Caberg is all about improvement, innovation and reiterations. That’s why they have been in the market still when others have disappeared. Applying the prototyping and iterative development methodology to the production of their helmet lines, Caberg has continued to stay in the race, while incorporating all the necessary changes and certifications in their lids.
One such wonder is the Riviera V2+ Legend, Black/White Helmet. ECE 22.05 approved and homologated, the version 2 of the original Riviera has nicer things up its sleeve than its progenitor.
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What Would You Love?
The Riviera, which comes in five different graphic and finish versions, also has a ‘Legend’ graphic available. It is slightly different from the one found on the Ghost. While it was a little offset to the right in that helmet, Caberg has decided to use two symmetrical white lines down the middle. This is on top of a glossier finish used with the paint. If you know your dodge viper or the older Camaro with a similar paint scheme, you will know this graphic too well.
The effect is in the form of an instant and noticeable difference when compared with the matt black version. It feels more refined and polished (obviously) enough to project out that shiny glare from the specular sunlight spot.
Now here’s one more thing that seems out of the ordinary. This helmet has been tested in a wind tunnel as proclaimed by Caberg. Some would be skeptical of this, saying it is unnecessary. But those concerned with noise can rejoice about better testing standards.
The Top Features to Look Out For
An ECE certified, homologated, open face helmet? Sure, why not. Here’s what comes in the box.
Shell
The Riviera uses a Polycarbonate shell which has proven time and again to be effective at absorbing impacts and protecting the one thing that makes us special. The construction feels nice and rigid which justifies its high safety standard.
Caberg gives a choice of two shell sizes for finding an optimal fit.
The shape has been kept simple without too much going on over the surface area. Just a few accent crests that promote a somewhat angled airflow and reduce turbulence.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Visors
The face shield is quite large and it comes down all the way covering your chin and a little bit beyond. Easy protection from insects, debris and that rogue little stone that has the tendency to hit you right in the middle of your eyes, or worse, your eyeballs.
The face shield can be removed relatively easily, but it’s not as simple as pulling it out and popping it off. You need to remove the inner seal with a screwdriver and then pull the outer seal off. Then you lift out the visor properly without too much bending. There are four lugs in the visor which line up with the sockets provided in the shell for a snug fit on each side, hidden by the outer and inner round seals. Seems a bit fiddly, but it is useful to keep that visor in place.
A drop down smoke visor is provided for protection against the UV rays of the sun which can be very easily operated by a slider at the top.
Ventilation
You won’t find an active or passive ventilation scheme considering this is an open face helmet. You can control the amount of air coming in from underneath the visor by just adjusting the angle of your neck a little bit.
There does seem to be a gap between the comfort liner and the shell which is actually good for air circulation. But the helmet does not need channeled construction in EPS or vent holes.
Padding and Lining
When you get to the guts of this helmet, you can see that the cheek pads can be removed extremely easily. Just hold them firmly and pull them out with a ‘pop’. The liner is fixed at multiple points so you might spend a few seconds snapping them off. Important to note that it is fixed at the brow and at the back, eliminating pressure points in between.
The lining and fabric has been ‘sanitized’; another term for being given an anti-microbial treatment. The perforated fabric is effective in wicking up sweat, so you are not left soaking.
The pads and the lining is a little on the moderately thin size, but the plus point is that the cheek pads are ready for the Just Speak S system. You just pull out the Velcro, fit the thing in the pad recess, Velcro it back and Bob’s your uncle.
Customer Reviews
Customers who purchased this helmet are pleasantly satisfied, partly because of the name Caberg has made for itself, and also because this lid is proving that fact beyond doubt. Minor complaints about padding size and a little complicated visor removal mechanism tarnish the overall experience to reduce a star. But that’s not what customers are concerned about. The safety of an open face helmet is the thing that makes this small wonder shine out from the competition and is getting ‘Go for it’ accolades.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Bottom Line
A rugged helmet that is not shy of protecting your skull from impacts certainly deserves your attention. If open face is your thing, give this one a try. Crash tested successfully and approved by experienced customers; you won’t regret your purchase.