Nolan N87 Review

by Alex Meyer

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Nolan’s N87 is their top-of-the-line model. This full-face helmet is full of innovations and redesigns that deliver a high degree of both comfort and functionality. The patent-pending face shield actually tilts, providing a boost to the area covered by the fog-resistant shield. This tilting also reduces the chances of accidental opening and closing during operation.

The redesigned interior padding and liners provide ultimate comfort while working with the AirBooster ventilation system to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions outside. With features like this, it’s no surprise that this helmet will set you back a couple of hundred bucks, but it is definitely well worth it.

Nolan Unisex Adult N87 Black Graphite Full Face Helmet N875270330097

Ratings

Comfort:

85%
Comfort

Visibility:

90%
Visibility

Ventilation:

90%
Ventilation

Quietness:

80%
Quietness

Specifications

Outer shell material : polycarbonate

Shell size : XXS-XXXL

Liner : double-density foam liner

Weight : 3 lbs., 9-5/8 oz

Pinlock : Inc

Strap System : Microlock2 chin strap

Safety Ratings

DOT : Yes

ECE : Yes

SNELL : No

SHARP : 4 Stars

Nolan’s N87 is their top-of-the-line model. This full-face helmet is full of innovations and redesigns that deliver a high degree of both comfort and functionality. The patent-pending face shield actually tilts, providing a boost to the area covered by the fog-resistant shield. This tilting also reduces the chances of accidental opening and closing during operation.

The redesigned interior padding and liners provide ultimate comfort while working with the AirBooster ventilation system to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions outside. With features like this, it’s no surprise that this helmet will set you back a couple of hundred bucks, but it is definitely well worth it.


Shape and materials

The Nolan N87 is a polycarbonate helmet that provides strong, durable protection. This shell comes in a range of sizes all the way from XXS to XXXL, which means that regardless of the size of your head, you will be able to find a helmet that offers the perfect fit. Of course, with so many sizes to choose from you’re going to want to take the time to try several on so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Inside the helmet is a thick but comfortable double-density foam liner dubbed “Clima Comfort”) that keeps your head snug and protected no matter what you throw at it (or no matter what you get thrown towards). This liner offers superior protection and should help you feel safe in what is already a pretty secure helmet.

The N87 does a good job fitting all shapes of heads, so even if you have trouble finding a helmet to fit, chances are the N87 will work for you.


Overall comfort

With a name like “Clima Comfort” you can tell that Nolan is really trying to sell you on the idea that this helmet will keep you feeling comfortable at all times, even if it’s raining, hot, freezing or any other number of weather conditions you can think of. Of course, at some point it’s going to get toasty no matter what, but the N87 does as good a job as any other helmet on the market of keeping you cool even when the mercury starts to rise.

It is also easy to remove parts of the liner, including the cheek pads, to wash. Since no one likes their helmet to stink, this is definitely a bonus!


Visibility

The N87 offers a wide view of the road so you don’t have to worry. To make it even easier, the patent-pending tilting action of the face shield allows you to modify your viewing area a little to make it more comfortable for you to see what you need to see.

Worried about fog? Don’t. The included Pinlock system gives you a 100% fog-free ride under all conditions so this is never an issue.

Things I liked

  • Strong, polycarbonate construction
  • Multiple shell sizes from XXS to XXXL
  • “Clima Comfort” lining keeps you cool, dry and comfortable
  • “AirBooster” ventilation system provides maximum ventilation
  • Pinlock system provides fog-free protection
  • Tilting air shield gives more visibility

Things I don’t like

  • Average quietness isn’t bad, but it isn’t anything exceptional
  • Not the quietest option
  • Bad design for clamp mounted intercoms

Quietness

We found the Nolan N87 to be an average helmet when it came to road noise. This isn’t bad, but for a premium-line helmet this was one of the few aspects we would label as “disappointing.”

Nolan has made their helmet very streamlined to help as much as they can, but there’s only so much you can do when you’re cutting through the wind at top speed.


Ventilation

On the other hand, ventilation is definitely a strong point of the N87. The AirBooster ventilation system pushes air through the helmet at an accelerated pace, keeping your head cool even under more adverse conditions. The result? A nice, cool ride.

Of course, hot weather brings in hot air -- and there’s nothing you can do about that -- but even under those conditions you can feel the ventilation system doing its job, moving away air that’s been overheated due to body proximity.


Safety

The Nolan N87 has been rated safe by both the DOT and the ECE. In addition, it has a 4-star SHARP rating. This all adds up to a helmet you can trust. Built to take a beating, the N87 is safe and effective.

Conclusion

When you look at all the numbers, the Nolan N87 is a helmet worth checking out. It’s sturdy, safe construction gives you peace of mind at any speed, and the Clima Comfort lining coupled with the AirBooster ventilation system keeps you comfortable in all conditions.

When you add everything together, the N87 gets an average rating of 86.25, which comes out to

When we take all of this into consideration, we give this helmet an average rating of 85/100, which works out to 4.3/5 stars.

Where to buy this helmet :