Tag Archives: Motorcycle Helmets

New Gear: HJC DS-X1 Dual-Sport Helmet

HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet
The HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet in Synergy

The HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet is designed for both street and off-road riding with useful features and a light weight. Ideal for dual-sport or adventure applications where riders explore both paved and unpaved roads and trails, this helmet allows you to have functionality and comfort for both.

HJC DS-X1 Silver dual-sport helmet
The HJC DS-X1 in Silver with goggles

The helmet is made of an Advanced Polycarbonate composite shell for lighter weight using advanced CAD design for superior aerodynamics. The peak and Pinlock-ready faceshield are removable for use with goggles, and the large eye port allows for maximum visibility and a better goggle fit.

See Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Important for riding off-road in the warmer months, the DS-X1 features a SuperCool moisture-wicking interior that is anti-bacterial, removable, and washable. The ACS Advanced Channeling Ventilation System allows for full front-to-back airflow to flush out heat and humidity.

HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet
HJC DS-X1 in Black

This dual-sport helmet also comes with glasses grooves, speaker pockets, a chin curtain, and a double D-ring fastener. It comes in sizes XS-2XL in solid colors silver, black, semi flat black, anthracite, and white starting at $179.99. The Synergy version comes in three graphics options and starts at $209.99.

The post New Gear: HJC DS-X1 Dual-Sport Helmet appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Shoei X-Fifteen Racing Helmet

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Escalate TC-10
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Escalate TC-10

The X-Fifteen racing helmet is the next generation in Shoei’s X-series of premium helmets featuring the Shoei-exclusive multi-ply Matrix AIM+ shell and multipiece, multidensity EPS liner. The helmet’s revised shape reduces air resistance by limiting lift and drag.

See Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Wind tunnel testing throughout development revealed optimal airflow in multiple riding positions, but none more important than the aerodynamic, tucked racing position. Ventilation on the X-Fifteen has been optimized through deeper channels for airflow and ideal vent placement.

The X-Fifteen has a new faceshield with a two-stage locking system, a new baseplate, and a revised eyeport that expands the field of vision over previous X-series helmets.

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Matte Black
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Matte Black
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet A.Marquez73 VS TC-2
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in A.Marquez73 VS TC-2

The faceshield protects against 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, and the X-Fifteen also features adjustability with optional pads that can be added or removed for a better fit.

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Marquez Dazzle TC-1
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Marquez Dazzle TC-1
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Proxy TC-11
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Proxy TC-11

The helmet is available in three solid colors and 11 graphics in sizes XS-2XL starting at $899.99.

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Schuberth E2 Off-Road Modular Motorcycle Helmet

Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet Explorer Blue
Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet in Explorer Blue

The new Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet features an adjustable peak designed to minimize buffeting and a double chin air intake with a washable, changeable filter and top ventilation system.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

The E2’s peak is not only adjustable to three positions, but it also removes easily, and the helmet also features a locking mechanism to hold the chinbar in an open position.

Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet glossy white
Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet in Glossy White

The shell of the E2 is made of fiberglass and reinforced with carbon fiber. Thanks to the Schuberth Individual Program, you can customize the internal padding for an ideal fit.

Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet Explorer Green
Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet in Explorer Green
Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet Defender Red
Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet in Defender Red

The E2 comes pre-installed with HD speakers, three antennas, and Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom for easy installation of the SC2 comms system (sold separately). The Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet is available in three solid colors and five different graphics in sizes XS-3XL starting at $699.

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review

ScorpionEXO Covert FX white Yamaha MT-09 SP

The original 3-in-1 style Covert helmets from ScorpionEXO have always been crowd pleasers, offering the ability to transform from a conventional half-helmet to a three-quarter design to full-face protection via a magnetic mask. Now ScorpionEXO has developed its first full-face-only version, the Covert FX, which the company says offers “the same edgy style and function.” I can agree on its cool form, but some of its function misses the mark for me.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Black

The Covert FX is DOT and ECE 22.06 certified and is composed of a TCT-Ultra Composite shell that weighs 3.35 lb for the Large size I tested. ScorpionEXO says the helmet’s CAD-refined aerodynamics minimize both lift and turbulence. I can attest to this, as I experienced very little buffeting wearing the Covert FX while riding a naked sportbike at speed in a 20-mph headwind.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

On the inside, the KwikWick III comfort liner features a moisture-wicking fabric, and the liner is easily removable and washable. Thinner and thicker cheek pads are available for further customization. My helmet already fit quite comfortably…for the first 60 miles or so. But I can’t fault ScorpionEXO on this one; it’s a head-compatibility issue. The company’s head shape reference chart on its website says the Covert models are designed for round heads. I’m closer to an intermediate oval, which resulted in annoying pressure on my forehead after a while.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Black

The Covert FX’s ventilation is where I take the most issue. There are two small vents on the top and an exhaust at the rear, but the airflow up there wasn’t very noticeable – and I’m a guy who keeps my head mostly shaved, so I notice. The temps were in the 60s while I was testing it, and the inside of the helmet would’ve gotten uncomfortably stuffy if the weather was much warmer. The dual-position mouth vent provided good airflow when it was fully open. However, the slider is located inside the chinbar, which is very close to my face, making it difficult to adjust the slider without taking the helmet off. Hiding the vent slider inside the chinbar helps maintain that “edgy style,” but an external slider would be more user-friendly.

My favorite part of the Covert FX is the visibility. The EverClear faceshield has a fog-resistant coating, it blocks 95% of UV-A and UV-B radiation, and a good-sized tab makes it easy to open. But what I appreciate the most is that, at its tallest point, the eyeport is about 4 inches, which is anywhere from a half inch to almost an inch taller than many other helmets I’ve tried. It definitely feels more like being in the action versus being in a helmet.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Grey

The ScorpionEXO Covert FX comes with integrated speaker pockets, a solid neoprene chin curtain, and both clear and Dark Smoke faceshields. It’s priced starting at $249.95 in five different colors in sizes XS-3XL.

The post ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.

The post ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

HJC i100 Modular Helmet | Gear Review

HJC i100 modular helmet

Wind noise is muffled, the view is clear, my head doesn’t feel like it’s being pulled off my shoulders – even at 70 mph – and there’s a slight stirring of the scant hair left on the crown of my head. I’ve never owned a modular helmet, typically preferring the three-quarter style, but when I was looking for something safer that still allowed some of the freedoms of a three-quarter and saw the reasonably priced HJC i100, I wanted to give it a try.

HJC i100 modular helmet

See all of Rider’s helmet reviews here.

A unique feature of the i100, which has a shell made of HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate material, is its full-rotation chinbar for both open- and full-face riding modes, and it meets ECE safety standards in both modes.

The i100 wears comfortably, if a little heavy; the size XL weighs 4.4 lb. It’s wider than many full-face helmets because of the modular hardware, which also contributes to a little more squeezing of the cheeks when the chinbar is closed. However, riding at 70 mph with my Harley’s windshield removed (something I wouldn’t normally do with my three-quarter), there wasn’t much buffeting.

I’m mildly claustrophobic (ergo, my preference for three-quarter lids), and while the i100 doesn’t have as much ventilation as some other helmets, the movement of air through the chin vent was sufficient to not feel stifling, and the vent on the crown kept my head cooler than my three-quarter.

HJC i100 modular helmet

I appreciate how the i100’s faceshield locks in the open position (as does the chinbar), but it takes either two hands or two separate movements to get it fully closed. Pulling down on just one of the tabs on the bottom of the shield leaves a little gap on the other side that has to be pushed shut – or you must use two hands to pull down both tabs at once.

The i100 has a sunshield that lowers and raises smoothly using a lever on the left side. However, on my cruiser, the lower line of the sunshield is right in the middle of my field of vision. Supposedly you can adjust the height, but when I tried, the cog just rotated without any noticeable difference. However, I was able to easily slip on a pair of sunglasses using the glasses grooves in the removable/washable comfort liner, which is made of moisture-wicking, antibacterial material.

The HJC i100, which is also set up to accept the SMART HJC Bluetooth system (sold separately), has been a good introduction to the conveniences of modular helmets. It comes in White, Black, Matte Black, Semi Flat Titanium, and Hyper Silver, and pricing ranges from $329.99-$334.99.

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Arai Contour-X Helmet | Gear Review

Arai Contour-X Snake Red
Arai Contour-X in Snake Red

We’ve all seen the commercials where the Most Interesting Man in the World says, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” Likewise, Arai doesn’t often release a new helmet, but when it does, it gets it right. More than 70 years of experience went into the development of the new Arai Contour-X. 

As we’ve written about in previous reviews and in our “The Why Behind Arai Helmets” feature, Arai maintains a steadfast commitment to building helmet shells with a smooth, strong, round shape. As repeated experience among MotoGP, World Superbike, and other racers has shown, Arai helmets are designed to “glance off” objects, allowing them to maintain sheer integrity, resist deformation, and spread impact energy over the widest possible area. Every exterior feature of an Arai helmet is designed to break away so that the helmet itself will not catch on anything during an impact or slide. 

Arai Contour-X Snake Red rear
Arai Contour-X in Snake Red (rear view)

The Contour-X offers excellent protection, comfort, ventilation, and aerodynamics. It features a new Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction (PB-cLc2) shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to a new fiber material and resin, yet it is just as strong as other Arai shells. The medium-size Contour-X tested here, even with the optional Pro Shade visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert installed, weighs just 3 lb, 9 oz – the same weight as the top-of-the-line Corsair-X. 

Related: Arai Corsair-X Helmet | Gear Review

Like the Regent-X, the Contour-X’s shell flares out 5mm around the opening to make the helmet easier to slide on and off. The bottom of the shell also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves strength and shock absorption and was reshaped for flatter sides to facilitate easy mounting of a comms system. 

Arai Contour-X Snake Red Honda CB500X
Testing the Arai Contour-X on a Honda CB500X. (Photo by Nikolaus Wogen)

Related: Arai Regent-X Helmet | Gear Review

Arai helmets have always been a pleasure to wear, and the Contour-X goes even further with a new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon interior that’s removable and washable and features adjustable Facial Contour System (FCS-2) cheek pads that can be released to ease removal during an emergency. Inside, there are speaker pockets and a new neck-roll wire pocket for a comms system. Through short rides, long rides, and repeated donning and doffing, the Contour-X required no break-in and was comfortable at all times. 

Arai Contour-X Face Fluorescent Yellow
Arai Contour-X in Face Fluorescent Yellow
Arai Contour-X Face Fluorescent Yellow
Arai Contour-X in Face Fluorescent Yellow (rear view)

Ventilation is fantastic. The new system includes a total of seven intakes, all of which can be closed as needed: a 3D Arai logo vent in the forehead, two F1-derived tear-drop intakes on the crown, two brow vents in the faceshield, and a chin vent. There are also six exhausts: one in the spoiler, two on the sides near the back, and three in the neckroll area. Arai says the Contour-X offers better ventilation than the Corsair-X at street speeds, and I concur. 

See all of Rider‘s motorcycle helmet reviews here.

The round shape of Arai helmets helps them slip through the air smoothly, and the new XGR exhaust/spoiler pulls hot air out of the helmet while also enhancing stability and reducing buffeting at speed. I wore the Contour-X on a variety of bikes with and without windscreens, and it remained steady and comfortable. 

Arai Contour-X Blue Frost
Arai Contour-X in Blue Frost

The Arai Contour-X is a fantastic lid in every respect. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL, and pricing starts at $739.95 for five different solid colors (Blue Frost, Black Frost, Diamond Black, Diamond White, and Light Grey) and $889.95 for two graphic options (Snake Red and Face Fluorescent Yellow).

For more information, see your dealer or visit the Arai Helmets website

The post Arai Contour-X Helmet | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: HJC RPHA 11 Pro Motorcycle Helmet

HJC RPHA 11 Pro motorcycle helmet
HJC RPHA 11 Pro in Texen graphic

Originally built for the racetrack, the RPHA 11 Pro motorcycle helmet from HJC is designed with an aerodynamic shell structure for performance at high speeds.

See all of Rider’s motorcycle helmet reviews here.

The Premium Integrated Matrix shell composition is impact-resistant and lightweight with reinforcement materials that include carbon and carbon-glass hybrid fabric.

The enlarged eyeport provides increased view in a tucked position, making it perfect for sport riders.

HJC RPHA 11 Pro motorcycle helmet
HJC RPHA 11 Pro in Titanium
HJC RPHA 11 Pro motorcycle helmet
HJC RPHA 11 Pro in Aliens graphic

The shield offer 95% UV-A & B protection, and an additional 2D dark smoke shield is included. The quick-release shield system offers a simple and secure tool-less system to quickly remove the shield from your helmet.

HJC RPHA 11 Pro motorcycle helmet

The RPHA 11 Pro is DOT and ECE approved. Other safety features include reflective patches on the rear neck area and an emergency release cheek pad system for safe and quick helmet removal. The RPHA 11 Pro is available in four solid colors and 13 graphics in sizes XS-2XL. Pricing ranges from $399.99-$629.99.

The post New Gear: HJC RPHA 11 Pro Motorcycle Helmet first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Tucker Powersports to Distribute Forcite Products in Australia and America

What makes a brand successful, really? 

Is it the quality of the product itself, or perhaps the integrity and grit of the amazing team that contributes an unholy amount of time and energy behind the scenes? 

I would counter all the above, but that a massive percentage of success has to do with exposure, marketing and distribution licensing…which is why we were so jazzed to hear that Tucker Powersports will officially be the dealer for an Aussie smart lid that’s been making ripples since the unit sold out in under 30 minutes. 

A rider taking off his Forcite helmet. Media sourced from Equitise.
A rider taking off his Forcite helmet. Media sourced from Equitise.

Forcite – known for their recent drop to the bike community, the MK1S Smart Helmet – will purportedly celebrate debuts for their products in both Australia and the U.S., with everything becoming available by 2023.

Suffice it to say Forcite Co-Founder Alfred Boyadgis is excited to see what’s next for the partnership. 

“We’ve created a motorcycle helmet that looks slick, and also packs a punch with cool features that lift the riding experience,” shrugs Boyadgis in the recent press release. 

“This new partnership with Tucker Powersports promises to deliver as both companies look to the future of what’s possible in the motorcycle category.”

Bond's Scrambler 1200 XE, used by Daniel Craig in 2022's "No Time to Die." Media sourced from MCN.
A Tucker bike. Media sourced from Vital MX.
A Tucker bike. Media sourced from Vital MX.

“We are constantly seeking partners and products that enhance the adventure of riding a motorcycle,” adds Marc McAllister, the CEO of Tucker Powersports. 

“Forcite is clearly focused on that riding experience and on the future of our favorite pastime.” 

We look forward to seeing what these two bring to the proverbial table; in the meantime, check back for updates, drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as always – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from PR Newswire, Equitise, and Vital MX*

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet and SC2 Communicator | Gear Review

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet and SC2 Communicator

The Schuberth C5 modular helmet is a clean-sheet design that shares no parts with the company’s C4/Pro. Informed by a spatial study, the new architecture has an intermediate-oval head shape that’s less round than the C4/Pro with more interior space. The chinstrap was moved forward, and the new chinbar locking mechanism doesn’t use pins, which avoids the helmet getting tighter when the chinbar is closed.

Having worn several generations of Schuberth’s modular helmets, the changes were immediately noticeable. Sliding the helmet on and off my head is easier, and comfort while riding is greatly improved. Airflow through the helmet has been increased with larger vents and better interior channeling.

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet and SC2 Communicator

Read more of Rider‘s helmet reviews here

The C5 was designed to meet Europe’s new ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard, which sets higher benchmarks for impact protection and requires a larger eyeport for better visibility. The C5 meets the P/J homologation standard. “P” stands for “protective” and refers to full-face helmets; “J” stands for “jet” and refers to open-face helmets. P/J-homologated helmets can be used in both the open and closed positions, and the C5 has a tab to lock the chinbar in the open position.

The shell is made using Schuberth’s proprietary Direct Fiber Processing. Glass fibers are blown into a mold with a precise amount of resin and compressed in a high-pressure vacuum, creating an exceptionally strong shell. The C5 is not dual homologated to meet ECE and DOT standards. A DOT-specific version of the C5 has a shell reinforced with a basalt layer for added strength.

Inside the shell is a dual-density EPS liner and a new comfort liner with customizable pads. There are optional “sport” and “comfort” cheek pads and replaceable rear pads that can make the interior more round or more oval. The faceshield includes a Pinlock anti-fog insert, and a new patented memory function keeps the faceshield open at a desired level after opening and closing the chinbar.

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet and SC2 Communicator

RELATED: BMW K 1600 GTL | Road Test Review

The C5 is prewired for the optional SC2 Bluetooth 5.0 communicator ($349), which is made by Sena and based on the 50S with voice activation and mesh networking. HD speakers and an antenna are built into the helmet. A remote-control unit clicks into the left side of the helmet, and the SC2 main unit with rechargeable battery plugs into the back of the helmet.

Our C5 in size medium with the SC2 installed weighs 4 lb, 2 ounces. Fit, finish, comfort, ventilation, and functionality are excellent. It’s available in sizes XS-3XL in solid colors for $749 and graphics for $849.

For more information, visit Schuberth.com.

The post Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet and SC2 Communicator | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet | Gear Review

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet

The HJC RPHA 1N is the same full-face helmet used by top-tier racers in the MotoGP and WorldSBK series. I’m not a racer, and even trackdays are few and far between for me. But one of my top priorities for a helmet is protection in the event of a crash, and the RPHA 1N has achieved FIM homologation for safety. The helmet also meets or exceeds DOT and ECE 22.06 standards for energy attenuation, penetration resistance, and chinstrap structural integrity. That gives me peace of mind.

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet
Testing the HJC RPHA 1N on the 2022 Indian Pursuit Limited. Photo by Kevin Wing.

RELATED: 2022 Indian Pursuit Limited | Road Test Review

HJC’s PIM+ shell is made from a blend of materials that includes carbon and carbon-glass hybrid fabric, resulting in a strong, lightweight lid. My medium RPHA 1N weighs just 3 lbs, 5.3 oz. The shell shape was developed using wind-tunnel testing to make it as aerodynamic as possible, and the back of the helmet has a large spoiler that smooths airflow and pulls hot air out of a large rear exhaust vent.

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet

Inside is a Silvercool comfort liner that is anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, removeable, and washable. It also has side channels to accommodate eyeglasses and sunglasses. For me, the fit is perfectly snug with no hot spots, and the thick neckroll does a good job of managing wind noise without making it difficult to pull the helmet on and off.

Read more of Rider‘s helmet reviews

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet

Since the RPHA 1N is designed to keep racers comfortable on hot, demanding racetracks, it has more ventilation than most full-face helmets. There are five vents along the forehead and two vents on the chinbar, all of which can be closed to keep out rain or cold air. There are two exhaust vents on the sides of the chinbar and two more on the back of the helmet. With all the vents open, the 1N moves a significant amount of air through its interior channels. The only downside is added wind noise, but that can be mitigated with earplugs.

HJC RPHA 1N Helmet

For added security, the faceshield has a double locking system, and it is attached using metal screws with hinged D-ring heads that either lay flat during riding or fold out to remove the screws without tools. The shield filters out 99% of UV radiation, has an anti-scratch coating, includes a Pinlock anti-fog insert, and has outer posts for tear-offs. In emergency situations, the cheek pads can be pulled out so the helmet can be easily removed.

If you’re a motorcyclist who doesn’t compromise on safety and comfort, the HJC RPHA 1N is an impressive, top-of-the-line helmet worth considering. It’s available in sizes 2XS-2XL in solid colors for $699.99-$709.99 or graphics starting at $799.99, and it’s covered by a 5-year warranty.

For more information, visit HJCHelmets.us.

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