Helmets

I went shopping for a helmet a few days ago and came back amazed at the variety and price range available. Way back then, during my college days, helmets came in two flavours. Open face helmets which cost around Rs 300 at the time and full face helmets at around Rs 700.

Things have changed somewhat. I saw helmets priced at more than an entry level motorcycle. SHOEI helmets start at Rs 35,000 and go all the way up to a lakh of rupees.

Some of the features on these new-fangled helmets are almost science fiction. Most helmets now have vents you can open and close to control how much air you would like to have flowing over your scalp. Even the visors have evolved; with hydro-philic surfaces which stream rainwater off rapidly so there is no streaking. Dual visors are not uncommon; a clear visor for all time use and a polarized inner visor which you can lower at the click of a button.


Some of the fancier helmets have Bluetooth headsets built in, and some of these allow you and your pillion rider to chat with each other. More advanced versions allow you to chat with upto 12 riders in your group. And the best ones have a built in Heads-Up Display that can show you directions via Google maps and Google earth all while you keep your eyes on the road ahead. Yamaha is working with a Japanese helmet manufacturer on a helmet- bike interface so you won't ever need to glance at the dashboard when you are riding. The helmet will display speed, trip details and fuel levels on the helmet HUD.

Here's something I did not imagine I would ever say - I have to go now for I need to read the user manual before my ride tomorrow morning.