KYT R2R Pro Helmet Review

Gallery Introduction What I liked What I didn’t like Should you buy it?Product Details

Introduction

After spending two months with the KYT R2R Pro helmet, putting it through its paces on daily commutes, long road trips, and even a track day, I’m ready to share my thoughts. Here’s what I liked, what I didn't, and finally, my take on whether you should buy the R2R Pro.

What I liked

Fit: I typically wear a size medium in most helmet brands. But, with the KYT - both the R2R and the NZ Race – the small offers a better fit. It does take an hour or so for the helmet to bed in initially. Then on, the fit is tight but never uncomfortable. The helmet also slips on and off easily, with no pressure points evident even after extended riding periods.

Ventilation: The R2R Pro comes with two prominent brows and a sizeable chin vent. And, there are two exhaust vents at the back. Now, there’s nothing spectacular about the number or the location of air vents on the helmet. But, the flow of air, especially once you are above 30-40kmph is quite impressive. And I felt this on commutes, highway rides, and the sole track outing. The number of air channels cut into the EPS liner helps along with the design and size of the vents.

Vision: The eye port is another big positive for the R2R. It’s almost as wide as on a race helmet. Be it peripheral vision in traffic, or riding tucked-in on a race bike, the visibility on offer helps on all counts.

Flexibility: KYT calls the R2R Pro a sport touring helmet. But, don’t let the literature on the company’s website limit you because this can do a lot more. Yes, it works well when riding long distances with the fit, comfort, ventilation, and visibility it offers. But, it is equally good for city commutes and track outings. We also did some scrambling wearing it, and it didn’t feel heavy or stifling off-road. We did have to ride with the visor up, but the point is - it does get the job done.

Peace of mind: The helmet comes with the latest European safety rating of ECE 22.06. It has a double D-ring fastening system. And, it has been homologated for India so you can’t be challan-ed for wearing one. It is these factors that make me reach for the helmet every time I get on the bike. Not to mention, its other positives play a part as well.

What I didn’t like

Operability: The R2R lacks finesse while operating the air vents, removing the visor, or pulling out and putting back the liners. It feels clunky and hard instead of feeling seamless. The build quality of the helmet, otherwise, is good. The matte paint looks rich, there are no rough edges, and all the things do go back into their places even though it might require some wrestling. Also, even with all that roughhousing, nothing has broken on the helmet yet.

Drop-down visor: As with the vents and the liners, operating the drop-down visor is a clunky affair. Worse, it doesn’t drop down completely on its own. So, I have had to pull it down manually even after sliding the notch all the way forward.

Noisy: We wrote about the R2R scoring well on ventilation. The downside to more airflow inside the helmet is higher noise levels, especially over 80kmph. An easy solution, and something your ears will thank you for when you get old and can still hear your grandchildren, is to use earplugs all the time.

Should you buy it?

For Rs 17,500, the KYT R2R Pro is a lot of helmet. It can be used for daily commutes or on long-riding days while touring. It also works on a race track. Leave the visor open when riding, and it can be used off-road too; it is light enough not to feel taxing and airy enough to keep exhaustion at bay. At least for some time.

Mostly though, the positives far outweigh the negatives. It is light, offers great visibility, has excellent ventilation, and has the highest ECE safety rating. It has an ISI mark too, which is lacquered rather than being stuck on as on some other helmets.

But, if you can stretch the budget - and it is quite a stretch, almost twice the R2R’s asking price - it is better to go for the NZ Race. The Race has all the pluses of the R2R, but fewer downsides. It is better built, more comfortable, and nicer than the R2R.