First things first: the Neotec by SHOEI has been a class helmet since 2011. A well-thought-out piece of innovation, which often came out on top in comparison tests. However, keeping what is good and making it even better is the only way not to go backwards. This worked out perfectly with the Neotec II.
About 1650 grams support your neck muscles when you put on the Neotec II, which is not a lot when you look at all its features. The relatively low weight is partly due to the outer shell. The design of the multilayer AIM glass fiber composite (available in no less than three helmet sizes), has been further designed for optimal aerodynamic properties, and fitted with various (small) spoilers (e.g. at the bottom of the chin guard and at the back), which conduct the air even better.
The Neotec II is a pioneer in the market segment of sporty motorcyclists who prefer a flip-up helmet. Aerodynamic and stable at speed, but still perfectly flippable at the gas station. The double lock system to keep the chin guard open, guarantees that on the way to that gas station, you don't suddenly see a chin guard flash before your eyes when you take a small tour. Operating it remains simple, with a slider on the chin, and as soon as you push the opened chin guard up a little more, it stays open more firmly. To make this dual use possible (and legally okay), the Neotec II has dual homologation, as a full-fledged full-face helmet and an equally full-fledged jet helmet.
The ventilation system (chin, top and rear) has been updated and remains effortless to operate, even with gloves. The visor of the Neotec II has been adapted in function of a larger vision field. This makes the blind spot a lot smaller and you can see the speedometer and the road at a glance, instead of having to move your head up and down. Shoei has also taken extra measures to keep rainwater out. The rubbers that take care of the seal have been made thicker and the visor pulls tighter against the shell when you close it. A nice detail is the little rain gutter at the bottom right, to drain rainwater. For optimal sealing and drainage of rainwater, the Neotec II has got the new, optically very clean CNS-3 visor (standard delivered with Pinlock anti-fog). As if all that were not enough, the Neotec II has a tinted, integrated sun visor. A solid and well-present slider on the left will make it appear or disappear quickly.
The cheek pads are new and fit better around the neck. The interior - removable, washable and almost completely customizable - seems to have a double goal: a good fit and therefore soundproofing. In the past, flip-up helmets sometimes felt quite draughty, but the Neotec II is a new step in a better direction in that respect. A wind curtain chin, the generous neck rim and the so-called "noise isolator" in the cheek pads make this a quiet helmet. The adjustable and soft chinstrap - a Micro Ratchet fastener - can be brought forward for less pressure on your throat. Oh, and 'Micro Ratchet' is the stainless-steel ratchet fastener developed and patented by Shoei, and is particularly quick and easy to operate.
Shoei and intercom specialist Sena joined forces for the Neotec II, so the helmet is standardly equipped with all the necessary space to install a Sena SRL2 bluetooth system. The speakers and microphone can be clicked into the helmet for seamless integration when you remove little flaps in the collar left, right and at the back.
Finally, this helmet looks - both from a distance and up close - a lot tighter and sportier than its 2011 predecessor, so there is a positive evolution on the visual front as well.
For maintenance of this helmet, we recommend S100 helmet and visor cleaner for the outside. To clean the interior, without removing it, you can use S100 helmet interior cleaner. New visors have received a water-repellent treatment. This treatment is less effective after some time. Restore the water-repellent effect with Rain-X anti-rain spray.
The reflective stickers that are mandatory in France to stick on the helmet are included.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches or dullness cause blinding reflections of street lights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a longer trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
