Apart from hearing the words “I love you” from my husband now and then, I have to admit that it’s just as nice to hear those other magical words he occasionally utters like “isn’t it time we bought you a new lid?”
Lol! For a woman with an expensive shopping habit, I still tend to have a terrible memory when it comes to renewing key bits of my kit. Thankfully, the other half is my line manager at White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors and as such wants to make sure all his team’s biker kit is appropriate.
So off we went to our nearest bike accessories shop, Sports Bike Shop where I got the Shoei Neotec 2. Incidentally I was delighted to find the manager at the Milton Keynes shop is Sue Hurley, who sold me my very first motorcycle gear after I got through CBT almost 20 years ago. If ever there was a woman who knows her stuff, it’s Sue, as she’s been involved in the bike industry for a whopping five decades! (And yes I did end up roadtesting that kit and thanks to Sue was able to walk away in one piece.)
I used to be devoted to Arai helmets. Found them super comfortable and the paint designs were second to none. However with touring and commuting a fair bit I found a flip was a necessity when stopped at traffic lights in town as I get instantly hot, and I also got fed up of trying to get it off and handle the bike, gloves, and documents, when being stopped at passport control. Not to mention the terrible months I had when I had a few health issues that resulted in projectile vomiting – there’s nothing quite like that panic of trying to get a full face helmet off before your lunch reappears!
This matt grey Shoei Neotec 2 is my third flip having started with a silver multi-tech, then the black Neoctech l. ( Having reviewed the multitech back in 2012 I thought I’d give you my views on my latest lid.)
I could have waited for the latest version, but there were murmurings it wasn’t coming out until 2024. As it is, the Neotec 3 was released this week – just a week after I bought this. But at £620 it was out of my price bracket anyway. The Neotec 2 came in at a reasonable £399 – and has that coveted Ride Best Buy green triangle so it gets my vote.
Taking it out the box this flip weighs in a tad bit heavier than the previous models at 1.75kg over the previous 1.48kg. But since I’m used to the weight of a flip it’s not noticeable to me. What was immediately noticeable was the pressure of the new cheekpads. I definitely felt a little like a chipmunk but realised that the pressure isn’t hard and uncomfortable or made me feel in danger of biting the inside of my cheek – just more secure feeling than my old lid where the pads are probably like old slippers to me.
This lid looks a little different to the previous incarnations as Shoei has apparently focused on making it more aerodynamic. They have also catered directly for one of the biggest users of its lids- those who want to use microphones either to talk to pillions, or answer the phone and have ports on each side of the helmet and a battery area at the back so it’s all neatly tucked away. It’s made to incorporate the Sena comms system which undoubtedly should mean a “built-in” design will cut down on wind when communicating with others or trying to listen to satnav or using the phone. And you’ll have less wires/leads to tuck away in your jacket.
It’s not something I’ll be using so can’t comment on how good a job it’s doing. I used to have an Autocom in my Arai when I first started riding which worked well, but eventually found I prefer the peace of not communicating with anyone when I’m on the bike. I’m lucky enough not to need to make or take phonecalls whilst riding anyway and I actually prefer to read my instructions on my sat nav. Whilst I do listen to music I have that through my trusty ipod and my Ultimate Ear plugs.
The vents are easy to reach on the top with a slide system for the front one. This time they’ve gone with the logic that you don’t need an open or shut on the back vent, it’s just open since it’s purpose has always been to allow the air inside the helmet to flow outwards. The other is at the chin and a slightly thinner design than the previous model. The internal sun visor has the same slider system on the left hand side and the usual accessories of pinlock visor, breath guard and chin curtain are included.
I took this for a spin and immediately was struck by how comfortable it is with a real reduction in noise. I was wearing my Ultimate earplugs, which is standard for me since I happen to like my hearing the way it is. So it made sense to wear them on the test, but obviously I didn’t put any music on for this.
I never have music on so loud that I can’t hear my engine, emergency vehicles or car horns tooting but I want to be able to block out that “windy vibration” for want of a better description. This lid does that very well. It also has the ear areas slightly recessed so you don’t get any extra pressure of the pads pressing on your earplugs and giving you a headache.
Speaking of headaches when I stopped for break, about 40 minutes in, I was struck by the lack of pressure on my forehead. I’ve always had just a pinpoint of mild pain there from my helmet which was never immediate but would build up over time as I rode. It wasn’t debilitating so it was never a major concern. But I’m really pleased to sat that it’s disappeared with this Neotec 2.
The previous flip lids have never been able to beat the Arai for having a fixed gap at the visor’s closing, where you could get a sliver of air to cool down or combat sudden steaming up. Sadly Shoei still hasn’t introduced it on this model so you’ve either got the wind blasting in your face, or if left ajar it will slam shut just as you picked up speed. I was using this lid on a full day’s riding in 30degree heat and I’d have given my non-existent firstborn to have that gap😁🥵
The good news is that the vent at the chin is a big improvement in that it does a good job of letting in air without blasting it so hard that I get my eyebrows frozen in place anymore. 👍
So what’s left to say? Not much really. All the additional bits like the chin curtain and pinlock do what they’re supposed to. This chin curtain is a little deeper and wider than the previous model so it’s definitely better at keeping the wind off your throat especially when worn with a neck warmer.
I actually prefer a D-ring for closing my helmets as I just find them less pffaffy. But once you set the Neotec’s ratchet strap to your required size there’s nothing more to think about.
Last but not least, this lid still fits perfectly inside my topbox, which is a 52litre Givi. (I’ll just add that the document holder is removed as I never store anything in it and it just takes up space).
All in all I am very pleased with the Neotec 2 and think it’s a good improvement on the previous model. No doubt the latest version Neotec 3 is even more fab, but if it’s out of your price range, then the 2 is great value for money and holds the Ride Green Best Buy triangle👌.
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