Forcite MK1S: when technology and safety merge in a helmet
19/11/2023
Christina Chiofalo
I’ve been using the FORCITE MK1S helmet for several months. It’s a technological helmet, a smart helmet created in Australia and recently introduced in Italy. I hadn’t heard of it before, I became aware of it thanks to the test ride organized on the Female Ride Day.
The goal of this helmet is to prevent possible accidents, which are often caused by small distractions that are part of a motorcyclist’s daily routine. For example, taking your eyes off the road to look at the navigation system, removing a hand from the handlebars to manage intercom buttons, or turning on/off an action camera. These are all actions that take a few seconds but can definitely have an impact on riding safety. Thanks to the technology and features of a smart helmet, these actions can be avoided.
The Forcite MK1S helmet might initially appear to be a normal high-end helmet, except for the integrated camera on the chin guard that immediately catches the eye. But it’s not just this that makes it unique; the LEDs are also attention-grabbing! Inside the helmet, at the bottom, LEDs are incorporated, lighting up in different colors (green, red, and white) based on road conditions signaling. The brightness adapts to external conditions and is not bothersome, even in the dark.
Through a localization system, the helmet recognizes the position and communicates potential danger through lighting and audio. We often hear alerts like “heavy traffic in 500 meters” or “stationary vehicle in 400 meters,” and everything is in real-time. The LEDs also indicate road directions when in navigation mode. The right side of the helmet lights up in white when turning right, and the same goes for turning left. It turns red in the center to warn of road hazards (such as heavy traffic, a dangerous curve, or an obstacle) or near speed cameras. This makes it even easier to comply with speed limits, and it works abroad too! I tested it in Corsica (France) without being in navigation mode and just turning on the helmet was enough to stay connected and receive real-time updates on road conditions.
As for the built-in audio system, it’s from the Harman Kardon brand; the music sounds perfect, and phone calls are clear. Another technological highlight of the helmet is the integrated Sony camera! Positioned on the chin guard, it is designed as a dash cam to record any incidents during the ride and provide evidence in case of an accident. Of course, for adventure and social media enthusiasts, it can also be used as an action camera (recordings are in horizontal format and capture at 1080p and 60 fps). We can choose to record continuously, automatically overwriting files as the space on the card fills up, or start recordings manually. The files are saved on a microSD card inserted under the chin guard (where the helmet power button and USB-C charging port are also located), and videos can be exported to other platforms via cable. The helmet’s battery life depends on camera usage, exceeding 7 hours without video recordings. Charging takes about an hour and a half. To activate everything, simply turn on the helmet and connect it via Bluetooth to the app installed on the phone. The main functions can also be managed with the remote control mounted on the motorcycle. The controller has three simple buttons to start the camera, navigation, and calls.
Technical Features:
In addition to being a smart helmet, the Forcite MK1S is a carbon fiber helmet (weighs about 1500g) with a sun visor that I love! Compared to other helmets I’ve tried, the FORCITE MK1S is darker, and most importantly, it is large enough to cover almost the entire face without leaving gaps for sunlight (the effect is like that of a second black visor.) Other strengths of the helmet include the eight air intakes and the ability to customize the interior by choosing different padding sizes and combining them for the best fit. My MK1S, for example, is a size M but with an L-sized shell and XS cheek pads. Strange shape of my head, you might say? It could be, but in any case, thanks to customization, it fits perfectly. As for color, you can choose between matte black or glossy black, both with a slight carbon fiber texture. The clear visor with Pinlock preparation is interchangeable with a smoked black or mirrored gray visor. These are accessories that can be purchased separately to make the look even more appealing.
The helmet’s cost is €1299 with an exclusive packaging that includes all the necessary accessories:
– USB-C charging cable
– charging socket adapter
– file transfer cable
– 64GB microSD card
– user manual
– Bluetooth controller with mounting kit
– 64GB microSD card
– Anti-fog Pinlock
– certificate of authenticity
– helmet carrying bag
In my opinion, a helmet like the FORCITE MK1S, and smart helmets in general, is the right solution to facilitate the ride for the “modern” motorcyclist who doesn’t want to give up various technical devices, making their use safer and more practical. The price may seem high, but adding up the cost of all the accessories you would buy separately (and are already included—and especially incorporated—in the helmet), you would end up spending the same amount. And then, let’s think about it, how many other non-technological helmets are available on the market at a similar price? Wouldn’t you consider a smart helmet at this point?
Great! Your item has been added to the cart!
