HJC is a popular motorcycle helmet maker founded in 1971. It is one of the very few helmet manufacturing companies that hasn’t diversified its product catalog.
By focusing mainly on the manufacture of motorcycle helmets, HJC has emerged to be one of the leaders when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The innovative ideas combined with reasonable pricing make HJC one of the popular choices among motorcycle riders.
In 1992, HJC became the #1 helmet brand in North America. HJC helmets are available in a wide range starting from mid-range to premium helmets. Now the company is going to launch a groundbreaking helmet fitted with cameras and LED alerts that is going to establish a new history in motorcycle helmets.
In this post, we will throw light on the speculated features and functions of the helmet.
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Benefits
Top manufacturers are constantly bringing about innovative ideas to entice and entertain motorcycle riders. Helmet designs have undergone major changes in recent years due to the demands of different types of riders. Top manufacturers understand the pressure imposed on them by the market conditions and they try to develop motorcycle helmets that are the best in the industry.
The EICMA show in Italy is one of the most entertaining shows for riding and racing enthusiasts as the manufacturers introduce new gears and accessories in the show. The 2016 EICMA show in Italy was held in November, and there were a lot of expectations on what the HJC is going to do. It is expected that it will introduce its brand new and ultimate concept in motorcycle helmets, Smarton Helmets.
Features
Introducing smart features in helmets is a rather new concept because these features have been around for just a few years. The Smarton helmet teaser photos are enticing because the helmet is going to include two cameras.
The photos reveal that there is one camera each at the front and the rear. These two cameras are supposed to provide a 360-degree vision eliminating blind spots while you ride on the roads. It is one of the most expected features of street bike helmets, but one that wasn’t achievable so far. There is a lot of speculation surrounding how this feature will transfer on the road because there is no one who has experienced it before.
In the EICMA 2016 show in Italy, HJC stole the show with its Marvel themed helmets. You can look like Spiderman, Ironman, or the Punisher with the latest and most advanced helmets from HJC. Combining the love for motorcycles and comics are not new, but HJC has gone above and beyond with the Marvel graphics. It is extremely difficult to combine exact popular graphics and functionality, but HJC has excelled in that aspect. It is expected that HJC is also geared up to introduce Star Wars themed helmets for comic lovers.
Smarton Helmet – What To Expect?
The design of the HJC Smarton helmet is inspiring, to say the least. The introduction of cameras to helmets has always been a conceptual idea, and HJC is willing to experiment.
The official Facebook page of HJC helmets has simply introduced the helmet as one of the top 3 photos of 2016. The company has announced that the Smarton helmet is geared for release in 2017. Motorcycle riders are interested in knowing where the helmet will be released first.
According to the conceptual design, the helmet may be available in solid black color. After the launch of the helmet, we can expect the manufacturer to combine other colors and graphics with the Smarton helmet.
A New Shell Design?
The first look of the Smarton helmet reveals that it could most likely be a modular helmet similar to the SY MAX III solid modular helmet from HJC. The MAX III is one of the premium HJC helmets made of advanced fiberglass and injection molded polycarbonate chinbar. We can expect the Smarton to be made of even more exotic components because the addition of cameras will add to the weight and it must be offset by the shell design.
The Most Exciting Feature – The Cameras
The front and rear cameras supply feed from the road to the smart helmet and the LED indicators are used to indicate whenever a vehicle comes inside the field of vision. One of the most common reasons for road accidents are the blind spots while driving and HJC came up with an innovative solution to this issue. However, we still need to know how well this helmet performs on the road in real riding conditions.
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.
Other Factors for Consideration
The weight of the helmet is a real consideration because two cameras are going to add to the bulk and there will be processors and hardware to make them functional. This new design will also bring about changes in the aerodynamic properties of the helmet.
With a camera at the top, the design of the top vents must also be changed. A camera placed at the rear end means that exhaust vents must be repositioned. In essence, a new ventilation system must be included in the Smarton helmet.
The safety factor of the shell design will also come under scrutiny with the introduction of helmets. Conceptually, the smart helmet looks cooler than any other helmet on the market. However, the way it would transform the experience on the road is not clear.
Motorcycle riders must change the way they have perceived roads because suddenly getting exposed to 360-degree vision can be overwhelming. It can be interesting to see how the racers view this helmet.
The Smarton helmet is definitely a first step towards the next generation helmets. You can view the experience of this helmet at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58oIIZtnrws. We should wait until HJC launches the helmet before we can experience it in person.
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