HJC Announces RPS-10 Ben Spies Helmet Replica

Ben Spies brought "the attitude of a winner" to the development of the RPS-10, HJC said when it has launched a helmet replica of the World Superbike Champion and MotoGP rider. According to the helmet manufacturer, "every RPS-10 bears Ben's fingerprints, as his testing input literally helped form prototype designs into the helmet every rider can now wear.”

Weighing less than 1500 grams, HJC claims the RPS-10 is the lightest Snell 2010-approved helmet on the market. The Ben Spies Limited Edition Replica RPS-10 helmet will feature his specific graphics, as well as his signature.

The RPS-10 development process incorporated testing and feedback from Ben Spies himself. For example, the helmet’s shield locking system, which he specifically requested since he often turns his head to look around while racing.

And so the RPS-10 has a unique and patented self-locking/center locking system that locks the shield shut in a most positive manner, yet it can be instantly and easily opened with one touch of the finger when desired.

"Should a rider heading down the freeway at 70 mph encounter strong headwinds of 45 mph or more, such an everyday occurrence would easily surpass the 100-mph mark. Which is to say, a helmet's superior aerodynamic performance gained through wind-tunnel testing at high wind speeds can benefit all riders," a company statement reads.

Ben Spies has recently been announced as Valentino Rossi's replacement within the Yamaha MotoGP factory team. The North American rider, currently competing for the Yamah’s Tech3 satellite squad, will lineup next to Jorge Lorenzo for the 2011 season. Spies’ place will be filled in by British World Superbike rider Cal Crutchlow.