Tuesday, March 27

AGV Pista GP Helmet Review

AGV has been busy in the lab for the last several months, toiling away at a brand new helmet we just got a first glimpse of thanks to Valentino Rossi during the Sepang MotoGP test rides. The new pro-level AGV Pista GP Helmet, along with its baby brother, the AGV Pista, is slated to take over for the GP Tech in 2013 for the general riding public. That said, we'll ultimately get to watch Vale wear it all season before we can get our grubby hands on one. The AGV STANDARDS team has been working since 2009 on Project 46, the codename for the AGV Corsa lid, and the result is a significantly lighter, more protective, more comfortable, more ventilating, and aerodynamically improved helmet. I know, it sounds insane, but this really might be the new mountaintop for racing helmets. Let's get into exactly why I make this reckless claim.

Click any of the images to see them in a much larger view.

First, let's start with how AGV begin the process of building this helmet. Rather than the standard method of building a helmet shell, and then filling in the guts, the development of the AGV Pista GP began with a laser scan of Rossi's head. This three-dimensional laser scanning that is accurate to 1/10 of a millimeter, converts to digital data, and enables engineers to mold the AGV Pista ergonomically around the rider's facial and skull contours. Utilizing this data, AGV uses different densities of foam against the face that match its contours but also take into account the rider's positioning to optimize the manner in which the face is cradled. By studying the rider's position in tuck, the visor has been adjusted accordingly and now offers a 9% overall improvement in field of view (and 15º more upward vision) specific to a sportbike.

There are several tests and figures used by AGV when creating the safest helmet they possibly can. After the 3D laser scanning, they have a mathematical model of the helmet from which they can perform analyses of the helmet in computer-generated crash scenarios. In addition to real world testing, the computer crash tests allow them to modify the helmet structure along the way a greater number of times, since physical shells aren't actually being destroyed. More simulated crash testing equals a more protective lid, and AGV's work with mechanical engineers from the University of Padua during this process will ensure that the AGV Pista is as protective as it can be. The AGV Pista and Pista GP will ultimately transmit 31% less impact force to the head than what is required of the official EU safety standard. In addition, the HIC index (head injury criterion) of the Pista, which measures the level of brain trauma risk due to impact, ranks 48% lower than the official standard.

The shell of the AGV Pista GP (as seen on Rossi) is full carbon fiber, while the shell on the regular AGV Pista is a carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass weave. AGV has done extensive wind tunnel testing with the new Pista line, to measure several metrics and ultimately produce the best helmet they could. These include the aerodynamic drag coefficient, dB of airflow outside and noise inside the helmet, the heat exchange of ventilation to determine the amount of heat and moisture pulled from the rider's head, and the measurement of buffeting and lift. The aerodynamic resistance has been reduced by 17% over the GP Tech. This value measures the amount of stress passed to the neck of a rider, and with a reduction in this value, the result is more comfort and less fatigue.

Moving from the GP Tech to the Pista GP has resulted in a serious increase in ventilation from what was already one of the best venting race helmets on the market. There is now 193% more vent surface in the PistaGP than in the GP Tech. Using extensive wind tunnel testing, AGV Standards developed an airflow system that is extraordinarily effective at pulling heat, hot air and humidity away from the helmet.

The list of upgrades on this helmet is out of control and we absolutely can not wait to get our hands on one of these for a track test. We'll be delivering a detailed breakdown of the brand new AGV Pista GP Helmet and AGV Pista Helmet as soon as possible.

-RetroZilla

Tuesday, March 20

Fox Racing V4 Helmet Preview


New for 2012, the Fox Racing V4 Helmet is gunning for the top spot in the MX and SX helmet realm. Designed from the ground up and currently being worn by Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey in SX for the 2012 season, the Fox V4 is strides ahead of its predecessor, the V3. With much-improved shape, fit, balance, and an extreme amount of venting, there is no reason why this helmet shouldn't compete directly with the top offerings from Shoei, Bell and Arai. Add to that the support from today's top Supercross riders, and there is no doubt the Fox V4 Helmet will make a big splash in the industry.

Check out some of the bullet points below to read about the upgrades, and stay tuned for our detailed video review coming very soon.

PREMIUM FIT:
  • Cheek pad design wraps around the riders jaw line to create a secure fit.
  • Comfort liner provides a balanced, custom feel.
SHELL SIZING:
  • 4 Shell & EPS Sizes for a precise fit (XS-S, M, L, XL-XXL).
  • Dual Density EPS Liner: Anatomically correct, impact absorbing foam reacts positively to impact & widens the energy dispersal area (Firmer outside / Softer inner).
ADVANCED MATERIALS:
  • Carbon fiber composite shell construction. Astonishing high tensile strength of carbon-fiber is a distinct advantage.
  • Exceeds Snell 2010 & DOT Standards.
LUXURY INTERIOR:
  • DRY LEX™ comfort liner wicks moisture & provides a comfortable feel.
  • Cheek pads feature a cupped lower edge design to mold to the riders face.
VENTING:
  • 16 Intake & 8 Exhaust Ports are designed to circulate serious airflow throughout the helmet.
  • 4 large brow/goggle intake ports pull air in & over the face.
DESIGNED & ENGINEERED IN CA:
  • Designed & developed exclusively by Fox engineers in California to exceed the needs of the world’s most demanding sport: Motocross.
  • Removable single mouthguard.
  • Integrated roostguard.
  •  Aluminum visor screws.
  • Screened off Intake & Exhaust ports let cool air in & keep the mud out.
The V4 will available in the following versions: Fox V4 Flight Helmet, Fox V4 Future Helmet, and Fox V4 Rockstar Helmet.

-RetroZilla

Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket Review

Brand new for 2012, the Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket is after the hearts of Valentino Rossi fans far and wide. The VR46 Leather Jacket is built on the chassis of the Dainese Racing Leather Jacket, one of the most popular Dainese leather jackets. This jacket strips the Racing Leather of its branding, retains all of the standout features and technologies, and tastefully adds Rossi's hi-viz yellow color accents throughout, including the "VR46" logo. Alongside the similarly-styled VR46 Textile, the new Rossi Replica Gauntlets, and the VR46 Sport Gloves, the VR46 Leather Jacket is one of many in a formidable line from Dainese that pays homage to the greatest racer of all time.

Check out our Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket Review:


Constructed of premium 1.2mm Italian cowhide leather, the VR46 Leather Jacket has protection, style and comfort in mind. At the shoulders, Dainese uses co-injected CE rated armor topped by aluminum hard parts, protecting from impact while enabling sliding in a get-off scenario. The elbows are using Dainese CE rated armor that extends all the way down nearly to the wrist for ample protection. There is also a pocket in the back of the jacket that will house a Dainese CE rated back protector, so you can really bulk up the protection that this jacket offers. There are additional foam injections on the biceps and at the back that add another element of protection in addition to a nice style.


For comfort and airflow, the Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket has strategic S1 stretch paneling which allows mobility when in the tucked riding position. At the backs of the elbows and biceps, there are elasticated leather panels in addition to reflective inserts. There is a full 360º zip to connect this jacket to a pair of leather pants and get you on the track as well. Internally, the mesh comfort liner has a sanitized treatment to ensure that it won't get funky. There are air intakes at the chest with exhausts at the lower back. It's the small details, like the neon yellow stitching used in areas like the arms and back, that really set this jacket apart from the rest and make it uniquely Rossi in nature. Alternatively, if you've gotta be uniquely Rossi in nature, just sport the AGV Corsa Turtle Helmet.

-RetroZilla

Also view the Dainese VR46 Textile Jacket overview:




Related:
Dainese 2012 Leather Jackets
Dainese 2011 Leather Jackets
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review

Monday, March 19

Roland Sands Design Motorcycle Gloves

Brand new for 2012, Roland Sands Design Motorcycle Gear is a new line of heritage-inspired products that will appeal to any rider with an old-school mentality. With a slew of jackets that are designed for everyone from the café racer to the cruiser to the flat track rider, the RSD Gear lineup has something for a wide array of riders. All the Roland Sands Gear is utilizing premium materials with extreme attention to detail, and this is true of the Roland Sands Gloves lineup. There are three gloves in the lineup, for three different riding styles, with something sure to appeal to many riders out there.

First up is our Roland Sands Design Diesel Gloves Review:



The Roland Sands Design Diesel is a short cuff, Euro-inspired glove that is unlike anything else we carry. Constructed of premium grade A cowhide leather and accented with RSD nuances, such as the circle RSD logo on the strap, the RSD Diesel Gloves provide solid performance and protection. There is extensive flex ribbing at the backhand for mobility, with foam reinforcements on the fingers and double-layer leather at the palm for resistance to abrasion and wear. The fingers of the RSD Diesel feature a precurve for ergonomics and short cuff closure uses a short zip and velcro strap. We're big fans of the RSD Diesel Gloves, available in black and brown color options.

Next is the Roland Sands Design Mission Gloves Review:



Offering a slight upgrade in protection and a distinct difference in style, the Roland Sands Mission Gloves pair up perfectly with the Roland Sands Mission Jacket. Available in a black/gunmetal and sand/brown colorway, the RSD Mission Gloves use premium grade A cowhide, with perforated panels for airflow and comfort. There is reinforced padding at the palm, with extra layers of leather, and old-school rivets to aid in sliding/protection in a get off. The padded knuckles are actually constructed on their own panel, working with the pre-curved fingers to provide solid ergonomics. The short cuff closure system uses a velcro panel along with an RSD circle logo embossed snap.

Last, the full gauntlet in the line, our Roland Sands Design Domino Gloves Review:



The Roland Sands Domino Gloves are a full-length gauntlet that offer a classic, heritage race style. Constructed of the same premium cowhide seen in the other two gloves in the line, the RSD Domino Gloves are essentially an extension of what we see in the Mission. The Domino Gloves offer the protection of a full-length gauntlet, with leather reinforcements at the palm, foam inserts for impact protection, and old-school rivets at the base and side of the palm to help with a slide in a get-off. Flex ribbing and pre-curved fingers allow for ease of mobility while strategic perforation gets the air flowing through this glove. If you're looking for full gauntlet protection with heritage style sensibilities, look no further than the Roland Sands Domino.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Roland Sands Jackets

Tuesday, March 13

Heidenau K60 Scout Tires Review

Brand new to RevZilla.com, the Heidenau K60 Scout Tires have quickly ascended the ranks as one of our most popular 50/50 on and off-road tires. Riders so far have a great experience with the Heidenau K60 Scout, finding them to provide excellent longevity coupled with good grip particularly on the shoulders. The large grooves in the chevron-style tread pattern also enable dirt to be quickly expelled when riding these tires off-road. Heidenau has been in the rubber and tire business for decades, and the Heidenau K60 Scout Rear Tires and front tires are truly a pinnacle achievement for their brand.

Check out our Heidenau K60 Scout Tire Review:



Thus far, we've heard nothing but positive feedback from ADV riders using the Heidenau K60 Scout Tires. Other than the very specific rubber compound used by Heidenau, there are some other key features to the K60 Scouts that set them apart. First, different tire sizes in the rear use different tread designs. Heidenau K60 Scout Rear Tires for larger, higher torque bikes have a larger reinforced block pattern which ensures that they remain firmly planted on the road. However, the tread spacing and depth is enough to bite in the dirt and force chunks aside. This isn't necessary for smaller bikes, so Heidenau maintains a smaller reinforced block. By varying these specs based on the bike's application, Heideanu is able to deliver the best possible compromise between on-road and off-road performance for a motorcycle tire.

We look forward to logging a ton of miles on these tires this year. Stay tuned for our opinion review to come. For the 90/10 tire from Heidenau, check out the Heidenau K76 Rear Tire.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Heidenau K76 Tires Review

Thursday, March 8

Roland Sands Design Motorcycle Gear

Brand new for 2012, Roland Sands Design Motorcycle Gear is a new line of apparel designed for the retro-minded, über stylish rider out there. This line is unlike anything else we see in the industry at present time: a premium collection inspired by the old school and delivering a heritage look and feel with moto-specific protection capabilities and comfort. With a full line of leather and textile jackets, gloves and the "gentleman's starter kit" (which is a dopp kit, along with several wallets), Roland is looking to take a smash in the apparel side of things this year. Check out some of the highlights of the line below, and be sure not to miss our detailed blogs and video reviews of the entire line.

First up is the standout leather jacket in the collection in our opinion. The Roland Sands Design Ronin Leather Jacket has full motorcycle functionality with a style that screams old school. This is a classic leather jacket from a style standpoint but features pockets for the RSD/Forcefield CE rated armor at the shoulder, elbow and back. The premium 1.2mm grade A cowhide requires a five-day process of hand-finishing, washing and waxing for an excellent feel, finish and even smell. The RSD Ronin Jacket is a café inspired piece, with a shorty collar, front zip pockets, pre-curved sleeves and a performance race fit. There is strategic perforation for airflow and zippered waist gussets for a solid fit. Ultimately, the Ronin comes down to the details: premium RSD-embossed snaps, YKK zips and quality stitching define the look and feel of this standout leather option.

Roland Sands Design Ronin Leather Jacket Review:




The Roland Sands Design Turbine Leather Jacket is another excellent choice in the throwback RSD leather collection. The Turbine uses the same leather as the Ronin, in addition to the five-day leather treatment process. The RSD Turbine Jacket has a unique style with its grommeted vent holes (amongst other grommets), short collar, and assymetrical pockets. The Turbine also has additional layers of leather in impact abrasion areas, at the shoulders, elbows and back. The interior features a soft satin liner with a special heat-embossed Roland "numbers" design that comes straight from his sketchbook! The Turbine also features pockets at the shoulders, elbows and back for CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor.

Roland Sands Design Turbine Leather Jacket Review:



The name of the Roland Sands Design Rocker Leather Jacket sort of says everything you need to know about this jacket. It is styled after the rock-n-roll jackets that we've seen for the past thirty years, and it incorporates modern day motorcycle functionality. There are pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back for the CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor, strategic steel rivets for reinforcement and perforation for airflow. The fit is designed to be comfortable in the riding position, and there are pre-curved sleeves and a drop tail. One really cool feature of this jacket is the additional treatment on the premium grade A cowhide that will wear and distress in its own manner based on your body and riding style. This is just another factor that makes this jacket incredibly unique.

Roland Sands Design Rocker Leather Jacket Review:



The Roland Sands Design Mission Leather Jacket is an American dirt track style jacket laced with old-school style and motorcycle riding performance. All the classic tracker features are there, with the strategic stretch paneling, zip pockets and the shorty race collar. The leather used here is the same as in the Rocker, and its additional layer will allow it to distress in an extremely unique and original manner. There are pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back for CE rated Forcefield/RSD armor in addition to external padding in strategic regions. The drop tail features a stitched and embossed RSD logo for style and the super comfortable satin interior features a custom Roland graphic design. Another dope piece in the lineup.

Roland Sands Design Mission Leather Jacket Review:



The last jacket in the RSD lineup that will accept armor is the Roland Sands Design Tracker Jacket. The Tracker jacket achieves what many jackets in the industry try to manufacture: it utilizes authentic US-made Martexin-waxed Shelter Tent cotton, a material used back in the day by the US Military (yes, in their tents). It has quite a unique look and feel to it and includes an extra container of Martexin Original Wax so you can continue to embrace that classic look and feel with new applications. This jacket is fully prepared to accept to the CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor to aid in protection from impact. This classic waxed cotton is proven to be comfortable and durable thanks to years of it being in use.

Roland Sands Design Tracker Jacket Review:



Stay tuned for more write-ups about this new line as we release them.

-RetroZilla

Related:
RSD Gloves

Monday, March 5

Bell RS-1 2012 Helmet Graphics

Bell has released two new graphics of the Bell RS-1 Helmet for spring 2012, and we're definitely fans of where they went with these designs. Check them out below, let us know what you think, and stay tuned for our HD video graphic overviews coming soon.

Click to see larger versions of the images.

Bell RS-1 Stellar Helmet Review:


Bell RS-1 Stellar Helmet

Bell RS-1 Gearhead Helmet Review:

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