Helmet: X-Lite X-802 R Replica Checa (2010-current)
In theory: Ôhe X-802R is the racing helmet of the X-Lite brand. Ôhe breath protector is standard equipment. The visor can be changed without tools. The lining is removable and washable. A double-D strap closure is featured. The weight of the helmet is 1340 g (2.95 lbs).
The outer shell is made of Fiber/Kevlar. The pinlock visor is scratch resistant. The X-Lite firm belongs to the Nolan group. The X-Lite helmets are also manufactured in Italy.
Adjustments: Ôhere are many inlets and vents around the helmet. An inlet located at the chin can be switched between open and closed. The inlet located at the forehead may also be switched between open and closed.
On the road: The comfort liner is very qualitative, really impressing. However the impact absorbing liner can be seen through the comfort liner. Maybe that¢s why it is colored black. The switches are relatively good when opened or closed, they could feel more qualitative compared to the top Japanese helmets. The use of the switches is easy even when wearing gloves.
The helmet feels very light. The test was conducted at the beginning of November 2013 on good weather conditions, that is sunny weather with no wind and an ambient temperature between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Wearing the helmet the fit is very good, the editor felt it narrow only at the cheeks section which probably is due to the shape of that head! The cheek pads may be replaced by pads of different size and thickness.
Price: 569 ¤
There are two more inlets at the top front sides of the helmet which also may be switched between open and closed. Two permanently open inlets are lïcated at the cheeks. At the spoiler which is located at the rear top of the helmet, there is a vent for the warm air. The spoiler can be adjusted to three positions, increasing the stability of the helmet on high speed riding.
On the road: The comfort liner is very qualitative, really impressing. However the impact absorbing liner can be seen through the comfort liner. Maybe that¢s why it is colored black. The switches are relatively good when opened or closed, they could feel more qualitative compared to the top Japanese helmets. The use of the switches is easy even when wearing gloves.
The helmet feels very light. The test was conducted at the beginning of November 2013 on good weather conditions, that is sunny weather with no wind and an ambient temperature between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Wearing the helmet the fit is very good, the editor felt it narrow only at the cheeks section which probably is due to the shape of that head! The cheek pads may be replaced by pads of different size and thickness.
There was no problem concerning the use of nylon framed sun glasses.
Ôhe helmet was tested with the Honda Forza 300 scooter and two motorcycles, the 2013-4 Suzuki Hayabusa GSXR1300 ABS and the 2008 Honda CBR600RR.
With the Honda Forza 300 scooter on town rides, the helmet did not restrict peripheral vision while the sound from the traffic is heard from the rider. The air venting is good, thus the rider feels comfortable and cool on urban rides. If the inlets are closed the noise from the air becomes audible as speed increases, especially at about 120 km/h (75 mph).
On the Hayabusa which provides a supreme air protection, the helmet became warm on town rides, while on any speed above 120 km/h (75 mph) it was very good. The stability provided was superb. The venting may be considered between that of the Shoei X-Spirit II and the Arai Quantum. Even at the speed of 220 km/h (137 mph) the helmet feels comfortable, cool and stable. In other words a sublime helmet for a bike like this.
On the CBR which provides much less air protection than the Hayabusa, the ×-Lite becomes a really good sporty helmet. The venting is very good cooling rider's head in town. However opening the inlets and at a speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) upwards, the air noise becomes audible. At the speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) the sound is evident and the rider has to close the inlets gradually if he wants to have a quiet trip.
On the CBR which provides much less air protection than the Hayabusa, the ×-Lite becomes a really good sporty helmet. The venting is very good cooling rider's head in town. However opening the inlets and at a speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) upwards, the air noise becomes audible. At the speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) the sound is evident and the rider has to close the inlets gradually if he wants to have a quiet trip.
However even with the inlets closed, at the speed of 150 km/h (93 mph) the noise is enough to justify the use of earplugs. Thus at the speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) the rider will really need them, travelling cannot be performed without them. The directional stability is very good.
Conclusively this helmet is light, comfortable and qualitative. Concerning the venting its beyond the rider¢s expectations, providing superb conditions on a wide field of use, especially in town and at the fast pace. Thus it may be convenient on sporty bikes, scooters or even cubs!
The editor would not prefer it for touring use due to the noise, if a touring oriented bike is not selected for rides like this. That¢s because the ear canal is not closed, contrary to what the competition from Japan does, even for quite some time after the helmet is used, which results to quieter helmets, especially when new.
Comments: The white helmets are safer for the rider as he can be noticed by car drivers easier. Nevertheless the white helmets are not nice, at least usually. The X-802 R at this color with the world map as it can be seen, is still nice and stylish!
A carrying bag, some stickers etc are included in the box.
Nowadays the 2013-2014 versions X-802R ULTRA CARBON C.CHECA 1 with the red map costing 619 ¤ and the X-802R ULTRA CARBON PURO 2 which costs 489 ¤ have been introduced.
Price: 569 ¤
+ Weight
+ Comfort liner
+ Wide field of use
+ Styling
- The feel of the switches compared to the top Japanese competition
- Noise