The SHOEI J-Cruise 3 is the most recent ‘it’ jet helmet. If any first prizes were handed out, then this motorcycle helmet would certainly be awarded one for versatility, used technology and its attractive design.
The original J-Cruise was the very first SHOEI jet helmet with integrated sun visor, and the second, improved version being a true masterpiece. This SHOEI J-Cruise 3 even goes a little further, with space for a new intercom system, better ventilation and more comfort at the micrometric closure. Obviously, the SHOEI J-Cruise 3 has been ECE22/06 certified.
The design of the motorcycle helmet shell has been tinkered with somewhat. Getting it even more compact or more aerodynamic wasn’t really a possibility so the adaptations can be found in the design.
Once, a long time ago, the original version already had three motorcycle helmet shells to contain all motorcycle helmet sizes, which means that everything is pretty compact and light-weight. Why fix what ain’t broken, right? The motorcycle helmet shell itself is made of multi-composite: a decent combination of strong yet light materials resulting in an optimal effect. The design of the back of the SHOEI J-Cruise 3 makes for the total shape to act as a spoiler. Top-tier technology in other words. The inner shell (EPS) and the helmet shell itself are ready to be integrated with a SENA intercom system (for this SHOEI J-Cruise 3 that would be the SRL3). The SHOEI J-Cruise 3 is – definitely to open-face jet helmet standards – still a surprisingly low-noise motorcycle helmet.
The latter doesn’t mean that you’re riding around with a bowl on your head: three air inlets can be operated separately and better than ever. Less heat inside and a constant, improved supply of fresh air are the logical and mainly very comfortable results of the advanced air circulation in this third version of the jet helmet with the same name.
You could easily discuss the transparent visor – and its mechanism – for an interesting fifteen minutes. In this article, we’ll only tell you that the CJ-2 visor is of the highest quality and we’ll happily let you explore the stability and low noise level of the well-fitting unit yourself. Everything has become just that little more rigid: tighter, a little more solid, more stable, sturdier. You’ll notice this from the minute you pick up the J-Cruise 3 for the first time and test it, and mainly once you get to ride with it.
The lack of a chin piece is largely compensated by the inconspicuous yet very well-functioning ‘locking system’ at the bottom left. Closed means closed. To open, you lightly push the visor out.
In open position and right before the completely closed position you can click the visor in place relatively easily. That little gap of extra wind in that last position prevents and dispels fog, allows for a healthy air circulation and has been specifically designed so that the transition from the Pinlock EVO lens and the regular visor does not interfere with your field of vision.
You operate the integrated, tinted QSV-2 sun visor with the slider on the left side of the J-Cruise 3. This is also easy to do with motorcycle gloves on. The sun visor is pretty long, offering lots of protection which you can control yourself in a way: by repositioning two levers on the left and right, the sun visor won’t go down as low. To size, is what that’s called.
With these details in mind, you probably already guessed that all the other – more common – elements are also top-tier: the hybrid interior is a combination of moisture-repellent, quick-drying and soft. All these specific properties are used where useful and/or needed: soft where you don’t want any scraping hinges, moisture-repellent and quick-drying where you’re prone to sweating.
To clean the outside of your helmet we can recommend the S100 helmet cleaner. The helmet interior can also be cleaned without removing it with S100 interior cleaner. A treatment on the outside of the visor with Rain-X anti-rain spray improves visibility during rain showers.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections from street lights and oncoming headlights. 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.
