With the absence of racing due to the pandemic lockdown and the waning of sportsbike popularity we wonder how many riders are still keen on race replica helmets.
They used to be very popular, but we haven’t seen as many in recent years.
Some riders wear them to announce their allegiance to a particular rider or motorcycle team while others simply want to look like a racer.
Most of these helmets are not made to the exact standard as worn by the racers, but are mass-produced cheap versions.
Some don’t even have the exact graphics and sponsor stickers.
Yet riders will pay more for the privilege of wearing them.
Italian helmet company AGV is known for its range of race replicas, in particular for nine-time world champ Italian Valentino Rossi.
Australian importer Link International has announced a “40 foot container” of AGV helmets has just arrived including two new race replicas.
AGV K3 race replica helmet
The latest addition to the K3 SV range is a tribute to Rossi.
It features “VR 46” on each side, Rossi’s initials and racing number in the customary fluoro yellow plus a black base and bright blue highlights.
The AGV K3 SV is an affordable version of the Pista GP RR and Corsa R helmets and even includes a similar aerodynamic rear spoiler to reduce wind turbulence at high track speeds.
Actually these spoilers are common on many sports helmets these days and the aero effect really only occurs at seeds above about 200km/h, so they are of no use at all on our roads.
A standard solid-colour K3 costs $349, while a multi-coloured helmet is $369 and the exact same helmet in frame replica graphics is $399.
K1 Mir race replica helmet
AGV also has a K1 Mir helmet in race replica helmet in honour of Moto3 2017 world champion Joan Mir (above) of Spain.
We can’t imagine too many Aussie riders inspired to honour the Spaniard.
However, they may be attracted by the helmet’s attractive camo design with its sharp lines and black, white, silver and grey along with bright, bold fluoro yellow highlights.
Also, the sponsor names, race number and other graphics have been deleted, so it doesn’t look like the usual race replica.
However, you will pay extra for it at $349, compared with $279 for solid colours and $299 for multi-colours.