Tag Archives: Shoei

Shoei joins smart helmet revolution

Shoei is the first major motorcycle helmet manufacturer to join the growing smart helmet revolution with the announcement of their IT-HT helmet.

The IT-HT helmet will include Bluetooth intercom and head-up display which includes a translucent screen that shows vital information to the rider without them having to take their eyes off the road.

Shoei IT-HT Shoei joins smart helmet revolution
Shoei IT-HT screen

Information can be customised by the rider to include bike data such as speed and revs, but also navigation, incoming phone calls, etc.

Revolution

The revolution is yet to get off the ground.

While there are many start-ups with smart helmets and aftermarket add-on devices such as Hudway, Nuviz and Seemore, few have made it to the market or proved their reliability.

Shoei has a long history of making safe and quality helmets, so their addition to the smart helmet revolution is welcome.

In fact, Shoei is Australia’s most trusted helmet brand, according to a 2018 Canstar Blue survey.

It also lends credibility to the argument that this technology is the future of motorcycling.

Some even predict these smart helmets will make bike instruments obsolete.

Shoei announced the IT-HT at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but did not say when it would be available.

This tech does not come cheap. Most start-up company smart helmets cost well over $1000 such as the Jarvish and Skully helmets.

However, Shoei’s mass-production could mean they are cheaper.

Shoei has partnered with fellow Japanese technology company NS West which makes instruments for cars such as Mazda and head-up displays.

Meanwhile, Australia is also getting in on the smart helmet revolution with the Forcite to be launched in March this year.

Forcite smart helmet revolution
Forcite smart helmet

This year could be when the smart helmet revolution really gets into gear.

But do you think it is safe or a distraction? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Shoei updates GT-Air touring helmet

Shoei has updated its GT-Air touring helmet with a longer internal sun visor, better venting and more aerodynamics to make it quieter.

The GT-Air II will be available in April. Australian pricing is not yet available, but in the USA it will cost $US599 (about $A840) for single colours and $US699 (about $A980) for graphics.

Perhaps to make way for the new model, current GT-Air helmets are on sale in Australia from $790 to $883 depending on graphics.

GT-Air a polular tourerShoei GT-Air II touring helmet

Shoei is the most trusted helmet brand in Australia and the GT-Air has long been popular among tourers who ride all day and into the night.

The GT-Air II model should improve on that status.

Aussie riders will appreciate that the internal sun visor is now 5mm longer for improved glare protection. 

Shoei has also redesigned the main visor so it has a “first position” opening for better venting and to prevent fogging. However, it also comes with a Pinlock EVO anti-fog insert.

Tourers often fit bluetooth intercom units to their helmet and the GT-Air II now has a special recess on the base to fit the new Sena SRL2 unit.

Another new addition is a micro-ratcheting buckle instead of the conventional double-D ring.Shoei GT-Air II touring helmet

While racers use double D for security, the quick-release buckle is more convenient for tourers who often stop for fuel, coffee or a toilet break. It makes it easier to fasten, remove and adjust.

StreamliningShoei GT-Air II touring helmet

Shoei has streamlined the new shell in a wind tunnel so it is more compact and more aerodynamic which reduce the amount of fatiguing wind noise inside.

While most helmets have a couple of intake vents and one exhaust vent, the GT-Air II has three intakes and five exhausts, so it should be a lot cooler in the summer.

It comes with the 3-D Max Dry System that is removable, washable, replaceable and adjustable.Shoei GT-Air II touring helmet

They claim it absorbs sweat twice as fast as nylon and is shaped to match a rider’s head. But if you’ve got a weird head shape, you can buy thicker and thinner pieces to ensure an optimum fit.

Like the GT-Air, the new model has the Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS) that allows first responders to remove the helmet from an injured rider’s head without further injuring their neck.

It will come in a range of sizes from XS to XXL and colours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Shoei announce new GT-Air II Helmet | Sena SRL2 ready

New Sena SRL2 ready Shoei GT-Air II

Optional fully integrated communications system


Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet DEVIATION TC
Shoei GT-Air II Helmet

Shoei have announced a new iteration of the popular and versatile GT-Air helmet, the Japanese manufacturer claims that the GT-Air II again raises the bar for high-end helmet comfort, style and safety.

Shoei GT-Air II in Deviation TC-9An aggressive and compact shell design has been verified by wind tunnel tests for relaxed rides and less turbulence. The GT-Air II is also prepared for SENA SRL2* (Shoei Rider Link2) Intercom System, which is integrated into the helmet shell with no protruding operating unit.

Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet CONJURE TC
Shoei GT-Air II in Conjure TC-9

The 3D-molded visor (CNS-1) with optimised visor base offers extra wide vision and a unique shape for optimum sealing. The modified QSV-2 internal sun visor used on the GT-Air II has been lengthened by 5mm in order to reduce the amount of light coming through the gap between the lower edge and the eye port.

Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet
Shoei GT-Air II in Affair TC-3, Affair TC-6, Conjure TC-6

A stainless steel micro ratchet retention system and a fully removable and washable interior ensures maximum rider comfort. The six size options are XS-XXL and will be produced out of three different outer shell constructions cover XS-M, L and XL-XXL) for perfect fit and compact dimensions.

Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet LightSilver
The Shoei GT-Air II is also Sena SRL2 ready

A new developed ventilation system with two inlets at the upper head and chin area as well as four outlet vents at the top back makes for an ideal sports touring and everyday choice for motorcyling enthusiasts!

Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet AFFAIR TC
Shoei GT-Air II in Affair TC-1

In terms of helmet graphics, there’s a variety of options available, while also a number of solid options available. 

Shoei GT Air II Sena Ready Helmet SPD
Shoei’s new GT-Air II helmet

The Shoei GT-Air II is expected to be launched worldwide in March next year.  In Australia it is expected to sell alongside the current GT-Air model, with the new intercom ready unit priced slightly higher than the much loved regulart GT-Air. 

Source: MCNews.com.au