The Shoei NXR was already one of the top motorcycle helmets on the shelves and its successor, which goes through life with the appropriate designation Shoei NXR 2, has no intention of going elsewhere. On the contrary. Even safer, even sharper, even more aerodynamic qualities ... we hardly thought it possible and yet it is.
On the European side of the Atlantic Ocean the Shoei NXR 2 is the first all-round full-face helmet that meets the stricter ECE 22.06 criteria. The rest will undoubtedly follow, but you can only be 'the first' once. This full-face helmet keeps you looking forward.
But first: the helmet shell. Put an 'old' and a new NXR 2 side by side and you'll see similarities. Yet the NXR 2 is a completely new motorcycle helmet, with wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics and performance that's been improved by several percentage points (again). The AIM helmet shell comes in no less than four different helmet shells and all together, the Shoei NXR 2 weighs less than 1390 grams.
Ventilation has been adapted. The four air intakes at the top and the larger air outlet at the back make the Shoei NXR 2 probably better than its predecessor. The chin ventilation has been redesigned as well. All the air intakes are a fraction larger and, in our opinion, more manageable. The result is an excellent climate management, which results in a fresher mind, better focus, more pleasant temperatures, less smells and we can go on.
The modified helmet shell also comes with a new visor. The CWR-F2 visor is - thankfully - transparent and larger than the CWR-1 visor on the original Shoei NXR. Wind deflectors create less turbulence and the standard Pinlock® lens does not disturb your field of vision. Like its predecessor, the Shoei NXR 2 is a motorcycle helmet without an integrated sun visor. This is a choice with advantages, but choosing is always losing a little bit. Solutions exist of course in the form of - for example - a photochromatic visor or a tinted variant. Switching between visors is no problem: it can hardly be any quicker or easier.
At the edge of the visor of the new Shoei NXR 2, we notice proper sealing. We still have to do our first washing machine-highway-rain shower test with it, but it all looks solid and good. This motorcycle helmet is quiet as well. Special ear-pads, but also its complete design and construction, make the Shoei NXR 2 a top helmet.
A striking new feature - especially for those used to the 'old' NXR - will be the centered visor control. The helmet visor clicks into the lock completely closed and can be opened with a push on the central button. This means the end of the traditional extra tab on the bottom left side of the visor.
Furthermore a lot of general Shoei-qualities: a modular adaptable and easy to maintain interior with cheek-pads in different thicknesses, a Double-D ring closure on an adjustable, soft-finished strap and a neck-rim finished with a lot of attention to detail. An Emergency Microlock System too, as well as preparation for a communication system. A variable chin curtain is also present. The Shoei NXR 2 is no problem for spectacle-wearers. A lot of what made the previous version fantastic, is kept, obviously.
Conclusion: even better than its predecessor, which was already about the most successful full-face helmet in its segment.
To clean the outside of your helmet we can recommend S100the helmet cleaner. You can also clean the helmet interior without removing it with S100 interior cleaner. Treatment on the outside of the visor with Rain-X anti-rain spray improves visibility during rain.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches can cause blinding reflections of street lights and/or 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 long trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
