Blog 16 | Helmets – The Crown We Never Outgrow
Hey Folks,
I’m back again with a topic that sits closer to the rider’s soul than the rev of an engine – “Helmets.”
As motorcyclists, our passion is never just about owning a motorcycle. A machine on two wheels is not complete until it comes with its loyal companions: the accessories and the protective gear. And among all the riding gear, the first knight in shining armor is always the helmet. Whether you’re rolling on a humble scooter or thundering down the highway on a Harley, the truth is the same: you cannot outgrow your head, so you cannot outgrow the need for a helmet. Fashion, compulsion, or law—whatever the reason—you need it.
For us riders, the motorcycle is not just transportation; it’s a stage, and we are the performers. But unlike the stage of glamour, we don’t decorate with contour or cosmetics; our makeup is sweat, our cologne is the scent of gasoline and asphalt, and our armor is the riding gear we choose.
The Indian Context – A Late Awakening
Here in India, the awareness of helmets didn’t bloom until the early 2000s. Before that, helmets were often an afterthought, seen more as a burden than a necessity. But as the automobile sector grew stronger and motorcycles invaded every household—be it a 110cc commuter or a roaring 1200cc monster—the roads became battlegrounds. With the increasing numbers came the inevitable tragedies.
The two-wheeler became both the family’s pride and its greatest risk. Accidents multiplied, and the lack of helmets turned collisions into funerals. A close friend of mine left the world too soon in such a tragedy—a bus rear-ended him. His body was flawless, not a scratch. But the absence of a helmet made the difference. A brain hemorrhage took him away on the spot. That scar on memory still reminds me why this discussion matters.
The government has been tightening its grip, enforcing helmet rules more seriously, especially in metro cities. Slowly, state after state is catching up. It’s a positive move, and if I may say, +1 HP to the Indian Government for this much-needed push.
My Helmet Journey – A Timeline on Two Wheels
It’s been over 9 years of riding for me—filled with long tours, unexpected accidents, and countless lessons. And through this time, I’ve worn, tested, and sometimes regretted different helmets. Let me share my journey with a few of them.
1. Studds Shifter D6 Decor (Blue)
Cost: ₹2,500/- (₹2,000 helmet + ₹500 iridium visor)
Year of Purchase: 2018
This was my first “proper” helmet, after dabbling with unbranded local lids and a borrowed Steelbird or two. For a beginner, the Studds Shifter D6 was like moving from roadside fast food to a restaurant meal—not fine dining, but at least hygienic.
Key Features (As Advertised):
High-impact thermoplastic/polycarbonate outer shell
Aerodynamic design with stability at speed
Regulated-density EPS liner for impact absorption
Dynamic ventilation system
Dual visor setup (clear + sun visor)
Hypoallergenic liner (removable & washable)
ISI certified
Lightweight (approx. 1.1 kg)
My Experience:
On paper, the helmet looked promising. But reality has its own shade. The color did fade despite UV-resistant claims, and the stickering peeled off like old wallpaper. The inner padding lacked sweat absorption and irritated the skin. Still, for short rides, the light weight and in-built sun visor were convenient.
Verdict: A decent first step into proper helmets if your budget is under ₹2,000. But don’t expect it to be your guardian angel in heavy crashes.
2. MT Helmets – The Spanish Bull
I owned two: Targo Truck and Revenge 2 Imperium.
(a) MT Targo Truck (Yellow)
Cost: ₹8,350/- (Helmet ₹5,750 + Iridium visor ₹1,400 + HD Blue visor ₹1,200)
Purchased from: Gears Chennai (2019)
Buying this was a leap of faith. Imagine sending money to a store on Instagram back in 2019—it felt like online dating: exciting but risky. Thankfully, the store was genuine and guided me with sizing. This helmet became my companion for 6 long years.
Features at a Glance:
High-impact molded polycarbonate shell
Dual-density EPS
DOT + ECE + ISI certified
SHARP 3-star rating
Double D-ring retention system
Pinlock-ready visor with quick release
Hypoallergenic, laser-cut liner
Lightweight (~1,450 g)
My Verdict: A masterpiece of craftsmanship. After 6 years, the color faded and padding loosened, but it never betrayed me in protection. Its only flaw: no room for Bluetooth intercom speakers, which made ear space cramped. Still, a helmet worth every rupee.
(b) MT Revenge 2 Imperium (Fluorescent Yellow)
Cost: ₹9,100/- (Helmet ₹8,900 + Dark Black visor ₹1,000)
Purchased from: M.A.D Biker, Bhubaneswar (2024)
After the Targo Truck, I couldn’t look elsewhere. I flirted briefly with the idea of an Axxis Wolf DS, but the store owner, Mr. Abhijit Samantray (co-founder of M.A.D Biker), steered me towards this gem.
Highlights:
High Impact Resistant Polymer (HIRP) shell
Aerodynamic design with spoilers
ECE 22.06 certified (latest standard)
5-star SHARP rating (previous Revenge series)
D-ring strap for secure fastening
Pinlock-ready visor with anti-fog treatment
Dual front vents + rear exhausts
Hypoallergenic, flame-retardant liner
Pre-fitted speaker pockets for intercoms
Weight ~1,350–1,450 g
Verdict: Lightweight, comfortable, and secure. Currently my daily helmet. Too early for a full review, but so far, it feels like the perfect evolution from the Targo.
3. SMK Gullwing (Matt Black)
Cost: ₹6,000+ (approx.)
Purchased from: B.K.W Bhubaneswar (2024)
Sometimes we buy mistakes. This was mine. I chose it because I wanted a modular helmet (easy flip-up for glasses and air). But the SMK Gullwing turned out to be a neck-crushing, noisy regret.
The shop sold me the wrong size (XL instead of L), and when I questioned it, they shrugged it off. The helmet leaned forward due to the heavy front, constantly straining my neck. The flip-up mechanism got loose, padding lost shape, bolts rusted, and the visor fogged like a monsoon window.
Verdict: Even worse than Studds in my opinion. Looks fancy, but comfort and durability are absent. I would not recommend this, unless you enjoy regret.
The Others I’ve Tried
Axor – Stylish but feels more like a showpiece than a soldier.
Axxis – Impressive for its price; as MT’s sub-brand, it holds up well.
KYT – Disappointing. A friend’s KYT Revo TT shattered on a crash, which destroyed my trust in them.
Final Thoughts – The Search for the Next Crown
Helmets aren’t just accessories; they are crowns of survival. Each scrape on the shell is a battle scar that could have been on your skull. My journey has been a mix of loyalty (MT) and regret (SMK), and now I’m eyeing my next upgrade—a motocross/dual-sport helmet within ₹20,000.
Riding teaches us many things, but one lesson stands tallest:
Engines can be replaced. Roads can be revisited. But heads? We only get one.
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