- New from the company that specialises in protection (they invented the motorcycle neck brace).
- 4 different configurations – standard, no peak, no visor, goggles & visor.
- Made from a three-layer composite matrix, which has a lighter and stronger construction than a polymer shell.
Distributor: Whites Powersports | Tester: Paul | Price: $1,199.99 | Check It: www.leattmoto.co.nz
There always seems to be an adventure bike in the shed nowadays, such is the popularity of the genre. So that means my adventure helmets get a pretty decent workout, much of it involving a bit of sweat, a lot of dust and occasionally a sample of dirt. So when Leatt NZ offered me a new Leatt 8.5 Adv helmet to sample, I was happy to add it to the mix. But what makes the Leatt different to any other adventure helmet? Well, knowing that Leatt is an innovative and technically clever company (they invented the first motorcycle neck brace), I was pretty sure there were going to be lots.
Dual Duties
First up, there’s the ability to wear the new 8.5 in four different ways. Nope, I don’t mean other than on your head, but rather with or without goggles or a peak. And while being able to remove the peak and run the helmet as a kind of street fighter helmet isn’t necessarily a new thing, the Leatt 8.5 has a trick up its sleeve, and it’s all to do with the visor opening. You see, the Leatt has an extra wide eyeport, which has a couple of benefits. Firstly, you can see more, with peripheral vision increased thanks to the large opening. But the real trick is that the 8.5 will comfortably accommodate a set of goggles, something that not many adventure helmets will do without a bit of wiggling and waggling. And the best bit? It will accept the goggles even while you’ve got the visor attached and, (OMG, this is the best bit!), you can close the visor while you’ve got the goggles on!
Why would you want to do that, I hear you ask. Well, adventure riding can be a pretty dusty affair, especially when you’re riding behind others, and goggles are by far the best way to protect your eyes from the clouds of dust you’re inevitably riding in. Then, when it comes to the long, fast road bits where you’d rather a bit of wind protection, you can pull the visor down over the goggles and run them both together. It’s pretty cool, works well and the best bit is that the Leatt 8.5 Adv helmet comes with a set of Leatt 4.5 goggles, so you don’t even need to go and buy any!
What Else?
Well, there’s plenty more. Leatt is all about protection, so the helmet has been made from a three-layer composite matrix, which has a lighter and stronger construction than a polymer shell. Then there’s Leatt’s patented 360º Turbine Technology, where the energy absorption of the turbines inside the helmet helps reduce the low-speed impact energy to the head and brain, reducing the risk of concussion. There’s loads of ventilation, and the helmet even comes with a separate photochromic visor along with a clear one and a Pinlock MaxVision anti-fog shield. You wouldn’t be wrong if you said that the Leatt 8.5 helmet has it all.
The helmet is comfortable to wear and, as you’d expect, the interior is removable for cleaning. There’s also handy channelling on the inside, so the 8.5 is a doddle to fit an intercom system if that’s your thing. To change the visor is toolless, although once you’ve got the chromatic version in place, I can’t see the need to change.
I’ll be using the Leatt throughout the year for more adventure testing, but first impressions are that this is a well thought-out, comfortable and protective helmet that has the added trick of being able to run goggles and the visor at the same time, making it as dual-purpose as the machines it’s designed to use with.
Features
- 3-year Helmet Replacement Program.
- Composite shell available in 3 shell sizes.
- 360° Turbine Technology:
- Reduces peak brain acceleration at impact speeds linked to concussions.
- Reduces peak brain rotational acceleration.
- Photochromic shield attached; clear shield included in the box.
- FREE Velocity 4.5 Goggles included.
- Pin lock® 120 MaxVision XLT Antifog included.
- 4-Way Rider Set up options:
- Shield, goggles and Visor.
- Shield and visor
- Goggles and visor
- Shield without Visor
- Wind tunnel-tested shell design minimizes drag and lift.
- Chin curtain and cheek pads seal around the neck for noise reduction.
- Quick-release shield for off-road use, with shield mechanism covers for off-road mode.
- Double D-Ring closure for secure fit.
- Extra wide eye port for seamless goggle integration.
- Compatible with aftermarket communication devices.
- Antimicrobial, washable liner and cheek pads.
- Emergency cheek pad removal system.
- Spare lenses available in Iriz Silver (Mirror) and Smoke.
- Certified and tested to ECE 22.06 and DOT standards.
- Weight: M/L 1575g ± 50g
- Helmet carry bag included.
- Eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging.
For more visit: www.leattmoto.co.nz
