Way back before I ever learned how to ride, I had a bit of a fascination with the cafe racer movement in 1960s England. The cool Triumphs, the Ace Cafe, the greasy jackets and white scarves, and of course the iconic Davida helmet. So of course, when I learned how to ride I took a closer look at Davida. And was absolutely crushed because they not only weren’t DOT (and thus not legal in the US) certified, they also didn’t offer a full face style.
Fast forward to Aim Expo 2018 in Las Vegas. I was taken by surprise by the Davida booth and stopped to take a closer look and have a chat with Jacqui Van Ham. Turns out, Davida is officially re-launching in the US in early 2019 with two new DOT and ECER22-05 certified helmets. One is an update of their three-quarters helmet, the Speedster v.3 and the other is their first-ever full face helmet, the Koura.
Both helmets have the classic retro looks Davida is known for, along with leather (yes, leather!) linings. The fit and finish is impeccable, and the paint is high-gloss, as you can see in the photos I took.
So let me talk about the Koura. According to Davida, the Koura is a retro-inspired, high performance full face lid that has an exceptionally low profile and strikingly bold styling. Venting comes via six vents on the chin bar to provide a comfortable and quiet ride. In the UK, it comes in a host of colors as well as some graphic options (I really like the mono union jack in black and silver), however Jacqui mentioned that when the Koura debuts in the US, it’ll most likely be available in solid colors (black, white, ivory, and one or two others that I can’t remember) with several different colors of leather lining (black, brown, white, and oxblood are the colors I’m remembering) to start. Visor options include either clear or smoke, and they’re anti-scratch and anti-fog treated. As I mentioned, it’s both ECER22-05 and DOT certified,
Naturally, I tried one on. My normal lid is a Shoei GT-Air, and I’m a consistent small in Shoei lids. On Jacqui’s advice that the Davidas run smaller, I started with a medium in the Koura and that’s absolutely the size I’ll buy. It had a snug but incredibly comfortable fit, no noticeable pressure points on my head, was neither too loose nor to tight, didn’t feel heavy, and that leather lining smelled so good. The double D-ring closure felt secure and provides all the adjustment you might need. According to Davida, there’s also an available sizing kit for getting just the right fit dialed in. Take a look at the photos to see what it looks like on a non-model.
If you lean more toward the three-quarters style, you’ll want to take a look at the new Speedster v.3. It has the same high level of quality as the Koura combined with that classic Davida look. In fact, it’s the first US road-legal version of the helmet that they debuted 26 years ago. Like the Koura, it’s DOT and ECE certified, and comes in a host of colors and patterns. It also has a leather liner, available in the same colors as the Koura. If you like running a peak on your three-quarter lid, there are options available. I was so busy falling in love with the Koura that I didn’t try on the Speedster, but check out the photos!
So where to get your hands on one of the coolest helmets around? In the US, you’ll want to get in touch with Moto Amore, the US importer. If you’re in the UK, then you can go direct to the source. I’m planning on ordering a Koura once they’re available in early 2019, and I’ll do a follow-up review (or two!) once I get my own.
Until then, here’s some detailed specs on the Koura for you:
Smallest dual standard full-face helmet in the world
GRP or finest racing grade carbon fiber shell
2mm clear visor (replacement visor available in clear or smoke)
Visor is ECER22-05 certified with anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment
Three-piece removable leather liner
Replacement leather liner kits in 5 colors
Sizing kits for looser or tighter fitting options
Double D ring closure
High quality paintwork