Some motorcycle topics will be fiercely debated until the end of days. What’s the best tyre for a particular bike? Do loud pipes really save lives? KTM versus BMW?
Then there’s the perennial argument: how much should you spend on a helmet? It’s a pertinent question because you’re reading a review of a motorcycle helmet with a recommended retail price of R11,215. It’s the new Shoei NXR2—and while I can’t tell you whether it’s worth it or not (that’s your choice to make), I can tell you what you get for the money.
Full disclosure: I’m a big fan of Shoei’s helmets. Most of them conform to an intermediate oval shape, which suits my pip perfectly. And their sizing is extremely consistent—so I can order them in my usual size with confidence, without trying them on first.
Such is the case with the NXR2. Straight out of the box, the XL lid was both comfortable and snug, without any hotspots. Shoei makes the NXR2 in a wide range of sizes, with five different outer shell sizes spread across the range. There’s a variety of cheek pad sizes too—and you can swap them out to fine-tune your fit.
The interior uses Shoei’s standard-issue plushy and moisture-wicking material, which is also removable and washable. There are cutouts for speakers if you want to fit a comms system, and a pair of tabs that help paramedics remove the cheek pads quickly and safely in case of an accident. You also get a breath guard and chin curtain in the box (both are a cinch to install), while a tried-and-trusted D-ring strap secures the helmet.
Shoei claims an approximate weight of 1,39 kilos for a medium NXR2, while my XL tips the scales at a respectable 1.57 kilos. The main shell is an AIM affair, lined with a multi-density EPS liner. It all sounds very run-of-the-mill, but the NXR2 is sporting one major feature—it’s one of few helmets on the market right now that meets with the stringent new ECE 22.06 standard.
That’s a big deal because the ECE 22.06 testing process is a far more accurate simulation of how your brain can get damaged in a real-world accident. With the previous standard (ECE 22.05), helmets had to be subjected to a top-down drop test—but research has shown that side impacts are a major cause of brain injury. With ECE 22.06, helmets are dropped at various angles and various velocities, and the number of impact points that are recorded is dramatically increased.
TL:DR; ECE 22.06-certified helmets are safer. And while that’s not the only reason I’d pick the NXR2, it sure is a factor.
One thing I really love about the NXR2, is its looks. My job has me riding a wide variety of bikes, so I tend to gravitate toward helmets that are visually versatile. This one rides the line between understated and sporty perfectly, and I’ve worn it on everything from my SYM Jet14 200 daily runner to a big ol’ Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
Shoei makes the NXR2 in a number of solid colours, and graphic options ranging from mild to wild, so there’s something for everyone. Again, I like to keep it simple with plain black or white lids, but all Shoei Europe had in stock at the time, in my size, was this ‘Shine Red’ finish. And once I had it in my hands, I fell in love with it. The high-gloss finish is a little 90s, looks incredible, and has the added benefit of being extremely visible on the road.
But my favourite aspect about the NXR2, hands down, is how well Shoei has nailed its aerodynamics. Of all the helmets I’ve owned and tested, it’s been the best for riding naked bikes, or bikes with really short windscreens, by a long shot. There’s very little wind buffeting, which makes for a more comfortable ride all-round.
It’s well-ventilated too, with operable vents at the chin, brow and on either side of the top of the shell, and a big exhaust vent tucked under the helmet’s integrated rear spoiler. They’re easy to reach and operate with gloves on too, and do a good job of circulating air around your head.
The NXR2 also comes with a Pinlock visor insert, which works a treat for keeping things fog-free on stuffy days. Shoei were kind enough to throw a dark smoke visor in the box for me; swapping it out was a walk in the park. The visor has a great field of view too, and a really positive feel when opening and closing it.
There is one feature that has me scratching my head though. Rather than putting the visor’s locking tab on the left like they normally do, Shoei opted for a centre-lock system that uses a push button. It works well enough, but I’m still not used to reaching for it there, and I wonder how long the button mechanism will last.
It’s literally one of only two gripes I have with the NXR2—and the other one is really minor. A section of the mesh lining that runs across the brow area doesn’t fit as snug as it does on my other Shoei helmets. It’s not pulling apart and doesn’t affect comfort, but it doesn’t gel with my perfectionist tendencies. In fact, it probably wouldn’t even be worth mentioning, if not for the fact that the NXR2 does everything else so damn well.
Taking all that into consideration, I’d still score the NXR2 a solid 9.5/10. It’s good-looking, comfortable and well-designed, and a helmet that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends and family.
And no… Shoei didn’t pay me to say that.
Shoei NXR2
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