Over the last half-decade, a myriad of smart motorcycle helmet startups sprang up, though the vast majority of these fledgling firms have unfortunately gone under after only a few years of operation. One outfit, however, that’s so far managed to stand the test of time — and deliver a quality product while doing so — is Australia’s Forcite Helmets. Based in Sydney, the company launched its inaugural smart helmet in 2019, though now, after three years of additional R&D and an enormous amount of customer feedback, it’s thoroughly updated and overhauled its flagship brain bucket to deliver the new and improved MK1S smart motorcycle helmet.
Like its predecessor, this new smart helmet features a built-in 1080p action camera and Bluetooth comm system, though the former has received a new lens with a wider field of view while the latter has been bestowed with new 40mm drivers courtesy of Harman Kardon. The camera has also cleverly been integrated into the helmet’s chin-bar in a manner that actually allows it to better absorb impacts compared to normal lids. The MK1S is constructed within a T-400 carbon fiber shell that’s been streamlined and tweaked to be more aerodynamic. The use of T-400 also allows it to tip the scales at only 3.3lbs — making it lighter than the flagship race helmets of most high-end helmet makers.
The inside is lined with a new sweat-wicking hex sports fabric and the visor now consists of a UV-protected item with a pin-lock insert that’s mounted on a new quick-release system. While paired with your smartphone via a dedicated app, real-time road alerts and navigation appear peripherally on the LED display built into the visor so you don’t have to look down at your phone and can narrow your decision-making window while on the road. All of the MK1S’s functions can also be easily controlled via a handlebar-mounted remote controller that’s included with each helmet.
ECE 22.05-rated, the Forcite MK1S is now available to configure and reserve starting at $1,299 via Forcite’s website.
