HISTORY LESSON

BMWactually pioneered the idea of a full face helmet with a folding chin bar as far back as 1978. The helmet law had only been in place since 1973 (incidentally wearing a seatbelt was only made law in 1983, 10 years later - work that one out) and full face helmets were still relatively new, with the majority of riders wearing open face helmets still. Working with German helmet manufacturer, Schuberth, who had been making military helmets, they also quickly realised the importance of aerodynamics, hence the intriguing golf ball-style dimples seen in earlier System helmets.

This new System 7 is apparently the first helmet made by BMWand not just designed by them. First impressions are it is light, thanks to the carbon fibre shell. It has the easy to use ratchet strap, which personally I don't like but it is easy to use, even with gloves on.

The drop down sun visor is nicely shaped, has a dark-enough tint to help on bright days, but not too dark to make shadows black, and the visor has a tab to open it on both sides - a feature many could do with.

Flipping the chin up is simple and because of the clever hinges, it doesn't stick up like a satellite dish, so riding with it up at lowish speeds is not neck-straining.

The interior is sumptuous, though similar to the outgoing System 6 and not quite as luxurious as the rival Schuberth C4Pro I've tested. I also had to adjust the interior for my head shape at the front using a dessert spoon (reshaping the polystyrene interior),

which I have had to do on the Schuberth and on Shark helmets, but never before on BMW. Maybe it was because of Covid haircuts!

Once in and adjusted it's all-day comfy, the cheek protection coming round nicely and the brow a nice height for touring or upright bikes, but this is too low for sports positions as a rule.

I've tried the new lid on as many bikes as I can and it is just as quiet as its rivals or predecessors. The neck seal is perfect and chin bar has two wind deflectors, one is removable, making wind noise less and keeping rain out. The peripheral vision is superb, too, but venting is where BMW(and Schuberth) helmets let themselves down compared to race-style lids. It works well on a naked, but touring bikes just don't get the airflow and you end up flipping the chin bar up whenever speed is low enough. That's the compromise of a quiet helmet, I guess.

The System 7 has another weapon - you can remove the chin bar completely, making it into an open face helmet. While noisier than an open face, it works alright and you can still use the drop down visor; though it isn't as strong as the main visor. Unfortunately, the method of removing and replacing the chin is terrible, and feels like you're about to break it or your finger.

Fordistances and poor weather, this is my go-to helmet. Is it better than the rival Schuberth? For me, yes, as the chin area is more spacious; others may find the Schuberth better. Either way, they are both great places to stick your head. Matt