I immediately noticed two things about the AGV K6 S full-face helmet—how light it is and the striking appearance of the SIC58 livery by Drudi Performance. In size Large, the helmet tipped the exacting Ultimate Motorcycling scale at 3.1 pounds—impressively light weight for a full-face street bike helmet.
The SIC58 livery by Drudi Performance is inspired by the SIC58 Squadra Corse Moto3 racer team founded by Paolo Simoncelli to honor the memory of his son, Grand Prix road racing star Marco Simoncelli. Simoncelli was tragically killed in a crash during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. Simoncelli’s #58 is currently by SIC58 Squadra Corse rider Luca Lunetta in the Moto3 World Championship series.
The graphic treatment is vivid in color and heightened by contrast. It is a very sharp-looking design that is true to the original design that inspired it. The finish of the K6 S is superb inside and out.
The AGV K6 S is all business, so, as a result, it is somewhat frills-free. For example, there is no drop-down internal sun visor, slick chin strap buckle, built-in LED lights, modular chin bar, and so on. The helmet’s emphasis is on light weight, performance, and protection. The only nod to convenience is that the K6 S is ready for the AGV ARK Bluetooth intercom system ($280).
It has earned ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS 218 safety performance certification, and AGV tells us that the K6 S exceeds the minimum required physical performance criteria by about 36 percent. The outer shell combines carbon and aramid fibers and sits over the impact-absorbing five-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) impact-absorbing layers. The bottom edge includes a collarbone protective profile.
Recognizing that the shell configuration of the K6 S as a non-modular full-face helmet would be different than that of the AGV Tourmodular helmet I reviewed, I thought there was the possibility the fit could be different. I followed the sizing guide for the K6 S and went with a Large instead of the XL I used with the Tourmodular. The result was spot-on for me. The K6 S fit is competition-grade, with no slip or slack. It fits as comfortably as a second skin.
The comfort liner is removable, washable, and includes emergency quick-release cheek pads. Contact areas are done in Ritmo and Shalimar fabrics. The neck roll is finished in Ritmo fabric and synthetic leather with reflective inserts. The feel of the comfort liner is smooth and wicks away any perspiration. The interior is designed to accommodate eyeglasses, which it does snugly.
Internal ventilation is provided by the individually adjustable twin crown vents that put a direct channel for airflow to the forehead. The chin bar has dual intake vents opened and closed by a single control at the bottom of the chin bar. Dual exhaust vents channel air out through the rear spoiler.
To get the best assessment of airflow into and through the helmet shell, I gave it the “wet hair” test. Wet hair allows the most accurate assessment of the cooling air effect. The AGV K6 S vents and internal channels delivered more airflow than I expected, given the relatively small size of the brow vents—only about a quarter-inch square each.
As with AGV’s Tourmodular helmet, the K6 S features a standard clear faceshield with a positive, two-position lock-down. Constructed with a metal locking tab at the front bottom edge, the shield can be fully locked down tight against the edge gasket or slightly raised to a de-mist position, though still hooked to the locking tab.
Once in one of those locked positions, it is necessary to press and hold the release button at the top of the chin bar to release it. Initially, this seems like a two-hand operation. However, with a bit of thumb and forefinger dexterity, it can be done with one hand.
From there, the AGV K6 S’s metal shield hinge system has three non-locked detent positions that hold the shield firmly in place. The hinge system operates smoothly between all positions. The shield is CE-compliant, scratch-resistant, Pinlock-ready (Pinlock lens is included), and optical class 1.
The shell shape with the rear spoiler is described as “optimized for all riding positions,” and testing proved the claim. In the turbulent air created by a short windshield on the bike, there is minimal buffeting in the upright riding position. Riding upright in clean air or down in a speed tuck, there is virtually no buffeting, even in some twitchy cross-wind conditions. Minimal wind noise is present in each case.
The form, function, and look of the AGV K6 S full-face motorcycle helmet suggests a piece of pro-level gear for everything from track days to long-haul touring, and it delivers the goods. With prices starting at $549 in solid colors and ramping up to $669 for race graphics, you have a right to expect a serious piece of kit. From where I sit, this is it.
AGV K6 S Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- Weight: 3.11 pounds (Large)
- Outer shell: Carbon and aramid fibers
- Certifications: DOT FMVSS 218; ECE 22.06
Race Graphics
- Marini Sky Racing Team 2021
- Morbidelli 2021
- Sic58
- Joan Black
Graphics
- Hyphen Black/Red/White
- Flash Matt Black/Grey/Red
- Excite Matt Camo/Yellow
- Excite Camo/Italy
- Ultrasonic Matt Black/Grey
- Enhance Matt Grey/Yellow Fluo
- Slashcut Black/Blue/Red
- Slashcut Black/Grey/Red
- Reeval White/Red/Grey
Solid Colors - Petrolio Matt
- White
- Nardo Grey
- Black
- Matt Black
AGV K6 S Price: Solids, $549; Graphics: $649; Race Graphics: $669 MSRP
