Givi X.01 "X Zero 1" Motorcycle Helmet Review
by Bill C. for webBikeWorld.com

More:  wBW Reviews Home  |  Owner Comments (Below)

Let the debate begin:  is it the Givi X.01, the Givi X01, the XZero1 or....?  Givi has devoted an entire website to this helmet, which they're apparently calling the XZero1; the Givi UK site calls it the X.01. 

But whatever you call it, this has to be the coolest -- and I mean that literally -- helmet since the Schuberth J1.  The X.01 is different, that's for sure, and it's pretty hard to compare it to any other motorcycle helmet.

It's probably not for everyone -- but for all of the hot-weather riders who have been asking about helmets with the best air flow, here's your helmet.

Why is the X.01 different?  It is a true modular helmet in every sense of the word.  I'm not talking about a "flip-up" helmet, which is sometimes called a modular helmet but isn't modular at all. 

The word "modular" is defined as "capable of being easily joined to or arranged with other parts or units", so if you want a true modular, the X.01 is it. In fact, Givi calls it a "Modul-Air" system.  Get it?

If I had to compare it to something, I'd say that the Givi X.01 takes the Airoh TR-1 approach to the next level.  The X.01 can be used as a cool-weather helmet with its solid chin bar and solid vent covers installed.  Remove the top vent covers and plug in the mesh over the vents and it's a Spring and Fall helmet.  Strap on the open air chin bar and leave the screens up top and summer is a breeze. 

Not enough air?  Pop off the chin bar and wear it like a "jet" helmet on your scoot.  Cool!

Now you may think this is sort of a gimmick.  So did I, truth be told.  Until the first 80 degree day, that is.  Believe it or not -- and I'm as skeptical about this stuff as anyone -- the thing really works, and the amazing part is that the X.01 is also comfortable and it isn't all that loud. 

"Cool" is a word that can be used in a number of different ways when describing the X.01, and it certainly does look -- and act -- cool with its open air chin bar and mesh vent covers installed.  So let's put it through the webBikeWorld wringer and take a closer look...

Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality
The X.01 comes in any color you like, as long as it's silver or black.  Matte, that is.  I'm not sure why the color choices are limited; but I'm guessing that it may have something to do with the composition of the helmet shell.

The shell is made from Lexan -- you know, the stuff they use as a replacement for glass in subway cars and iPods and fighter jet windscreens and food containers and....  Yep, Lexan is pretty amazing stuff, and here it is in a motorcycle helmet.

But Lexan is a polycarbonate, and many motorcycle helmets are made from polycarbonate, so don't worry.  And besides, it meets ECE approval (in all of its different configurations).  Perhaps the silver and black are the only colors that can be used in the mold?  I'm not sure if the helmet is painted or if the colors are part of the Lexan itself.

Anyway, the matte silver finish has that rubbery sort of feel, and overall the helmet looks good and all the parts fit together rather well.  The helmet does have a sort of molded feel to it, and if I wanted to nitpick a bit, I would say that the black fittings are a little bit clumsy and could probably have been installed with closer tolerances.  This bothered me slightly at first but after I discovered the incredible utility of the X.01, it no longer matters.

Besides, the thing just looks great in the full-on Summer configuration, when all of a sudden the black fittings look perfect against the matte silver.

Score:  I'll give the X.01 a "Very Good" rating for the admittedly plain color choices and for the quality of the fittings.  See the ratings scale in the summary table at the bottom of this page.

Givi X.01 Helmet in Winter Mode

Helmet Shape and Fit
After wearing the Schuberth J1 and the Airoh TR-1, both of which I put in the same class of helmet (i.e., different -- much different), I expected the Givi X.01 to have a long oval shape; longer front-to-back and flatter on the sides.

Surprise!  While the X.01 isn't as round inside as, say, the Arai Quantum II, it feels like it has nearly the same fit as a Shoei RF-1000 -- that is, round with just a touch of neutral intermediate oval thrown in. 

It's a nice, comfy fit and the liner -- although not quite as plush as the Arai -- is also rather nice, and the fine furry fabric feels fantastic on my face.

The liner is removable and washable and hypo-allergenic.  Memory foam is used for cushioning, and although it feels a touch thin, it's still pretty comfortable.

Another surprise is that the sizing of the X.01 is pretty much right on.  We're used to finding these "boutique" helmets sized smaller than expected, but the X.01 shown here is all of its size XL -- indeed, it's probably even a half-size big.  Thus, I'm pretty sure that a size L would fit me perfectly, and the Lexan shell is slightly more flexible than a fiberglass or composite helmet shell, so the flexibility helps with sizing also.

As always, be sure to check out the wBW Motorcycle Helmet FAQ for more information on choosing and fitting a motorcycle helmet and for a discussion regarding human head shapes.  And don't forget that choosing the correct helmet shape is crucial for both comfort and safety!

The Givi X.01 is currently available in a limited size range, from XS to XL.  We're not sure if they use one, two or more shell sizes to span this range -- perhaps each size has its own shell, and that's why the size range is limited?  Don't know...

The bottom of the helmet feels like it's slightly more open (i.e., less tapered) than other helmets, and this, in conjunction with the sizing, means that there is some air that leaks in from underneath.  This is actually welcome when the helmet is in its summer air-cooled configuration.

The X.01's ear pockets in the liner are rather shallow, but I can slip on a pair of wire-framed sunglasses over my ears after the helmet is on my head.

Score:  I rate the Givi X.01 an "Excellent" for comfort and fit, with the note that the sizing may run slightly large, but this is only based on our one example.

Venting
Top Vents - The X.01 is interesting because it covers a range from almost no venting to all the venting you'll ever need and then some.

In winter mode, the X.01 has a solid chin bar with a movable vent, but that's it.  Any additional venting will come from up underneath or through the visor if its cracked open a notch.

In "half way" mode, which I've found comfortable in a range of Spring or Summer temperatures from around 21 to 27 degrees C (70 to 80 degrees F.), the top vent covers can be replaced with the screen mesh inserts.  With those in place, and with the solid chin bar, the top vents create a definite sucking effect, and the air flows right up and through the helmet in a nice, cool breeze, just like there was a big fan up there pulling the air through.

The top vent covers and the big round screws on the sides of the helmet that hold the visor are removed with a special tool provided by Givi.  The tool comes in a nice little lined kit bag (see photo) that has pockets to store whichever spare vent covers aren't being used and also the spare chin bar. 

The top vents are removed by turning a little plastic twist screw on top of the vent 90 degrees to remove the cover, sort of like a Dzus fastener.  An arrow on the cover indicates which way to turn the screw for the locked position.

Chin Bar - The X.01 can convert to full-on summer mode by replacing the solid chin bar with the open version, and you'll have plenty of fresh air, no doubt about it.  See the photo below -- note that in this mode, the visor doesn't meet the top of the chin bar, leaving about a 20 mm gap at the widest part.  Also, the air rushes in on either side of the chin bar through the slots.

The chin bar attaches to the helmet via two metal buckles, one on either side, underneath the padding (photo above).  The chin bar has molded tabs that slide into the helmet shell, and there are hooks inside the helmet on either side that catch the metal loop on the buckle that's attached to the chin bar piece.  Slide in the chin bar, snap the buckles tight and you're ready to go.

They're very unobtrusive; indeed, I didn't even know they where there until I read the instructions.  The arrangement is actually very ingenious.

Givi was actually pretty thoughtful about making sure the center section is covered anyway, more or less, to help prevent bugs and thingies from sandblasting the rider's mug.  I haven't tried the X.01 in max gnat mode yet, because the late spring weather has still been bug-free, so maybe they should have designed in some screens over the slots, but we'll see.

But in any case, full summer mode definitely pumps in the air.  Funny thing, when the top mesh vents are installed with the solid chin bar, I can feel more air being pulled through and out the top than with the summer chin bar.  This is probably due to the pressure differential from inside and outside the helmet -- the spread decreases with the open chin bar in place, decreasing the pressure at the top?  A lesson in physics is no doubt needed to fully explain...

Now having to carry these spare parts and the tool may be a problem for some.  If they become lost, you're out of luck.  I wish Givi would have at least provided a couple of extra tools in the kit, but if the tool is lost, I don't think it would be too hard to improvise to turn the screw on the vent covers.

There are also a couple of exhaust vent holes buried in back under the black covers along the side, and I'm guessing they suck out some air in this low pressure zone.

Oh, and by the way -- don't forget that the X.01 can also be used in scooter mode, as a so-called "jet" styled helmet, without the chin bar.  I haven't tried it like this, but it can be easily done by just leaving out the chin bar.

Score:  The X.01 definitely gets an "Outstanding" for venting and air flow and for its ability to customize the amount of air flowing in and through the helmet.

Noise Levels
OK, so all of this means lots of noise, right?  Wrong.  Well, relatively speaking, of course.  Certainly the X.01 isn't a quiet helmet, but I have to say that I'm surprised that it isn't much louder than it is, even in full summer mode.

The helmet exhibits a continuous mid-frequency wind rushing noise during a ride, and this seems to eminate mostly coming from the rear of the helmet.  Like just about any other motorcycle helmet, I can stick my thumb up under the helmet right behind and below my ear and noticeably reduce the noise. 

Why helmet manufacturers don't focus on this spot is beyond me -- it honestly seems to be the #1 motorcycle helmet noise producing region.  I can't tell you how many helmets we've tried that can go from loud to quiet by just covering that area.

Anyway, the big surprise is that whether the top vents are completely plugged with the winter covers, or if the mesh vents are installed, noise levels in the X.01 don't seem to change much.  And the noise level remains about the same even with the hole-y chin bar in place.

There's a bit of extra room around the bottom of the helmet because the size XL is about a half-size too big for me, and I think the space may be causing some low frequency booming when I ride the Bandit with its half fairing.  But overall, although the X.01 is slightly louder than average, I'm surprised it isn't louder, and the outstanding air flow is definitely a worthwhile tradeoff.

By the way, please pay a visit to the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.  Also, note that we always wear high-quality, correctly fitted ear plugs when riding.  Please see the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs.  If you don't wear ear plugs, all bets are off -- every motorcycle helmet is dangerously noisy, in our opinion, and your hearing is as precious as your eyesight, so don't mess with it.  Wear ear plugs.

Score:  The Givi X.01 gets a "Good" for acceptable noise levels considering the amount of air that flows through the helmet.

Givi X.01 - wBW Lightbox - Click photo to view.
Liner	Chin Bar Clasp	Vent Tool	Visor Clearance	Sun Shade	Vent Holes

Visor
The visor on the X.01 seems huge -- this helmet offers outstanding up/down and side-to-side visibility compared to other full-face helmets we've tried.  Rick agreed, and he said it's probably the only helmet he's tried that allows him to see from the instruments all the way down to the top of the triple clamp on the GT1000 by simply moving his eyes down without moving his head.

The clear visor provides good optical qualities, with no waviness or other issues.  The visor rotating mechanism is slightly balky; it doesn't quite seal perfectly on the eye port gasket when the helmet is in winter mode, and there are some gaps between the helmet shell and the side plates that hold the visor rotating mechanism, but this may be necessary to convert the helmet to the "jet" mode, without a chin bar.

When I first started the evaluation, I rode with the helmet in winter mode, completely blocked up, on a cool and damp day when it was just spitting rain.  The visor would not fog up, even when I got back into the garage and I tried heavy breathing mode.  That's really the only opportunity I had in cool visor-fogging weather, but I was pleased that the visor seems pretty impervious to fogging.

The X.01 also has an internally rotating sun visor.  It can thankfully be located in any position, but when it is lowered as far as it will go, it still isn't really far enough to remain out of my line of sight.  If they're going to install these things, I wish the manufacturers would design them to go all the way down out of the line of sight.  And forget about the corny cutout for the nose -- I'll take mine cut straight across please.

Score:  The Givi X.01 gets a "Very Good" for visor clarity and operation and an "Outstanding" for field of view.

Helmet Weight
Our X.01 in size XL weighs 1592 grams (3 lbs., 8-1/8 oz.).  That puts it in roughly the bottom third of the motorcycle helmets we've reviewed, making it a relatively lightweight helmet.

See our wBW Motorcycle Helmet Weights page for the complete chart, comparing the weights of every helmet we've reviewed; the X.01 is in the neighborhood of helmets like the AGV Ti-Tech Rossi at 1582 grams; the Arai Vector at 1583; the Akuma V-1 Ghost Rider at 1591; and the Shark RSR at 1601.  For comparison, the popular Shoei RF-1000 weighs in a 1610 grams.

Score:  The X.01 gets an "Excellent" for relatively light weight and good balance.

Miscellaneous
The X.01 uses a new type of "quick release" buckle we've seen on a few European helmets recently; it has a serrated tab that fits into the buckle mechanism like a ratchet, and it releases quickly.  The strap length must be adjusted the first time it's used, but the serrations insure a small range of micro-adjustment when the buckle is secured.

The Givi X.01 currently meets ECE helmet safety standards only.

Conclusion
The Givi X.01 is certainly a very unique helmet.  In full summer guise it offers outstanding air flow, and the helmet is a sort of "3 for 1" with its modular winter/spring/summer/fall capability.  It also offers outstanding visibility, it's comfortable and it's relatively quiet, considering its amazing versatility.  Perhaps it took an outsider like Givi to shake up the establishment -- we can only hope that other motorcycle helmet manufacturers will be as innovative!