PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
Is this the ultimate helmet?
Tue Dec 09 12:00:00 CET 2003 Press Release
Helmet technology has just entered a new era. The motorcycle industry's most innovative manufacturer has produced a carbon fibre and Kevlar integral safety helmet that weighs less that one kilogram and is arguably the most aerodynamic ever manufactured.
Press Contact.
Barbara Brailey
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1344-480-320
Fax: +44-1344-480-306
send an e-mail
Author.
Barbara Brailey
BMW Group
Helmet technology has just entered a new era. The motorcycle industry's most
innovative manufacturer has produced a carbon fibre and Kevlar integral safety
helmet that weighs less that one kilogram and is arguably the most aerodynamic
ever manufactured.
The SportIntegral Carbon helmet
BMW's hand-made, and uncompromisingly light, SportIntegral Carbon helmet is by
far the lightest (999 grams) among contemporary products ever produced.
Extensive wind tunnel development enabled BMW to create a helmet with excellent
aerodynamic stability and streamlining properties. The product, which will be
made available 'unbadged', was tested by six riders in the 2003 BoxerCup series.
Particularly suited to racing and modern sports bike riding, the SportIntegral
Carbon helmet features an extra-high rear rim. This is designed to provide
optimum freedom of movement and unrestricted vision when adopting a racing or
sports riding position. Forehead ventilation is particularly effective because
the air outlet operates under negative pressure, thereby providing a greater
flow-through of air. Double-D rings are used for fastening the helmet.
Despite fulfilling all racing requirements, the SportIntegral Carbon's features
also make it suitable for road and sports bike riding. For example, the
interior lining is made of DuPont Coolmax - an active breathing synthetic
fibre, which absorbs moisture and diverts it away from the scalp - and is
extremely quiet in use. The standard visor is scratch resistant and anti-fog,
and has a facility for the use of peel-off film, or tear-offs.
The SportIntegral Carbon is finished only with a layer of transparent paint so
that the helmet's distinctive carbon fibre is visible. Currently undergoing ACU
testing (for racing use) the BMW SportIntegral Carbon will retail at
approximately £800 and will be available in March 2004.
Currently available - the BMW SportIntegral helmet
Much of the technology of BMW's innovative new helmet is available in the
considerably cheaper SportIntegral model. Employing the same aerodynamics, the
shell of the helmet is made from glass fibre reinforced plastic and is also one
of the lightest, at 1,400 grams, currently available.
The interior of the SportIntegral also uses DuPont Coolmax because of the
material's rapid evaporation characteristics and ability to keep the wearer's
head cool, dry and comfortable. To further enhance riding comfort the rear of
the helmet uses an air spoiler combined with air vents, which is operated from
the top-front of the helmet. A vent on the chin guard helps to ensure that the
wearer's breath does not mist the visor. Acoustic properties (as with the
Carbon model) are also excellent.
Available in a choice of five colours - Titanium silver metallic, Black matt,
Marrakech red, Alpine white, and Avus blue metallic - the BMW SportIntegral is
manufactured in sizes 50 to 61 (XS to XL) and retails at £185.
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 08000 131 282
Conrad Parker 01344 480704