The science of thrill, but safely
They say if you want a friend in politics, get a dog. Likewise, if you want to be safe on the road, stay off it. People in the motorcycle safety world often seem to imply just that: a constant chorus of “don’t ride here, don’t ride there”, as if they’re really saying, “look, just forget about motorcycles altogether.”
You can’t hang that kind of thinking on Dr Chris Leatt. He races bikes and lives for “that moment when the hair on the neck lifts… when every cell in your system screams with sheer delight”. That’s why the Leatt tagline isn’t about safety – it’s The Science of Thrill.
Chris turned to motorbike safety the way Dr Eric Gardener, inventor of the helmet, did: through tragedy. A fellow rider died on track from a suspected neck injury. At the time, Chris was studying neurosurgery and had a young son just getting into riding. He dropped his studies and began designing what became the internationally famous Leatt neck brace.
Today, Chris runs the Leatt-Lab in Cape Town, South Africa, where most of the brand’s R&D happens. It’s a cutting-edge facility with in-house prototyping, testing and international collaboration. Oh, and he still races.
Being of German stock, I have a thick neck (am I allowed to say that nowadays?) and so the neck brace hasn’t really interested me. I didn’t even know that Leatt helmets existed, probably because they previously catered only to the dirt riding market. But when a friend of mine in the US got one of the Adventure helmets for review and raved about it, I thought I’d better take a look as well. I got the 8.5 model – slightly heavier and more affordable than the 9.5 carbon fibre version he reviewed.
When you buy a Leatt helmet, you get more in the box than just a helmet. You get what they call a kit, which is the helmet; Leatt’s Velocity 5.5 goggles, designed for the helmet; and two visors including a photochromatic one as well as a Pinlock MaxVision anti-fog shield. There’s a helmet bag, too, but it’s much the same as every other helmet bag. Leatt, however, also has a three-year helmet replacement program which gets you a 60 per cent discount on a new helmet if you damage yours. All of that, along with the incorporated protective technology and high quality, goes a long way towards justifying the $1199.99 price.
As soon as the helmet arrived, I tried it on without even glancing at the literature. Build quality? Top notch. The look is stylish and modern, with a double-D ring strap. The comfort? Exceptional. The helmet hugs the scalp, thanks to the ‘Pro-Fit elastic comfort liner’ that conforms to your head. The face area isn’t overly long like some dirt helmets, and there’s ample peripheral vision. My glasses slid in easily, no pressure on the frames. Ventilation? Excellent, with wide channels for airflow.
Looking closer, the shell comes in only three sizes – we usually hope for four at this level – but my XL didn’t feel bulky. It’s certified to ECE 22.06 and DOT standards. Weight is claimed at 1575g ± 50g (M/L). It’s also compatible with communication devices and available from XS to XXL.
There’s a quick-release cheek pad system, tool-free visor and peak changes, and four possible configurations: visor/goggles with or without peak, or visor alone. The included Velocity 4.5 goggles seem high quality and come ready for tear-offs.
Perhaps most important, as you would expect from Leatt, is the brain injury reduction tech – Leatt’s 360° Turbine Technology. Armourgel discs inside the helmet deform during impact to reduce rotational and linear forces linked to concussion and CTE.
I took the 8.5 on a solid ride with the Kawasaki Versys 1100 S (Vol.74 No.17) and later on my Triumph. No lift, no wobble and pleasantly quiet – even visor-up. I usually wear flip-front helmets because I take photos, but this full-face model will now be part of my regular gear. The wide eyeport lets me use a camera without much hassle, and the helmet’s protective features will keep both Mrs Bear and me happy.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of safety, you know.
Leatt 8.5 ADV Helmet
Whites Powersports
