Gear Review: Airoh GP 500 helmet

The Airoh GP 500 road/race helmet oozes Italian design and manufacturing pride. The specifications speak what you want to hear, but the wearing is even better.

My first use of the Airoh was a 6-hour ride that started in cold autumn morning fog and opened to a bright, sunny day. The helmet felt good from the moment I put it on and at no time did I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or claustrophobic.

Simon testing out the GP 500 on the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso

Airoh combines contemporary design technologies, including finite element analysis and wind-tunnel testing, and marries it in the production process with traditional craftsmanship, such as hand layering composites. The helmet simply feels good to wear – design parameters such as quality, safety, comfort, visibility, aesthetics, ventilation etc combine in proportions that are functional, stylish and appealing.

The lining materials are comfortable against the skin. There are pockets for your ears, which is useful to overall comfort, hearing, glasses and earphones. The shell and lining provides no concentrated pressure, and it has a visor slot that offers very good peripheral vision. The helmet is very light at 1290g and is significantly lighter than my previous helmets. My neck is grateful.

Airoh’s GP 500 helmet arrives from Moto National at Bike Review HQ

Shell construction is hand-laid carbon/Kevlar composite fibres that are encapsulated in a UV shield and moulded polymer outer. The external shape is wind tunnel and road tested extensively to make it slip through the air at speed, and is complimented by high quality decaling and final coating.

The ventilation system works well, especially the skull vents. The helmet has a chin curtain and super-effective anti-fog insert. The insert is secured by the “pinlock” system and provides a second layer of optics that seals a pocket of air between it and the standard visor. The result is perfect visual clarity without fogging.

Airoh GP 500 Red Gloss Helmet

The visor is tinted 50 per cent, which is effective against the sun but does not overly affect night riding. The pinlocks also anchor racing tear-offs. There are three visor positions and a “soft” position just off closed. When the visor is closed, it seals well, keeping wind and moisture on the outside.

The straps use D-rings – easy to put on and adjust when gloved. The linings can be removed for cleaning and fasten to the shell through studs, so the positions are accurate. The cheek liners have an emergency release system that allows them to be removed while the helmet remains on. Visor removal/installation is a very simple push and rotate process that takes seconds.

Airoh GP 500, race bred helmet, Regular Red Gloss

I would certainly place the Airoh GP 500 up top on my helmet wish-list. It has style, safety, technical innovation, excellent comfort and that special magic that is “gratis” with Italian stuff.

For more information see Moto National Accessories for the full Airoh range or visit your local Airoh stockist. The Airoh GP 500 is available from $799.95 RRP.

Special thanks to Moto National; www.motonational.com.au

Simon testing out the GP 500 on the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso