Nolan N70-2 X 06 Classico Nobile helmet in orange

 

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. Obviously there's an exhaust vent at the back of the helmet.

 

There's a drop-down sun visor that has a very, very good detente mechanism.

 

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 chinstrap features a micrometric clasp. You also get a chin curtain.

 

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.