Table of contents
- Ten motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth in the test (2018) Practice and laboratory comparison
- 1st place: Schuberth R2 (test winner)
- 2nd place: HJC RPHA70
- 3rd place: Shoei Neotec II
- 4th place: BMW System 7 Carbon
- 5th place: X-lite X-661
- 6th place: Nolan N 100-5
- 7th place: Shark Skwal 2
- 8th place: LS2 FF397 Vector
- 9th place: Nexx SX.100
- 10th place: Harley-Davidson Capstone
- The sound check
- The helmets on the TuV Rheinland test bench
- This is how MOTORRAD tests
- Final ranking – which helmet brings the test victory?
- Tops and flops of the MOTORRAD crew
mps studio
39 pictures
mps photo studio
1/39
BMW System 7 carbon.
mps photo studio
2/39
Backlight: While the sun visor is a little tight, the wind deflector hangs in view when the chin section is open.
mps photo studio
3/39
Harley-Davidson Capstone Sunshield Modular.
mps photo studio
4/39
The comparatively cheap Harley flip-up helmet is based on the HJC IS-Max II and looks a bit antiquated in comparison.
mps photo studio
5/39
HJC RPHA70.
mps photo studio
6/39
In the Marvel comic look expensive, but always an eye-catcher. HJC’s new touring athlete can also shine in purely functional terms.
mps photo studio
7/39
LS2 FF397 Vector.
mps photo studio
8/39
The pleasant lining presses the cheeks too tightly together. The visor is roughly rasterized – actually it just opens or closes.
mps photo studio
9/39
Nexx SX.100.
mps photo studio
10/39
Sun visor, comfortably lined, relatively inconspicuous when driving. The cheap Portuguese does a good job in practice.
mps photo studio
11/39
Nolan N 100-5.
mps photo studio
12/39
The triggering of the folding mechanism as well as the automatic sun visor reset takes getting used to.
mps photo studio
13/39
Schuberth R2.
mps photo studio
14/39
No Bluetooth system is currently easier to install than at Schuberth. And that works just as easily in the flip-up helmet C4.
mps photo studio
15/39
Shark Skwal 2.
mps photo studio
16/39
Comfort with compromises: The fit is successful, but the weight of just under 1.6 kilograms is clearly noticeable in the long run.
mps photo studio
17/39
Shoei Neotec II.
mps photo studio
18/39
Slide-in compartments, recesses and cable ducts make it easy to install the Bluetooth kit manufactured by Sena for Shoei.
mps photo studio
19/39
X-lite X-661.
mps photo studio
20/39
Nolan’s sporty house brand can also be comfortable. The firm, full seat is perfect for high-speed touring.
markus-jahn.com
21/39
Together with Peter Schaudt from TuV Rheinland (in blue), MOTORRAD (in red) developed the “Sigma post test procedure”. It is said that helmet manufacturers also test afterwards.
markus-jahn.com
22/39
Preparatory phase: the subsequent impact points are precisely marked by laser.
markus-jahn.com
23/39
Free fall: All test candidates fall down with the probe from a height of three meters.
markus-jahn.com
24/39
Job done: the helmets are then ready for the container, which can also be seen from the outside.
markus-jahn.com
25/39
The elaborately wired probe in the helmet measures the g-values on impact, from which the HIC value can be calculated.
markus-jahn.com
26/39
Fall, fall, fall. Every minute the helmets rush down in the TuV laboratory
Jorg Lohse
27/39
Drive, drive, drive: for the everyday competition, all helmets are worn on the road.
Jorg Lohse
28/39
Extremely large Pinlock visors prevent fogging. The double pane is now standard in helmet construction.
Jorg Lohse
29/39
An irony in history that the Harley helmet comes from Vietnam? Well, the US brand buys from the Korean HJC …
Jorg Lohse
30/39
There is no uniform standard for visor locks. This from HJC works well, but is in the field of vision.
Jorg Lohse
31/39
Large air inlets that are easy to use even when wearing gloves. The affordable LS2 shows that this does not have to be a luxury feature.
Jorg Lohse
32/39
Complicated visor mounts, that was the past. Almost everyone can do the simple, tool-free disc replacement.
Jorg Lohse
33/39
Shark with LED gimmicks, Nolan and X-lite with sensor-controlled brake lights. Some manufacturers will probably follow suit.
Jorg Lohse
34/39
Keep it simple: A visor can be opened and locked tightly as simple and uncomplicated as with the brand new Shoei.
Jorg Lohse
35/39
Bad luck for X-lite: When unpacking, an air scoop got stuck in the helmet bag. That doesn’t exactly look nice.
Jorg Lohse
36/39
Markus Biebricher (55): The editorial team’s travel uncle loves wide open spaces. Even in XL, some helmets are still too small for them.
1st place: Shoei Neotec II
2nd place: X-lite X-661
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Jorg Lohse
37/39
Thorsten Dentges (46): In this test, among other things, the instance when the glasses had to be threaded cleanly.
1st place: X-lite X-661
2nd place: Shoei Neotec II
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Jorg Lohse
38/39
Tobias Beyl (30): The young corrective in the test team. Not yet ready for practical folding models.
1st place: X-lite X-661
2nd place: Schuberth R2
Last: LS2 FF 397 Vector
Jorg Lohse
39/39
Jorg Lohse (48): For once, he shut up during this test and just listened to the music.
1st place: Shoei Neotec II
2nd place: HJC RPHA70
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
clothing
Helmets
Ten motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth in the test (2018)
Ten motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth in the test (2018)
Practice and laboratory comparison
In the past, you just had to start the engine, close the visor and the stress of the world was locked out. Today you are permanently connected to the rest of the world thanks to Bluetooth networking. In this test, ten motorcycle helmets have to prove whether it is worth the time that the days of silence are over.
Jorg Lohse
May 14, 2018
Let’s not dwell on the sentimental drivel that was-everything-was-always-better. In times when even grandparents have accepted an Alexa as a digital replacement for grandchildren, it is pointless to rant about whether total connectivity must also be on the motorcycle. In the meantime she has also arrived here. So let’s just state this: The music used to be better, which is why it is all the better today to turn the throttle on a halfway empty freeway with the brilliant saxophone solo of a Clarence Clemons in the 1975 original version of Springsteen’s “Born to run” . And with it microphone on, volume up, sound check.
Buy complete article
Ten motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth in the test (2018)
Practice and laboratory comparison
8 pages) as PDF
€ 2.00
Buy now
1st place: Schuberth R2 (test winner)
Providers: Schuberth, Tel. 03 91/8 10 60
Prices: plain 419 euros, decor 499 euros;
Sizes: XS (53) to XXL (63)
Weight: 1,350 g ± 50 g / 1,370 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Schuberth R2.
To dye: White, matt black, black, anthracite, 12 decors
Helmet shell: Fiberglass mix
Closure: Double-D
Country of Manufacture: Germany, ECE test mark E 13 (Luxembourg)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, Pinlock visor, loudspeaker / microphone / antenna pre-installed, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Schuberth SC1; Bluetooth unit with function button and separate Li-Ion battery for compartments on the helmet collar, operating time up to 14 hours, charging time three hours
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to four partner sets, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, integrated VHF radio in the Advanced version
Prices: 199/299 euros (Standard / Advanced)
Positive: Ultra-stable seat with pleasantly firm upholstery; large, easy-to-use ventilation inlets; very large field of view; practical bluetooth pre-installation for D.I.Y. installation
Negative: The visor catch is a bit spongy, must be locked firmly with both hands
Conclusion: Sporty hardness? Limited. The racing helmet from Germany also scores on the comfort level with its super comfortable seat, great ventilation function, a huge, fog-free field of vision and the plug-and-play connectivity function.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
2nd place: HJC RPHA70
Providers: HJC Germany, Tel. 0 21 31/5 23 56 14
Prices: uni 399.90 euros, decor 449.90 euros, Marvel comic edition 649.90 euros
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Weight: 1.458 g / 1.475 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
HJC RPHA70.
To dye: White, matt black, black, titanium, nine decors / comic editions
Helmet shell: Fiberglass / carbon / aramid mix
Closure: Double-D
Country of Manufacture: South Korea, ECE test mark E 1 (Germany)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Cardo Scala Rider Smart H; Bluetooth / DMC unit with stereo speakers and chin part microphone; Function button on the helmet, separate Li-Ion battery with max. 13 hours operating time, charging time k. A..
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to four partner sets, integrated VHF radio, coupling with smartphone (can be used as a remote control), MP3 player, navigation system
Prices: 289.95 / 499.94 euros (single / duo box)
Positive: full, comfortable seat, large field of vision, fog-free sun visor; very good HIC value; Audio set with top acoustics and many functions
Negative: When the visor is open, the lock hangs in the field of vision
Conclusion: HJC can build very good helmets, Cardo offers great communication solutions. And the networking of the two brands is now creating a practical multimedia helmet. Thanks to the well-insulated driving noise, the Cardo system, which has been neatly adapted to the helmet interior, is in top form.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
3rd place: Shoei Neotec II
Providers: Shoei (Europe), Tel. 0 21 73/39 97 50
Prices: uni from 599 euros, decor / replica 699 euros
Sizes: XS to XXL
Weight: 1,650 g / 1,655 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Shoei Neotec II.
To dye: White, matt black, black, silver, seven decors / special colors
Helmet shell: Fiberglass mix
Closure: Stainless steel ratchet
Country of Manufacture: Japan, ECE test mark E 6 (Belgium)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, breathing air deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Sena SRL; Bluetooth unit with boom microphone and stereo speakers, control unit with function button integrated in the helmet shell, separate Li-polymer battery for insertion slot in the helmet, operating time ten hours, charging time 2.5 hours
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to eight partner sets, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, integrated VHF radio
Price: 299 euros
Positive: Very stable seat, encloses the head very well; firm upholstery, skin-friendly fabric cover; very quiet; top ventilated with smooth-running, easy-to-use sliders
Negative: Pinlock suspension slightly annoying in the side field of vision (when looking over the shoulder)
Conclusion: The predecessor was already very good, the successor goes one better in terms of comfort, fit and everyday use. Even at a brisk freeway speed, the background noise remains pleasantly insulated inside. This allows the connectivity unit developed by Sena to develop perfectly.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
4th place: BMW System 7 Carbon
Providers: BMW Motorrad, Tel. 0 89/1 25 01 62 00
Price: uni from 575 euros, decor from 595 euros
Sizes: 52/53 to 64/65
Weight: 1,590 ± 50 g / 1,582 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
BMW System 7 carbon.
To dye: Black, white, matt gray, silver, three decors
Helmet shell: Carbon
Closure: Plastic ratchet
Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, can be converted into a jet helmet with removable chin section; Helmet bag included.
Communication system: BMW motorcycle Communication system; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and gooseneck microphone; Control panel with function button and volume control can be clipped into the helmet; NiMH battery with max. 14 hours operating time, charging time at least 3.5 hours
Connectivity: Two-way communication with a second headset, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, BMW TFT cockpit
Price: 380 euros
Positive: Crisp fit; good suitability for glasses; low weight; perfect ventilation; excellent aerodynamics; very good HIC value; Audio system easy to use with still good acoustics (overall helmet a bit too loud)
Negative: When the chin section is open, the wind deflector hangs completely in the field of vision; stiff sun visor
Conclusion: The seventh generation of the legendary BMW flip-up helmet impresses with its low weight, high practical benefits and with the best shock absorption values in the test. The audio system is pleasing with its crystal clear sound, but falls a little behind in terms of wind noise.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
5th place: X-lite X-661
Providers: Nolangroup Germany, Tel. 07 11/3 10 85 30
Prices: uni from 359.99 euros, decor from 419.99 euros
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Weight: 1,390 g / 1,458 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
X-lite X-661.
To dye: White, black, 17 decors / special colors
Helmet shell: Glass fiber / Kevlar / carbon mix
Closure: Double-D
Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, helmet bag included.
Communication system: N-com B901L R; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and boom microphone; Control unit with function button and integrated Li-Ion battery for attachment to the helmet shell, operating time up to 15 hours
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to four partner sets, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, integrated VHF radio
Prices: 264.99 euros, with emergency LED brake light 299.99 euros
Positive: Very easy entry, sits extremely crisp right away; Visor with precise click stops; neatly fitted communication set
Negative: Very narrow field of vision upwards and to the side (shoulder view) slightly restricted; cumbersome ventilation operation
Conclusion: The sporty touring helmet scores above all with its ultra-precise fit, but small details such as the complicated handling of the ventilation button or the very narrow field of vision are annoying in everyday life. The N-com system is sophisticated, but has to fight against annoying background noises.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
6th place: Nolan N 100-5
Providers: Nolangroup Germany, Tel. 07 11/3 10 85 30
Prices: uni from 354.99 euros, decor from 414.99 euros
Sizes: XXS to 3XL
Weight: 1,690 g / 1,726 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Nolan N 100-5.
To dye: White, matt black, black, silver, signal yellow, 18 decors / special colors
Helmet shell: Lexan
Closure: Plastic ratchet
Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy);
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, helmet bag included.
Communication system: N-com B901L R; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and boom microphone; Control unit with function button and integrated Li-Ion battery for attachment to the helmet shell, operating time up to 15 hours, charging time k. A..
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to four partner sets, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, integrated VHF radio
Prices: 264.99 euros, with emergency LED brake light 299.99 euros
Positive: Full seat, comfortably upholstered, encloses the head very well; well ventilated; huge field of view; very quiet
Negative: Heavy weight noticeable in the long run; Visor lock somewhat stiff
Conclusion: Already early on Nolan relied on the development of an in-house connectivity system. That’s good to hear. The acoustics for two-way communication or listening to music are sensational thanks to the low driving noise, and operation of the sophisticated N-Com system is child’s play.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
7th place: Shark Skwal 2
Providers: Shark Helme Germany, Tel. 0 41 08/45 80 00
Prices: uni from 239.99 euros, decor / replica from 269.99 euros
Sizes: XS to XL
Weight: 1,550 g / 1,596 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Shark Skwal 2.
To dye: White, matt black, black, anthracite, 23 decors / replicas
Helmet shell: Thermoplastic
Closure: Plastic ratchet
Country of Manufacture: Portugal, ECE test mark E 11 (Great Britain)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, LED lights for chin section / back of the head, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Sharktooth; Bluetooth unit with function button for sticking to helmet shell and separate battery, operating time / charging time k. A..
Connectivity: Two-way communication, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system
Price: 240.40 euros
Positive: Firm, more comfortable seat; very good HIC value; very good suitability for glasses; easy-to-use ventilation slides
Negative: Due to the relatively narrow visor cutout and lush cheek pads on the sides (shoulder view), clearly restricted field of vision; Sun visor mechanism a bit loud and rattling slightly
Conclusion: The LED lighting is a nice gimmick, but actually the Skwal 2 doesn’t have to draw attention to itself. In everyday life it impresses with its good acoustics, and on the test bench it is runner-up. The Bluetooth unit is functionally okay, but the installation is compared to a very craft shack.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
8th place: LS2 FF397 Vector
Providers: LS2 Germany, Tel. 0 44 51/9 60 29 80
Prices: uni 219 euros, decor 239 euros
Sizes: XXS to 3XL
Weight: 1,300 g ± 50 g / 1,540 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
LS2 FF397 Vector.
To dye: White, matt black, black, ten decors
Helmet shell: Fiberglass
Closure: Metal ratchet
Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E 1 (Germany)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, Pinlock visor, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Sena Linkin Ride Pal II; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and chin part microphone; Function button on the chinstrap, separate battery pack, operating time and charging time k. A..
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to two partner sets, coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system
Price: 129.90 euros
Positive: Good fit; very good suitability for glasses; easy to install communication set with a very attractive price
Negative: Extremely strong when new; slightly milky and distorted vision through sun visor; Cheek pads very pronounced; slight hiking movements at higher freeway speeds
Conclusion: In the 200 Euro league, this LS2 helmet can hold its own with good practical values, more expensive models do not necessarily drive better. The Sena Bluetooth unit adapted for the LS2 is a bit awkward to use on the chinstrap, but scores with functionality and an affordable price.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
9th place: Nexx SX.100
Providers: Nexx Helmets Distribution, Tel. 00 43-55 74/7 57 47 (Austria)
Prices: uni 159.95 euros, decor 199.95 euros
Sizes: XS to XXL
Weight: 1,550 g ± 50 g / 1,606 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Nexx SX.100.
To dye: White, matt black, black, gray, signal yellow, 27 decors
Helmet shell: Polycarbonate
Closure: Plastic ratchet
Country of Manufacture: Portugal, ECE test mark E 6 (Belgium)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, pinlock preparation, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Nexx X.Com; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and chin part microphone; Control unit with function button integrated in the helmet shell, separate battery pack, operating time and charging time k. A..
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to four partner sets (Sena-compatible), coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system
Price: 249.95 euros
Positive: Full seat, encloses the head very well; very large field of view; easy-to-use ventilation slides
Negative: Fog-free visor only for an extra charge (Pinlock retrofitting); very heavy, weight clearly noticeable in the long run; good communication set is diminished by loud wind noise
Conclusion: The control unit of the in-house communication set can be clipped into the helmet shell with one movement, and the inexpensive 160-euro helmet becomes an u400 hat. The acoustics of the Bluetooth system are good, but have to fight against noticeable driving and wind noise.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
10th place: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Providers: Harley-Davidson, Tel. 01 80/3 00 13 40
Price: 204 euros
Sizes: XS to XXL
Weight: 1,750 / 1,711 g (manufacturer information / M weighed)
mps photo studio
Harley-Davidson Capstone.
Colour: Matt black; Helmet shell: polycarbonate
Closure: Double-D
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam, ECE test mark E 9 (Spain)
Furnishing: Wind deflector, sun visor, pinlock preparation, helmet bag included.
Communication system: Boom! Audio 20S; Bluetooth unit with stereo speakers and gooseneck microphone; Control unit with function button and volume control for attachment to the helmet; Battery with max. 13 hours operating time, charging time 2.5 hours
Connectivity: Two-way communication with up to eight partner sets (Senakompatible), coupling with smartphone, MP3 player, navigation system, integrated VHF radio
Price: 706 euros (as a partner system with two installation sets)
Positive: Large field of view; encloses the head very well; comfortable lining; very good HIC value; The audio system can be operated intuitively
Negative: High weight; Sun visor awkward to use; loud, sometimes sluggish mechanics; Visor twists when opening / closing
Conclusion: This old-school flip-up helmet can convince with solid everyday values. The audio system supplied by Sena scores with many features and good acoustics, but the attachment and overall appearance of the helmet look too much like a hardware store Frickel solution. The competition is significantly further.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
The sound check
Let’s turn the controls up and listen: How does the helmet sound? In the studio vulgo, the warm editorial office, no system shows its nakedness (especially since most of them are based on the same components and chipsets from the leading brands Sena and Cardo). A super cool stereo sound, crystal-clear voice transmissions, the helmet as a resonance chamber – wow, that’s the Elbphilharmonie in mobil. On the way, of course, there are also individual imponderables: wind, background noises (yes, yes, the loud exhaust …), turbulence in the cladding – here you have to decide for yourself when an unbearable cacophony will maul your ear. In general terms: the playlist of your choice can be enjoyed on power-naked bikes up to the speed of a country road, while on superbly disguised super tourers you can still have relaxed phone calls with the boss – in purely phonetic terms, even beyond the recommended motorway speed …
Bluetooth in the helmet – actually old hat. The only new thing now is that the helmet manufacturers themselves have also discovered the “Connectivity” feature and are now offering the ready-made communication solution for their helmet models ex works.
Jorg Lohse
The playlist of your choice can easily be enjoyed on power-naked bikes up to country road speed. On the autobahn, the sound quality becomes more critical.
Small interlude: more or less ready-made. As a rule, the “Bluetooth” equipment feature is neatly sorted in a small box with lots of cables and glue. Don’t worry: the soldering iron and fretsaw can actually stay in the box, most of them can actually be inserted relatively easily into the helmet using “plug and play”, even with two technically left hands. Anyone who does not dare to do this (because they have the feeling, for example, of using it as a safety-relevant protective gear to damage the helmet), can finally still ask the specialist dealer they trust to take over the installation of the Bluetooth kit. However, there is no fixed tariff with any brand, here you should actually agree on a sum in advance. Only when moon prices are called do you have to be puzzled: Even inexperienced users can use such a system in less than an hour, and sometimes it is only a matter of minutes.
For example with the really well thought-out systems from HJC, Nolan / X-lite, Shoei or Schuberth. With the latter, only the battery pack and control unit actually have to be inserted into special slots; speakers, microphone and antenna are already built into the helmet at the factory. It couldn’t be simpler.
The helmets on the TuV Rheinland test bench
The successfully completed examination according to the helmet test standard ECE R 22.05 is a basic requirement for making it into the selection for the MOTORCYCLE helmet test. However, the editors consider the mundane re-measurement of the ECE shock absorption values to be superfluous, since the ECE only defines a minimum requirement for motorcycle helmets. On the one hand, this is due to the sometimes absurd test specifications, in which the drop tests are carried out with helmets frozen to minus 20 degrees. In addition, the points of impact are precisely defined in the European standard. Which in turn encourages some helmet providers to reinforce the test points accordingly. A procedure that is within the legal framework, but which makes critics scoff at the fact that this method can even be used to knit a bobble hat so it is ECE-compliant.
markus-jahn.com
Together with Peter Schaudt from TuV Rheinland (in blue), MOTORRAD (in red) developed the “Sigma post test procedure”. It is said that helmet manufacturers also test afterwards.
For this reason, MOTORRAD sat down at the table with TuV expert Peter Schaudt and accident researcher and biomechanic Florian Schueler as early as 2009 to develop a practical test procedure for helmets. For almost a decade, the “MOTORCYCLE helmet standard” has proven itself in numerous comparative tests. The key point: the helmet continues to fall from a height of around three meters on the TuV Rheinland test bench, but not on the ECE edge anvil, but on a real guardrail carrier (“Sigma post”), which, according to Florian Schueler, often plays a tragic role in accidents . The helmets are also tested at room temperature. The impact on the left and right side occurs not only at high speed (7.5 m / s), but also much more slowly at 5.5 m / s. Not because we want to make it particularly easy for the candidates, but because the shock absorption should work reliably even at low accident speeds.
According to ECE, an acceleration value of 275 g is permissible in the event of an impact on the test anvil. The probe equipped with sensors forwards the g-value to a computer, which calculates the HIC-value with the help of other parameters (duration of force application). The “Head Injury Criterion” is considered by doctors and biomechanics as an informative value for making statements about possible brain / skull injuries. The ECE allows a maximum HIC value of 2400. An abstract number, but above all far beyond good and bad. The MOTORRAD expert crew agrees: “In the MOTORRAD test, HIC 1000 should be feasible!” A look at the table shows: Some models are not far from this desired value, above all BMW, Shark, Harley and HJC – with the Harley -branded flip-up helmet is a real HJC: This is among other things as IS-Max II in the shops. Without scoring, the chin is raised on a flat anvil. The measured g-values can only be interpreted to a limited extent, as the forces that occur, depending on the type of helmet, are partly transferred to the chinstrap – and are therefore not measurable. But it is always interesting how well the chin parts withstand the impact from a height of three meters.
This is how MOTORRAD tests
Test bench, practice, tasting room. The Triple-P principle has been a proven standard in the MOTORCYCLE helmet test for years. After the test request, the helmet manufacturers have two weeks to send the required samples to the editorial office. Since the shock absorption test is not based on the usual standards, but a completely separate MOTORRAD standard based on the reality of an accident has been created with the notorious guardrail carrier (“Sigmapfosten”), manipulation tailored to ECE requirements, for example, is impossible. Two of the five requested copies from each manufacturer are put on the helmet test bench of TuV Rheinland at breakneck speed and are ready for scrap after this crash test.
Jorg Lohse
Drive, drive, drive: for the everyday competition, all helmets are worn on the road.
The remaining three specimens, usually in sizes M, L and XL, are taken out onto the country roads and highways around Stuttgart in order to be able to evaluate the helmets in practice on various MOTORRAD endurance testers. 60 percent of the points gained in this everyday test are included in the final evaluation. Since we evaluated the connectivity specifically for this test, the usability, practicality and acoustics of the built-in Bluetooth systems naturally also played an important role. Final check in the tasting room, where the MOTORRAD service crew tries on all the helmets one after the other in a kind of “quick shell game” and records any abnormalities. They can finally choose their personal tops and flops without any influence on the awarding of points.
Final ranking – which helmet brings the test victory?
A result that leaves you speechless? Not really. On the one hand, all renowned brands have gathered in this test field. All of them are manufacturers who understand their craft and in the past have repeatedly competed in our tests with well-designed to very well-designed helmets.
MOTORCYCLE
In the end, the Schuberth R2 secured test victory ahead of the HJC RPHA70 and the Shoei Neotec II.
So the overall respectable performance is not a big surprise. Second, the helmet manufacturers buy their connectivity systems from well-known brands such as Cardo or Sena. They are also anything but nasal drills, and over the years their Bluetooth systems have become more and more sophisticated. Nevertheless, there is still development potential for some providers. Especially when you look at the almost perfect plug-and-play solutions from Nolan / X-lite, but above all test winner Schuberth. Imitation desired! And with it “Over and out …”
Tops and flops of the MOTORRAD crew
Ten helmets, four editors, four opinions: which helmet models came out top among editors Markus Biebricher, Thorsten Dentges, Tobias Beyl and Jorg Lohse?
Jorg Lohse
Shoei Neotec II.
Markus Biebricher (55): The editorial uncle of the editorial team loves to travel. Even in XL, some helmets are still too small for them.
1st place: Shoei Neotec II
2nd place: X-lite X-661
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Jorg Lohse
X-lite X-661.
Thorsten Dentges (46): In this test, among other things, the instance when the glasses had to be threaded cleanly.
1st place: X-lite X-661
2nd place: Shoei Neotec II
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Jorg Lohse
X-lite X-661.
Tobias Beyl (30): The youthful corrective in the test team. Not yet ready for practical folding models.
1st place: X-lite X-661
2nd place: Schuberth R2
Last: LS2 FF 397 Vector
Jorg Lohse
Shoei Neotec II.
Jorg Lohse (48): For once, shut up during this test and only listened to the music.
1st place: Shoei Neotec II
2nd place: HJC RPHA70
Last: Harley-Davidson Capstone
Related articles
-
Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
PHOTO-BK.COM 23 pictures PHOTO-BK.COM 1/23 In the comparison test, eleven racing helmets faced each other. mps photo studio 2/23 Simple but very…
-
Flip-up motorcycle helmets between 139 and 649 euros in the test
Photo: mps-Studio 12th pictures mps studio 1/12 12th place: LZR MH2, from 139 euros, 52/100 points, MOTORRAD judgment “sufficient” mps studio 2/12 9th…
-
16 flip-up motorcycle helmets in a comparison test
2snap 57 pictures mps photo studio 1/57 Rather unusual: the chin section can be swiveled backwards, … mps photo studio 2/57 The opener on the chin part…
-
14 sporty full-face motorcycle helmets in a comparison test
Klaus Herder 50 pictures Klaus Herder 1/50 mps photo studio 2/50 Visor without detent and with locking in the field of vision. mps photo studio 3/50…
-
Jet helmets put to the test: motorcycle helmets with the feeling of freedom
Dentges clothing Helmets Jet helmets put to the test: motorcycle helmets with the feeling of freedom Motorcycle open face helmets in the test The feeling…
-
Motorcycle helmets: test, purchase advice, ECE standard, communication
Herder 14th pictures Herder 1/14 Jorg Lohse trying in vain to mount a wind deflector on the X-lite. Can you test harder? no! Herder 2/14 The Schuberth S1…
-
10 pairs of high-end motorcycle sports gloves 2018 test
mps photo studio, Jorg Lohse, Thorsten Dentges 22nd pictures mps photo studio, Jorg Lohse, Thorsten Dentges 1/22 1st place: Hero Phantom II. mps photo…
-
Jahn 25th pictures mps photo studio 1/25 Multi helmets in the MOTORRAD product test. mps photo studio 2/25 Looks bad, but the Givi’s chin section, which…
-
Product test full face helmets with sun visor
Photo: Herder 51 pictures mps photo studio 1/51 Airoh Movement, MOTORRAD verdict: very good (motorcycle purchase tip). mps photo studio 2/51 HJC RPHA ST,…
-
On – off-road helmets in the product test
Herder 48 pictures mps photo studio 1/48 … all the rest too. mps photo studio 2/48 Nice idea, implemented unsatisfactorily – the modular helmet is a…