The life of a Scotsman

AGV GP-Tech – Updated Neck Roll

Hello all.

I wrote in my AGV GP-Tech Year Update that I loved everything about the helmet but the durability of it left a lot to be desired. I also stated that I got an early model so these issues have more than likely been addressed.

However the neck part of the helmet was really falling apart. It seems now that AGV had a lot of issues with this specific area of the helmet and have thus introduced an upgrade. I would like to apologise before I go any further for the appaling background for these photos. My sofa does look better than it does in these photographs, however the light was failing and I had to use a combo of flash and ceiling lights, making these images a bit crass…anyway.

2009-06-agvneck1

This is the original neckroll laid on top of the new one (now fitted.) As you can see the original used to have red AGV lettering where the black outline is, and the materials have all started separating where they join each other.

2009-06-agvneck2

Now not only does the new neck roll have the updated logo, but the areas where the different materials join have been reinforced big licks.

2009-06-agvneck4

The original as you can see is just butt joints.

2009-06-agvneck3

The new one has some serious jointage going on here. It makes the whole thing look so much more robust and I am sure it is. I also like the new logo.

It’s amazing that this simple swap out has made my helmet look so much fresher, newer. Aye granted when you turn it back the right way up you see a tonne of flies, blood, chips and dirt, but it looks brand new from the bottom…

Thanks to Chris for providing me with a new one.

I still love my AGV and would say to anyone teetering between this and anything else: GET THE FECKING GP-TECH, because it’s the absolute bomb. XR1000′s, X-Spirits, RSR2′s all have nothing on this helmet for materials, finish and comfort (depending on your headshape)

Every time I put this on, and this is including today, I think aye, this is the sh*t! I caught a glimpse of myself in my mirror when I did a shoulder check on the motorway today and I burst in to a big smile, because ladies and gentlemen, when I wear this helmet I can’t help but look the business. You too can have this, if you would like to pay AGV £400. It’s worth it. Have I bigged this up a bit too much? Who knows.

For those who currently own the GP-Tech (and congratulations to all who do) and you find yourself with a dodgy neck roll, I think I am correct in saying (thanks to Dave King for this heads up) that AGV now offer a free replacement for any neck roll that has fallen apart. So hit up your dealer for a new one.

Thanks for reading all,
Gordon

UPDATE:

Vids from A.S. regarding build quality issues. Pretty worrying considering how expensive this helmet is. However I have yet to encounter the second issue – fuzzballs. My interior of my helmet has remained smooth throughout 15 rigorous months of use in all weather types. I am interested to hear why this has happened. Is stubble the cause? I always wear a Buff around my lower face, even in Summer, so perhaps this is why I am not experiencing fuzz balls, but the back of the neck roll is also fuzzed, which is bizarre…

10 Responses

  1. Barry H

    Just wanted to say cheers for brilliant unbiased reviews and updates of gp tech , I was unsure about buying this helmet but have now bit the bullit and ordered one, tried it on in shop and it fits spot on.

    Friday, June 12, 2009 at 18:12

  2. Hi Barry,

    Many thanks for your comment and I am chuffed that you have got the GP-Tech. It’s an excellent helmet and I’m sure you’ll agree once you get it and wear it on your bike.

    Keep checking back and spread the word!

    Cheers

    Gordon

    Monday, June 15, 2009 at 15:02

  3. A.s.

    I bought the dreamtime around august last year got it sept ( I live overseas, bought from the US) I have to say the helmet IMO is junk and nothing but junk.
    I stopped using it about 2 months ago and went back to my Arai’s(17 years of loyalty) . Look at these 2 (of many I made of the defects) videos showing the horrible quality of the helmet.
    The first :

    showing the overly coming apart after a heavy rained-riding.
    second:

    shows the fabric having fuzz balls after less than 8 months of use..
    As well the fabric is far from being hygienically treated.
    I too have the visor release tabs get stuck in the down position and the only remedy is slapping it..what a pity. I too have had the visor close by itself as speeds from 60km/h..

    I won’t mention the fact that visor has red and green stripes running across the visor from bottom to top throughout the visor very visibly making it unsafe to ride and quite annoying. As well I won’t mention the fact that the helmet ( being AGV’s flagship helmet) is a racing helmet and has no lock for the visor. I wonder If V.Rossi advised that when he helped them design it since I’m positive he has one on his helmet.

    I haven’t posted any of the other videos I made as I sent the helmet back to AGV for replacement. It would be to their best interests to make me happy. I want a new helmet and some goodies or I’ll post all my videos all over the web which will cause them loss of sales. I am not a happy customer.

    Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 21:12

  4. A.s. thejedeyemaster

    No stubbs here. I have yet to wash the interior yet.
    Besides the exterior and interior there’s a lot of defects or “weaknesses” if you will..the double D rings need to be redesigned. 1, they are too thin compared to Arai. 2, they need to be offset so to feel them better when lacing them up. 3, the damn button to click it after lacing the strap (which too isn’t wide enough and way too long) should be stitched to the strap above the D-rings like Arai does. Way easier to get to and you don’t need to search like a blind man for the strap.. 4,NO VISOR LOCK FOR THE FLAGSHIP HELMET? 5, As well the chin cover and neck pads have to be pushed back in place all the time..
    6, the visor closes at speeds from 60km/h.
    also one of the brow vent switches are so tight it’s very hard to open or close it..
    Take your visor outside and see the red and green stripes running across the from left to right so much so that’s annoying and dangerous. I’ve sent the helmet back to AGV. I’m waiting for a reply.

    Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 17:27

  5. A.s

    Add to that a 2mm thick visor. The thinnest i’ve yet to see on any helmet. And a shame on a flagship helmet. and if you leave it open at low speed the helmet moves and makes tons of noise. What a shame..

    Friday, June 26, 2009 at 18:56

    • Baz

      After having my AGV GP TECH for a few weeks I decided to get rid and have now sold it . Originaly bought it cause it was a good fit , but after wearing it while riding it gave me really bad neck ache and felt heavy on my head even though it is a light helmet. Before I bought it I new there would be a few niggles after reading reviews but there were just too many and it really started to p*** me off , plus it feels really cheap and badly put together. Should have just stuck to Arai or Shoei instead.

      Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 17:39

  6. Dan

    Hi could you tell me what number/email you contacted to get a new neck curtain ? mine has broken/come unglued and have contacted agv world wide and have had no responce to all 3 emails and the form i filled in on there web site, i have contacted agv usa to see if i get further with them

    if you could post back with detail i would be very greatfull

    Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 19:36

  7. Hi Dan,

    Are you based in the UK? If so speak to a company called MotoDirect Ltd, their details are :

    01773 644420 or email, sales @ moto-direct.com

    My newest neck roll, the one in the photos above, has started peeling apart again. The GP-Tech certainly leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to constant use build quality.

    All the best

    Gordon

    Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 19:51

  8. Alan

    Hi there

    I have a gp tech with the old style neck roll which is falling to bits. Who do I contact to sort this out? Their website is very unhelpful!

    Thanks

    Alan

    Monday, April 26, 2010 at 20:44

    • Hi Alan,

      Give them a call on 01773 864420 and ask them about an updated neckroll.

      Other option is to go back to the store you bought the GP Tech from and get them to order it. It’s a warranty/free update if I remember correctly.

      All the best

      YY

      Monday, April 26, 2010 at 20:56

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