Is the CrossHelmet the smart motorcycle helmet we have been waiting for?

We have all the tech needed to make a smarter, safer motorcycle helmet, but for some reason manufacturers have a hard time getting it just right. A few have entered the game and now they are being joined by Japanese company Borderless, which is launching the CrossHelmet via Kickstarter.

What is this CrossHelmet all about? The company aims to make a high-tech riding accessory that is functional, convenient, comfortable, safe and fun. They seem to be getting pretty close to achieving that, too.

• Best smart helmets – keep your head safe while you ride!

The CrossHelmet comes with all the bells and whistles you can expect out of a smart helmet. Let’s go through some of the features and give you an idea of what you can expect from this cool riding gadget.

Features:

• Heads-up display: A couple displays fold out of the top, giving you a look at all the information you may need. This includes weather details, navigation, stats and more.
• Rearview camera: A camera mounted in the back of the helmet gives you a clear view of what’s going on behind you. No need to turn your whole head (I still would, just in case); simply look up to take a glance.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Listen to your music, make calls, take advantage of Group Talk, use digital assistants and control sound canceling features (CrossSound Control) to optimize your riding experience.
• Touch controls: You don’t need to rely on voice to interact with the helmet. There is a touch panel on the right side, which seems to be sensitive enough to be operated with gloves on.

Though this helmet is full of tech, the creators didn’t skimp out on security. The full-face design is made with aerodynamics and safety in mind. They have worked to make the helmet compliant with the standards from every country they ship to. These include DOT, ECE 22.05 and JIS. The battery is also said to be completely risk free, not prone to leaks, smoke, fire or explosions.

It is definitely a plus that the helmet looks totally awesome. It seems like it came out of some futuristic space movie. And there are two available colors – black and silver.

Interested? So am I, but many of us won’t be able to afford it. Retail is estimated at about $1799, but you can sign up for one by backing the Kickstarter campaign with as low as $1399. Still pricey as hell, but if it all works out it will definitely be a worthy purchase.

That price is sure to raise some eyebrows, as well as customer concerns. Not only because it is a very expensive product, but because it brings back memories of the Skully AR-1, a helmet that promised great features and got many customers on board at about $1500. The company left a bitter taste in our mouths after going bankrupt and leaving riders stranded in the middle of the road.

We can’t say the same will happen with CrossHelmet, but they have reached their goal and I will personally be waiting for the actual release before I hand over any of my hard-earned cash. You can always check out the Kickstarter page and make your own decision, though. Who is interested?