Bugger, bugger, bugger New generation Shoei Neotech with what looks like enough differences to warrant looking at a new lid at Motorcycle Live. I guess we are going to see a number of familiar helmets from other manufacturers being updated as the new standard, EC22.06, becomes mandatory. Although it's not available until early next year, there's also a new Sena SRL3 to fit the new design. Dear Santa Andy
Interesting, all types of rumours on WWW beforehand that it was coming or it would not be until spring. Have to say i think it was Motolegend saying it had to be September as the old one did not comply with new EU standard. I may well go for one in spring as my Air 2 needs a new visor and that is close to 100 quid. I shall also be looking at the Sena SRL3 as my Packtalk can be a PITA to fit a flip up
Aero shape, reduced gaps, wider visor, deeper drop down visor, moved visor lock....... from memory Andy
John Milbank (whose reviews I trust far more than most) has reviewed the Neotec 3 after wearing it for 700 miles: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/shoei-neotec-3-review
I have deleted several of my posts to avoid confusion (and making an idiot if myself ) because I have now spoken to my chap at Helmetcity in Kidlington. They have today, received a range of the new Shoei Neotec 3 in some sizes AND a small number of Sena SRL3’s. The description of the SRL3 from the Sena box in his hand, is exactly the same as the Sena SRL-Mesh, just designed to fit the new helmet. As with any new launch, helmet spares like cheek pads, cap and visors are on back order which will affect their ability to custom fit. Fingers crossed, there’ll be a Motorcycle live show discount in store in November. Andy
I tried one on yesterday and whilst the visor hinge mechanism hasn't changed, the visor now physically locks centrally with a positive push. When released by pressing the locking button, the visor just cracks open which, without looking at the blurb, I think was claimed as a positive over the Neotec 2. Side by side the differences are subtle but I think (and hope) the attention to detail, will make the helmet quieter. My only reservation is the new location for the buttons to operate the integrated Sena. They are now on the underside of the helmet and don’t look glove friendly. I understand why the’ve done it but I’m expecting it to be a PITA. Andy
I can now revisit this post after wearing my new Neotech 3 during a 1300 mile ride from Santander, through the Pyrenees to Caen. Frankly, I found it disappointing to the extent I think it’s missed the mark on everything that was changed from the Neotech 2, which I will be going back to. In fact, the total opposite of the Bennett’s review. Just goes to show how opinions differ. The fit and comfort is absolutely Shoei but the change in external aero shape and relocation of the external features has made no difference to the level of noise. The airflow through the lower vent is restricted by the plastic mesh screen (to prevent ingress of insects) to such an extent there is insufficient airflow to clear visor misting on colder mornings (and in the rain). The new visor release button is not glove friendly but as I had to keep the visor cracked open to clear the misting, I suppose that didn’t matter. The change in shape of the cheek padding I found an odd sensation and the shorter mic boom meant the foam cover was always in contact with my cheek. Finally, and the real deal breaker for me, was the performance in wet weather. If you have the visor in any position other than closed, you get rain on the inside of it, which, with the very restricted airflow from the lower vent, doesn’t evaporate. We got caught in a biblical downpour on our journey to Périgueux and a heavy shower coming off the ferry at Portsmouth and on both occasions, the helmet chin curtain retained so much water my buff needed to be wrung out and probably half a tea cup full poured out when I opened the jaw piece. I’ll be discussing all this with the guys I know at Helmet City without any expectation of getting anywhere so I’ll just chalk it down to experience. Andy A final postscript, the paint finish is soft and easily chipped.
And other thing, I have a (short) beard and the new style, narrower chin strap, despite being correctly adjusted, can rather too easily slide over my chin. Andy
IMO the only way the neotec 2 could be improved would be to make it quieter and have a way to have about a 1cm gap for the visor being flip up all the hinge and mechanism have a lot of gaps and so would be almost impossible to stop wind noise from that. they've had decades to get to where they are, like iPhones they have reached a development plateau sadly we all fall for sales crap
I have the Neotec 2. It’s supremely comfortable and fits perfectly but my only gripe with it is that the vents are not that effective. @Android853sp you should be able to adjust the visor enough to prevent water ingress from the top of the visor. It’s a bit of a Shoei failing imho.
I all disagree with the above. Went from the neotec 2 to 3 only for the Sena mesh. Rest works as the 2, perfect. Made a round trip to Swiss 4200 in a week, and as safe as can be. Also in the chilly mornings. Cheers Nick
I have a Shoei head, the Neotec fits me off the shelf perfectly and this current Neotec 3 is the first Shoei in more than 20 years that has failed to meet my expectations. I’ve certainly never had one that leaked before. The X-Lite 1005 very nearly fitted me, my girlfriend swears by the brand. Andy
