Early in their manufacturing journey, Biltwell helmets were more form than function. Things have come a long way since then though. Today Biltwell helmets boast both DOT and ECE certifications. Best of all, they have maintained the same classic styling as the original designs and as a result, they offer some of the best-looking homologated helmets on the market.
Among Biltwell’s latest riding gear, you’ll find the Gringo SV, a thoroughly updated and feature-packed evolution of their uber-successful full-face Gringo helmet range.
In 2014 we injected ‘70s motorsport DNA with advanced protective engineering to create the Gringo, our first full-face helmet for motorcycles. Bikeriders rejoiced, and the retro/modern helmet revival was born. – Biltwell Inc.
The new Biltwell Gringo SV offers riders the benefits of both a face shield and ventilation. As the first helmet in the range to feature vents, the Gringo SV promises improved comfort thanks to the 5 vents built into its design. They consist of 2 non-adjustable vents on the sides of the chin bar, 2 adjustable ones on the forehead, and an exhaust vent at the rear.
With this iteration of the Gringo, Biltwell has also stepped up safety by achieving a European ECE R22.06 certification. As opposed to the DOT standard the ECE test protocols address a broader scope of impact variables on a helmet’s surface along with stringent shield tests. In addition, the ECE classification makes the Gringo SV a viable option for a broader international audience where such a rating is required by law.
As with previous versions, the Biltwell Gringo SV has a distinctly retro vibe thanks to its ’70s inspired styling. The helmet comes in a variety of colors so you can choose from subtle colors like black or white or more striking alternatives like metallic cherry red or metallic grape. For my testing, I went with the gloss storm grey which bears a strong resemblance to the grey of my Z900RS Cafe. The finish on the helmet I received was exemplary with no sign of any orange peel or flaws. The gloss storm grey Gringo SV comes with blacked-out hardware for the visor hinge, main opening, and visor surround, and a sprinkling of premium-looking brass details.
On the inside the helmet is lined with a cloth fabric that has a similar feel to suede; beneath that is a soft Bio-foam padding. You’ll also find a series of hi-vis orange mesh panels which are designed to help with cooling. The liner is also removable so it can be washed and there’s a neat diamond pattern embossed into the chin bar to match the rest of the liner. Thanks to the soft cloth liner the Gringo SV wears very comfy, my only gripe would be though that the large safety and cautionary labels sewn into it could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the helmet’s ventilation system.
With the shield of the Gringo SV, Biltwell has set out to better the previous design. This new design offers an improved fastener with a pin that fits into a hole on the shield. Although rudimentary compared to the visor mechanism of the AGV K6, it functions well. The visor can be opened with ease using the thumb tab on the left of the shield and once opened can be set in 3 positions. The thumb tab sits quite far back which has taken some getting used to, but now that I’ve been using the helmet for a while it’s become second nature.
The Gringo SV comes standard with a clear shield and there are smoked and tinted alternatives available for an additional $79 USD. The shields offer a wide, clear view without any noticeable distortion and Biltwell claims they’re scratch and fog-proof. Although I haven’t had any issues, I’ve seen reviews online complaining about fogging so a pinlock shield would be a welcome addition. Additionally, the shield on my helmet doesn’t provide a comprehensive seal. This will assist with preventing fogging while on the move, but conversely, it increases wind noise and could allow water ingress on a rainy day.
As you’d expect from an ECE-rated helmet the Gringo SV has been built to premium standards. The internal liner is a new dual-density expanded polystyrene that absorbs and dissipates impact energy. The outer shell is made from ABS which is both lightweight and highly resistant to impacts. The chin bar is also constructed from molded urethane which will dissipate energy upon impact.
My experience riding in the Gringo SV is that there is a lot of air coming into the helmet. This is great on warmer days, but on colder rides, you’d probably want a scarf or neck gaiter since there’s no chin curtain available. The amount of airflow also means this isn’t the quietest helmet around; but as is often the case, looking good comes at a cost. The fit of my helmet was perfect thanks to the extra shell sizes Bitwell now offers. They also stock different-sized chin pads that fit all the different shell sizes so you can fine-tune the fit. The helmet is secured using Biltwell’s standard double D-ring strap with brushed fleece lycra touchpoints for comfort. For those who use comms the Gringo SV also has speaker pockets integrated into the EPS shell.
Biltwell has always been a brand that marches to the beat of its own drum. As a result, the design of the latest Gringo stays true to the original with updates influenced by customer feedback. Many will be quick to label the Gringo SV as a fashion helmet, and while it was always designed to look good (which it does!), practical functionality hasn’t been overlooked. The Gringo SV’s features may not stack up against high-end alternatives like the AGV K6 or Shoei Glamster, but for the price ($472 USD), you’ll be hard-pressed finding anything that looks as good as a Gringo.
Available from: Biltwell / Revzilla
