KYT Helmets NZ Race Review: An Introduction

Introduction The Racing Helmet The Features What’s Next?

Introduction

Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory KYT Helmets NZ Race

If you like your helmets well-designed, well-put-together, and modern - and a good value proposition - chances are you have used or have at least heard about KYT Helmets. And the brand produces everything from open-face helmets to ones designed for dirt, street, touring, and racing.

However, for those not in the know, KYT is an Indonesian brand. Furthermore, KYT is the sportier arm, so to speak, of the parent company PT Tara. And PT Tara claims it is the largest helmet maker in the world. Additionally, KYT is a MotoGP regular. It has dawned and protected heads of racers like Enea Bastianini, Aleix Espargaro and Dennis Foggia. Enea, of course, is the teammate of the current MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

KYT then has the pedigree and the know-how to make world-class helmets. From this know-how comes KYT’s race or trackday ready helmet - the NZ Race.

Before we delve deeper into the NZ, a big shoutout to KYT Helmets India’s sole importers and distributors - HOM Auto Solutions run by Ajit Bharadwaj and Naazia. The two have made KYT one of the first international helmet brands to sport the mandatory ISI certification. But, that’s not all - the duo are also committed to growing KYT with an Indian focus.

HOM will work closely with KYT Helmets’ international R&D to develop new designs and variants better suited for the Indian consumer. It will also work towards keeping prices of these helmets at the affordable end of the market, but without comprising on safety or quality standards. This new range will be launched by the end of the 2023 calendar.

The Racing Helmet

The NZ Race we have here is part of the existing global range of helmets from KYT. It is the Indonesian helmet maker’s top-of-the-line product. And as its name suggests, it is a helmet designed for racing.

Not only does the NZ come with ISI certification, but it is also one of the first in India to come with the latest ECE 22.06 rating. ECE 22.06 is replacing the older 22.05 in Europe and is widely considered a true reflection of a helmet’s crashworthiness and usability. Interestingly, the NZ is also FIM homologation ready.

As for its construction, the shell uses three different composites - fibreglass, carbon fibre, and Kevlar. It is, however, only available in two sizes - medium (M) and large (L). The M shell handles sizes from XS to L by using different sizes for the polystyrene and interior padding. The L shell then caters to head sizes XL and XXL.

The Features

A racing helmet it might be, but KYT understands that the NZ Race will be used on the road too. Not surprisingly, its features cater to both track and road riding. The shape is a result of extensive wind tunnel testing that makes it aerodynamically streamlined. It also has three sets of air vents to enhance cooling at speed. And it comes with a double D-ring retention system, which is a must for any track outing in India. It also comes with emergency quick release for the cheek pads.

The NZ comes with a completely removable inner liner - from cheek pads to the headliner - making it friendlier for daily use. The cheek pads also come with speaker cutouts so as not to affect the wearing experience in case one chooses to install a communication device. Plus, the pads are designed to make wearing glasses easier.

The helmet is only supplied with a clear visor though. So, one must purchase a dark visor separately. Changing the visor is a tool-less affair, and the visor is anti-fog pin-lock ready. KYT also claims it is optically correct.

What’s Next?

Next time we will tell you what the wearing experience of the KYT NZ Race is like. Is it easy to wear? Is it comfortable to spend long hours in? Are the inners easy to pull out and put back? Is it quiet? And whether or not the helmet offers a good field of vision.

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