Testing the KYT KX-1 Race GP helmet at BIC on a Ducati Monster SP

This was the first event of its kind in India, where we were invited for the launch of a new helmet and then got to test it in its intended environment. The lid in question is the KYT KX-1 Race GP, which is effectively the same helmet worn by the likes of Enea Bastianini in MotoGP.

The KX-1 Race GP is not only an FIM-homologated helmet that can be used in the highest level of motorcycle racing, but it also carries an ISI mark, which means it can be legally sold in India.

As its name suggests, the KX-1 Race is all about maximum performance on the racetrack. To let us experience that, KYT invited us to be a part of an ISBK track day at the BIC, and I was given a Ducati Monster SP for the day.

KYT also owns the Italian brand Suomy, and the KX-1 Race is effectively the same helmet as the S1-XR GP worn by Francesco Bagnaia. With both factory Ducati riders in 2024 wearing largely the same helmet, it’s reasonable to accept KYT’s claims of the KX-1 Race helmet being designed and developed in Italy, with extensive wind tunnel testing. This has resulted in two areas that stood out as excellent to me: vision and aerodynamics.

And sure enough, even though I was on a bike with zero wind protection, I had no issues with helmet lift, buffeting, or even being pressed back against the nose at 245kph down the back straight. It’s a fairly noisy helmet – as most racing lids are – but from an aero and stability point of view, the KX-1 Race GP is superb. Visibility is also very good with a wide field of view, and the ventilation also works very well. Finally, at 1,466gm, the KYT is only 12gm lighter than the Arai RX-7V Evo, but again, it’s the superb aero that makes the difference feel bigger than that.

The shell uses what KYT calls a tri-composite structure with a mixture of carbon fibre, along with aramid resins. The helmet is available in six sizes, with three different shell sizes.

From a track performance standpoint, the KX-1 Race is a fantastic helmet, but there are some areas where things could be more polished. The visor opening mechanism takes more effort than I’d like, and the quality of the vents and the inner liner is a noticeable step down from the top brands. But, to be fair, the KYT also costs a good deal less than they do.

The inner liner is removable and washable, and it has an emergency release system. However, there are no built-in recesses for Bluetooth speakers if you wish to use this helmet on the road. With regular road use, I found that the inner liner presses down on the edges of my ears, and it also creates a pressure point on the cheeks – moving a size up made the fit too loose. On the track, my mind was too occupied to notice it, but on the road, it was enough to be a dealbreaker for me. Of course, fit is a deeply personal thing, and different heads tend to work better in different brands – which is why it’s so important to try before you buy.

Speaking of, if I were shopping in India for a top-end helmet for track use, the KYT is a bit of a no-brainer. The fact that there are almost no other similarly specced helmets on sale in India with an ISI mark is one thing, but the other temptation is the price. The Rs 57,000 (includes a spare dark visor and a nice helmet bag) price point is good value, given that a top-tier race helmet from a premium brand will cost you more, even if you buy it overseas.

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