When BMW Motorrad launched its first BMW helmet in 1975, it marked the beginning of a success story. At the time, visor technology was comparatively simple.
The first System Helmet followed in 1981, featuring a flip-up and removable chin section. This technical concept has been continuously refined and perfected by BMW Motorrad over the decades and is now presented in its eighth generation with the System 8 and System 8 Carbon helmets.
A historical retrospective summarises the highlights of the past 50 years:
1. BMW Full-Face Helmet – the “Römer-Helmet“
In May 1975, BMW, in cooperation with Römer, introduced a lightweight and safe full‑face helmet made of glass‑fibre‑reinforced plastic. With a weight of just 1,400 grams, the helmet featured a double‑secured fastening system and a high‑quality leather interior.
Key features included a removable, draught-deflecting chin guard, clear and sun visors, and a large field of vision. Reflective elements enhanced visibility in road traffic, contributing to increased rider safety.
This helmet marked the starting point for BMW’s ongoing commitment to safety, comfort and visibility and laid the foundation for the continuous development of modern
BMW motorcycle helmets.
2. BMW System Helmet I
The BMW System Helmet introduced in 1981 combined high levels of protection with low weight and excellent wearing comfort. It featured a robust glass‑fibre shell and effective impact absorption. Its aerodynamic design ensured a stable fit and reduced wind noise, while the visor could be operated with one hand and offered a wide field of vision.
A standout feature was the removable chin section, allowing the helmet to be quickly converted into various off‑road configurations. Independent tests confirmed its outstanding quality. A modern helmet concept that successfully combined safety, comfort and versatility.
3. BMW System Helmet II
The new BMW system helmet introduced in 1985 represented a further development of its successful predecessor, offering enhanced comfort and improved aerodynamics. The helmet shell, chin section and visor mechanism were optimised in the wind tunnel and featured a ribbed structure designed to reduce air turbulence and wind noise. The revised chin section profile reduced lift and aerodynamic drag, improving riding stability.
The robust yet lightweight glass‑fibre‑reinforced plastic shell, combined with an energy‑absorbing inner liner, continued to provide a high level of protection. Additional comfort was ensured by leather padding in the contact areas and a secure chin strap with push‑button fastener. The visor could be operated with one hand, was scratch‑resistant, wind‑tight and lockable in multiple positions. Tinted and “self‑healing” Sekurit visors as well as a practical sun visor were available as optional accessories. A particular innovation was the BMW air‑channel system, which ensured an effective supply of fresh air without draughts, prevented visor fogging and guaranteed optimal ventilation even at low speeds or in urban traffic.
4. BMW System Helmet III
Introduced in 1989, the BMW System Helmet III represented a further optimised evolution of its predecessor, offering increased safety in compliance with ECE 22‑03, improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. The redesigned chin section provided enhanced cheek protection, while the ventilation system ensured individually adjustable fresh‑air supply, even with the visor closed. The visor was scratch‑resistant, featured an anti‑fog coating and could be locked in six positions. The chin bar could be opened by push‑button and tilted up by 100 degrees – continuing to offer excellent suitability for riders wearing glasses and making the helmet easy to put on and take off. A wide range of accessories further underlined its versatility.
5. BMW System Helmet 4
Presented in 1997, the BMW System Helmet 4 represented the next evolution featuring a lightweight yet exceptionally durable helmet shell made of a composite of glass fibre, Kevlar and carbon. The three‑dimensionally shaped visor provided distortion‑free visibility, was scratch‑resistant and featured an anti‑fog coating.
Wind‑tunnel‑tested aerodynamics significantly reduced wind noise, while the ventilation system ensured a constant supply of fresh air – even with the visor closed. The flip‑up chin section, operated with one hand, continued to make putting on and removing the helmet particularly easy. As with its predecessors, the helmet could be quickly converted from a full‑face to an open‑face configuration.
A wide range of accessories and a high degree of flexibility made the BMW System Helmet 4 especially comfortable and safe.
6. BMW System Helmet 4 EVO
The BMW System Helmet 4 EVO, introduced in 2001, was the first BMW helmet to meet the new ECE 22‑05 safety standard, including testing of the chin section. It featured an improved ventilation system with larger air outlets and a visor with a new anti‑fog coating, ensuring clear visibility in all weather conditions. The visor locking system included a narrow “city position” gap, significantly reducing noise levels. The removable interior lining, made of Coolmax and velvet materials, offered a high level of wearing comfort and allowed for easy cleaning. Aerodynamic performance was additionally enhanced by a redesigned spoiler with a double trailing edge, reducing yaw and pitching moments at high speeds and thereby reducing strain on the rider’s head. Like its predecessor, the helmet could be quickly converted from a full‑face to an open‑face or off‑road configuration and featured a practical flip‑up chin section. New colour options completed the offering.
7. BMW System Helmet 4 Elite
Presented in 2001, the BMW System Helmet 4 Elite stood out for its particularly lightweight yet high-strength helmet shell made of carbon fibre and Kevlar, reducing overall weight by approximately 180 grams. The interior featured Schoeller ComfortTemp material, which uses microscopic capsules to absorb and release heat as required, helping to balance temperature fluctuations and enhance wearing comfort.
The helmet shell was finished in carbon black, while the flip-up chin section was designed in white aluminium with a yellow “Carbon“ lettering. As with previous models, the helmet could be quickly and easily converted into an open-face helmet. Additional features included interchangeable cheek and neck pads as well as preparation for the installation of an intercom system.
The BMW System Helmet 4 Elite combined state-of-the-art materials, high levels of safety, significantly reduced weight and individual comfort with proven versatility.
8. BMW System Helmet 5
Introduced in 2005, the BMW System Helmet 5 represented an advanced generation of flip‑up helmets, featuring a lightweight yet high‑strength shell made of a glass‑fibre, carbon and Kevlar laminate. With a noise level of just 86 dB(A) at 100 km/h, it ranked among the quietest helmets in its class. A key innovation was the integrated Bluetooth communication system (WCS 1), enabling wireless rider‑to‑rider communication – even at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.
Aerodynamics were optimised to ensure stability in the airflow and minimal resistance during head movements. Impact absorption further improved by a segmented EPS inner shell designed to respond individually to different load levels. The chin section could be opened and closed easily using a one‑handed Bowden‑cable mechanism.
The ventilation system was fully adjustable, featuring closable visor ventilation, multiple head ventilation stages and effective exhaust outlets. A special neck strap ensured a secure fit and prevented helmet rotation. The interior, made of breathable and removable Coolmax material, further enhanced wearing comfort.
9. BMW System Helmet 6
Introduced in 2009, the BMW System Helmet 6 represented a lightweight and comfortable further development of BMW flip‑up helmets, with a weight ranging from 1,570 to
1,670 grams. For the first time, it featured a continuously adjustable integrated sun visor, as well as an innovative four‑joint mechanism that ensured a slim appearance even when open. The helmet shell made of glass‑fibre‑reinforced plastic, combined with a segmented EPS inner shell, provided excellent impact absorption.
The three‑dimensionally curved, scratch‑resistant outer visor offered 100% UV protection, while the dual‑pane visor with a hydrophilic inner surface delivered highly effective anti‑fog performance. Ventilation was ensured by a large top intake and a rear negative‑pressure exhaust, providing efficient climate control.
With a noise level of just 86 dB(A) at 100 km/h, the helmet ranked among the quietest flip‑up helmets of its time. A ratchet buckle on the chin strap, combined with integrated neck straps further enhanced safety. The removable Alcantara and Coolmax interior lining was washable and available in various sizes. The helmet was prepared for optional
BMW communication systems and offered in a range of colours and designs.
10. BMW System Helmet 6 Evo
In 2013, the BMW System Helmet 6 EVO was regarded as one of the safest and most comfortable flip‑up helmets on the market. It featured an integrated, continuously adjustable sun visor with 100% UV protection, which could also be operated while wearing gloves. Thanks to the four‑joint mechanism, the sporty design remained slim and visually appealing even when the helmet was open.
Aerodynamically, the helmet remained stable in the airflow and generated only minimal rotational forces during head movements. With a noise level of between 84 and 86 dB(A) at 100 km/h, it ranked among the quietest flip‑up helmets in its segment. The lightweight shell made of glass‑fibre‑reinforced plastic, combined with a multi‑part EPS inner shell, ensured excellent impact absorption.
The removable interior lining made of synthetic leather and DuPont Coolmax enhanced wearing comfort. The ventilation system was effective and easy to adjust, featuring forehead and rear ventilation as well as visor ventilation. The ratchet buckle on the chin strap combined the advantages of double‑D and plug‑in fasteners, while integrated neck straps prevented helmet rotation in the event of an accident.
The helmet was prepared for BMW communication systems and was available in multiple colours and sizes.
11. BMW System Helmet 7 Carbon
The BMW System Helmet 7 Carbon was unveiled to the public in October 2016 and launched on the market for the 2017 motorcycle season. A key innovation was the full‑carbon helmet shell, which made the helmet significantly lighter while further enhancing safety.
In 2021, the model was further developed into the BMW System Helmet 7 Carbon EVO, featuring, among other improvements, optimisations to aerodynamics and the visor mechanism.
The removable chin section allowed the helmet to be converted into an open‑face configuration. In addition, the helmet was specifically prepared for integration with the BMW Motorrad communication system.
12. BMW System Helmet 8
As the successor to the System Helmet 7 Carbon EVO, the BMW System Helmet 8 is part of the BMW Motorrad Clothing Collection 2026.
The eighth‑generation BMW System Helmet 8 Carbon, certified to ECE 22‑06 standards, offers outstanding protection with minimal weight thanks to its helmet shell made from a carbon‑aramid‑glass‑fibre composite. A more attractively priced alternative is the BMW System Helmet 8, which features the same equipment and ECE 22‑06 certification but uses a glass‑fibre‑aramid composite shell. Both helmets deliver excellent impact absorption values and outstanding overall safety performance. Thanks to two helmet shell sizes, they are only as large as necessary.
Maximum safety and comfort are ensured by a polystyrene inner shell with varying densities, while integrated neck straps provide a secure fit. High‑quality interior padding made from OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 materials, together with an efficient head and visor ventilation system, ensures optimal functionality and comfort. In the BMW System Helmet 8 Carbon, the Multi‑Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS Integra TX®) further reduces rotational head movement in the event of an impact, thereby lowering the risk of injury.
Thanks to the multi‑joint mechanism, the new BMW Motorrad System Helmet 8 Carbon and System Helmet 8 remain highly compact even when flipped open and are approved for riding in the open position. Aerodynamics and aeroacoustics have been noticeably optimised for this purpose, while a large, highly effective spoiler provides additional support when riding with the helmet closed. Clear visibility is ensured by the dual‑pane visor with anti‑fog inner lens (Pinlock 200) and a scratch‑resistant coating on both sides of the outer visor.
Additional practical features include a central button for opening the chin section, a chin strap with ratchet buckle, and an integrated sun visor operated via a slider mechanism. For an even more intensive riding experience, the new BMW Motorrad System Helmet 8 Carbon and System Helmet 8 can be upgraded with the innovative BMW ConnectedRide COM P1 communication system. Optional visor kits (orange, clear, tinted, blue mirrored and silver mirrored) are available, along with a total of ten different graphics and colour options. Market launch is planned for May 2026.
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About BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle brand and division of the German automotive company BMW, which has been producing motorcycles since 1923. The company is known for its innovation in motorcycle engineering, including its signature flat-twin boxer engine, and produces a wide range of models from sport bikes to touring and electric scooters.
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