Kickstart
The upfront section with all the latest news, views and product reviews
The 1970s are back... and we’re not just talking about street racers. Whether it’s cars, motorcycles or music, the decade of our childhood is cool once again. Helmet manufacturer AGV has noticed this trend and has produced the Legends range of helmets, merging cutting edge safety with 1970s styling.
Unlike many companies AGV is proud of its heritage and most of its national importers have a museum of classic helmets worn by legendary figures such as Barry Shene and Giacomo Agostini.
These helmets have provided the template for the X3000, a full face helmet that’s almost indistinguishable from the originals – even the chin guard’s sculpted as Agostini requested; so he could get closer to the tank and further behind the fairing.
Such concerns aren’t relevant to most scooterists but the classic silhouette will perfectly complement any 1970s themed scoot.
The Sheene replica that Stan has on test is an object of beauty, with a finish that any custom artist would be proud of. Unfortunately a good proportion of these limited edition pieces will never travel further than a collector’s cabinet, which is a shame. The X3000 exudes quality and the removable, washable interior is exceptionally comfortable in use.
Anyone who recalls using press stud fastening visors knows what a pain they were, but despite appearances the X3000’s visor is much more sophisticated than that. Thanks to a very clever fastening system the 1970s press stud look is retained but the fastenings are cleverly designed to click into place, drawing the visor on to the rubber seal keeping water and draughts at bay.
Those same fasteners open instantly when the visor’s flicked with the left hand, it’s all very cleverly engineered. Although it’s not pinlock compatible, tinted visors are available and when it’s shut a cut-out in the visor can be opened to allow a cooling draught of air across the scalp.
Although aimed at the classic motorcycle market, the schemes represent figures that cross cultural boundaries. But for those still not convinced, the X3000 is also available in non-replica schemes.
Fans of fresh air haven’t been forgotten and the same amount of care to design and safety’s been applied to AGV’s retro X70 open face helmet.
It’s been said many times before, you only get one head and a helmet bought from eBay might look the part but could do nothing to protect the wearer in an accident.
Fortunately AGV has provided a solution that’s both stylish and safe.
RRP: From £289.99-£549.99 depending on scheme