Tester: Paul | Distributed by: Eurobike Wholesale LThere’sice: $999 | Check it: www.eurobike.co.nz

There’s nothing like a liberal dosing of carbon to make a motorcyclist happy, and I must say I was delighted to be sliding the X903 on for the first time. This is the exclusive high-carbon content version of their new top-of-the-range full-face touring helmet – think of it as a racy helmet built for comfort.

My initial impression was of how well the helmet fitted my noggin, which is something I was slightly surprised about as Nolans (or X-Lites) hadn’t been my shape in the past. But this new model is obviously much more suited to the Euro/Kiwi head, with the sumptuous interior only making things feel better once inside.

Being the top-shelf version, there’s a clever magnetic visor system which makes changing lenses oh-so-easy (like, seriously the easiest I’ve come across!) There’s an internal sun visor, plenty of venting and removable cheek pads should you need a paramedic to get you out. Plus, it’s Nolan N-COM ready, meaning you can fit the superb intercom system into the helmet without bits hanging off the side. Magic!