Icon Airflite URSA MAJOR - GOLD Helmet

The Airflite Ursa Major is ICON's full face helmet with an injection moulded polycarbonate shell and the gold bear graphic across the sides.

It comes with two shields in the box, one RST red and one clear, plus a fitted rear spoiler and a dark internal sun visor. Certified to DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.05 and PSC.

The RST red shield and when to use it

The red shield in the box is not only a styling choice. A tinted shield works as a light filter, cutting part of the blue end of the spectrum and lifting contrast between objects and their background.

In practice that helps in bright flat light, on open roads in the middle of the day when everything washes out and the surface ahead loses definition. A red shield returns some of that contrast so you read the road better.

When not to use it:

• After sunset and at night. Any tinted shield cuts the light reaching your eyes, and in the dark you need all of it.
• In heavy dust, where visibility is already poor.
• Entering tunnels or covered parking.

The clear shield is in the same box and swapping takes under a minute. Keep the spare in a soft bag in your luggage so it does not pick up scratches.

On certification: if you buy a replacement shield, choose an approved one, since a helmet's approval covers it with an approved shield fitted.

The rear spoiler and helmet stability

The spoiler fitted to this helmet does aerodynamic work rather than only sitting there for looks.

At speed, air passing over the helmet creates turbulence behind it, which produces buffeting and pull on the neck. The spoiler organises how that air leaves the shell and reduces the turbulence, so the shake you feel above a certain speed drops.

You notice it in two situations: long highway runs such as the Riyadh to Qassim road, and overtaking trucks, where a side gust hits the helmet suddenly.

The long term benefit is less neck fatigue after hours in the saddle.

The gold graphic and how to keep it

The Ursa Major artwork is applied into the paint layers on the shell rather than being a sticker on top. It will not lift at the edges the way decals do, but it responds to the same things paint responds to.

Core rule: rinse before you wipe. Dust here is fine sand, and wiping it dry drags it across the surface and leaves swirl marks. Rinse with lukewarm water first, then dry with clean microfibre.

Insect marks: clean them the same day. Once they have baked in the sun for several days, soak them with a warm damp cloth before removal rather than scrubbing.

No solvents. The polycarbonate shell reacts to alcohol, solvents and harsh cleaners, and those same products attack the clear coat over the graphic. Lukewarm water and mild soap only.

Wax: gloss paint takes automotive wax made for clear coat, which reduces how much dirt sticks. Never apply it to a shield.

The neckline and jacket clearance

The Airflite's neckline is sculpted to reduce the helmet edge catching on a jacket collar.

Anyone riding in a protective jacket with a high collar, or a full leather suit, knows the problem. Turning your head to check a lane, the helmet edge snags the collar and stops the movement halfway. In traffic, where you repeat that check dozens of times, it becomes tiring.

The sculpting in this area gives more room for head movement and reduces drag at the rear base of the shell.

Bluetooth preparation

The internal foam carries factory cutouts sized for a communication device, so nothing needs cutting or modifying in the EPS.

This matters more than it sounds. Cutting into EPS reduces its ability to absorb impact in that specific area. Factory cutouts mean you fit an intercom without touching the protective layer.

Standard 40mm motorcycle speakers seat in these recesses. Slim profile speakers leave more room around the ear.

What protection this model includes

Stated plainly: this model is certified to DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.05 and PSC, and it uses a Double D ring retention system, the most secure fastening type.

This particular model does not include MIPS. If rotational impact reduction is a priority for you, the Ultraflite Rizz Rizz MIPS is one of several ICON models built around it.

In every case: the EPS in any helmet is designed to absorb a single impact, and the helmet must be replaced after any impact even with no visible damage.

Before you buy

The red shield looks distinctive but is not suited to night riding. If most of your riding happens after dark, you will be using the clear shield most of the time.

The gold graphic draws attention and needs regular cleaning to keep looking right. If you would rather have something plainer, the Ultraflite in gloss black is a quieter finish with no graphic to maintain.

The shell is polycarbonate, so store the helmet away from fuel vapour and chemicals.