A helmet is probably the single most important piece
of kit for any biker. Most fall into one of three categories, full
face, open face and off road. But as motorbike concepts appear with
ever more radical designs and mechanicals what advances are being
made to this vital piece of safety kit. Here's a few concept helmets
being explored.
Seeing what's behind you on a motorbike has always been a problem.
Not knowing where you are on the road in relation to other vehicles
is a dangerous situation to be in, especially for an exposed
motorbike rider.
UK manufacturers Reevu have spent ten years and £2
million developing a helmet which has a built-in 180 degree
unbreakable rearview mirror to help combat this problem. The
periscope- like technology allows the rider to see the road
behind, using a series of unbreakable mirrors.
Reevu is also aware of the fact the helmet needs to be lightweight
to reduce neck fatigue, and the rear view helmet weighs the
same as any other similar sized helmet.
The rear view helmet should be available by early 2006 priced
at the mid-high end of the market. Sizes XS-XXL
With the release of the high spec cross-country BMW HP2 motorcycle, BMW also designed some advanced
off-road gear. This carbon
fiber, Kevlar and fibreglass
off-road helmet is one of them. Its aerodynamic shape and X-box
'Halo' looks certainly make it stand out from the crowd. BMW
may fit their Bluetooth and noise cancellation devices to the
helmet which will allow it to work with mobile phones and later
devices such as MP3 players and Bluetooth gadgets. The helmet
is modular, and can be used with or without the visor or the
screen depending on your needs.
BMW's
futuristic helmet may be available by early 2006
BMW, again, developed an advanced noise reduction and Bluetooth
enabled flip-up full face helmet. Constructed from state-of-the-art
materials like kevlar, carbon fibre fibre glass this ultralight,
aerodynamic and very quiet helmet has been wind-tunnel tested
to minimise wind noise and as such records only 86dB(A) at 62
mph.
Inside this advanced helmet is a wireless communication system,
a Bluetooth module, two microphones, a digital signal processor
which filters out interference and cancels wind noise, and two
speakers.
With all this technology strapped inside you can hear clearly
even at very high speeds allowing conversations with a pillion,
or communicate via wireless technology with anyone anywhere,
or listen to music.
The three button user-friendly control panel and communication
system allows several hours of chat on a fully charge. Currently
the system works with only Bluetooth enabled mobile phones,
but later models will be compatible with all Blutooth gadgets.
