Biltwell Lane Splitter Helmet

Biltwell has been in the helmet game for some time now. Starting out some years ago with a novelty line of 3/4 open face lids, the Temecula, California-based outfit has obviously grown leaps and bounds from those days and now offers various lines of full DOT-compliant as well as the old novelty lids folks grew to love. Recently, Biltwell dropped its newest offering, the Lane Splitter ($249.95), which is a stylish, DOT-compliant full-face lid that won't break the bank.

We received a couple of the new Lane Splitter lids for testing as soon as they dropped, and after a few rides, we're digging the quality overall. Crafted around Biltwell’s proprietary ABS outer shell and features a shock-absorbing EPS liner with hand-stitched interior padding, the Land Splitter's cheek pads and BioFoam chin bar provide a good amount of cushion and comfort. Generous vents in the chin bar get the air flowing and the outlet in back lets hot air escape. The Lane Splitter shield boasts extremely accurate optics and simple hinge mechanics for high style and easy removal for replacement or cleaning. Replacement shields in a variety of colors and tints will be available later this year. A brass peg and hole configuration on the left side of the shield offers speedy opening and secure closing with little fanfare or complication. Mesh pockets are included in the ear recess–perfect for aftermarket drop in communication systems.

After a few hundred miles with the Lane Splitter, a couple of things I'll point out that could use a little more attention. First, opening/closing the visor doesn't actuate very well. I think it's positioned too far left (too close to the shell itself) so that manipulating it with gloves isn't the easiest transaction. Second, with the visor closed, you get a ton of wind, which also means you get a ton of wind noise. Not a total deal breaker, and great on a hot day, but on a long-haul, you'll probably want to rock some earplugs, or blast your bluetooth comm system should you have one installed. Third, the liner is a bit stiff at first, almost as if it were an afterthought. But I will say after it's broken in, it eases up quite a bit to fit your dome just right. Other than that, for the $250 price tag, it's a good quality lid overall, and the styling is pretty righteous.

Editor's Note: This is a limited release of Lane Splitter helmets in the USA, and they meet US DOT standards only. Biltwell expects to have full ECE-approved helmets in late 2016. The only physical difference will be an injection-molded face shield (as opposed to the laser-cut version on this model).

• Meets DOT safety standards

• Injection-molded ABS outer shell with hand-painted finish

• Expanded polystyrene inner shell

• Hand-sewn removable brushed Lycra liner w/ contrasting diamond-stitched quilted open-cell foam padding

• Audio pockets in ear recesses

• CNC laser cut polycarbonate eye port shield with the same aluminum hinge covers and mounting hardware as our Gringo S helmets