed out it would be unknown to the majority of motorcycle riders as being a flip up model. Another big positive in my book.
In conclusion and as much as it pains me to say that given the choice between my race helmet and a NeoTec 3 for anything other than racing, it would be the NeoTec 3 that I’d be putting on for the ride. Which leads me to the question….have I finally grown up?!
For 15% off a new Shoei Neotec 3 or any other full priced item, head over to helmetcity.co.uk and use code DMR15
My first impression of the looks of the AGV K1 – Warmup Matt Black/Red is positive, whilst I’m not a huge fan of matt black I have to admit I am warming up to it (not pun intended). My first initial fitting I was expecting the usual tight fit and eventual new helmet ache I was pleasantly surprised there was none of that. The interior of the helmet feels comfortable, it features Dry-Comfort soft removable interior crown and cheek pads
One thing I did noticed is its lightweight, whilst it’s not the lightest in the AGV range it comes in at 1.500g. The helmet features a lightweight shell made from a combination of high resistance thermoplastic. This combination of materials provides superior protection against impacts and abrasion. The shell also features an aerodynamic design that reduces drag and improves stability while riding.
The helmet is marketed as sport helmet for everyday riding market but doesn’t come with an internal dark visor for those sunny days we do get in the UK. Therefore I had to wear my sunglasses but I usually do anyway so wasn’t a bugbear for me personally. The visor is easily opened (unlike some) whilst wearing gloves either while riding or at the traffic lights.
The field of view is 190° with a wider lateral and vertical field of vision giving you better visibility whilst on your ride.
The interior of the helmet is comfortable to wear and it has quick-release pull straps on each side in case of an accident and a D-ring strap. There are five front vents on the helmet and 2 rear extractors.
Overall, the AGV K1 is an excellent choice for riders of all levels. It offers superior protection and comfort, making them an ideal choice for riders of all levels. The only con for some riders is it does not come with an internal sun visor.
The AGV K1 is now my go to helmet..
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
In today’s world of ever-changing weather conditions, staying comfortable on the road has become a bit of a challenge. Which is why Weise have created the Hydra Jacket and Jeans range, designed to help you tackle every kind of riding conditions in style.
To begin with, both the jacket and the jean have quite a minimalist design and the only patterns that exist are there for a purpose and to add to the practicality of the gear. No matter whether you have a supersport, café racer or adventure motorbike, the Hydra pair would go well with all of them.
The thick full-grain leather speaks for itself and the waterproof liner is right up there as well. The harsh winters can be a real bummer for seasoned riders but the accompanying gilet makes for a great insulating layer underneath the jacket. Maneuverability is another area where the Hydra jacket and the jean excel. The stretch panels are located strategically and are ready to provide additional support whenever necessary.
The thought of thick full-grain leather and the gilet may have built an image of a winter exclusive gear but worry not the gillet is removable, also there are ample vent panels and the leather too is perforated in multiple areas for better ventilation
The jacket and jeans are also designed with CE-approved armor in key impact areas to provide maximum protection in the event of a crash. All the critical areas including shoulder, elbow, back, knee and hip are protected by removable and certified armour that add to safety as well as versatility. The reflective piping and the logo might seem like a mundane touch but they are great secondary protection in darker conditions.
For those of you who love a snug fitting, you will absolutely love the Hydra gear. Since both the jacket and jeans are made to go together, there is a connecting zip at the bottom stretch panel provides a convenient and secure way of connecting both together. Overall, the gear is designed to provide riders with a comfortable and enjoyable ride, no matter the conditions.
Weise are a UK-based company that has been producing top-quality motorcycle gear for over 30 years. Their Hydra Gear line is a stylish and practical choice for riders who demand the best in protection, comfort, and performance.
Summary
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned rider, the Weise Hydra Jacket and Jeans help you look good and feel great on the road, no matter the conditions. Here’s what you get with this offer:
• Flexible and breathable fabrics
• A waterproof, wind proof and breathable construction
• An adjustable waistband and cuffs
• Mesh lining to wick away moisture
• 3M reflective logos
• Classy PU leather panels
My Conclusion
The Weise Hydra Jacket and Jeans are the ideal clothing choice for riders looking for a stylish, comfortable and practical way to tackle the elements. From the high-spec fabrics, to the aesthetically pleasing design, Weise’s Hydra collection will help you upgrade your ride in no time.
Having ventured into the world of adventure motorcycling I needed a new helmet to match the activity and of course, my new adventure bike, too!
The first impression was a very positive one even before I took the helmet out of the box. The packaging itself is well thought out, with good design. The helmet itself is packed in the usual drawstring bag and as a bonus, it also comes with a carry bag. That’s my flight carry-on sorted. It also comes with an inflatable helmet ring for when you are fitting the comms to the helmet, removing the peak or the visor and generally storing it.
The helmet also comes with a pinlock and a set of blanking plates to use when the peak comes off. I love that about the helmet, I can use it with or without the peak depending on the type of riding I want to do. The removal of the peak is very easy, you need an allen key that comes in the box with the helmet and a Phillips screwdriver (you have to use your own) to remove the screw holding the peak in place at the top of the helmet. It took me 10 minutes to remove it the first time because I took a while to figure out how to take out the blanking plate at the top without breaking it (it just snaps in and out of the mount) but subsequent times the whole process took only a few minutes. I really like the sturdiness of the mounts and that you need to screw the visor in place, it feels much easier and not as flimsy as it does with the plastic systems on some other helmets.
The only thing I have noticed after using the helmet for a few weeks is that the rubber that seals the visor at the top seems to be rubbing against the pinlock when you open and close the visor. My pinlock now has visible markings at the sides. This is more of a cosmetic annoyance as it doesn’t impair the vision itself.
The look itself is quite aggressive, with the chin piece coming up very high and this does mean I had to slightly tilt my head down to see the bike’s dials (compared to the road helmets I have). However, it comes with a very wide side view which helps with the periphery vision.
With every new helmet, I know to expect it to be tight for the first few rides, some take a while to ‘bed in’ and stop giving me a tension headache. I was delighted to find out that the fit is excellent and even after wearing it for a good three hours on the first ride, I’ve almost forgotten I am wearing a brand new helmet.
The LS2 Explorer fits perfectly around the crown of my head and it squeezes my cheeks in place. There is plenty of space around the lower jaw and chin area which makes it easy to talk to your riding buddies if you are connected with intercoms or just to sing out loud happy tunes. Some helmets can make me feel a little bit claustrophobic if they are too tight around the chin area, especially on long rides. I love the LS2 fit because even after a full day’s riding I don’t feel confined in the helmet and at the same time I feel very safe.
The foam in the helmet is laser cut, and the inside is hypoallergenic and breathable. The liner is washable and the helmet comes with a chin curtain for the colder rides to keep the wind away from your neck. As per my previous point, even with the chin curtain the movement of my jaw is not restricted.
The helmet is made out of carbon fibre composite and weighs 1400 grams which is very light indeed. It is ECE 22.06 compliant and DOT certified and is manufactured in 3 shells to ensure a good fit across different sizes. The sizes range from XS to 2XL and it is a long oval shape.
There are several vents to help keep you cool, a chin vent, two at the top of the helmet and two side vents or exhaust ports. Thanks to their design, they are super easy to open/close with a gloved hand.
To ensure good protection the chin strap is reinforced, and it fastens with the double D Ring. Personally, I really like the colour and the finish of the D Rings, too. The helmet also comes with an emergency release system.
The visor is scratch resistant and the helmet also comes with an internal dark sun visor. I wish the sun visor would drop down a little lower to give you fewer lines in your field of vision This is especially important for me as I have to wear spectacles when riding and the rims of my specs already clutter the view.
Having worn the helmet on three long days of green laning I am very pleased with the fit, the comfort and the look. Equally on roads, it handles the wind really well, the peak doesn’t pull your head backward when you look up. It is fairly quiet although not the quietest one I’ve ever tried. There is minimum lining covering the comms speakers which I like because I can hear the sound much better than in some other helmets.
I had the opportunity to take the helmet on a trip to Spain for three days and as I was hiring a street bike, I left the peak at home. The performance of the helmet was impressive in 25-degree Celsius weather where the many vents really made a big difference to my comfort. You can feel the air coming into the helmet from the vents on top and that helps keep your head cool. I found it quite easy to take the helmet off and back on at stops.
The best bit is that, as mentioned before, the helmet comes with a carry bag which made for the perfect carry-on bag on the flight. The helmet itself is light and the bag is big enough to allow me to fit inside my cameras to record the rides, a book, glasses and a few other bits and pieces for the flight.
Overall I find the LS2 helmet delivered more than I expected from a brand I wasn’t very familiar with. It offers great value for money with all the safety features and certification and the real bonus is the superior build and finish quality of the helmet. At £320 mark this helmet definitely feels more premium than its price tag.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more LS2 Helmet news check out our dedicated page LS2 Helmet News
or head to the official LS2 Helmets website ls2helmets.com
With a look towards spring/summer riding on this test we decided on some more casual wear rather than standard leather or textile jackets and trouser we have done in the past.
With many thanks to RST, you can see RST’s new 2023 collection on their website. We went for RST Lumberjack shirt, RST tapered fit (black) jeans, RST Roadster gloves and RST Roadster boots.
Motorcycle apparel has come a long way both in terms of safety as well as style. thats said one aspect that riders often complain about is the overall weight of leathers which can weigh down on them, especially on longer rides or whilst off the bike. You could say the weight of the gear is associated with its quality, the heavier the better it will be at protecting the rider. While this is certainly true, there is no denying that lighter and more breathable alternatives are becoming increasingly popular among riders.
Winning the trust of most motorcyclists amongst such alternatives are reinforced textile shirts and jeans. These may look like everyday worn garments but their clever construction and the quality of materials used allow them to withstand impacts that their everyday-worn peers would simply succumb to. We decided to try out a different combination of safety gear during a brief ride during a break in the weather.
As previously stated we decided to opt on the RST Lumberjack textile shirt together with their tapered-fit textile jean, the Roadster gloves and Roadster boots.
Starting with my RSTxKevlar red checkered shirt, I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first. Nevertheless I decided to go for it, and suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised. The overall composure and freedom I attained were unprecedented. Not only was it comfy enough to wear around but its sturdy yet soft construction allowed enough maneuverability. On the surface, the checkered shirt seems like any other shirt you’d wear around but as they say, the devil lies in the details.
Stitched neatly underneath the back and front sides are protector pockets that allow for easy insertion of protective pads whenever needed. Even with the protectors added, the fitting was quite relaxed, and I never felt trapped inside the shirt. Aside from protecting the vulnerable chest and back, there is also an arrangement for shoulder and elbow armor that also feel sturdy and firmly in place. Both these armors are CE Level 1 certified, just in case you only buy certified products. Last but not least is the closing mechanism that relies on the combination of rugged zip-line buttons to ensure extra protection in case of an impact.
As for my RST tapered fit textile jeans, it too worked quite well. The tapered fit may not be the favorite fit for many riders. The key reason for suggesting so is the fact that it hugs your legs pretty firmly from the bottom where the wind deflection is the highest. The stretchable construction allows for easy breathability and dangling your leg is as comfortable as you can possibly think of. Just like the RST Lumber shirt, there are provisions for armor in vulnerable areas. All the armor is CE Level 1 certified and is provided in all the key areas you can think of. Both the RST Lumberjack textile shirt and the tapered jeans are available in several color combinations. Aside from that, both are also covered by RST’s 12-month warranty, providing you with a sense of security that your hard-earned money wouldn’t go in vain.
Now onto my selection for gloves and boots, the RST Roadster gloves may not be the ideal choice in chilly weather as they are a more summer glove (especially for someone for suffers from raynaud’s). Just like the Lumberjack shirt and the jeans, the Roadster gloves too seem as if they don’t provide any layer of security but a deeper look would reveal to you a solid knuckle protector and a sleek motion panel that keeps the gloves in a static position once you’ve donned them. Since these gloves have been made to go with the Roadster jacket, therefore, they are available in matching leather and colour to the jacket.
It would be unfair not to mention the RST Roadster boots that were also accompanying me during my ride. Being someone who wears Doc Martens when not on the bike the boots weren’t much of a dramatic change. I agree that the boots look more like work boots than riding boots but the additional reinforcing leather strap on the toe box instantly gives away the real identity of these boots. The thick sole has a deep grip pattern engraved upon it thus allowing for confident walks and rides on slippery surfaces. Crafted to go with the RST Kevlar jeans, the Roadster boots are thus a natural fit with any casual riding outfit. The availability in both vintage brown and glossy black colors enhances the versatility, a characteristic long attributed to RST motorcycle gear.
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Leather jackets aren’t every rider’s cup of tea and many prefer to opt for lighter and summer-friendly gear. The classic check shirt by Weise is a great solution for any rider who does not want to don a heavy leather jacket while ensuring optimal protection when riding.
The shirt may look like just another casual shirt but as they say, looks can be deceiving which certainly applies in this case. Weise’s Redwood shirt doesn’t only make a good fashion statement but at the same time is abrasion-resistant and comfy enough for long rides. The combed cotton used in conjunction with a mesh lining inside makes the shirt a joy to wear on hot and humid days which are becoming quite frequent with each passing year.
Hiding neatly beneath the soft cotton of the shirt are shoulder and elbow protectors that are both Level 2 CE-approved. These protectors are further complemented by a durable Level-1 back protector that doesn’t bulge like the protector often seen on leather jackets. In addition to the various protection pads, a great but subtle secondary protection measure has also been incorporated into the shirt. The front buttons are supported by a central zipper that ensures the shirt remains firmly hugged to you under intense situations.
Weise casual riding shirt can easily be integrated with your existing protective gear. The two setting levels provided on the cuffs make it a breeze to wrap your gloves around them and the connection on the bottom inside will seamlessly attach to almost any motorbike trouser you currently have in your possession. Last but certainly not the least of the practical features are the pockets that are designed as such to hold your belongings firmly inside themselves, even during high-speed maneuvers and sudden braking impacts.
The casual motorbike riding shirt by Weise is highly versatile since it can be comfortably used for cycling, motocross, and skateboarding as well. Many would prefer the signature red/black color, but if it isn’t to your liking you can go with other color combinations of black/white or just subtle black. There’s a good chance you may also be able to get the shirt in either blue, green, or brown color. In addition to a variety of colors, you can get the shirt in pretty much any size. From small to 5x large, there are a host of size variations to choose from. All in all, you are getting a pretty good riding shirt for just a smidge above a hundred quids.
For more Weise News check out our dedicated page Weise News
Maja Kenney of Maja’s Motorcycle Adventures spends her Slovenian tour testing out some RST Waterproof kit. The kit features RST Maverick Textiles, Pathfinder Touring Boots and Paragon Gloves kindly supplied for this test by RST Moto
On this year’s motorcycle tour to Slovenia I had the opportunity to test the RST Maverick ladies jacket and jean together with their Pathfinder touring boots and Paragon gloves.
The textiles are cleverly layered and are suitable for all-year riding. The outer layer has air pockets that can be clipped open for summer rides as well as perforation on the upper body. There are four ventilation pockets, two on the leg and two on the chest area. You can wear textiles without any layers on those hot and sunny days.
The waterproof layer is separate and acts as windproof, too. It zips neatly inside the main jacket and trousers the only downside is, if you get caught in the rain it’s not a quick fix.
There is a further layer for cold weather riding. A thermal layer that zips in either with the waterproof layer or on its own. The zips are cleverly layered so there is no bulging of the zips sitting too close together. As the inner layers zip into the jacket (and trousers) this means you still only need one zip to close the jacket fully.
Both, the jacket and the jean zip together around the waist to retain the warmth and keep the rain out.
The jean have a high back which sits nicely around the lower back. The waist is adjustable with two velcro straps which might need tweaking depending on how many layers you wear on a cold day. Together with stretch panels, it does make for a good fit. There are two hip pockets with zips.
The jean and the jacket feel a bit stiff for the first couple of wears but they do settle around your body nicely and feel very comfortable.
I felt the trouser leg could have been a tiny bit longer for me. The trouser leg in a size up was perfect for me but the rest of the jean was too big. Not an issue once you put the boots on just my personal preference. Of course, they come with knee protectors and the jean is CE Certified to Level A.
The jacket is well designed and contoured for ladies’ fit. Stretch panels, arm and waist adjusters offer further options to adjust the jacket for comfort and fit. It has several pockets, inside and outside of the jacket as well as a large one on the back of the jacket for storing larger items such as maps, documents or a spare pair of gloves.
The jacket closes with a zip and the textile secures over it with velcro. This is a bit of an annoyance when the jacket is open and you are not riding. The velcro on the left cuffs tends to stick to the velcro next to the zip and so find your left arm getting attached to the jacket a lot. As the jean, the jacket is also CE certified to Level A and comes with Level 1 back protector, shoulder and elbow armour.Personally, I feel the sleeves are a bit too wide around the wrists, too. There is a velcro strap to tighten the cuffs but I find too much textile around my wrists makes it quite uncomfortable. It does mean that the gloves are easy to put on when I wear them inside my sleeves.
The boots are my absolute favourite so far. They really are waterproof. I mean proper, Welsh downpour waterproof. Top marks for that. The boots have two zips at the front, one on each side of the leg which means they are really easy to put on and take off. But more importantly, you can adjust how tightly you want them to fit around your calf. Boots are usually too wide for me but these are a perfect fit thanks to the design. They are incredibly comfortable, too. I wore them for 5 days constantly on the bike and to walk around sights we stopped at. The soles have good grip and I felt secure exploring sights off the paved paths. My feet didn’t even feel tired at the end of the day.
The gloves feel soft and snuggly on the inside. They feel a little big on my fingers and I guess that’s down to all the padding and layers to keep my hands warm. I have summer gloves from RST which are designed for ladies, they are the same size and they fit perfectly. The Paragon waterproof gloves are not specifically designed for ladies’ hands and it shows in sizing. My pair are size 7 or extra small so anyone with smaller hands might find these too big. They are waterproof and they have certainly been tested in the wet!
Overall the whole outfit is excellent value for money. The jacket and jean are suitable for all-year riding, excellent for long touring trips, they will protect you from most weather elements and they fit well. The boots and the gloves will keep you warm and dry in the colder months but will be too hot for the summer months.
There are only a limited number of motorbike helmet brands that are known for their quality and are a common sight in many races. Bell is one such brand that has a strong following in flagship races especially the F1. The U.S’s top helmet brand manufactures various kinds of helmets but it is its Custom 500 series that enjoys the highest number of sales in the U.S. The best-selling series has received several upgrades over the years and the Cruisier 2020 model is one of its latest variants.
Before this test ride I had never tried a fully open face helmet but with my sunglasses and face covering it felt just the same as wearing my modular helmet. It’s been almost a month since I have been using this helmet and jotted below is my experience of the Custom 500’s Cruisier.
The great thing about the Custom 500 is its availability in up to five different shell sizes. I love the chequered design on this helmet. The fiberglass composite shell keeps the overall weight quite light which is a great feature for any helmet especially an open face helmet that’s going to be used on longer journeys. Furthermore, there’s a wide range of graphic schemes available, but the one I have has a unique checkmate design complemented by golden & red lines. For me, this is the perfect design since it is neither bland nor overdone and looks quite contemporary unlike many open face helmets commonly used by cruiser riders.
Bell’s Cruisier also fares well when it comes to its interior upholstery’s aesthetics and comfort. The perforated quilted micro suede liner offers ample cushioning and at the same time forms a perfect wind barrier. The wind whistle is nicely damped at motorway speeds and the perforations in the liner does a great job at venting all the heat despite the fact there are no vents on the outer shell. Bell has also given due attention to smaller details such as the pull tab and the goggle strap, both of which are wrapped in real leather which, as a whole, enhance the overall quality feel of the helmet.
The Cruisier 2020 version just like any other model of Custom 500 is DOT ECE certified which is one reason why Bell’s open face helmet made a late entry in the EU. Moreover, the helmet is compatible with dozens of shields & visors, though, I for one believe that an open face helmet is best utilized without a shield or a visor, but in the end, it is up to everyone’s personal choice. Last but certainly not the least, is the free inclusion of a retro leather bag that will be perfect for covering your iconic Bell helmet in case the weather take a turn for the worse.
I’ve heard people swear by Arai and I always wondered what the appeal is. They look quite big and round in shape, not exactly flattering compared to some other brands. The new Quantic is not the lightest of helmets I have, in fact, at 1.6 kg it is quite a bit heavier than some of the other helmets I have.
It is marketed as a sports-touring helmet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an internal visor, which for me, seems a great option to have when you are away from home for days and weeks at a time.
Installing the intercom system wasn’t the easiest compared to others, quite a bit of faffing with the liner and I still have a cable showing on the side. This may well be a user error but I managed to hide everything in my other helmets so it can’t be all me.
Despite this, the moment I put the Arai Quantic on my head I loved it instantly. The way it fits around my head and face makes you feel like you are in a safe haven. The materials are soft and seem kind to skin and the inside of the helmet hugs your head in a way that just makes you feel safe. I was keen to go for a ride and see how my face will look like after a few hours of riding.
The first thing I noticed was the ventilation. There are several vents that actually work! It was a hot day and I could feel the air circulation around my head. There are three vents at the top of the helmet. One at the front behind the 3D Arai logo that you control by opening or closing the catch at the top. Then there are two on each side and slightly further up that you push forwards or backward depending on whether you want them open or close.
A large chin vent that is easy to move with the gloves on lets plenty of air in. Then there are two vents in the visor itself, these worked great when my glasses steamed up!
And lastly, a vent at the back of the helmet under the rear spoiler, to let the air out.
The air direction was definitely felt, especially at the crown of my head which I welcomed very much as it kept me cool for the whole ride.
The helmet isn’t terribly quiet which did surprise me. It is really good on a calm day but I did find it very noisy in the wind.
After wearing it for a couple of hours on a day out riding there were no lines on my face, no telltale signs of a new helmet. It fitted perfectly and whilst it is firm around my face it is also very easy to take off and put back on again.
It is not the perfect helmet in terms of ticking the boxes but despite it all, there is something about it that makes me feel super safe wearing it. It is incredibly comfortable and it has now become my main helmet for long trips and tours. I have a feeling Arai might become my go-to helmet from now on.
Helmets are a basic motorbike safety equipment that protects the most vulnerable & crucial part of our body, which is why every rider tries his best to get his hands on the best helmet available in the market. However, the best helmets are accompanied by a high price tag that contributes to the fact that they are sometimes out of reach for some who reach out to cheaper helmets which can turn out to be knock-offs and just don’t have what it takes to protect in case of an accident. But there do exist some exceptions, which is evident from Nitro’s entire lineup of helmets that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also made to provide adequate protection in case of an impact. This review entails my experience with Nitro’s N302 entry-level helmet that in all truthfulness has changed my views about entry-level/affordable motorbike gear.
The Nitro N302 on the outside seems just like any other budget helmet on the market, but what makes it somewhat different from others is its build quality which just seems a level above its class. Moreover, the N302 lineup is available in a multitude of variations, whether it be the size or the colors, which provides a good option to every class of rider. The helmet I bought seemed a bit tight for my head from the outside, but thankfully, there was enough room for my head to fit in, therefore, it will be a good idea to place an order only after confirming your head’s circumference.
The Nitro full-face helmet not only performs well on the aesthetics, but it also does well when it comes to safety and other features. The polycarbonate shell gives the helmet the desired robustness and at the same time keeps its weight light enough, which is why I didn’t experience any neck pain after an hour-long ride. The washable padding is also quite welcoming and is attached tight enough to the core to keep the wind whistle away from the rider’s ears. The scratch-resistant visor also does its part in providing a quiet ambiance all the while providing an almost 180° line of sight.
The recent hot spell has made us all realize the importance of a proper ventilation system, luckily the Nitro N302 comes with ample ventilation slots on the front and the rear that does their job very efficiently. Lastly, the most important question a lot of you would be asking would be the safety certification which I was also looking for when placing an order for this helmet. The 2021 model of the N302 comes certified with the ECE 22.05 safety rating that, in the end, finalized my order for Nitro’s full-face helmet.
Nitro N302 has proven to be a great affordable helmet for me, that in addition to being ECE-certified, has some additional extras to offer that are relatively unheard of for a helmet of this class & price. If you are hunting for an affordable motorbike helmet that promises optimum safety then look no further, Nitro N302 has got you covered.
How good is a budget helmet? I sometimes wonder what is it that we pay for when buying an item. Is it the brand, the quality, the materials, or the service? I find this even more important when it comes to safety, especially something like a motorcycle helmet. I must admit, I did have some doubts. (checkout Maja’s review of motorcycle helmet inspection service)
I decided to try the Nitro Helmet on a short ride to start with. It’s what I normally do with any new helmet to get used to it. The first impressions were really good. The helmet looks and feels well finished. I especially love the matt paint finish. There are vents on the chin and at the top of the helmet that you can control with the sliding mechanism.
I especially like the internal tinted visor and the fact that they have moulded the helmet to allow for the specs wearers to use their glasses inside the helmet. The internal visor is operated by the sliding mechanism on the left hand side of the helmet.
The external visor system feels very sturdy and easy to change the position of the visor from closed to open. It is also easy to remove and put back and it comes pinlock ready although no pinlock included, and to be fair, I didn’t expect it at this price.
The helmet is, of course, ACU approved and carries the gold sticker on the back.
Once the helmet was on I did feel the padding wasn’t quite enough. My cheeks are normally pressed against the internal padding but on this one, I still have plenty of room. Whilst the crown of the head is firmly held by the liner and doesn’t move when I hold the helmet still and move my head left to right, it is not the same for my face. The plus side of this is that my ears are not constricted in any way and wearing my moulded earplugs meant I had no pressure on my ears like in some helmets.
It didn’t seem particularly noisy when out riding but it is noisier than my other helmets, not by much, just enough to notice.
Whilst testing the helmet I had the opportunity to send it off for a non-destructive inspection to find out if a £90 is safe to use. It came back with a big tick of approval. Yes, it passed the inspection and I was really pleased to see that we have a solid British helmet manufacturer that caters to entry-level helmets that not only look good but are safe, too.
