LS2 Thunder GP Aero helmet - "The Thunder is a serious helmet designed to do a particular job"

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Sitting just one grid place back from the firm’s range topping FIM homologated helmet, the GP Pro, the ACU Gold approved Thunder GP Aero is essentially LS2’s road and track sports lid for the masses.

In common with its full factory stablemate, the Thunder has a carbon fibre shell, prominent rear spoiler and tear-off prepared visor, and lines up alongside the similarly spec’d versions of the Nolan X-804 RS, NEXX X.R3R and HJC RPHA 12. I’ve been testing it for six months aboard such bikes as the Yamaha XSR900 GP, Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR and Honda Hornet CB1000 SP.

How comfortable is the LS2 Thunder Carbon GP?

Make no mistake about it, the Thunder GP Aero is unashamedly a sports lid. It feels stripped down to the minimum to save weight, and as a result the interior padding is more functional than plush, providing just enough comfort so that I can happily wear it for a couple of hours at a stretch without any issue.

Beyond that it can start to feel a bit spartan, and in continuous use at higher speeds I found a pressure point develop along on my forehead above the right eye – but to be fair, the Thunder is not designed for long distance touring.

It does feel good to wear though, and I like the sense of protection that comes with the close, cosseting fit. The smooth fabric on the cheek pads and chinstrap sits nicely against the skin without chafing, allowing and the Thunder to slip on and off easily, and once it’s in position around your skull, the fish scale style pattern of the inner lining softly grips it to prevent any sliding around. I particularly like the way the cheek pads hug my neck and curve under my jaw, making a firm seal to keep wind roar and drafts out.

The only criticism I can muster is that the lining catches over the tops of my ears when I’m putting it on. It only takes a second to free them, but there have been times when I’ve ridden off thinking all was well, only to get that creeping sensation of ‘something’s not quite right’ further up the road and having to stop and rejig things. It’s worth noting that I ride in spectacles and there’s no problem at all with the arms sliding into place, or undue pressure points along the temples.

What’s the visor like on the LS2 Thunder Carbon GP Aero?

A wide eye port gives the Thunder unhindered peripheral vision, and I’m more than happy barrelling through traffic and filtering without the need to tear my head away from what’s happening ahead. It translates well into shoulder checks and lifesavers too, so there’s no need to crane around uncomfortably to cover blind spots.

Perhaps more important for a sports helmet though, is the view along the upper edge and I’ve had no problem at all looking up and through the turn when I’ve been head down or hanging off.

Visor positions are limited, with detents only at the fully open and mid-way points. That’s fine for the track, but personally I’d prefer more options for when I’m scooting about town and in traffic. The central lock is easy to operate and keeps it firmly closed, also allowing for a ‘just cracked’ position, which is essential for glasses wearers.

The visor itself is claimed to be ‘3D optically correct’, and my view of the world through it certainly hasn’t felt impaired in any way. It feels tough and is satisfyingly unmarked despite having been pelted with road salt when I was forced to follow a gritter wagon. Also worth noting is that it ships with a Pinlock anti-fog insert and a whole range of colours and tints are also available.

Weatherproofing is exceptionally good, thanks to a twin lipped seal that runs around the entire periphery. I’ve ridden in torrential rain on a naked bike without any interruption from water or wind ingress at all.

The only downside is that I find the quick release mechanism a bit fiddly. Unlike many other helmets, the visor is removed in the closed position – this is achieved by releasing a small catch at other side and pivoting a retaining arm out of the way, before sliding the visor out.

Installation requires ensuring the arms are fully locked in position, and although it’s easy enough to do on the bench without gloves, you need to double check everything in the field as there’s no ‘fail safe’ position to prevent the visor from coming adrift or getting twisted if they’re not. Hands up that I’m speaking from experience here.

Is the ventilation sufficient on the LS2 Thunder GP Aero?

Race lids are all about keeping a cool head, and the Thunder Aero is suitably well appointed when it comes to ventilation. A central slider on the chin bar opens six inlets, which direct air both up the inside of the visor and towards your mouth, effectively clearing condensation and cooling your face. Front and centre are twin vents for flow onto the forehead, and two large intake scoops on top gulp down air for that wind in the hair feeling.

The EPS is sculpted to channel the breeze over the top of your head though a series of grooves, and hot air is sucked out venturi style via an exhaust port tucked under the rear spoiler. All the vents have a simple two-way operation, which is easy to do even with chunky winter gloves on. There’s no stiffness to the sliders, but enough resistance so that you get a positive feel when opening or closing them.

I spent a long summer’s day beasting the XSR900 GP and Speed Triple RR about back-to-back on test and the through flow of fresh air kept my brain chilled throughout. Conversely on a cold day, they shut tight to cut out unwelcome frosty drafts.

How noisy is the LS2 Thunder GP?

Carbon fibre helmets have a reputation for being noisy, as do race lids in general, but I really haven’t found that to be the case with the Thunder. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the quietest sports helmets I’ve ever tested. I always ride in earplugs and have been wearing Alpine MotoSafe Race throughout, but even so the lack of wind roar has been impressive.

I’ve also fitted a Sena 60S intercom and have been able to listen to music and hold conversation easily at sustained motorway speeds. The 60S has exceptionally high-quality audio anyway, which combined with the Thunder’s slick aerodynamics has proved a winning team.

Is the LS2 Thunder GP Aero a good looking lid?

The Thunder GP Aero looks almost identical to the FIM approved GP Pro, and it would probably take a race scrutineer to tell the difference. The matt black raw carbon finish is moody and understated, giving it a ‘pre-season testing’ kind of vibe, and although I’m not usually a fan of big spoilers on road helmets, it’s so nicely integrated into the overall design that I just can’t help but be taken by it.

What’s the functionality like?

Obviously the key feature from an external viewpoint is the rear spoiler, and yes, it does work. In clean air the wind tunnel tuned Thunder GP Aero actually feels slippery, and that aerodynamic sensation is underlined by the fact that it’s so quiet. Your head feels stable and supported, although you do feel the drag when you go for a shoulder check. It can even smooth out the turbulent air when trapped behind a large wagon on a single carriageway.

Is the LS2 Thunder GP good quality?

Build quality is very good, and having been subjected to scorching summer heat, pounding rain and the worst of winter road grime, the Thunder GP Aero still looks almost box fresh. The carbon weave is super neat, and the matt topcoat is flawless, plus all the moving parts and vents are of a suitably high standard. The Arai RX-7V is my benchmark for all helmets, and although the LS2 doesn’t have the same unquantifiable handmade loveliness, it has still been put together extremely well, with a fine attention to detail. 

Despite losing tack of the times I’ve slipped it on or off, there’s no wear to the hypoallergenic interior or the cheek pads which are regularly subjected to beard stubble friction.

As I’ve already said, it is built with the focus on functionality for sport, rather than touring plushness and should have no problem standing up to the rigours associated with road or track day abuse.

A couple of nice, typically LS2, touches include red anodised strap D-rings, and not just a helmet bag, but a rucksack to carry it in too. One niggle I have to mention is that the strap has a magnetic fastener to stop the end flapping around, rather than a press stud. It stays firmly in place if you get the connection spot on, but because it’s magnetic it is possible to do half a job and then be forced to stop and sort it out.      

Is it a good value helmet?

As a functional and focused ready to race lid, the LS2 Thunder Aero GP is worth the expense. It comes with a 5-year warranty and, given the build quality, I’d be surprised if it didn’t easily last that in normal use – and that’s about as long as you’d want to keep any helmet anyway.  

So what’s the verdict then?

If you’re looking for a lightweight no-nonsense sports lid for road or track, the LS2 Thunder Aero GP should certainly be considered. Sure, it doesn’t have integrated comms, a drop-down visor or fancy action cam mounts, but that isn’t what it’s about – the Thunder is a serious helmet designed to do a particular job. Having said that, I’ve been more than happy commuting with it and it certainly has a place as an everyday lid, particularly if sports bikes and nakeds are your thing.

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