X-lite X-903 U.C. Backstreet 071

X-Lite X-903 Ultra Carbon Helmet Product Description

The X-Lite X-903 Ultra Carbon is a sporty take on the touring helmet market and comes with a blend of features that will suit sports bike and touring bike riders alike. The X-Lite X903 Ultra Carbon is also a full face helmet and offers all the safety that comes with that helmet type.

This sport-touring helmet comes in as a bit more than mid range and just in that premium range with a recommended retail price of 620 Euros or 700 USD, and there is a composite fiber version of this helmet as well (the X-Lite X-903) that comes in 450 Euro or 500 USD.

All this means that the X-Lite helmet will be competing with the Shoei GT-Air 2, HJC RPHA70 Carbon, Arai Profile-V, Shark Spartan GT Carbon, Nolan N87 Plus and the AGV K6.

Material

The shell of the standard XLite X903 Ultra Carbon Helmet is made with X-Lite’s multi-axial hybrid fabrics, which are essentially carbon fiber and aramid fiber. This is designed to make the shell strong and lightweight. The XLite X-903 Ultra Carbon uses more carbon fiber and further reduces the weight of the helmet, though it does up the price.

The motorcycle helmet has not been SHARP rated yet but it does, of course, have that ECE 22.05 rating. In addition to this, the helmets have also gone through additional rotational impact testing. The helmet comes in 3 outer shell sizes and the normal X-903 in size M weighs in at 1490 grams (3lbs 4.6oz), and the carbon fiber version will be even lighter.

All the X-903 helmets come with a quality finish, as befitting a top modern class helmet.

Ventilation

On the X-Lite X903 Ultra Carbon you do of course have ventilation and it is just what you’d expect of a touring helmet. On the chin you have a large vent to bring air onto your visor. Then you have a large and adjustable scoop on the very top of the helmet. It’s easy to use as well, even with your gloves on.

At the back you have plenty of options for the warm air to escape out of as well.

Visor

On to the visor, and it is X-Lite’s ultrawide visor with a tilting function, meaning it is, of course, very wide. That’s always handy but it is also prepared for an anti-fog pinlock lens, which comes with the helmet. Since this is a touring helmet, you do also have a drop down VPS sunscreen that has been scratch and fog resistant treated. It is controlled by a slider behind the visor mechanism.

Interestingly, you get a clever visor mechanism that works with magnets. So, removing and replacing the visor is a snap, since the magnets already line everything up for you.

Interior

As always, you have a liner and fabric inner cheek pads which are removable, washable, and fits glasses. It comes with active carbon threads that help to keep you cool and it uses a net construction to promote airflow. The helmet comes with the Nolan emergency quick release system which is a little different than others’ system but works very well.

The helmet also comes with the Liner Positioning Control (LPC) system that lets you adjust your liner for a truly top of the range precise fitting helmet that can be slightly adjusted for various head shapes. You do that at the back of the liner with a tab.

Lastly, the helmet uses a micro ratchet chin strap and, thanks to housing for earphones, it is prepared for the N-Com B901L R and the N-Com B601R Communication System.

Summary

The X-Lite X-903 Ultra Carbon is an interesting helmet with the option of different outer shell constructions. However, what truly makes it stand out is the helmet’s impressive array of touring features, and the creative magnetic visor mechanism and liner positioning control system.

If you’re curious to learn more about the X-Lite helmet, then don’t forget to check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we have our X-Lite X-903 Video Review and our data driven helmet road tests.