Japanese Manga Feels…Bilmola Rapid RSLT x Initial D Reviewed

One way or the order, motoring enthusiasts have heard the exploits of Takumi Fujiwara and his Toyota Sprinter Trueno (AE86). For most us, we read about his adventures in manga magazines in 1995-2013. A more visual version of it came out in anime back in 2005. It is one of the best-selling manga series in history.

The Initial D franchise has spawned several merchandise from shirts, hoodies, shoes, toys and more. It’s the first time I’ve heard of a helmet that sports the Initial D colors from the factory.

When Bilmola started their anime-inspired line of helmets, it was a no brainer. They had to come out with a Initial D themed line. And come out they did once they got licensing approval.

Their Initial D line-up is composed of three helmets, all of which are based from the Rapid RSLT helmet model. The key characters of the manga/anime series gets representation. Takumi Fujiwara/Toyota Sprinter Trueno (AE86), Keisuke Takahashi/Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) and Ryosuke Takahashi/Mazda RX-7 (FC3S). All helmet designs do their best to mimmick the styling details of each of the cars. With details like headlight, tail lights, door handles, rear windows, car body lines. Even the iconic ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ script is found on the right side the helmet on the Takumi themed helmet.

It’s the first time I’ve come across helmet packaging that a has a tear off portion and a box liner so that you can show off the helmet will in the box. Nice touch for those wanting to show it off in a collection of Initial D merch. Good thinking Bilmola.

Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by a helmet in a Initial D themed helmet dust bag. Wth all the Initial D themed details, this is gonna be interesting, both from a motorcyclist and collectors point of view.

Heck, you even get an Initial D arcade styled key thingy with the helmet manual. Definitely Bimola has sat down and thinked this through well.

Aesthetically, Bilmola has done a wonderful job of translating the three cars’ design elements on the Rapid RSLT shell without making it look forced. Hats off for a very nice job Bilmola.

Moving on to the nitty gritty of the helmet, the Rapid RSLT is made with a shock resistant thermoplastic outer shell and a multidensity polystyrene impact cushion material. Keeping the wearer comfortable is an inner liner with active air circulation design.

Air from the front chin bar and two top vents are channeled through the interior of the helmet and exit through the extraction vents located at the rear just behind the integrated spoiler. Also helping with air circulation is a chin curtain which reduces air buffeting within the helmet

Bilmola has thoughtfully included Initial D details on the inner comfort liner which you can remove when the need to wash it arises. Eyewearers are going to be happy to note that the Rapid RSLT is eyeglasses friendly. A convenience that surely I appreciate since I’ve been wearing eyeglasses as long as I can remember.

Rider comms is a fairly recent trend in motorcycling . The Rapid RSLT comes prepared for the onslaught of this communication technology with provisions for mounting the bluetooth earpieces within the inner cushion material.

Helmet retention is by double d rings. A more sure way of fastening the helmet to your head. It’s a little more cumbersome but its worth the extra effort. Along with the retention strap, the Rapid RSLT also features emergency release cheek pads for quick and easy of the cushions when medical services need to remove the helmet with minimal neck movement thereby minimizing spine trauma to the rider.

 

The visor installed is of clear polycarbonate construction. For those who prefer riding with a tinted visor, one is included in the box with its own Initial D themed visor pouch. The visors are easily switched through the quick release system they have on the Rapid RSLT.

Another feature of the visor is they come ready to accept Pinlock 30 anti-fog technology for those fog free rides. Sorry folks, you have the source out the Pinlock 30 lenses yourself.

Weight is a relatively light 1,580 +/-50 grams for the XL size reviewed. It goes down to 1,500 +/- 50 grams for the small size. Yes, there far more lighter helmets out there. But they’re not Initial D themed. (Stay with the theme folks. Hehehe.) It’s light enough that it doesn’t put much strain on you neck muscles specially on long-ish rides.

So how does the Rapid RSLT fare when used? It’s a comfortable helmet overall. The sound of air rushing around the helmet is muffled just right at moderate street legal speeds. But the sounds that matter most are still heard clearly, i.e. other vehicles, beeping horns, etc. Unfortunately, at higher than legal speeds (a reminder folks, speeding is dangerous and illegal) the air buffeting within in the helmet does get loud.

The Rapid RSLT is ECE R22.06 and TIS 369-2557 rated for the current helmet crash standards in Europe and Thailand.

Now the big question is would I consider guying and using one? I’d definitely consider wearing one as my new daily lid. Bilmola has done an excellent job on the aesthetics, it would be a shame to scratch one up. The functional features maybe standard fare in today’s helmet designs but the aesthetics round out the whole package for me. Looks and function in one.

Maybe I’ll get my own set to put of the display shelf. But that’s just me.

The Bilmola x Initial D Helmets are priced at Php 7,490.00. With only 1000 helmets in total only. These helmets will be definitely on wishlists of every enthusiast and collector.

Nirinsha Corporation is the official distributor of Bilmola Helmet in the Philippines with dealers all over the country. Here is the list of dealers…http://bit.ly/bilmola-authorized-dealers-nationwide.