KYT NZ Race Helmet: Road Use Review

We thought it would be best if we used the KYT NZ Race on the road, to begin with, to get better acquainted with the helmet. As mentioned in our previous report, the NZ is a race helmet designed for road use. With features like a tool-less, quick-release visor system, speaker cutouts for a Bluetooth communication device, and ISI certification, it has daily commute written all over it. So, that’s what I did. I used it on my daily commute on a scooter, a street bike, and even an on / off-roader to see if it makes for an acceptable everyday companion.  

I usually wear a size medium when it comes to helmets. In KYT’s case, size M didn’t fit me as snugly as I would have liked, so I opted for the S. KYT uses the same shell for XS, S, M and L. The difference in sizing is down to different interior padding. 

KTM 200 Duke

• 199.5 cc
• 35 kmpl
• 24.67 bhp
• 159 kg
;

Avg. Ex-showroom price

₹ 1,92,936

3 more KTM Duke bikes - ₹ 1,78,984 onwards

The size small on the NZ, meanwhile, fits me very well. I have to pull on the straps hard to widen the shell to slip it over my head, but it’s not a task. The helmet uses a double D-ring closure which is easy to work with, courtesy of the strap material and the reasonable size of the rings. 

Moreover, even after hours of riding, there were no hotspots or pressure points to complain about. In terms of fit, the helmet sits a little high on my forehead, which is typical for most track-focused lids. Furthermore, its swooped-up rear design ensured the helmet didn't foul with my riding jacket no matter how I moved my head - left and right or up and down. 

As mentioned above, the Race might fit snuggly on my head and around my cheeks, but it never pressed uncomfortably against either. Plus, the interior materials of the helmet are soft, plush and sweat-wicking, which makes the NZ a nice place to put one's head in and leave it there for an extended period.  

Its lack of weight further adds to comfort. Less weight equals less inertia. So, the effort involved in moving my head around - be it when changing lanes or getting across a crossroad - was minimal. In fact, within minutes of riding, I would usually stop noticing I was wearing it.

Ventilation at city speeds, however, is average. It didn’t stifle me, but I had to open the visor a few times in stop-and-go traffic to let more air in as I sought additional comfort.  

We might not give enough credit to peripheral vision. Good peripheral vision is the difference between spotting and avoiding an overzealous motorist in the nick of time, making a stupid overtake, or getting into an ugly crash. This is especially true when commuting during peak hours when the traffic barely moves, but most seem to be in a tearing hurry nonetheless.   

The NZ Race scores well on peripheral vision. Its eye port extends wide, and the helmet sits high on the forehead. Both these attributes help in fast-paced filtering. As for the visors, these felt optically correct. And the tinted one on our NZ is one of the darker ones we have experienced on a helmet in a while. It is lovely on a sunny day, but it is also quite useless after nightfall. So, now I always need to have the clear visor on me. 

Speaking of visors, I wish it was a little less brutal to put it back on. It is easy to remove and switch visors, yes. But, it makes such a loud noise when clicked into place, it almost feels like I have broken something.  

What's Next?

The KYT NZ Race is a friendly everyday riding companion. It is comfortable, it fits well, and it offers good visibility. Plus, being lightweight reduces fatigue over longer rides significantly.   

It’s not the most convenient, though. Given its shape, it doesn’t fit easily in the underseat storage of my scooter. And, when set down, it tends to roll off easily unless the surface you put it on is completely flat. 

Next time, we will tell you what works and what doesn't for the NZ Race on a race track. 

Product Details:

Make: KYT Helmets 

Model: NZ Race

Type: Racing Helmet

Price: Rs 34,000

Availability: Through 65 retailers of HOM Auto Solutions across India 

Photography: Kaustubh Gandhi