I like wearing an open face helmet when riding a cruiser-style bike, but I’ve always been a bit dubious of their effectiveness in an accident. On more than one occasion, I have also been caught in a sudden rainstorm with nothing more than a pair of sunglasses or a raised gloved hand to shield my face from the pelting rain.

You may have spotted me wearing this interesting looking number from Italian helmet manufacturer Nolan in the AMCN Yearbook (Vol 66 No 12) while testing the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. It’s the Nolan N-40 Full, full denoting it’s the full-face version of Nolan’s popular N-40 model. Before you rush to your keyboards to fire off a sternly worded letter to the editor, I know I’m wearing an open face helmet, that’s the beauty of this lid, it’s eight helmets in one, and not a single tool is required to convert it.

The chin guard, Lexan scratch-resistant visor, and peak are all removable, allows the helmet to be converted from a full face to an open face, in any one of the eight configurations, in seconds. The chin guard locks securely into the shell offering full face protection and the visor and peak can be removed or retained  separately allowing you to mix and match to suit the conditions.

The shell is a Lightweight Lexan polycarbonate with built in spoiler and air vents. The liner is removable for washing, and the multi-density EPS styrene protection liner is pre-molded to take Nolan’s N-Com system. Intercom installation panels have also been fitted to the outer shell. An integrated sun visor helps with sun glare, and the main visor is Pinlock anti-fog system ready.

In full dress configuration, the N-40 Full weighs 1670g and 1360g as a striped back open face.

What we like.

The Extended cheek and jaw protection area of the shell offers increased protection over a standard open-face helmet without compromising any of the wind-in-the-face freedom.

Wind noise is minimal, even when worn as an open-face.

Blank plates fill the gaps left by removable parts to keep it tidy.

A large viewing aperture allows clear peripheral vision.

It’s super comfortable straight out of the box, no breaking in period was required.

The peak is adjustable up and down and doesn’t interfere with the visor which can be opened fully with the peak fitted.

Aerodynamic design prevents the wind getting under the peak and trying to rip your head off at speed.

The light chin bar, visor, and peak can be carried with you on a ride allowing the helmet to be changed to suit the conditions.

What we don’t like

The built in VPS (Vision Protection System) tinted half visor is tricky to use with a gloved hand and feels a bit sticky.

A light grease has been used underneath the visor-locking side panels which need to be removed to take off the peak and visor. It can get onto your fingers, visor, and helmet.

Verdict

The Nolan N-40 is a quality 3/4 helmet, a true best of both words design that doesn’t look ugly in any configuration.  It appears to be perfect for urban, cruiser, adventure or touring riding. The only place it may look out of place is on a full-blooded sportsbike.

Colours: Black, white or silver in sizes

Sizes: XS to XXL

Pros

Eight-in-one design

Looks

Comfort

Price

Cons

Lack of colours

Sticky grease

RRP: $349

Ron Angel  Wholesale

(03) 9464 3366

www.ronangel.com.au