Together with Japan, Italy has long been the traditional home of high-end motorcycle helmet manufacture, and Italian firm AGV has been at the forefront since the firm began making bike helmets in 1947. Over the years, AGV has been the lid of choice for many legendary racers, including Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, Kenny Roberts and Randy Mamola. But the firm’s most high-profile racer is seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi, whose flashy helmet designs are instantly recognisable from his trademark ‘46’ logo.
The GP-Tech is the latest top-end design from AGV, and it incorporates all the design cues and technology you’d expect. The shell uses an ‘SSL’ (Super-Super-Light) carbon/Kevlar fibre composite mix to protect against high-speed impacts. The visor is located with a very fast quick-release system, allowing a rapid swap from clear to dark visor, and there’s a removable, washable liner made from smart ‘Coolmax’ material. Vents abound on the GP-Tech’s outer shell, letting you fine-tune the airflow through the helmet, and the strap is fastened by a double-‘D’ ring.
