Roof's Weird Retro-Futuristic Motorcycle Helmets Just Got A Clever New Trick

Because looking like a sci-fi villain from the '80s wasn't retro-futuristic enough.

Photo by: Roof Helmets

By: Enrico Punsalang

Oct 22, at 7:19am ET

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Roof has always been one of those oddball helmet brands that somehow manages to exist between modern and retro. Its helmets look like something a motorcycle-riding astronaut from the 1980s would've imagined wearing in 2050. And somehow, that aesthetic has aged remarkably well. Now, the French manufacturer is updating its lineup for 2027, and while there are some fancy new graphics and colors, the most interesting addition is something you might not even notice at first glance.

That would be a photochromic visor, which is essentially a motorcycle helmet shield that doubles as a pair of transition lenses.

It automatically darkens when exposed to sunlight and returns to a clearer state when lighting conditions change. It's not exactly groundbreaking technology, as photochromic visors have been around for years. But it's a welcome addition to Roof's already unconventional helmets, especially for riders who spend their days chasing daylight and occasionally miscalculate when the sun's going down.

And really, anyone who's spent enough time riding knows how annoying swapping visors can be.

Photo by: Roof Helmets

A dark smoke shield is fantastic under the afternoon sun, but considerably less fantastic when you're riding home after dinner. Meanwhile, clear visors are perfectly practical at night, right up until you're staring directly into the sun during your morning commute. Photochromic technology addresses both problems without requiring you to carry an extra shield around like some sort of helmet accessory salesman.

Roof's photochromic visor is priced at 139 euros, or roughly $160, and is available as an accessory for the RO200 S Carbon, Boxxer 2, and Boxxer 2 Carbon. It also comes standard on the Desmo 3 Carbon, which costs 649 euros (around $729 USD). Of course, the technology isn't magic. Tint changes aren't instantaneous, and performance can vary depending on UV exposure and temperature. Still, having one visor that adapts to changing conditions is a pretty compelling convenience, particularly for riders who regularly find themselves out after sunset.

Photo by: Roof Helmets

The rest of Roof's updated collection is largely about aesthetics. The Boxer Alpha gets three new solid colors, the Boxxer 2 receives Onyx and Raven graphics, and the carbon version gets some rather fancy Art Deco-inspired designs. There's also a new Suzuka Blue colorway for the lightweight RO200 S Carbon. Prices range from 399 euros (around $450 USD) for the Boxer Alpha to 599 euros (approximately $673 USD) for several carbon models, with availability rolling out through participating dealers.

What do you think?

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Unfortunately for US-based riders, Roof helmets aren't officially sold in America, and without confirmed DOT certification, American riders may have a tough time getting their hands on one. That said, if you absolutely love Roof's retro-futuristic look, importing one from Europe shouldn't be too difficult.

Nevertheless, Roof's small but effective update is pretty interesting. The brand hasn't abandoned its strange design language or suddenly decided to make helmets that look like everything else on the shelf. Instead, it's adding a genuinely useful feature to helmets that already stand out. Because looking like a futuristic fighter pilot is cool and all, but actually being able to see where you're going is arguably a little more important.