New MotoGP helmet designs

MotoGP testing doesn’t just give us an insight into what’s new with each manufactures prototype 800cc machine and who is going to be on form – it’s also a good sign of what products we could see in the near future.

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The MotoGP paddock has just wrapped-up their first test of 2009 out in Sepang with a number of riders showcasing new helmet designs we could soon see as racing replicas on product shelves.

The most obvious of the lot is James Toseland’s change of helmet manufacture and design.

Switching away from Suomy after a five year spell, Toseland now dons an Airoh helmet with his Red Bull sponsor clearly depicted for the first time.

Airoh is already well established in the off-road world and already has replica helmets for stars away from the tarmac including Enduro guru David Knight and Motocross superstars Ken De Dyker, Tommy Searle and Josh Coppins.

As well as Toseland, Chris Vermeulen is also sporting a new helmet that’s based on his recent design.

And Jorge Lorenzo has followed suit with a similar move, adapting his existing helmet style with black paint.

Andrea Dovizioso has colour-matched his Vemar to his new Repsol Honda team livery.