The AGV K6 - Full Review

THE AGV K6

OVERALL
AGV went all out to create the perfect sports touring helmet with the K6.

AGV has made the K6 a lightweight, compact helmet. Plus, there’s a quality shield system that should work well on everything from a sportsbike to a cruiser (and most bikes in between).

The overall build quality appears to be excellent, and AGV has a growing reputation of creating super comfy liners – and the variety of quality materials they use inside the K6 is no exception.

Overall, the AGV K6 looks set to be an innovative sport touring helmet that achieves most if not all of what AGV set out to create.

If you’re in the market for high performance, mid-priced all-rounder helmet, then the AGV K6 is a great choice.

SAFETY
AGV has a ton of expertise in making composite fiber helmets. But this is the first time we can think of that they’ve made a composite shell just using carbon fiber and aramid (the generic name for Kevlar).

They’re both pretty high-end materials and should make for a helmet that’s both lightweight and strong.

Although it hasn’t been Snell rated, it has been DOT and ECE certified.

So, at this stage, all we can say is that based on past data, you can pretty well always trust an AGV helmet. Take a look at our Safest Motorcycle Helmet Brands Top 10 and, at the time of writing, AGV scores incredibly well there – with every helmet tested in recent years scoring either SHARP four or five stars.

In addition to the helmet shell tech, there are other indications that AGV’s put quite a lot of effort into making the K6 a serious piece of protection.

Inside, there are a 5 density EPS shock absorbing liner – that’s the most we’ve ever heard of in a helmet and should give the helmet the ability to manage small and larger shocks very well.

AGV has stated it’s one of their goals to make the K6 as light as possible. Lighter weight helmets reduce the amount of energy the helmet has to manage during an impact. And with the AGV K6 weighing around 2.8lbs (1.25Kgs) AGV’s managed to create a very lightweight helmet.

Keeping weight down to these levels should not only help with protection but also make the K6 very easy on the neck when riding too.

The K6 also has a version of the regular EQRS or emergency quick-release cheek pads. Usually, pulling on the red tabs on the bottom of the helmet will quickly pull the cheek pads out of the bottom of the helmet to help the emergency services remove a helmet without putting undue stress on the neck.

With the AGV K6, the cheek pads and neck roll are a single unit, so it’s debatable how ‘quick release’ the EQRS is as it might still be a bit of a struggle to pull it out without yanking the helmet around.

Other stuff that helps improve safety – that large shield (both horizontally and vertically) for improved all-round awareness and vision. Plus, the shield comes with a Pinlock antifog in the box too, so fit it, and your vision should stay clear throughout the seasons.

Another interesting feature is that AGV’s profiled the bottom of the helmet to reduce the chance of it impacting on your collarbone during an accident. It’s a small thing but shows the level of thought AGV’s put into the K6.

VENTILATION
There are three forehead vents arranged in a scowly V formation above the shield – and a couple of chin vents on the chin bar.

While three forehead vents are way more than most helmets, the unfortunate thing with AGV’s multi-vents is that they have to be opened separately. That’s a mighty fiddly job – especially when you’re on the move – so it’s probably best to set them before you start riding.

The chin vent switch is that small switch at the bottom of the chin bar (the black thing under the shield is the shield lock).

Inside the helmet, AGV has put a comprehensive network of venting channels cut into the EPS liner. They cover all the top of the head, front to back (towards the twin rear exhaust vents) as well as around the circumference of the head.

SHEILD
AGV’s had more luck with their shield design.

It’s been made to give excellent all-round vision, with 190 degrees horizontal and 85-degree vertical vision. That’s pretty well class-leading in a full face sports touring lid so your vision should be OK whatever bike you’re riding.

They’ve also specced up a 4mm thick optically correct shield. That’s possibly a bit overkill because most shields are thick enough and have good optics. Still, it does the job, and it’s in the box, so if you like having a thick shield, enjoy!

The shield works on a ratchet and has an automatic shield lock.

The lock automatically locks the shield closed when you close it. But unlike some helmets’ locking systems, the one on the K6 is easy to unlock quickly because the unlock button is that large black panel directly under the shield – so you can press that in and push open the shield in one fluid movement with one hand.

You can also use the shield lock button to access the city riding ‘cracked open’ position. Push it in, and the shield will open up slightly to let in more ventilation but keep the shield locked on the latch.

If you look on the side of the helmet, you can see AGV’s redesigned quick-release mechanism. It’s now made of metal, which has allowed AGV to shrink it down to make it super small.

But it works in the same way most release mechanisms do these days – namely, open the shield, pull down a tab, and the shield pops off.

All in all, then, AGV looks to have got everything well pretty well covered with the shield on the K6.

COMFORT AND SIZING
AGV designed the K6 to be super comfy. And with the quality of the fabrics they’ve thrown at it, it seems like they mean it.

Looking around the helmet, there’s a neck roll and removable chin curtain in there, and the comfort liner is fully removable and washable.

The padding’s made from sculpted foam covered in a variety of technical anti-bac and moisture-wicking fabrics. You can find more info about the Shalimar and Ritmo fabrics used in the K6 here – plus, they use something called Eco Leather that’s a wear-resistant and waterproof plastic fake leather (not sure exactly how eco that is!).

But make sure you get the right size (fitting and measurement guide) and as long as you’re a medium oval head shape (that’s most of us), you should find the inside of the AGV K6 a pretty comfortable place to visit for day-long rides.

LOOKS AND GRAPHICS
The K6 is a subtler take on AGV’s usual hawknose design that they use on their sportsbike helmets. Which should go down well with most sports touring riders who often prioritize great all round performance over sporty looks.

Call us 281.447.3476 and ask for Alex Rios to place your order.
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