GPA Helmets - webBikeWorld

Motorcycle helmets can be classified by types, such as open-face, full-face, flip-up or half-helmet. But beyond that, there really isn't all that much to physically distinguish them, other than style, colors and graphics. A helmet looks like a helmet, more or less.

Another word for this situation might be "boring". Helmet styling really hasn't changed much, and some helmet styles haven't changed at all.

For example, open-face helmets of today look virtually identical to their counterparts from the 1960's. In some instances, about the only thing that's improved is what goes unseen; modern materials and construction and the corresponding levels of protection they provide.

The GPA "Aircraft" motorcycle helmet shown here is anything but boring. Maybe the GPA helmet and the Draxtar P-104 "Tanker" helmet that we reviewed not too long ago are on the leading edge of a new trend in motorcycle helmet design, although I'm not sure what it might be called -- maybe the theme helmet?

If that's the case, I like the trend, because it's bringing some fresh ideas and a touch of whimsy into the somewhat stultified world of motorcycle helmet design.

We haven't been able to find much information on GPA Helmets, which is a French company that apparently also has roots in Formula 1. The GPA Aircraft helmet continues a recent trend that we very much dislike: the absence of country of origin labels.

We're very surprised to find that in modern regulation-heavy Europe there seems to be no rule stipulating that products must be labeled thus.

So we can only assume that our GPA helmet is made in France, but we wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's actually made in Asia under license.

Unlike the Draxtar P-104, which is a design that comes to motorcycling from actual use in the Chinese military, the GPA Aircraft helmet is strictly a styling exercise.

But it's also functional, because it apparently meets ECE 22.05 standards for motorcycle helmets, or it wouldn't be for sale in Europe. We obtained our example from MotoTwin, the UK distributor, which also ships worldwide.

GPA helmets are not labeled as meeting U.S. DOT standards, but it's likely that they could receive DOT approval if and when the company decided to sell them here.

Nevertheless, this is a fun helmet that seems to generate huge interest wherever it goes. I rode up to a local motorcycle shop during a pre-Christmas holiday sale open house and left the helmet on the seat of the bike to see what would happen.

It drew a big audience and I discovered that most onlookers aren't satisfied with just looking -- they also want to touch it, probably because of its matte paint that has a sort of rubberized feel.

The paint and graphics are excellent. I'm guessing that the graphics are applied as decals, but it's not obvious because the entire surface of the helmet has a consistently smooth feel without the raised bumps that usually signify the edges of the decal.

The Aircraft model has a unique and useful two-part sliding visor system. The machined aluminum wheel at the top of the visor acts as a screw that holds the clear visor in place. It can be loosened to lower the visor and tightened at any position to hold the clear visor in place with friction.

The aluminum button that is located above the wheel lowers the tinted visor down behind the clear visor, and it can also be positioned at any level by simply letting go of the button, which leaves a slight tension on the visor to hold it in place.

The usual caveats about open-face helmets apply here, with wind and turbulence affecting the lower portion of the rider's face, which is the price to pay for the unique style.

The helmet is actually relatively comfortable. It has a thin but serviceable liner that is more mesh than padding. The helmet has a slightly strange fit; it feels rather squashed in the dimensions from the top of the helmet to its lower edge.

The size XL shown here barely covers my ears, and the inside feels slightly square, like it's flat on top and vertical on the sides. This isn't quite the problem that it might be if the helmet were of the full-face variety, because there's usually more leeway in the way an open-face helmet fits because of its looser dimensions.

The solid portion of the assembly that holds the visor does not move, and the four straps that are located at four corners around the helmet are there for style and not function.

The Aircraft helmet uses a "quick release" buckle system, which includes a small keeper for the loose end of the strap. The chin strap also includes sections of thin padding to protect the rider's neck from chafing.

The GPA "Aircraft" helmet weighs 1365 grams, or 3 lbs., 0 oz. See the wBW Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page for more information on fitting motorcycle helmets and the Motorcycle Helmet Weights page for a chart that compares the weights of every helmet we've reviewed.

Conclusion
The GPA Aircraft helmet is a fun take on the traditional motorcycle helmet. Wear it with a three-day growth, a pair of shades and a butt hanging out of your mouth. Don't forget the surplus Air Corps flight jacket and white silk scarf!

Product Review: GPA "Aircraft" Motorcycle Helmet
Available From: GPA Helmets (France)	Suggested Retail Price: £169.00 (approx. $297.00) plus S/H.
Colors: Blue, Yellow, Silver	Made in: France (?)
Product Comments: Another unique helmet. Light weight. Comes with tinted and clear visor. GPA manufactures many other different types of motorcycle helmets. This helmet meets ECE 22.05 safety standards only; not DOT approved. Review Date: December 2005
More: 650x545 pixel photo of the GPA "Aircraft" motorcycle helmet

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From "J.M.": "The GPA “Aircraft” helmet is being sold by Osbe as the “Demi Jet – Tornado”.