Nolan N70-2 X 06 Classico helmet in matt grey

The first thing to say is that, conceptually, the Nolan N70 is not new. It's been around for a while. What is new is that this version, known as the Nolan N70 2-X is ECE 22-06 accredited; and quite simply that means that it's unequivocally a safer, more protective helmet than its predecessor. 

 

In terms of what kind of helmet the N70 is, it is quite literally beyond classification. 

 

With the chin bar in place, it's a certified, full-face helmet. With it removed, it's an open face helmet. Take the peak off, and you've got what might pass for a sport-touring helmet. Wear the peak, and you've got an adventure helmet. You can also wear the helmet with or without the peak. You can also remove the visor removed; presumably so that you can wear goggles.

 

Let's face it, there are going to be better full-face, touring helmets out there, better adventure helmets, and probably better open-face helmets. But I don't think we've ever come across a helmet that, at a pinch, can fulfil all of these roles.

 

The most obvious feature on the N70, obviously, is its removable chin bar. And there's nothing fiddly about removing it, or replacing it. Importantly, when the chin bar is inserted into its slots, the helmet qualifies as a full-face helmet.

 

The main visor is pretty large, implying a very good field of view. In the up position, tucked under the peak, it does not impede that view. And the detente mechanism is pretty impressive too. What is slightly less impressive is the Pinlock 70  anti-fog visor.

 

In terms of venting, you get a simple open and close arrangement on the chin. On the brow, there's a two-position vent in the centre, and two similarly adjustable ones to either side of it. But they feel cheap and flimsy, and trying to work out the halfway position with a gloved hand will not be easy. Obviously there's an exhaust vent at the back of the helmet.

 

There's a drop-down sun visor that has a clever ratchet mechanism just like the one on the Shark OXO helmet.

 

The peak is easy enough to remove. You don't need any tools. And you get blanking plates to reduce the wind noise if you want to run the helmet without the main visor. The peak can be adjusted. 

 

The helmet is no lightweight, but at 1600g. in size medium it's about what one would expect. The chinstrap features a micrometric clasp. You also get a chin curtain.

 

With its Lexan shell, another name for polycarbonate or plastic, this is not a high-end helmet. In places, it does feel a tad plasticky. It feels like a helmet that has been made to a price point.

 

The N70 2X has a very neat, integrated comms. facility, although it's not the very easiest we've come across in terms of installation. It comes in a number of configurations. As with many of the other helmet brands, all the comms units for Nolan helmets are powered by Sena.

 

The M951 R series, as it is known, is Mesh only. Obviously, Mesh is the future, and in some situations it's better, but if you want to be able to talk with friends on a Sena Bluetooth system, you won't be able to.

 

There is a slightly less expensive Bluetooth-only version, but of course you cannot talk to anybody with a Sena Mesh comms. with this one. This unit is known as the B902.

 

There's a third unit which is designed purely for rider to pillion communications. This goes under B602, and you can get it in a twin-pack version for a reasonable saving.

 

The point we would make, of course, is that it would have been nice to have a unit that could transfer between Mesh and Bluetooth. And if that's what you would like, then we would recommend the Interphone UCOM 16.

 

The Nolan N70 2-X is what it is. It's a very clever package. This is not a high-end helmet like a Shoei, but then again it's not a budget helmet. It is not a helmet that anybody needs to be embarrassed about wearing.

 

In terms of fit, we reckon it has more of an oval fit; and that will be the issue for some, because there's nothing we can do to alter the fit either around the head or the cheeks. If the N70 fits you out of the box, then great. But if it doesn't, it may not be for you. It's somewhat of a myth that a helmet will wear in over time. In fact, in some ways it's quite the contrary. A helmet that is comfortable in the shop will often feel far less comfortable after an hour or two's riding.