Helmets – The Nolan group is launching nine new helmets in 2011 –

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The Nolan group launches nine new helmets in 2011

Helmets - The Nolan group is launching nine new helmets in 2011 -

On their way to the MotoGP title with their star rider Jorge Lorenzo, the Nolan group (Nolan, X-Lite and Grex) are taking advantage of this position to try to carve out the lion’s share of the helmet market and launch nine new models in 2011. Presentation.

Vairano di Vidigulfo test circuit, near Milan (Italy). At the start of autumn, the Italian group Nolan (Nolan, X-Lite and Grex) presents to the press its collection of 2011 helmets in the presence of stars from the world of motorcycle racing: Jorge Lorenzo (X-Lite rider in MotoGP) , Marco Melandri (Nolan rider in MotoGP) and Carlos Checa (Nolan rider in World Superbike).

On the program for the day: discovery of the new Nolan, X-Lite and Grex helmets, with a run on the track in the company of these three torturers of the right grip…

In pursuit of new X-Lite … and Lorenzo !

He was well on his way to pocketing his first title in the premier category of motorcycle sport – under the nose and beard of Pedrosa, Stoner and especially his "teammate" Rossi! -, the Spanish Jorge Lorenzo did not hesitate to twist the assembly on the handlebars of a Yamaha YZF-R1 … and without giving the impression of forcing !

The opportunity for Le Journal moto du Net to test the top of the range "Racing" helmet: the X-802. Made of composite fibers like all X-Lite – unlike Nolan polycarbonate Lexan -, this sports full-face helmet is also available under the Nolan brand. This recent model, with its three shell sizes, benefits from a double palette of colors, decorations and "Replica" versions..

Tried on a few laps in its impressive "Lorenzo Moon" decoration, the X-802 immediately seduces with its lightness (less than 1.3 kg in size M). It is provided with comfortable microfiber foams and the whole is rather well ventilated thanks to an innovative rear deflector, three extractors, five front air intakes with direct air intake and five upper air intakes with air intake. broadcast. According to X-Lite, this ventilation system is "the most complete and efficient that has ever been produced for a helmet".

Ultra efficient

In terms of efficiency, this impressive arsenal is indeed ultra-efficient despite the ambient 28 ° C. On the other hand, handling the ventilation opening mechanisms with gloves requires a little practice..

Available from XS to XXL at a price of 419.50 euros (549.50 euros in "Replica" version), the X-lite X-802 (or Nolan X-802) also offers a wide field of vision with its easy visor to be dismantled and fitted with a seal, a locking system and screen lifting notches.

Wishing to question Jorge Lorenzo directly on all the details of his own helmet, the editorial staff of Site was unfortunately rejected by the driver’s manager: visibly concerned about Pedrosa’s comeback to the championship and Stoner’s recent return to business on his Ducati , the Yamaha official provided minimum service without taking the time to answer our questions…

Marco Melandri and Carlos Checa, on the other hand, were better disposed and more open to discussion. But while the two riders are having fun sliding into the curves on the handlebars of a Honda CBR1000RR and a Ducati 1198 S, a quick glance at the press kit tells us that the new X-Lite in 2011 is called X-551: positioned for "Crossover" use, this model is in fact a full face helmet that can be transformed into an Enduro helmet.

Multi-purpose, this X-551 helmet has three different shell sizes for the six sizes available. It has an anti-fog visor and a removable sunscreen while ventilation is guaranteed by the front air intake, the two upper air intakes and the rear extractor. Pre-equipped to receive the N-Com communication system, it will be sold from 429.50 euros.

New Nolan N71, N63 and N33 helmets

As for the Nolan brand, no less than three new helmet models will be available in 2011: the N71, the N63 and the N33.

The Nolan N71 is a full face helmet that can be transformed into a jet approved "P / J" (the letter J specifies that it is approved "jet helmet" (without chin bar), and the letter P concerns the approval as a full one). Intended for "commuters" who will appreciate its large anti-fog and anti-scratch treated screen, its high-performance ventilation and its removable sun visor, the N71 is equipped with removable and washable foams. Its starting price is set at 269.95 euros.

The Nolan N63 is a full face helmet with a dynamic design "designed for young and urban use", emphasizes the Italian manufacturer. Nolan also announces a very neat finish and a weight of approximately 1.4 kg for this model equipped with a ventilation system consisting of an air intake on the chin bar, a direct front air, another in the upper part of the shell and two rear extractors.The Nolan N63 will be available from 144.95 euros.

Finally, the Nolan N33 is a demi-jet equipped with a large domed visor and a sun visor which descends very low and which fits between the shell and the visor to limit noise: a very practical detail. in urban areas. Provided with multiple vents and two original side fins responsible for evacuating air, the N33 is equipped with washable foams. Its price starts from € 199.95.

In duo behind Melandri: the salary of fear…

Before discovering the 2011 Grex novelties (the lowest priced brand of the Nolan group), Marco Melandri, relaxed and smiling, confides in us his disappointment at leaving MotoGP at the end of the season (read our) … Despite everything , the Ravenna Hedgehog seems eager to take on the World Superbike challenge at Yamaha alongside Eugene Laverty (read our).

Currently ninth in the seven-point world championship of Randy de Puniet, it is clear after a memorable duo behind him that the 250 cc world champion (2002) undoubtedly has the means to play for the WSBK title, as he is quick watch on a completely original CBR1000RR !

After five laps in the passenger seat of a Fireblade led by the 2005 MotoGP vice world champion, his talent and ardor appeared particularly … convincing to us. !

An intense experience, even downright scary: with each acceleration, the arms threaten to let go as the Italian accelerates early and hard and from the first corner, the Honda engineers are internally cursed for having provided the CBR with such power at the braking! Visibly mocking elementary physical notions such as gravity or the maximum grip of a commercial tire, Marco sets the brakes and dives to the rope like on his MotoGP Honda RCV212: late, fast and strong … Huge. !

Five new Grex helmets

Obviously delighted with the experience, "Super Marco" admits not having hesitated to go there frankly because "but you looked very comfortable behind the bike so I put on some gas"…

Unless his Nolan X-802 does not benefit from particularly neat sound insulation, which would explain why he heard neither our cries, nor our prayers, and even less the slew of curses emitted throughout the 2, 5 km from the Vairano di Vidigulfo route !

But let’s come back – gently … – to our helmets! The Grex 2011 range consists of five new models made in Lexan, such as all the Nolan and Grex helmets: the DJ1 City demi-jet and its large bezel-shaped screen (from 84.95 euros), the J2 (an elegant semi-jet equipped with a sunscreen and removable foams, available from 129.95 euros), the RF2 (a modular well-equipped at the tight price of 179.95 euros), the R2 (a full-face with screen anti-scratch treatment and removable foams sold from 104.05 euros) and finally the Grex K1 Visor (a half-jet for children from 89.95 euros).

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