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Are you in the market for a new motorcycle helmet?
In this review, we take a close look at the AGV K3 SV helmet.
As an entry-level model, the ever-popular K3 SV offers a whole host of surprisingly good features and is well worth your consideration.
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AGV K3 SV Helmet
PROS
CONS
Specs and Dimensions
Type: Full-face helmet, with visor
Weight: 1.49kg - 1.59kg
Construction: Heat-resistant thermoplastic polycarbonate
Retention: Micromatic adjustable strap
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; two shell sizes, XS and XXL, with liners for the intermediate sizes
Colors: Various designs by the manufacturer
Safety: SHARP 4-star rating
Main Features
One feature that sets the SV apart from the earlier K3, is the built-in sun visor, hence the SV in the model name. The sun visor is a drop-down type, mounted inside of the normal visor. It can be activated by a small lever on the left side of the helmet, behind the main visor mounting point. Both the main and sun visors are made from anti-scratch material and easy to clean.
The helmet is constructed in two shell sizes, the smallest is XS and the largest is XXL. Intermediate sizes are attained through the use of varied liner thicknesses. The shell is made from a heat-resistant thermoplastic polycarbonate, which offers sufficient strength, while also having minimal temperature-related expansion or contraction, so your helmet should stay close-fitting, regardless of temperature.
Photo credit: championhelmets.com
The ventilation qualities of this helmet are boxing above its class. There are chin and forehead vents, both adjustable and a high vent above the crown, presumably to accommodate the retractable sun visor.
There are warm air exhausts at the rear too. Overall, ventilation on this helmet is very good, and the operating mechanisms are easy to use, even with gloves. There’s a pin-lock device supplied, which prevents steaming up of the main visor when used.
On the comfort side, once you’ve selected the correct size, the helmet will fit well. The cushioned linings are bacteria-resistant, moisture absorbent, and easily removable for cleaning. These lining pads are made from Dri-Lex microfibre. Grooves in the linings are present for the wearers of glasses or sunglasses, to prevent the arms from being caught.
The helmet offers a variety of styling options. Most of us want our helmets to look unique. The AGV K3 SV offers a good variety of coloring and style in its appearance. In either matt or gloss, most colors are available, and if you want a Valentino Rossi replica, there are several commemorative styles from which to choose.
Pros
Let's take a look at the pros.
Comfort
It’s quite comfortable, provided you selected your size correctly. The removable inner linings of varying thickness allow for five different sizes in between the two extreme base shell sizes, so anybody can find the perfect fit.
Photo credit: billyscrashhelmets.com
Visibility
Vision is very good and enhanced with the drop-down sun visor. Both visors are scratch-resistant and require little maintenance. Peripheral vision is also good, thanks to the wide aperture. Visors are both scratch-resistant, with the main visor also being fog-resistant.
Ventilation
Ventilation is far better than anything in its class. Good intake and exhaust vents add to your riding comfort and are all adjustable to your personal preference. The vent controls are well placed and easy to use.
Using the pin lock in conjunction with the main visor during adverse conditions will help to prevent steaming up of the visor. There’s also a slider that can be used to keep the visor slightly open, for town driving. A yellow night vision sun visor is available as a replacement accessory.
Value for Money
The AGV K3 SV is set at an entry-level price but has the quality and features of more expensive helmets.
Styling
The K3 SV features modern styling and is available in a variety of finishes. There’s a large range of designs and basic colors, in gloss or matt finish. Rossi and Simoncello replica designs are also available, as well as a Guy Martin replica.
Accessories
Replacement visors are available for the AGV K3 SV, including a night vision visor. The internal lining does feature cut-aways as standard, for the fitting of communication/audio speakers, also available as accessory parts. The internal linings are also available as spares.
Aerodynamics
The sleek shape of the helmet, featuring a pointed front, and a rear-mounted mini-spoiler allows the helmet to remain fairly stable at speed, with minimal buffeting.
Cons
Now for the cons of the AGV K3 SV.
Photo credit: agv.com
Noise
Unfortunately, the excellent ventilation does come with a downside, and that’s the wind noise. If you normally wear earplugs while riding, then this shouldn’t bother you too much, but the noise does become more noticeable above the 50mph mark.
Bearing in mind that this is an entry-level-priced helmet, the noise may be an acceptable price to pay, considering the helmet’s other good qualities.
Sun Visor Tinting
Some wearers have noted that they thought the sun visor tinting is too light. That may be the case for some users, but this is probably due to compliance with some countries’ maximum tinting regulations, rather than an oversight on behalf of the manufacturers.
What Types of Riding is the AGV K3 SV Best for?
Touring
The overall comfort of the AGV K3 SV lends itself perfectly to touring. You can wear the helmet for extended periods, with almost no discomfort, thanks to its lightweight design and wind-cheating aerodynamics. The excellent ventilation will keep you cool on long hot runs. And you can choose to install the media speakers, to keep your ears busy.
Motorsport
The construction, aerodynamics, and comfort of the K3 SV make it highly suitable for motorsport. As racing bikes are generally loud anyway, we don’t think the wind noise will prove to be too much of an issue.
General
The competitive entry-level pricing, together with the overall safety and comfort, make the K3 SV an ideal choice for everyday use. General commuters, delivery riders, and the like will benefit greatly from an affordable helmet, with many features that are normally only found much higher up on the price scale.
Photo credit: replicaracehelmets.com
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying the AGV K3 SV?
Here are some things to remember before purchasing an AGV K3 SV:
Features
The K3 SV incorporates many new features over its predecessor, and many of those features are only found on much more expensive helmets.
Price
Placed at the entry-level end of the market in terms of price, the AGV K3 SV certainly delivers when it comes down to value for money.
Ventilation
This helmet offers enhanced ventilation over similarly priced, or even more expensive, models.
Sun Visor
Another feature not found anywhere else in this price range.
Safety
With a SHARP rating of 4, the AGV K3 SV is considered safe for most conditions.
Comfort
Most riders with this helmet are satisfied with the level of comfort it provides.
How Does the AGV K3 SV Compare?
As you may know, there are different AGV helmets on the market. In this section, we’ll compare the AGV K3 SV with other versions and show you the key differences and similarities.
AGV K3 SV vs AGV K5
Features | AGV KS SV | AGV K5 |
|---|---|---|
Safety | SHARP 4 Rating | SHARP 4 Rating |
Weight | 1.49kg | 1.39kg |
Noise | 95dB@100kph | 99dB@100kph |
Pin Lock | Yes | No |
Internal Sun Visor | No | Yes |
Ventilation | Three sets, one set exhaust | Two sets, one set exhaust |
Price | Entry-level | Higher-level |
AGV K3 vs AGV K3 SV
Features | AGV K3 | AGV K3 SV |
|---|---|---|
Safety | SHARP 4 Rating | SHARP 4 rating |
Weight | 1.47kg | 1.49kg |
Pin Lock | No | Yes |
Internal Sun Visor | No | Yes |
Ventilation | Two sets, one set exhaust | Three sets, one set exhaust |
How to Size the AGV K3 SV
Wearing a helmet of the correct size isn’t only important for your comfort, but it’s also crucial for your protection. If it’s too tight, you’ll be uncomfortable, but it also may run the risk of constriction or injury. If it’s too loose, the helmet will lose its effectiveness in cushioning your head during a fall or impact.
Your best option is to visit your local AGV dealer and try on the various sizes until you find the one that fits you best. The general rule of thumb is that your new helmet should be a firm fit, never loose.
First, you should take measurements. Measure the circumference of your head, just above the ears. The table below will give you a good idea of which AGV helmet size will suit you, but we still advise a visit to the dealer to try it on for yourself. Helmet size is important, so do take this seriously.
Photo credit: gearchangeonline.com
Conclusion
What we’ve found after reviewing the AGV K3 SV, is that it’s extremely good value, with far more pros than cons. The helmet is ideal for the beginner or even the seasoned rider. The excellent features far outweigh its biggest disadvantage, that of noise. We recommend the K3 SV.
People Also Ask
In this section are some frequently asked questions about the AGV K3 SV. We hope these answers will clarify some of your questions too.
Is the AGV K3 SV Worth it?
Yes, it is. Priced at entry-level, the AGV K3 SV offers a level of features usually only found on far more expensive helmets.
Who Makes the AGV K3 SV?
The helmets are made by AGV Helmets, out of Veneto, Italy. The company name is from the initials of its founder, Amisano Gino Valenza, and was established in 1947, originally making saddles and leather helmets. Several prominent racers have worn the AGV helmet, including Valentino Rossi, who is now an honorary president of the company.
Photo credit: louis.eu
Do AGV Helmets Run Small?
AGV helmets don’t run small if sized correctly. The material used in their construction is relatively unaffected by changes in temperature, so the helmet shouldn’t become tighter or looser while you’re wearing it.
How Do You Wear an AGV Helmet?
Your helmet needs to be the correct size. A visit to your dealer to try various sizes is the best way to ensure you get a comfortable and secure helmet. The helmet is easy to put on, and the micromatic adjustable strap is easy to engage and even easier to release. Controls for the various vents and sun visors are easy to reach and operate.
What is the Difference Between the AGV K3 and K3 SV?
The major difference between the two helmets is the addition of an internal sun visor on the new model, hence the SV. Other differences include the ventilation, the strap, and the pin lock. There are variances in the helmet shape too. The SV is a vastly upgraded K3.
