Shoei Neotec helmets?

[VladTepes]

It's getting on for time to replace my Shoei and I'll be buying another Shoei.

I've been considering the GT Air but I see the  Neotec 2 is now released a nd is a flip front style.

Ive always liked the idea of a flip front lid but haven't owned one.

Has anyone used/owned a Neotec could offer the impressions and opinions of the Neotec?

Alternatively of this style of  helmet generally?

[BJ]

I bought a used pair of Neotec's for $650. I really like the flip up style and would now not buy anything else. They are especially good in hot weather when the pace slows you can ride with the front up to cool off a bit. They are quieter than the Arai I have used for a long time but I always ride with ear plugs anyway. Inbuilt dark visor works well and is easy to use. Good in winter as well with the pin lock double visor. I ride with glasses and they fit in the helmet nicely. Only down side is I have to open the front to put the helmet on but I'm used to that now. I also find it's not as well ventilated as some other helmets I have owned. This doesn't worry me too much as I do most of my kms on a R1200GSA which has an extended screen allowing me to ride with the visor up all the time. Hence it's relatively cool most of the time. I'm pretty sure they have removable and washable inserts as well but don't quote me. If the helmet suits your head shape go for it.

[BJ]

There a couple of YouTube's on the Neotec. Check them out.

[KiwiCol]

Get one Mike.  I've got a flip face hat, loving it. Mine's a Nolan N100-5 but they're all pretty much the same, just brand & price.  I can open the visor, or open the front. It's got an internal 4 stage sun visor, good vents, easy to put on or take off & high safety rating with the double lock for the front.
The Shoei will be the same, although, I thought their safety rating wasn't as high?  Think they had 3 stars, which is pretty average.  Might of got a new model out by now though.

[Mick_J]

There is a good review in last months Motorcycle monthly but I cant find a link to it online.  They say that it's a completely new helmet from top to bottom and is very quiet.  If I can find a link I will post it.

Found it http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=dd236ec2-3bca-4e76-a05f-229633c06fe4

[Mister Fishfinger]

I'd love to get one, but I have big problems finding any helmet that fits.

I've got a flip front lid at the moment, a Scorpion EXO-900. It's very well made, I like the convenience of opening the front, but you have to be aware of the downsides of a flip front lid. They tend to be heavier than regular lids, they can be noisier, they are more expensive for a given quality (because they're more complex to make) and it's possible that they aren't as safe in a big crash because you can't make a two-part shell as strong as a one-part item.

[gsxbarmy]

I like the Shoei flip fronts, the only problem I have with them though is that the chin strap is a little further back than non-flip fronts which (personally) I find to be uncomfortable, so opted for a GT-Air instead when I replaced mine

[VladTepes]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely have a look / try on then.

A furtehr back chin strap mightbotehr me too.

Apparently some flip front helmets (while they'd be safer than an open face, when flip front is closed) are only RATED to open face standards.

The Neotec 2 is a fully rated open face AND full face helmet.

@BJ I also ride with glasses so that's good to know they fit. I;d alwasys wondered about that with the internal sun visor type of helmet.


"Anyone who has sneezed in a full face helmet, will understand the value of flip front" 

[VladTepes]

There is a good review in last months Motorcycle monthly
Found it http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=dd236ec2-3bca-4e76-a05f-229633c06fe4

@mjgt that links to December? and doesn;t appear to be the one with the article?

edit: Jan edition, found it

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=d3767208-ae4a-4a63-b3ac-7def7ae92b18

[Speedy1959]

I too have owned 2 neotecs..
I really like the car seat belt type buckle on these helmets..
It makes them MUCH easier to take on and off.
I wont be getting any other make/type of helmet but I am a bit intrigued by the MK II version I must admit..

[Dusty ST]

I bought a Neotec II at the bike show, I was going to get a Shoei Ryd, but £400 seemed too good to pass on.
Unfortunately it's my first flip lid so I won't be able to compare it with anything other than my GT Air, also not used it yet due to cold/ice/snow/salt and a DIY/decorating project that I have little enthusiasm for, but would rather get finished before summer!
Couple of things I've noticed... first impressions it's very comfy, feels like a better fit than the GTAir, but noticeably heavier. Being a flip the helmet can fit much closer around the neck, which I'm hoping will make it quieter. The flip mech is very good, with a smooth, positive action that engages and releases first time, every time - much better than some of the others I tried, and I'm liking the ratchet buckle on the chin strap. I felt the top vent is a little stiff to operate and being a smooth surface it's difficult to get purchase on, I'm hoping this will get easier with use.
There's a dedicated comms available from Sena available for the Neotec II which makes fitting my Cardo a bit of a self-adhesive pigs ear, as you can't fit it in the best position due to the flip mechanism, the inner visor mechanism and the removable covers for the Sena set up, so the Cardo ends up a bit further back than I'd like. Also I'm not in love with the boom mic set up, but I guess this is the same for all flip lids.

[Kiwifruit]

I have a GT-Air, love the fit. But my next helmet will be a Neotec. My hands can go numb and at times and l really struggle with the double D rings.

[VladTepes]

Dusty it'll be great when you get a chance to do a comparison !

[Dusty ST]

Dusty it'll be great when you get a chance to do a comparison !

Yep, we've had a bit or rain to wash last weeks salt away, planning to be done with wallpapering by Saturday afternoon, so I'm banking on a nice sunny Sunday morning this weekend

[Dusty ST]

Managed to take the Tiger out for a spin this morning, my first ride with the new Neotec II.
I don't think it's any noisier than my GT Air, and just as comfy. I didn't notice the extra weight but I did notice it has much much better ventilation, as in I could tell if the top vent is open of closed, and it doesn't mist up with the chin curtain fitted. Getting glasses on and off seemed a tad more difficult, but that maybe something that improves with time.
I've never ridden open face, so it felt a bit odd at first with the chin bar flipped, as you can see so much more bike in front of you!
When in normal position I'd guess the chin bar is a little higher the the GT Air, but you get used to it pretty quickly.
Also a bit scarey when I pulled the chin bar down after pulling away, and didn't click it fully home which meant I couldn't see anything for a second or two.
So I'm very impressed with the Neotec II.