We’re pleased to announce that BKS is now a Schuberth C5 ANC test centre, giving riders the opportunity to experience one of the most innovative developments in motorcycle helmet technology for themselves.
We have C5 ANC helmets in stock at our Exmouth showroom, with riders able to take one out on the road and experience the technology in real riding conditions before deciding whether it is right for them.
A different approach to helmet noise
The Schuberth C5 ANC takes the established C5 platform and introduces Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) — technology that has been familiar in headphones and other audio products for some time, but is still relatively new to motorcycle helmets.
The principle is straightforward. Microphones inside the helmet monitor the surrounding sound, while the helmet's speakers produce an opposing sound wave designed to reduce unwanted background noise. In the C5 ANC, the system is specifically tuned to target the continuous wind and road noise experienced when riding.
Importantly, the aim isn't to create a completely silent helmet.
Instead, the C5 ANC is designed to reduce the tiring, constant background noise while allowing important sounds — including your motorcycle, traffic and emergency signals — to remain perceptible. Schuberth quotes a reduction of up to 10 dB(A) with ANC activated, although the actual effect will vary depending on the motorcycle, screen, riding position, speed and helmet fit.
More than just noise cancellation
What makes the C5 ANC particularly interesting is that the ANC technology has been developed as part of the helmet rather than simply adding a set of noise-cancelling headphones to an existing design.
The helmet has pre-installed microphones, wiring and antennas, together with specially developed 53mm speakers. It works with the Schuberth SC Edge ANC communication system, which incorporates Cardo technology and is specifically designed for the C5 ANC.
This means the helmet, speakers, microphones, electronics and internal construction have all been designed to work together. The result isn't simply a quieter helmet; reducing the background noise also creates a better environment for music, navigation, phone calls and rider-to-rider communication, without having to compete with the constant roar of wind noise.
The C5 ANC retains the features that have made the C5 popular with touring riders, including ECE-R 22.06 and P/J dual homologation, an integrated sun visor, Pinlock 120 and Schuberth's Individual fit system. The helmet has also been developed in the Schuberth wind tunnel to optimise its aerodynamics and aeroacoustic performance.
Try it for yourself
For us, the most important part of introducing the C5 ANC is giving riders the opportunity to experience the difference rather than simply taking our word for it.
Helmet noise is influenced by so many factors — from the motorcycle and screen to riding position and individual head shape — that what works for one rider may not work in exactly the same way for another.
That's why we have C5 ANC helmets available to test from our Exmouth showroom. Riders can discuss the technology with our team, get the helmet correctly fitted and then take it out on their own motorcycle to experience the ANC for themselves.
It's another example of what we want our showroom to offer: not simply somewhere to buy motorcycle equipment, but a place where riders can understand the technology, try products properly and make an informed decision about what works for them.
Visit BKS in Exmouth to experience the Schuberth C5 ANC for yourself.
