We Speak To Nolan Helmets About Manufacturing & MotoGP

by Terry Hibberd

In some American states it is possible to ride your bike without wearing a helmet, in this country that option thankfully isn’t available. As with all aspects of motorcycle safety there are many companies vying for your hard earned pennies all with their own endorsed riders, innovative designs and patented trademarks.

One company, over the past few years, has really been thrust into the spotlight with their riders as recently as last year getting their hands on the MotoGP World Championship amongst other prestigious titles.

The Nolan Group was established back in 1972 and the Italian company have been at the forefront of helmet design with the introduction of polycarbonate into the manufacturing process and their developments in safety ever since.

But it appears that most of the companies involved in motorcycle safety are from Italy and Nolan is no different in that respect but why Italy?

Wendy Hearn of Nolan’s UK Distributors, Phoenix explains.

“Historically the Italians are known as great designers and innovators with real flair and a passion for motorcycling. Through experience and the spirit of enterprise they have made possible the birth of many new brands often around existing historical brands and in Italy, this pattern has followed in other kinds of businesses as well, for example, fashion, technical components, industrial machinery or the car industry.” She said.

“Nolan have invested heavily into new manufacturing techniques and developed many unique technical and production skills over the years. Always using state of the art materials, Nolan was the first manufacturer to use polycarbonate to make a motorcycle helmet, whereas most manufacturers even now use ABS which is a less stronger, cheaper material.”

In the early days of the company the helmets would be hand moulded to ensure their quality. It is something that the company are keen to continue; and, by embracing the new innovations in design alongside their traditional methods, it gives a feeling that Nolan’s equipment has been built with a slice of personal pride alongside the thorough approach to safety. The shells are finished by hand with the decals also added before the helmets are lacquered, it’s actually surprising how hands on the process is and it’s something which Nolan are keen to continue.

“Today many of the traditional hand moulding techniques are still in use within the manufacturing process but are now accompanied by more advanced computer-aided design techniques to improve the various production steps.” Wendy added.

“All stages in the production cycle are managed within the company from receipt of raw material to testing products and their eventual packaging, which has proved to be a distinct advantage and ensured constant evolution of production technology.”

This ‘evolution’ has seen the Nolan brand become a staple amongst the key players in the motorcycle industry, which then allowed them to introduce more products to its range that now has a helmet for all motorcycling disciplines via three ranges, Nolan, X-Lite and Grex.

Other innovations for the Nolan Group are their elliptical flip up chin guard system, and the N-Com helmet communication system with a full range of electronic components and wireless Bluetooth technology.

But, one thing that most consumers associate with are the riders on the tracks around the world. Nolan have the accolade of two MotoGP World Champions who swear by and endorse their equipment, but it’s not just a marketing ploy. The riders give feedback each race weekend for the factory to analyse and develop their products for both road and racing purposes.

“Racing is the ideal testing ground for Nolan so there is constant feedback from the team of racers.” Wendy commented.

“Nolan’s race service specialist technicians attend every round of MotoGP and World Superbike carrying out a double task; they provide technical assistance to the racers and also take note of valuable feedback and information from them and from their own experience of using the products in extreme conditions, pass this information back to the factory where it is analysed for either modifications or inclusions in new products.”

Over the past few years it has been Casey Stoner who most would arguably recognise as a Nolan rider after winning the MotoGP title back in 2007, and now the group have another title holder in the shape of current champion, Jorge Lorenzo, who waves the banner for the X-Lite range.

But it’s not just the association with the brand that brings the consumers coming back to the brand time and time again as Wendy reveals.

“The Nolan Group has a strong, select group of racers who they have supported now for many years and having a World Champion or two certainly helps sales and creates the halo effect for the whole brand. But there are many other facets to why these helmets sell.

“A percentage of customers will buy the helmet because it is the World Champion’s helmet and they have followed MotoGP consistently all year.

“Some sales will come from people simply liking the design who don’t follow racing and don’t really care who wears it as long as it matches their bike, it’s the colour or design they prefer.

“Another area that sells helmets is the racers character; Jorge Lorenzo has a great persona and likes to change his helmet design regularly with some fairly way-out concepts e.g. the recent Valencia ‘Swarovski’ crystal helmet, the ‘Moon’ replica, the Motegi helmet, etc. all special helmets for special tracks or occasions which appeal to avid fans and collectors.”

The Nolan Group continue to put their passion for motorcycling and safety into every helmet they design and build now as much as they did back in their infancy, rather than be a faceless corporation they do things with every rider in mind by adding that personal touch.

If you want to experience what Nolan have to offer, keep your eyes out on Stay On The Black for our exclusive Nolan competition where you could win your own Nolan helmet courtesy of Phoenix Distribution.