NEW GEAR: AGV reveals X3000 replica SHEENE helmet.

AGV X3000 has revealed the latest in its line of retro replica lids as a tribute to the iconic British bike racer. 

Essentially, it’s a modern reissue of one of the most famous motorcycle helmets of all time – the one worn by British motorcycle racing legend Barry Sheene. Of course, there are a few differences. But the most notable is the helmets lack of hole drilled into the chin bar. Sheene famously insisted that his helmet had this little modification – not for increased airflow and ventilation – but so he could fit a lit cigarette through it and continue to smoke right up until the final moments before a race.

The AGV X3000 series of helmets have been made from modern materials using modern techniques, but the styling harks back to the helmets made by the Italian company back in the 1970s. Each helmet is constructed from an ACF (advanced composite fiber) fiberglass outer shell, and come in three shell sizes to ensure an optimum fit – XS-MS, ML-LG, XL-2XL.

There’s an on/off air vent on the visor, with channels hollowed into the shell. You open it by popping out the seal, and close it by popping it back in. It comes with a removable and washable interior, a traditional double D-ring retention system, and a flip-up two-position visor with a stud closure.

One of Sheene’s original race-worn helmets (with its signature cigarette hole) sold recently at auction for a little over $2,500 USD (just shy of £2,000) – and you can get your hands on this almost identical (and actually wearable) helmet for £499.99 from AGV. If you’re interested in getting your hands on one, visit: www.agv.co.uk/legends/x3000/agv-x3000-barry-sheene