Bmw System Helmet

BMW System Helmet

EVALUATION

Eyeglasses have always been a nuisance with full-face helmets, but somebody has finally done something about it. A new BMW full face helmet has a hinged faceplate that lifts the entire chin piece out of the way, making it easy to slide the helmet on or off without removing glasses. After putting on the BMW helmet like an open face helmet, the rider pulls down the chin, snaps it closed, and the helmet is an attractively styled full-face helmet with a convenient faceshield.

Two latches, one on each side, are mounted inside the helmet shell and hold the chin guard in place. Pushing a red plastic button on each side of the helmet releases the latches, which can be done with gloves on. The helmet can then be removed, also without disturbing glasses. Even the strap holding the BMW System helmet onto the rider is unusual. Instead of the customary D-rings, there’s a well padded strap that fits over the chin. Over that strap the other nylon strap fits, its steel tang fitting into a seatbelt-like latch on the padded strap. The whole affair is easily disconnected with the push of a button. Of course without D-rings, it isn’t possible to attach the BMW helmet to any normal helmet lock on a motorcycle. It’s a convenient system, though.

With the chin guard locked down, the faceshield is easily raised or lowered with one hand. It has six positions, from fully raised to fully closed, including a slightly cracked position that’s effective in eliminating shield fogging, while keeping wind off the rider’s face. The shield covers a wide opening in the front of the helmet, allowing enormous field of view.

Riders disagreed about the sound level inside the helmet. On the rider who fit the helmet, wind noise was reported to be extremely low. Another rider found the helmet about one size too large and he noticed excessive wind .noise. An upholstered pad at the bottom edge of the chin guard would appear to reduce wind inside the helmet, but there is a surprising draft across the face despite the close fit. This draft clears the fog off the shield that appears at low speeds.

How much protection the BMW helmet provides, we don’t know. It is DOT approved, but does not have a Snell certification. The moveable chin guard can be deflected more easily than the chin piece on the better full-face helmets, but this is no doubt more protection than any openface helmets provide.

Price is $185 from BMW dealers. Weight is 3.4 lb., about average for fullface helmets. 88