AGV K3 SV-S

The AGV K3 motorcycle helmet has been a longstanding model for AGV. It evolved to the K3 SV (sun visor) and now the AGV K3 SV-S. Touted as the perfect helmet for the entry-level rider - let's see, shall we?

Safety

Made from a lightweight yet highly durable HIR-TH (High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin) outer shell, the K3 SV-S also comes with a Pinlock Max Vision insert for optimum visibility and is ECER2205 certified for road use and ACU Gold approved for track use.

Styling

The K3 SV-S offers an aggressive styling with a large aerodynamic rear spoiler. A huge plus-point of the K3 SV-S is the wide variety of designs and colours available. One of the most prolific themes of the AGV K3 SV-S is Valentino Rossi models - a plethora of his official race replicas are available. As these are on the cheaper K3 SV-S helmet and not the same as he actually wears, you can get an official race replica for a fraction of the price of the models he wears.

Comfort

The K3 SV-S comes in 2 shell sizes for added aerodynamics and weight saving. An advanced, integrated ventilation system with four front intake vents and two rear extraction vents provides optimum air circulation. A removable nose guard/breath deflector and removable windproof chin curtain give a comfortable fog-free ride. The sanitised Dry-Comfort fabric inner liner is removable and washable to keep you fresh, and the micro-metric ratchet fastening strap is adjustable for the perfect most comfortable fit.

Practicality

The Four intake vents and two rear extractors are adjustable for you to personalise to your own needs. The nose guard and breath deflector are removable along with the Pinlock Max Vision visor (which can be replaced with other tints should you wish). The drop-down inner sun visor is a practical break from sun glare with an easy-to-use lever system - that can be used while wearing motorcycle gloves. The clear anti-scratch visor is quick-release and can be removed and replaced in seconds with no tools required and can be customised for different visor settings. The sanitised Dry-Comfort fabric inner liner is removable and washable for all eventualities.

Negatives

The replacement visors can be quite expensive (compared to the helmet's price) although if you look after it and use different Pinlock tints instead, there should be no reason to change. A complaint about this helmets predecessor, the K3-SV, was that the Pinlock insert sat in the rider's eye line. This has been remedied with the AGV K3 SV-S. A completely new visor where the Pinlock sits in a recess higher up. However, this has been criticised that the recesses are only 35mm, not 40mm so could be a bit of an issue. Fit. For lots of people, this helmet fits a dream, but similar to Arai and Shoei, if you don't have an AGV shaped head, then this isn't the helmet for you!

Verdict

A great helmet for the price with a fantastic choice of designs. If you're a fan of Rossi there is also an opportunity to get a race replica at a fraction of the cost of the more expensive models. There is a reason that AGV has continued this model year after year. It's a great seller for a reason.

Until next time, stay safe,

Alex