Tested: KYT NF-R motorcycle helmet review

Date reviewed: July 2018 | Tested by: BikeSocial Test Team | Price: From £129.99 | https://kyt-helmet.com

At the upper end of the budget price range, this KYT NF-R full-face helmet has been used by BikeSocial Test Team member Ashley Dunning for several months on his Suzuki GSX-S1000F…

Outer shell

The finish on this ‘Track Red’ model is absolutely superb – the graphics are very high quality and the gloss really deep. The striking spoiler compliments the design of this thermoplastic helmet, and only on very close inspection could I find that the wire mesh inside the chin vent was fractionally out of line.

Weight

At 1571g for this medium-sized helmet, the NF-R is a very typical weight for a lid of this style and build.

Ventilation

Two independently closable vents are fitted to the top, with one on the chin. The two exhaust ports on the rear are always open.

The vents are easy to operate with summer or winter gloves, and while it’s not very powerful, the air flow from the top vents is noticeable and cooling. The chin vent gives good air flow when opened.

Thanks to the removable chin skirt, when wearing a neck tube the helmet is well sealed from the elements and would be a good option in winter. Without a neck tube, cool air can circulate to the lower part of the face and nose. With the chin skirt removed, a little more air can circulate.

Visor

The visor is quick and easy to remove and replace for cleaning, thanks to a single tab on either side. It’s opened with a thumb tab on the left (one in the centre or one on either side is slightly more useful as you can open it more easily with your right hand while holding the clutch in), and operates on a smooth yet strong six-position ratchet.

Popping the visor out of its closed latch, it’s possible to crack it open slightly for a couple of millimetres of extra cooling air.

The NF-R comes with a Pinlock Max Vision 70 anti-fog insert, which is one of the higher-end inserts that gives much better peripheral vision than the standard ones, and is more resistant to fogging (there are three common grades; 120 is the max, 30 is the minimum). The value of this being included with the helmet shouldn’t be overlooked.

The drop-down sunshield didn’t reach my nose when I first tried it, but at speed it did occasionally just touch it. Still, it falls to a very good position and is easy to locate and operate; the position of course depends on the shape of your nose.

In heavy rain, the visor seals well, not letting any water past.

Fastening

The micrometric ratchet fastener is easy to use even with gloved hands, and once set the first time, will always give a good secure fit.

Fit

Of course, fit is very subjective, so always try before you buy, but I found the KYT NF-R to be excellent – as soon as I put it on, it was very comfortable, and the liner felt luxurious, soft and of good quality.

The helmet’s snug, but not too tight around the cheeks and crown, with no pressure points. The ear recesses, breath guard and all other parts feel in just the right place for my head. The only disappointment is that those who wear spectacles may struggle – you can push the arms past the liner, but I found it very hard to get the glasses to sit at the correct and comfortable angle on my nose.

Noise

Wind noise seems average – like all lids, you need to wear earplugs, but the KYT doesn’t seem noticeably louder than others I’ve used.

Conclusion

I’m very impressed with this helmet – spending a little bit more really can make a difference in this budget price bracket… great build and excellent features.

As long as anybody thinking about buying one makes sure they try it with specs (if they wear them), I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.