The AGV K3 helmet has returned to dominate the market once again. This iconic lid defined a generation of riders with its sleek, race-inspired style and wallet-friendly price. After nearly a decade, AGV has revived the K3 to meet the needs of today’s motorcyclists.
As a long-time AGV enthusiast and an experienced motorcyclist, I was eager to test the updated K3 model. Over several hundred miles of riding, I analyzed the helmet’s strengths and weaknesses.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best full face motorcycle helmet for you? Let’s find out!
AGV K3 Review
A Visor Built for Speed and Precision
Without a doubt, the standout feature of the new K3 is the visor. AGV designed the GT 6.1 visor for an unparalleled field of vision.
I can confirm the company’s claims – with 190 degrees of peripheral vision, the K3 offers remarkable clarity across your entire range of sight. This improves safety by increasing awareness and minimizing blind spots.
The visor’s operating mechanism also demonstrates AGV’s thoughtful engineering. Five strong detents let you adjust airflow precisely.
A small center tab provides a cracked position for ventilation, while the main switch lives intuitively on the left side.
As a bonus, AGV packs in a high-quality Pinlock anti-fog insert. External adjustment screws make tweaking the insert tension a breeze. Overall, the visor setup provides all the smooth functionality you need for performance riding.
Improved Comfort Touches
Inside the helmet, AGV upgraded materials to enhance comfort. The plush liner feels great against your head, with no irritating seams or fasteners.
The revised sizing also hit the mark for my head shape. AGV’s arcane size options caused fit issues in the past, but the simplified small-to-XXL range solves this problem.
On the safety front, the K3 now meets the ECE 22-06 certification. This latest standard inspires confidence that this full face helmet offers adequate impact protection. With sharp ratings and ACU approval coming soon, you can ride reassured of the K3’s integrity.
Concerns Around Ventilation and Communication
Unfortunately, not all aspects of the K3 upgrade hit their mark. Two significant weak points emerged during testing: ventilation and communication system integration.
Despite redesigned chin and crown vents, I noticed little perceptual difference riding with them open versus closed.
This surprised me, as most quality lids provide a noticeable cooling effect when vents open up. The vent controls also felt fiddly, especially with thick winter gloves on.
Likewise, incorporating a Bluetooth comm system took more work than expected. The K3 lacks a built-in pocket, so securing the control unit requires an adhesive mount.
This then made the sun visor tab trickier to access. The shape also did not play nicely with my slim speaker setup.
Who Should Buy the AGV K3?
Given the K3’s strengths and limitations, I recommend this full-face helmet for riders focused on style and visibility above all else. The gorgeous graphics and excellent optical clarity suit these priorities well.
Casual, fair-weather riders will also appreciate the K3’s plush comfort liner and quiet seal. Just don’t expect tons of airflow from the vents.
However, performance-oriented and all-weather motorcyclists may want to look elsewhere. The tricky ventilation and comms integration issues detract from the K3’s utility for riding hard or commuting daily.
The K3 Legacy Continues
In reviving the K3, AGV advanced the lineage of this iconic helmet in smart ways while retaining its core spirit.
For riders who love the look and feel of the original, the updated model will feel like coming home. While a few flaws remain, the K3 still delivers tremendous value and excitement.
The K3 proves that a legendary lid only gets better with age. AGV revamped a classic to meet modern needs, honoring its heritage while advancing into the future.
Here are 5 key takeaways
- The visor provides excellent peripheral vision and smooth functionality for performance riding.
- The comfort liner feels great, and the simplified sizing makes getting the right fit easier.
- The K3 now meets the latest ECE 22-06 safety certification standard.
- Ventilation is disappointing, with little noticeable airflow from the redesigned vents.
- Integrating Bluetooth communication systems requires extra mods and isn’t seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key upgrades on the new K3 helmet?
The major upgrades are the redesigned visor for better visibility, simplified sizing, and improved comfort liner. It also meets the latest ECE 22-06 safety standard.
How does the sizing compare to the old K3 models?
AGV did away with the odd ML and NS size options. Now the sizing runs simply from XS to XXL, making it easier to get the right fit.
Is the new K3 good for track riding?
Not yet, but it will be soon. The first batch didn’t have ACU approval for track use in the UK, but this is in process. Once approved, the K3 will be track-ready.
Does the K3 have fancy high-tech features?
No, the K3 takes a back-to-basics approach. It focuses on delivering excellent style, vision, and value. So it skips complex features in favor of a smooth, simple riding experience.
What are the main disadvantages of the K3 helmet?
The main weaknesses are the ventilation and intercom integration. The vents don’t flow much air, and incorporating a Bluetooth system takes extra work.
Who is the K3 helmet best suited for?
The K3 excels for riders who care most about aesthetics and visibility. It also works well for fair-weather casual riding. Hardcore commuters or year-round riders may want a more technical lid.
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