Anyone visiting us here at MotoCentral might already have a passing knowledge of motorcycle helmets – but when it comes to finding the perfect one? Well, you need to do a little research before you commit to purchase. After all, how many of us have spent our hard-earned cash on something only to replace it with another model later on? AGV Motorcycle helmets will provide you with the best chance of your perfect helmet, but if you don't know anything about them you might never even consider one.
What Is An AGV Helmet?
AGV is a maker of mid-range to high-end motorcycle helmets. This particular brand comes from Italy and was conceived as long ago as 1947. The company founder, one Gino Amisano, was so proud of his region (Valenza) that he used it as inspiration for the logo. They have a long and illustrious history, all of it easily traceable back to the original leather make. You may recognize them from your TV screen, and from being the standard mid-century European motorcycle helmet for high class riders.
Since July 2007 they have been an acquisition of sports clothing firm Dainese. Dainese want to bring new focus and drive to a historically apt brand by injecting it with new life. The good news is that both companies are incredibly safety aware, so we know that anything they produce will be interesting to note. AGV's history and experience combined with Dainese motorcycle clothing have the potential to make the utmost in protective gear for any rider.
Gino Amisano introduced and promoted the concept of safety as a key feature in the sport, probably saving the lives of millions with his work. If there is any reason to buy an AGV helmet other than quality, it is this.
AGV – The Driving Force Behind Helmet Safety
AGV have historically been incredibly safety conscious. The whole premise of the birth of their firm was to make the sport safer for all involved. Nowadays, however, they have taken this watchfulness to a whole new level. The second-best reason to get an AGV motorcycle helmet? If you ever come off your bike there is every chance that it will do the job it is made to do. An AGV will project your head fact. And they have the testing process to back up their claims, too.
AGV have their own, incredibly strict, safety testing process. Where most American motorcycle helmets have been made to pass the DOT Safety Standard; and AGV does this and then some. Since they are a European company, they also need to adhere to the ECE 22.05 Safety Rating. The ECE Safety Rating differs from DOT because it has a much more rigorous testing process. It is also accepted in more than 50 countries outside of the EU – and by every single big-time racing event in the world[ii].
So as you can see, in terms of safety at least, there are other helmets, and then there is the AGV.
Who Wears AGV Helmets?
The old fibreglass models were very distinctive by their completely round, inside-of-a-bowl like appearance. This pioneering brand was actually the first to ever place a banner ad road side during a race. It was a natural progression to then product place some AGV helmets on TV. Shortly after that, their helmets appeared in “A place for lovers” starring Faye Dunaway and Marcello Mastroianni.
Asides from stars of the silver screen, AGV helmets have been worn by racing stars throughout the ages. The biggest names include Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini, but others include Marco Lucchinelli, Frank Uncini, Randy Mamola, Steve Baker and Kenny Roberts. In the early 70's AGV went into sponsorship in a big way, so since then we have seen a vast growth in their already world-renowned popularity.
The Future of AGV?
The future of AGV looks bright. As a brand, they certainly once of the most recognised and have become an institution in the world of motorcycle racing. We can expect more innovation, more creativity, and a sustained growth towards better motorcycle safety. In the meantime an AGV helmet remains one of the best brands money can buy.
Where To Buy AGV Helmets
AGV has a huge selection of motorcycle helmets and you will be able to access most of them through the MotoCentral online retail store or by visiting our retail showroom. If safety, high-end performance, good value and great durability are important to you in a helmet then we suggest you head on over and start shopping. The perfect AGV motorcycle helmet for you could be only a few short clicks away.