KYT R2R Pro Helmet Review: First Impressions

Gallery Introduction The Basics The Features What’s next?Product Details

Introduction

Lambretta V125 Right Front Three Quarter

After having used the KYT NZ Race for over a year, I have become an advocate of the brand and the helmets they produce. Now, the NZ Race is its top-drawer helmet besides the KX-1 MotoGP helmet. This means the NZ is an example of the best the Indonesian helmet-maker offers in safety, comfort and build quality. And even though it is significantly cheaper than most top-spec European and Japanese helmets at Rs 35,000, I did not find the NZ Race really wanting in areas that matter - namely safety, comfort, and build quality.

But, not everyone can afford a Rs 35,000 helmet. KYT understands that. So, to reach a wider audience, it has now launched the R2R Pro. It is what the helmet maker calls a sports touring helmet. But for all means and purposes, its specs indicate that it can be used on the race track as well. As for me, I will use it on my daily commute. I will go touring in it. And maybe even do a track-day or two donning it.

The Basics

The R2R uses a thermoplastic shell made in two sizes - medium and large. But, the helmet is offered in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, which is managed by changing the inner lining. If you are between XS and M, you get the M-sized shell. And the L shell size is for those with a head that fits between L and XXL. This also means one should be able to mix and match different-sized cheek pads and headliners to get a nicer, more comfortable fit if the two sizes in question fit the same shell size.

As mentioned, the inners include removable cheek pads and a headliner. There’s also a chin curtain included. And, there are in-built ear cutouts for the communication system. The pads and the liner are made from moisture-wicking material. According to KYT, these use hydrocool textile which is soft, light and breathable. The cheek pads can also be easily removed by pulling on the straps on the pads in case of an emergency. The retention system meanwhile is a double-D ring, which qualifies the helmet for track use. Speaking of homologation, the R2R Pro comes with ISI and ECE 22.06 safety ratings.

The Features

Three things stood out when using the NZ Race - ventilation, visibility, and versatility. Now, even though it has Race in its name, the helmet felt comfortable and usable on city commutes and highway outings. I expect more of the same from the R2R given it is positioned as a sport touring helmet.

In that regard, it comes with two large intake vents around the head area, one intake at the chin, and two exhaust vents under the spoiler at the back for improved ventilation. The EPS lining inside has multiple air channels cut into it for more effective airflow. For visibility, the eye port is wide, and the helmet comes standard with a clear visor and a drop-down sun visor. The main visor is made from polycarbonate and KYT claims it is scratch-resistant and has UV380 filters. Furthermore, you get a Pinlock insert as standard to prevent the visor from fogging.

Other features include a liner designed to make putting on glasses easier, which I personally appreciate. KYT also claims that the R2R Pro is wind tunnel tested, and the spoiler isn’t just for show. On the road, this should mean less stress on the neck to hold the head in place on a street-naked motorcycle when doing more than 100kmph.

What’s next?

I will now don the helmet with every excuse I get for the next three months. The idea is not only to tell you how it fares on comfort and usability across various riding scenarios but also how it compares to the benchmark - which is the NZ Race - on all fronts.