Product Spotlight: Schuberth M1

The folks at Schuberth North America used AIMExpo 2014 as an opportunity to launch the new M1, the first open-face helmet from the German company in several years. According to Randy Northrup, Schuberth North America VP, the M1 is designed to appeal to urban commuters, cruisers, hot-weather riders, and anybody who’s into the retro naked bike scene.  The Schuberth folks also shared this interesting fact: Nine percent of Schuberth helmet owners are Harley-Davidson customers.

M1 details include an external Optical Class 1 faceshield and an integrated drop-down sun visor, which is deployed via a simple slide switch on the bottom lip of the helmet. More significant, the M1 has a pre-installed boomless microphone and speakers, which team with Schuberth’s Rider Communications system that snaps into a port on the back of the helmet and allows connection to two Bluetooth devices. The M1—which weighs a claimed 3.1 pounds and arrives in the US this spring—also has a new seamless, breathable antibacterial liner for improved comfort and easy removal.

Other notable aspects of the new M1 include what Schuberth calls “optimized acoustics,” which are highlighted by small turbulator bumps on the top edge of the face shield designed to quiet airflow over the top of the helmet. The M also has a large rear vent, incorporated into the new Schuberth 3D logo on the back of the helmet. What’s more, the drop-down internal shield is available in clear, yellow, dark smoke, light smoke, and even a silver mirrored tint.All told, seven shell colors for the M1 are offered, and the sizes range from XS to XXXL.

Price: $550. While this reflects the premium nature of the highly customizable new M1, it’s also worth noting that this helmet is the least expensive one in the Schuberth North America lineup.