KLIM, the Idaho-based global leader in technical motorcycle protective equipment, is announcing the upcoming release of two never-seen-before helmets – the new X1 Alpha adventure helmet and the new GT1 Expedition modular touring helmet. KLIM recognized the distinct need for a two-pronged approach to helmet safety: minimizing fatigue to reduce crash likelihood, combined with cutting-edge impact safety technology to protect the rider in the event of an accident. Both new helmets have been engineered from the ground up in KLIM’s Rigby, Idaho, headquarters over half a decade of development and investment into in-house prototyping and testing capabilities.
Contributing factors to rider fatigue include noise-induced fatigue, eye fatigue compounded by optical irregularities, heat-induced fatigue due to inefficient temperature management, and physical fatigue caused by weight and poor aerodynamics. KLIM addressed all categories of fatigue sources in the development of the new X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition. As ride length increases, particularly past the 6-8 hour mark, fatigue begins increasing near-exponentially – highlighting the importance of design functionality and fatigue mitigation. Long days in the saddle are standard fare in the adventure and touring worlds, something KLIM is keenly aware of.
Impact Protection: Koroyd + EPS Construction
Helping prevent an accident and protecting during an accident are the two top priorities of KLIM protective helmet technology. Protecting a rider's head during an accident means absorbing impact energy as efficiently as possible.
Underneath the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition carbon fiber shells lies a complex arrangement of Koroyd impact absorbing material and EPS. Koroyd is a dual-walled welded material made up of straw-like structures, or cores, welded together. The cores crush homogeneously when impacted, without the rebound condition found when using EPS alone. Using a combination of these materials, KLIM is able to optimize energy absorption for both large and small impact forces, while also creating a superior ventilation system for heat management. The GT1 Expedition carbon fiber is also reinforced with EPS.
Both helmets will come with three carbon fiber shell sizes and five EPS thicknesses for perfectly optimized fit across the size range. Ear pocket cutouts are designed to fit all major helmet communication systems, making these helmets virtually universally compatible with any comm system.
Carbon Fiber Shell
Both new helmets begin with a hand-laid 3K pre-preg carbon fiber shell. The particular molding process KLIM uses allows the helmet shells to follow intricate design lines without excess resin buildup, without bubbles, and without inconsistencies in shell and resin thickness.
The result is a fully optimized strength-to-weight ratio, where neither weight nor protection capacities are compromised. On the GT1 Expedition, KLIM went beyond expectations and built a full carbon fiber chinbar into the new touring helmet, reducing critical weight on moving components. The cherry on top: the raw carbon colorways showcase beautifully symmetrical carbon weaves across the entire shell.
Not only do both helmets come in three shell sizes, but KLIM optimized their most popular size – large – to have its own unique shell size. This means the most popular helmet size is perfectly scaled with the right comfort liner thickness, Koroyd + EPS thickness and shell dimensions.
Both helmets feature an infinity edge section at the bottom of both sides of the helmets, where the carbon fiber shell is elegantly displayed. Here the rider can install virtually any communication system they already own, meaning they aren’t limited to a particular brand of comm system with the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition. An added bonus is the infinity edge negates the need for additional trim materials, saving bulk and weight.
Wind-Tunnel Optimized Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics
Almost five years ago, KLIM designed and built an in-house wind tunnel to gather data on drag, lift and noise for motorcycle helmets. This was part of the extensive ground-up development process for the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition helmets. However, not all wind tunnel testing is the same, and there is no standard for a specified airspeed at which to test for sound and drag – this means any helmet manufacturer can test at whatever speed creates numbers that are desirable.
KLIM knows that motorcyclists don’t ride slowly, particularly in long distance travel situations. This is why they run their wind tunnel testing at 75mph (120.7km/h), a speed at which the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic conditions are far more extreme than in an average wind tunnel test, and better representative of in-field riding situations.
On the X1 Alpha, everything including the peak visor is optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, even down to the peak visor cutout to push air into the forehead vents. Likewise, the GT1 Expedition proprietary dynamic position pivot mechanism allows for a flush face shield closure and elimination of the noise and drag that typically plague that component of modular helmets.
The result of this extensive wind tunnel testing is lower wind noise, which improves alertness and reduces fatigue, as well as reduced drag, which reduces fatigue on the neck and head.
Ventilation and Heat Management
Heat is a major contributor to rider fatigue, particularly heat around the head and brain – despite this fact, it is one of the least-talked-about elements of motorcycle helmet design and functionality.
The new KLIM X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition combat heat buildup at every level of their designs.
Shell + Koroyd + EPS construction: KLIM engineered Koroyd high-efficiency impact absorption material, which provides massive airflow through straw-like structures, in between an inner and outer layer of EPS. The outer layer of EPS acts as an insulator between the helmet shell, which gets hot in the sun, and the interior of the helmet.
Infrared shielding: KLIM face shields for the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition are all standard with Infrared shielding, to block heat from sunlight entering the front of the helmet.
Ventilation: adjustable front-facing vents channel air into both helmets (four on the X1 Alpha and three on the GT1 Expedition). The lower chin vents channel fresh air to the rider's face, while upper chin vents push air into the face shield, similar to an automotive windshield defogger. The GT1 chin vents in particular are cam-lock operated, which open and close elegantly with a simple push. Forehead vents force air through direct vent channels into the Koroyd + EPS construction to move fresh air through the upper portions of both helmets. All vents feature activation nodes to help gloved hands intuitively find and operate the vents.
Koroyd + EPS channeling: KLIM engineered direct-vent channels through the inner EPS layer, which provide escape paths for heat to exit the helmet both at speed and while sitting still. Heat from the rider's head passes through large cutouts in the comfort liner and EPS, flows through the Koroyd welded tubes, and out through the large exhaust vents.
Reducing heat buildup is a key way for KLIM to help the rider stay more alert and aware during long and demanding rides.
GT1 Expedition Proprietary Chinbar Mechanism
KLIM’s new GT1 Expedition modular helmet features a proprietary dynamic position pivot mechanism, which fundamentally changes the side plate motion path. Typically, modular helmet chinbars pivot in a fixed position, rotating on one axis point. As a result, the face shields of those helmets have to sit proud of the helmet surface – a source of noise and aerodynamic disruption.
KLIM identified this as a key issue, and developed a proprietary dynamic position pivot mechanism that pushes the chinbar out away from the helmet before allowing it to swing upwards. When it closes, the carbon fiber chinbar swings downwards and then recesses in toward the helmet. The result is a chinbar and face shield that sit flush when closed, creating the best possible aerodynamics and aeroacoustics at riding speeds.
Not satisfied with even this high level of intuitive engineering, KLIM pushed the design envelope further and made the face shield removal entirely tool-free, without even extra parts to lose or break.
The GT1 Expedition carbon fiber chinbar is locked in place by a dual-post stainless steel latch mechanism, operated by an intuitive button under the chinbar, which follows the natural motion of a rider's hand when unlocking the chinbar.
Ride Mode Versatility: X1 Alpha
With the intuitive tool-free peak visor and face shield removal, the X1 Alpha is the most functional and versatile adventure + dual-sport helmet on the market.
Using zero tools, riders can wear the X1 Alpha in four ride modes: ADV, Dual-Sport, Off-Road and Street.
ADV: Using the peak visor and face shield installed.
Dual-Sport: Flip the face shield up, add some goggles, and be ready for anything.
Off-Road: Remove the face shield entirely, add some goggles, enjoy sealing out the dust and mud.
Street: Remove the peak visor, keep the face shield, install the top and side covers, keep everything streamlined and perfectly aerodynamic.
Optics
One of the major hidden fatigue contributors is eye fatigue, whether from excessive environmental brightness, lack of FOV, optical distortion or lack of clarity. KLIM took aim at every problem and solved them all in the new X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition helmets.
KLIM’s Super HD face shield technology mitigates inevitable light refraction that can occur when looking through a curved lens. This makes the image appear blurry, forcing the eyes to over-correct. KLIM Super HD lens technology reduces light refraction as much as possible, to keep you riding sharper, longer.
Optical distortion contributes to eye fatigue, forcing your eyes to continually “correct” to focus on the outside environment. Nearly imperceptible in the moment, over a day's ride it strains the eyes and amplifies the information the brain needs to process, causing excess fatigue. Multi-thickness face shields on the GT1 Expedition and X1 Alpha are designed to reduce distortion across the shape of the face shield, so that from the point of view within the helmet, the environment is undisrupted.
Optical Class 1 Clarity is another measure of eyewear clarity, and represents the best level of clarity possible. KLIM worked with Pinlock® to achieve not only a phenomenal FOV for excellent environmental awareness, but also to maintain the coveted Class 1 Clarity standard with the Pinlock® 120XLT anti-fog lens installed. On the fog prevention front, KLIM also engineered the face shields of both helmets to sit in the “cracked position” where a small gap is maintained at the bottom of the face shield for additional airflow. A direct-vent defogging diffuser also pushes fresh air up into the face shield when riding to maintain fog-free vision.
Combating the rays of the sun, KLIM took a three-pronged approach. First, UV400 protection blocks harmful wavelengths of sunlight. Second, a KLIM Photochromic lens is included with both helmets to provide versatility in changing light conditions. Third, and most revolutionary, is KLIM Infrared (IR) Heat Shielding built into all face shields for both helmets. This protective IR shielding almost entirely blocks heat from the sun, finally giving riders a break from the “greenhouse” effect of sitting in the sun with excessive heat building up behind their face shield.
Both the new X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition helmet optics packages contain state of the art face shield technologies to keep you riding sharper, longer and safer.
Tool-Free Functionality
KLIM spent an extraordinary amount of time engineering and perfecting a tool-free X1 Alpha peak visor adjustment and removal system, and a truly tool-free face shield removal system that also self-calibrates the face shield closure position on both the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition.
The tool-free face shields are intuitive to remove, requiring zero additional parts or tools to get lost in the field or jammed by dust. The face shield hinges are self-calibrating, which allows for perfect alignment against the EPDM automotive-grade gasketing. This particular gasket material was chosen for its soft closure damping properties and ability to damp sound and vibration.
The tool-free X1 Alpha peak visor can easily be adjusted on the fly, one-handed, by simply pushing a spring-loaded locking button and moving the face shield through three pre-set lockout positions. Removal of the peak visor is also tool-free, and does not require the face shield to be removed or affected in any way, meaning riders can remove the peak visor in literally seconds, if they need to stow it away for long road rides or for heavy crosswinds where sideways drag can be an issue.
Rider Comfort
KLIM engineered the X1 Alpha and GT1 Expedition to be as user-friendly and comfortable as possible. Both are an intermediate oval, with the fit silhouette modeled after the wildly popular Krios Pro, but with even more shells and Koroyd + EPS configurations. Further, interchangeable cheek pads and crown liners across sizes allow riders to fine-tune the fit exactly as they need.
The chin skirt, which reduces excess turbulent airflow and buffeting, is designed with a unique elastic gusset to make removing and putting on the helmets far more comfortable.
Inside, the cheek pads and crown liner are made with a Brrrº Triple Chill Effect antibacterial cooling fabric. This wicks moisture, helps keep the rider cool, and reduces buildup of smell over time. Both helmets are trimmed out with premium perforated goal leather suede, spacer mesh for breathability, and reflective material for added visibility in low light.
Both helmets will have a multitude of face shield options available for purchase.
The X1 Alpha is expected to hit the market in limited quantities starting in Spring of 2025, GT1 Expedition is expected to hit the market in limited quantities starting in Summer of 2025. Go to www.klim.com for more information.
