AGV PISTA GP-R

TESTED BY: Pretty Boy MILES: 1,500 TIME: 8 months PRICE: RRP £899.99 You’ve probably seen AGV’s top-of-the-range sports lid spanked on board a certain Valentino o Rossi’s noggin – and if it’s good enough for the GOAT I’m sure it really is good enough for the rest of us. I opted for the Matt Carbon design and had it sprayed, but even standard they come in a range of snazzy colour schemes with a finish that is absolutely stunning for a crash helmet. Unboxing the Pista GP-R you’ll find it comes equipped with a removable hydration system (not for alcohol apparently) and a high quality helmet bag and an easily removable visor which are nice touches – yet even so the real trump card is picking the thing up and trying it on.

Constructed from 100% carbon fibre, the AGV is incredibly light, and having four shell sizes means you’ll get the ultimate fit. I opted for a small and it felt a little snug at first, but thanks to the clever pads you can easily adjust the fit; I moved my pads slightly for a thinner crown section and now it fits like an absolute dream.

I have to say this has been the one lid that I didn’t initially like as the aperture on the visor is massive and alien at first, yet every time you ride with it you’ll grow to love it – and now I can’t wait to get racing in it. The wind noise isn’t bad at all for a race lid and the ventilation is rock solid, although the vents are always open with optional covers – so keep that in mind if you’re riding in the cold. I haven’t been down the road in it yet (touch wood) but safety is covered thanks to a whole host of innovations, and even the spoiler on the back features multiple wings.