P&H Motorcycles News & Events

The Arai Axces II is one of many new motorcycle helmets for 2012.

The latest innovation from AGV is the Standards scheme, which uses an updated method of motorcycle helmet design.

AGV's system involves taking a detailed scan of the rider's head, and custom building the helmet to match the contours of the individual's skull.

The firm claims that this has significant benefits for both comfort and safety, as it means the helmet does not move on the head, or exert undue pressure on certain areas.

For those looking for an off-the-peg number, Dainese is introducing a new touring helmet for 2012 - the DA 530.

Complementing the existing line-up of popular helmets, the DA 530 features a host of innovative features, including the 3D concave liners, which adjust to the shape of the head while the helmet is being worn.

A new visor gives the DA 530 a greater field of vision than many of its predecessors, while the clever "easy operating system" makes adjusting it a piece of cake - even when wearing motorcycle gloves.

Dainese has also added fully adjustable vents on the chin, while further ventilation features on the back and at the top of the helmet.

Also unveiling its 2012 range at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan was the manufacturer Shark.

Leading the way in the new line is the Speed-R helmet, which replaces the popular RSI range. The Speed-R is the latest carbon fibre offering from the French firm, following on from the successful Race-R Pro and Vision-R.

Along with the standard carbon spoiler and enhanced ventilation, Shark's most telling innovating is the enhanced field of vision. Crucially, the new visor system still offers an "optically correct" view by reducing the thickness of the visor by 1.25mm at the sides, compared to the centre.

Meanwhile, Shark is also introducing brand new colour schemes for the S-600, S-700 and Vision-R.

Not to be left behind, Arai unveiled its latest helmets at the Motorcycle Live event, which began on November 19th at the Birmingham NEC and runs until November 27th.

Along with the chance to see top racers Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow, visitors can take a look at the Arai Axces II, which features a completely new shell and interior, improving fit and visibility.

Although prices have not yet been announced, Arai confirms that the Axces II has been designed to be a high-quality option for those at the entry-level end of the market.

Also new from Arai is the Tour X-4, the latest evolution of the popular Tour-X, featuring a redesigned shell which makes use of a reinforced hyper ridge around the base and an enhanced ventilation system at the chin.

In addition, bikers checking out the latest Arai models at Motorcycle Live will get a chance to see Jonathan Rea's new RX-7 GP replica, which comes in a range of fresh colour schemes.

Also expanding its artistic side is Shoei, which has introduced a total of 18 new graphics and colour combinations for 2012.

Helmets benefitting from a fresh lick of paint are the X-12, RF-1100 and Qwest models.

The X-12 has proven to be a highly popular helmet with bikers, with Shoei claiming it to be the "best-performing racing helmet ever conceived". Tasked with improving on this, the firm's technicians have been hard at work modifying the design to make use of the latest materials.

Meanwhile, the RF-1100 shows that Shoei listens to customer feedback, with the addition of a removable liner in the helmet improving comfort levels, while there are now up to five different shell sizes to choose from.