I've been wearing Shoei for about 5 years now. Went down on my first one and skidded across the highway on my face. From my experience these are the safest and most comfortable helmets on the market.

Voice is crisp and clear bossman. Nice upgrade!

Glad to see another positive review on this lid. I've been on the fence with it for a while but I think I'm going to end up with it. Thanks for the post

Thanks for all the videos, you encouraged me to drop everything and go to mmi. Started in July followed the passion for working on bikes. Maybe see ya down the road one day brotha. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the review of the GT-Air 2. I've been wearing Shoei since my first bike (1991 CBR600F2) and every time I try to switch brands, I come back. In your video, you talk about making sure it fits. The Shoei shape just seems to fit my head the best. AGV/Arai/etc. just don't seem to fit comfortably. I bought an RF-1200 about a month before the GT-Air2 came out and as soon as I can convince my wife that I need to replace the helmet I just bought, I will be getting one. The biggest thing for me will be the integrated Sena communications. On the RF-1200, I had to "adjust" some of the foam in the ear cups to get the Sena speakers to fit and even with trying to hide the wires, it still detracts from the quality of the helmet itself. The Sena fits, but not the way I really want it to. Keep up the good work.

I have had both Shoei and Arai. My Arai Defiant-X ( Renegade in the UK ) is the most comfortable and quiet I've owned. Visor mechanism is super smooth too. Love your channel John. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Shoei is a beautiful helmet for sure! Top of the line racing line

Interesting, I did the same thing a couple of months ago! My Harley branded modular HJC broke, and I wanted something quieter, and of better quality! I had to go over the mountain to the Honda dealership to try on different brands and ended up spending more than I had planed but bought the Shoei RF with a transition face shield! I was blown away by the airflow, and that transition face shield is the bomb! It’s quiet, and comfortable, and with the pin lock it doesn’t fog up ... well worth the money!

You sound great! Really clear and none of those extra little squeaks and creaks that you usually get. Thanks for another great video and keep the rubber side down brother!

Hey John, thanks for sharing, I believe that when you opened that 5mm gap on the visor it actually made the sound clearer and better do to the change in the acoustics of the helmet. You might wanna run some tests on that subject. Love your videos. Kudos on the great work. Greetings from Mexico City. Alf

Excellent video. I've been riding with a Scorpion half helmet for about 10 years now. Time for an upgrade and thinking of going with a modular helmet. I really appreciate this video. Thanks

We took almost the same path. I had an HJC modular and really liked it but it was Maroon then I got a new to me Ultra in Black and Grey. Had to get a new helmet, went with a modular Shoei. They are proud of their helmets! Then of course the next year Shoei changed their modular to probably a better design. My luck. My chin guard is hardly ever down, only in the winter and Rain.

I have the GT-Air and I love it. I tried on a lot of helmets and the GT-Air had all the things I was looking for - removable liner, room for the speakers, internal drop down visor, pin lock. I spent a lot of time trying on helmets and I have to say that you get a really good helmet for the money. the fit and finish is so much better than most of the other helmets I have tried. It's literally double the price, but for me it is worth it.

I enjoy your videos, either on bikes or accessories, keep um coming. Ocala Fl.

@amacro11

5 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Oxford Al

Sounds like it’s a great helmet! Comfortable but I have the airflow issue also because my chin air has to be shut off. That sena seems legit didn’t know that maybe one day it’ll be my v2....awesome vid! Really good editing 👏🏻

I picked up one on Saturday from Chattahoochee HD. I had the HJC IS17 and agree the Shoei is better. It's hot as hell in Columbus. Appreciate you taking a minute to fist bump me and my kids. Ride safe!

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for saying hey!

Sounds fabulous!!, still hear what’s going on but your vocal is solid w easy articulation!

Nice review John, I run a Shoei RF-SR. Doesn’t have the flip down sun shade but came with the pin lock lens. It was $400 and the most I have spent and yes it’s my favorite. Had an HJC full face, Nolan 3/4 and a Shoei RJ Air 3/4. There are more expensive than Shoei but I like them and the fit is really good. It’s a drag wearing a full face sometimes but it’s definitely the safest way to go.

It sounds really great! Clear ! I have an Araia. Looking for a new one soon....thanks

John, I like the new Helmet set up. The sound is excellent.

Hey man thanks, as a new-ish rider... I really appreciate your vids.

I'm pretty happy with my Schubert C3 so far. It is really quiet and the best is, it fit to my head!

Ghost bandit guy myself. It does carry some wind sound inside but would vlog like Matt Laidlaw if/when I do. I find it very necessary to concentrate on my road in California and the distraction of talking on a video would probably get me killed. Split lanes as much as I do and you would agree . I love the drop down shade thingy. Many times I am heading out east bound in the AM before sunrise and when it does come up I can flip a switch and see. I read a lot of reviews about wind buffeting and helmets of all brands. My GB is steady as a rock at ummm (don't tell anybody 120) on my FXFBS. You know I think that thing will go a little bit faster.............. To each his own and YES test helmets would be great but then I think bowling shoes and change my mind. Oh and nice helmet. I may get 1 someday when I need a new one. Because of your review of course !

Nice video man. Honest, funny & logical. Greetings from outback Victoria Australia. Ride safe

The GT Air was on my list last year when I was shopping. Ended up with the new Arai Defiant-X. For me it’s perfect.

I own two Shoei helmets and I have owned lots of others. Shape of your head will dictate which brand fits best. Shoei works for me and like you I like how quite they are and the air circulation. Your audio was fine even when the visor was open!

Shoei Transitions face shield would make a great addition for your helmet ! I love mine shade in day and clear at night Awesome Vid !!

I went through stages. No helmet, half, 3/4, and now modular. My favorite is my current one, Neotec 2. Same reason you switched to Shoei minus moto blogging. Hence the modular. Thanks Blockhead for Mr Maxwell’s awesome setup. 👍🏼

I ride with a Shoie Neotech and I love it. Lost a bunch of lbs and need to change the cheek pads and its back to being the best helmet I've ever had.

I went 2 x Neotec ll and Sena SRL mainly for coms with misses great set up and recommend it highly

Shoei RFSR is a great helmet. I bought one and have been very happy. Apparently the RFSR was made for an upright rider like me that rides a SGS. great video man

Listen to them Zombie Baffles Awesome man! Oh ya the helmet review.... Thanks JM

Shoei neotec 2 is my third helmet I’ve owed and by far the best... and for sure most expensive but it comes with the chin wind guard, pin lock shield and removable breath guard. Which are all things I bought for the other helmets at additional costs. So when you do the math the less expensive helmets with all the added parts will be less money but your getting a by far better quality and quiet helmet with the shoei helmets and all the extras you may want to use during certain riding conditions.

I love the drop down dark visor except I usually open my clear shield when I use it which would block that massive air intake. Nice helmet, definitely something to consider when I replace mine.

Sounds great with the shield closed or open. Shoei is the only helmet I’ve ever had, I believe in quality and comfort over style and Shoei has premium quality and comfort and it’s not bad in style, once you feel the difference in those factors it’s hard to downgrade to a lesser helmet

I have the Shoei neotec 2, I love it!

Great point on the buffeting, I wouldn’t have thought about. I prefer the idea of the scoop vent but of course it catches more air & messes up aerodynamics so it has to catch. Also highly recommend the ratchet strap, have one on a Daytona. Never heard of someone not using a strap, guess just used to it, you have to strap or it’s not DOT meaning it doesn’t meet the test parameters thus potentially useless; all please strap when wearing, be safe. On trying on helmets, Amazon Prime is super friendly on free shipping returns as an option. Great review

I'm always impressed on your audio quality when riding. It's well done.

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

Lots of research and bugging blockhead and the crew, for sure!

The speaker bar has been one of the better purchases for my Springfield. Always like your reviews of products, sponsored or not.

I have a Simpson Mod Bandit for riding my heritage 114. Absolutely love it. Very comfortable.

Dam john that exaust sounds amazing man.

I have a RF-SR, and got a transition visor. It works great!

@Norheg.357

4 жыл бұрын

I'm seriously considering your setup vs the GT Air II. The additional Snell rating is a plus. Any reason you went the route you did vs. the GT Air II?

Ty for info , actually looking for a new helmet. Helps out

I have a nanotec 2 and I love it. I have the 10c Pro connected to it and it’s the best helmet I’ve ever owned.

Was thinking about buying one..know I am..Thank you for your insight.

Great video today John. Although, I wear an outlaw Vietnam Veteran half helmet with a fixed shield and drop down shade. My wife and I have com2 communications in our helmets. Go work some and have a great day.

When I’m traveling I use an Arai Quantum. It works great especially with the tinted shield riding through the Desert. The rest of the time I use a skid-lid.

I have the GT-AIR 1. Shoei oval fits my head perfectly so I never even think about another brand for a FF. When it needs replacement, I`m going to try the Neotec modular. Only because I have never had a modular and I know Shoei makes a top of the line product.

I run a Bell Pitboss half helmet on my Ultra limited. When I had a Suzuki V-Strom I used a Shoei Quest. Great quiet helmet. I still have it in case I get another bike without a fairing. The like the Bell, but it scratches super easily. My Shoei still looks new.

Audio was awesome the whole time btw.

Shoei makes top-quality helmets without a doubt. I have an odd shaped grape and couldn’t find a Shoei that fit right. Not because they don’t make one that would fit me, it’s more of not having the ability to try on the different models. I went with a Schuberth S2 Sport and installed a Sena. Comfortable and quiet.

Great vid John! I don’t motovlog, so I went with the neotech 2. Glad you like the sena, but Cardo is better.

Yeah, audio is better\clearer. I still use the Dot 1/2 so I'ma mushroom head but I love the wind in my face. Love your content man, you should get some t-shirts and swag for us J-Max fans. Also, I am a Harley rider from Central Mississippi and I am bummed I can't meet you guys a Chunk River next week but my WORK gets in the way. We really need more HD dealerships to call out Central Ms Harley Dealership in Jackson, Mississippi. They are really letting us owners and the brand down. Keep up it up bro and ride safe.

Nice job Mr Dude..Enjoyed that…

actually John, Sena make a hybrid helmet that call the Calvary and it has Bluetooth your phone to it and it will also play FM station as well. great helmet I ride a Harley Street Glide and I can hear the phone and other riders when connected. it is pretty awesome.

Love my GT Air

Replacement CNS-1 Face-shield available in tinted. Gt Air user myself; leaps and bounds above HJC!

Owned a Shoei RF-1100 years ago, Shoei makes great helmets, this one was a good pick. I only wish it didn't have the default SRL2 built-in as I wanted a Cardo Packtalk. I was looking at getting the GTA2 but it felt like I had a small gap on the top sides of my head that was only after I tried the Arai Signet-X as it's a long oval shape. Still, fit great just not the ideal fitment. I agree trying helmets on is the best way to identify fitment and comfort, went to the local cyclegear to try on other well-known brands. I ended up picking a helmet after talking with the employee about each one's fitment. Apparently, I'm the minority with a long oval head shape. My wife got the Shoei RF-1200 but I might get her the GTA2 as she does like the integrated sun visor. You should try lidpicker next time they can help you identify what helmets and sizes fit best so you don't have to filter every brand/model out there. I was really skeptical and didn't want to bias my choice of the helmet so I looked at the results after I picked the helmet that felt best. They had only 2 helmets that were ideal for me and the rest were just in the ok fit with the majority in the out of range fitment. The one I picked was one of those two, I was amazed they were that accurate and correct.

Shoei helemts are awesome! I have had the RF1200 for about 2 years- I will buy another when it gets to 5 ish years old! I bought for quietness and was able to get a photochromatic visor for the RF1200. The sound quality on the new vids are way better!!!

@amacro11

5 жыл бұрын

I've got the RF 1200 and just got the photo chromatic option, well worth the coin Al

Try to find a replacement inner sun visor in amber. It will help with night vision.

That helmet is $950 in Australia. I have a HJC which is ok. Also my Chattahoochie HD T-shirt arrived yesterday! Rockin in 👍 cool vid btw

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

Sucks the helmet is so much, cool that the shirt made it!

Shoei qwest user here . Love shoei lids

I think this is my next helmet purchase. Never had Bluetooth in a helmet and my Triumph is quite a bit less noisy than my Harley so it might be a good option for me.

Audio quality is good. Good review. Especially since you had to use you own $$ it makes a true review.

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

They’re always true reviews. I already have the product, I have never had a company ask me to fib. If they did, I wouldn’t do the review.

@playbluesman1

5 жыл бұрын

John Maxwell thanks John for your integrity, there are so many reviews on KZread where the manufacturers send products, free, to You tubers only to get good reviews.

I like these types of videos but much prefer your shop videos. Either way I do enjoy your vlogging.

I have the Shoei RYD (Australia) think they are the RF-SR in the US, great helmet lighter than the GT-Air, no internal visor and great ventilation, I tried on both and there was little difference in the fit and quality but it was nearly $300 cheaper, I also fitted the Transitions Photochromic Pinlock visor that works very well, I leave the pinlock in the visor.

Nice helmet John..I own a white &silver Harley full face. It's nice but I like yours better

"Why don't you just use headphones?" Because I don't like my ears rubbed raw or loosing more hearing. Personally, I tried a couple and they didn't work for me. The GT Air 2s are sweet lids, I used to buy only Shoei helmets. But, when I bought the Ultra Classic the dealer gave me a killer deal on some gear and I bought one of the HJC IS 17 modulars and I really like it for day to day bashing around. I have the Shuberth E1 and HJC RPHA 70 ST for long rides. Blockhead is a cool channel, along with you, Matt Laidlaw, and that bloke from across the pond Motonewbrider.

I have a Shoei rf-sr and like it. I wish sena would make a specific one for that model then it'd be perfect.

Thank you for this review, because of it, i went and picked this helmet up this weekend. I love it! What gloves are you using and are they still for sale? I like them.

I went with the Simpson Outlaw Bandit. And I watched Blockheads Motovlog helmet setup video to set mine up with camera and mic. Blockhead does great tutorials. The Simpson is kind of loud but I think I get good audio from it. And I wish it had a pin lock visor.....

Sounds good, nice video

Sound quality is great

As another poster noted, head shape definitely dictates what brand of helmet will work best for you. My intermediate oval head is most comfortable in HJC helmets. No hot spots or headache. Some brands are just too round for my noggin. Good evaluation of what works good for you and why. Thanks

As always John produced a good video. I really like the fit of my Shoei RF-SR helmet ($400.00) but the $200 price tag for the transition visor in my opinion is horrendous. That makes it the same price as the GT AIR 2 with the built-in QSV-2 sun shield. But the RF-SR surpasses DOT and SNELL M201 ratings. I do have a Sena SMH10R unit. When people call me on the phone they have no idea that I am on the bike. Definitely a quality items from Shoei. Just didn't care for the price gouge on the visor.

@chrisb9960

5 жыл бұрын

Additional thoughts... I had a transition included with my Bell Qualifier DLX. Bad thing is I purchased the Bell one size larger than I should have. I thought, since I have to get the correct size do an upgrade to the Shoei. I thought that wearing sunglasses would not be an issue. Well shades are one more thing to carry. They claim the visors ship from Japan and that accounts for the price tag. I am not sure if a correctly fitting Bell Qualifier would be as quiet. Does anyone have an opinion on that? My Shoei should last me a good 5 years but am considering overall cost the next time around.

I have a matte black GT Air 2 and I'm pretty happy with it. $599. The integrated sunshield on a full-face was what sealed the deal for me. I have eyeglasses so I don't wear shades. I commute and need to have flip it up or down when riding as the sun comes up & goes down. I'm doing the same GoPro attachment as you, but haven't found the best place for a microphone yet. I wear ear plugs, so noise isn't an issue. I almost always have the visor cracked open or it fogs. I just haven't tried the pinlock piece yet. The Sena stuff is $299, too rick for me. That's not why I bought this helmet anyway. Is it 3 times better than the sub-$200 helmet it replaced? Probably not. I love the ratchet strap. It takes considerable effort to open the face shield, which I don't like. My biggest overall issue is the face shield opening is so large and high that morning and evening sun (low on horizon) is like a laser right in the eyes, which no way to block it. I added some wrap to the top of the visor to act as a blocker. I'd give the helmet an 8/10.

I normally ride with a half helmet :-) But I had an HJC-IMaxII full face and wanted something better, did a load of shopping around and testing (in store) and ended up with a Schuberth C3. I got the integrated Sena headset with it and it is fantastic. Super quiet, pretty light, and great air flow. The only thing I don't like is the pin-lock screen doesn't cover the entire visor, so it can be annoying if the visor is fully down and I dip my head the top of the pin-lock is right across my eye line. but apart from that, great helmet. Oh and it was reduced (on sale) at Revzilla, like $300 off!

Them Tab Performance Zommmmmbies though 🤘🏽

I've had 4 Shoei and an Arai helmet. Arai most expensive but love the Shoei fit and comfort much better. My RF1200 is best full face ever. Also can't beat my badass carbon fiber. No weight but still DOT approved.

Sounds 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼🔥🔥🔥😁

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

I should have listened to you sooner.

@BlockheadMoto

5 жыл бұрын

John Maxwell 😂

Audio sounds great.

Yes your audio is excellent that's why I thought it was a voice over. Also I'm one of those mushroom heads :0( been looking for a new skid lid hard to find a good one here in Canada.

@shawncandler1960

5 жыл бұрын

Check out Daytona helmets, they are very light and dot approved

Had a HJC but went to a Nolan modular for better fit. I’m not associated with it, but webbikeworld.com does a nice job of testing and reporting about helmets. Nice video, keep up the good work.

Great helmet. By the way, on a separate note, I bought the same HD gloves a few months back. My palms are always stained black from them. I guess that will stop after a while.

I up graded to the shoei neotec 11 it’s the best helmet I ever had

Great Video 👌🏼

I have had probably 15 helmets or so over the last 30 years....I have stuck to Shoei or Arai pretty much throughout that time (I tried Suoumy and AGV also, but felt the other 2 were far better). I currently have 2 Arai race replica helmets (Corsair X Scott Russell and Josh Hopkins) that are in the 900 dollar range that I wear on my Ducati and am shopping for another Shoei for the Harley and for my GoPro rig. From Shoei I have had the RF-1100, RF1200, X-9, X-11and am now looking for possibly a touring type. The plus sides for the Shoei's....1. They are quieter than pretty much every other helmet out there. This is somewhat attributed to their face-shield design...most other helmets usually have "pods" on the sides for the shield mount (My Arai's still do) which would disrupt airflow over the helmet and create wind noise. 2. Shoei has ALWAYS had the largest selection of faceshields (even over Arai) Their iridium shields are EXTREMELY high quality. This has beenthe case for as long as I can remember 3. The mounting system for the shield is AWESOME. They have had pretty much the same system since the late 90's which is miles above everyone else's system that I have dealt with. 4. The helmet interior is VERY high quality, especially compared to less expensive helmets...you can IMMEDIATELY tell there is a difference in both Shoei and Aria helmet interiors compared to pretty much ANY other manufacturer. I have tried on 100's of helmets and literally have ALWAYS come back to the big 2. 5. Venting on both the Shoei and Arai are MILES ahead of the competition. Any who say they arent needs to put one on and open the vents in the winter..LOLZ. I think the Arai vents on my Corsairs are better, but they are harder to adjust when the helmet is on compared to the Shoei. 6. The shield ratcheting mechanism on the shoei is GREAT. It has settings for you to crack it open or a number of different openings and it stays in place. Nothing bugs me more than putting a shield where I want it (I like riding with it open 95% of the time) and it moves due to wind. Well there ya go...another book written!!! LOLZ Hey John....NICE HELMET!!

Hi John nice video as normal, the Red Road Glide on the last clip has what looks like a Klock Werks 6" screen. Have you ridden that bike or another one with it on as I'm trying to gauge how good they are and haven't managed to find a good review on You Tube yet. I've got a 2019 Road Glide Special and live in the UK so wanted to get some honest opinion before I buy one. Thanks in advance. Greg

Last year the GT Air (one) saved my life, or at least kept me from wishing I was dead from the accident. I collided with a buzzard, kamikazied me in the head actually, got dismounted, landed on my left shoulder and left side of my helmet. I scraped a chunk off of the helmet on that left side. Then I caught something in the road (I guess) on the slide that caused me to go face down for a few, eh, dozen maybe feet (I think the police report said 50ft in total slide, heck if I know). Scraped the heck out of the face shield and chin barn before I came to a stop. I was still in a sling and I think post surgery (had to wait 5 days to get that figured out) when I re-purchased the same Shoei GT Air. I love the regular one, so the 2 must be even better.

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

Damn! Glad you made out semi ok. A helmet that looks and feels good is awesome, if it can save ya, too, it’s worth the $$$

Great choice. I have the GT Air II as well. Had a "Victory" Helmet before {believe made by HJC}. There is a big difference between a $200 dollar and a $600 dollar helmet. The GT Air does not buffet nearly as much as the HJC did. And the comfort level can't be matched. I have found that the SENA unit seems to "hear" me better with the vent closed in front of my mouth. I can yell "Hello Sena" all day and she does not respond with vent open. But closed, she hears me just fine. Modular Helmets scare me, all I can think of is the thing opening up in a crash when you need it most. I agree with you, Buy a helmet made from a premier helmet company rather than buying a helmet from a company that makes comm units. That would be like going to a foot doctor for open heart surgery. You can buy a tinted{smoked} shield. I got 1 when I bought my helmet overseas{paid $425 for my GT AIR II} I got the smoke color, which is a lighter dark tint than the dark smoke is. I got that so shield does not have to be changed if riding at nite. Plus I have 3 levels of tinting between the shield, my sun glasses and the drop down visor. I have had to use all 3 already, esp when heading east during the morning OR west in the late afternoon. Check this link out. FC Moto. Sign up for their newsletter and get a 10% off code. Worth it, just use a throw away email address, LOL. It might take 3 weeks for you to get the dark shield you want, but it is worth it. I think its a stupid US Law with dark shields, so just buck the system and go overseas for what you want. Their shipping is not crazy either, bout 25 to get it to your door. OK, I talked enough, here you go. This company is legit, I ordered from them several times. www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Visor-Shoei-CNS-1/SubProducts/Visor-Shoei-CNS-1-0003 as you can see, FC Moto is still cheaper than anything EBAY has. Even with being shipped from Germany. LOL www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=shoei+cns-1+smoke+visor&_sacat=0

@TheHarleyTech

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I guess people in the South still say “dope”. Hey a big thank you for not putting your mirrors on upside down. Love your vids.

Have you tried on the HD with integrated Sena 30K? The fit seems to be really good compared to even high brand helmets.

Question: Should I vent, my 2017 Street Glide, crank case via the dip stick? I watched a video about the M8's that seem to have a lot of crank case pressure which could cause damage to the head gaskets. I don't want to depend on videos from people that I don't know or trust. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

I love my Nolan with N COM built in. N44

I T-boned a Saturn L300 in a Shoei RF-1200. It kept me conscious so I could get up and play frogger across the freeway. Needless to say, that's my brand.

Shoei helmets are great!

Harley pilot wearer. I like it. Comfortable and I like the look. Not bad for a modular.

I have the Neotec 2, super quiet an comfy. Took out the Sena SRL and put on a Pack Talk Bold. I put my Pinlock in immediately and keep it in

Yesterday’s ride home was 115. Yay!

I like my Shoei full face, comfy, good air flow, usually allows for decent KZreadr audio quality, protects my “purdy mouth” (Deliverance reference, LoL). My other helmet is a Harley branded DOT half helmet, which is decent, but due to YouTubing I don’t wear it much anymore