Listen. The quietest all-in-one helmet ... ?

Buying an expensive safety helmet wasn't always a guarantee that the rider had
obtained the safest possible product. After all, every helmet has to pass the
same safety tests prior to being marketed - irrespective of price. But now, it
is reassuring to know that the new BMW System 5 retractable helmet is one of
the safest (and quietest) available, and easily outperforms many helmets that
are twice its price. This has been achieved by, once again, employing the
results of extensive research into every area of helmet design, construction,
and manufacture. The new product improves on safety, comfort, aerodynamics and
acoustics.

Now in its fifth generation, this unique helmet is better than ever. It is a
multifunctional design that can be easily converted from a full-face helmet
into an off-road or open-face variation, without the use of special tools. The
front opening facility has made it a firm favourite with riders, as there is no
need to unclip and remove the helmet while talking, having a drink at the
roadside, or paying for fuel. Raising the front of the helmet is simple, with
BMW's patented one-hand system - just pull the lever and push up the front.

Safety
The new System 5 helmet by BMW Motorrad conforms and, in many aspects, exceeds
ECE Norm 20-05. The outer shell of the helmet is constructed from a
glass-fibre, carbon and Kevlar® laminate and is produced in a hot-press process
to guarantee high tolerance levels. The EPS (foam polystyrene) inner shell
consists of eight segments to make sure that its damping elements are of an
ideal density in all-important areas, i.e. the crown and back of the head,
chin, forehead, and cheeks. Chin and neck pads are available in a variety of
sizes to tailor the 'perfect' fit. To provide even greater safety in crash
situations, all BMW helmets incorporate a neck strap as a secondary fastener.
This keeps the helmet securely in place if the wearer is involved in an
accident.

The System 5 features BMW's Airflow ventilation system, which works by allowing
the airflow to pass through a special mesh grid to create a pleasant cooling
effect. The helmet has also been designed to allow easy conversion to a jet or
open-face helmet by incorporating a central release system. The DuPont
Coolmax® interior padding, which has anti-bacterial and active breathing
properties, is removable and washable.

Perhaps the most innovative and highly developed features of the new System 5
are its aerodynamic and acoustic properties. Using (arguably) the most
advanced wind tunnel in the automotive industry, BMW has been able to simulate
all aerodynamic configurations and acoustic levels for every practical and/or
climatic riding situation. The results can be seen in the design of the System
5. For example, the helmet's interior noise level (at 100 km/h) has been
reduced to 86db(A), which is 8-10db(A) less than popular helmets produced by
other manufacturers. This is a truly commendable statistic when it is
remembered that decibel noise levels decrease logarithmically - for every 3db
reduction, the decrease in rider-perceived noise is halved.

The aerodynamic construction of the helmet is also particularly advanced. The
findings of the wind tunnel research and testing team has enabled a helmet to
be designed that is stable in all wind conditions. Any head movement by the
rider will result in only minimal forces being developed. The neck muscles
therefore receive less pressure from the airflow and remain more relaxed during
long distance rides.

The visor and ventilation system
Made by injection moulding, the three-dimensional curved visor features
anti-scratch and anti-mist coatings. It meets optical quality class 1
standards in accordance with DIN EN 166 norm. Visor ventilation can be
adjusted - opened or closed - by a two-level forehead and head ventilation
slider and the helmet air stream can be steplessly regulated with a slider at
the rear of the helmet.

General
Weighing only 1,690g, the BMW Motorrad System 5 helmet is available in five
colours - midnight black, titanium silver metallic, magnesium matte metallic,
manganese blue metallic and rock red metallicised - and in all sizes. The
System 5 helmet is available through all BMW Motorrad dealerships nationwide
for the recommended retail price of £280.

Available soon - Bluetooth communication
The complete BMW Motorrad Wireless Communication System (WCS-1) is installed in
the System 5 helmet and weights only 120g. Even at high speeds, the rider and
passenger can talk effortlessly to each other via an invisible (from the
exterior) array microphone and integral earpieces. There is also a provision
for connecting other Bluetooth-enabled equipment, such as a mobile phone.
Powered by rechargeable batteries, the BMW Motorrad WCS-1 is completely
wire-less and has a range of up to 10 metres.

Ends

Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155 or visit
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

For further press information please contact one of the following:

Kylie Maebus / Lauren Haslehurst 08000 131 282
Conrad Parker 01344 480704