Shoei NXR 2 Matt Black

The Shoei NXR 2 full-face helmet is the new sporty motorcycle helmet from the Japanese quality brand Shoei. It is also the first Shoei helmet to be tested according to the new strict European ECE22.06 certification. The helmet has been completely renewed and improved in terms of the outer shell, aerodynamics, a renewed Pinlock visor, improved ventilation, an improved inner lining and better sound insulation. This makes it especially a sports helmet that lends itself well to longer distances.

The NXR2 will compete against the: Shoei GT Air 2, AGV K6, Shark Spartan GT Pro Carbon, Arai Profile-V, Scorpion EXO-1400 EVO Carbon and the HJC RPHA 71. For example, the NXR2 has a renewed aerodynamic design, which results in even less wind resistance.

Material

The Shoei NXR 2 Sports bike Helmet introduces the new 6 layer Advanced Integrated Matrix Shell construction, this is an innovation compared to its predecessor that still used the 5 layer AIM. This new shell consists of no less than 6 different layers of organic high-performance fibers. These 6 layers are a requirement to obtain the strict ECE22.06 certification. This mixture of fiberglass and organic fibers not only makes the helmet very strong, but also keeps it particularly light.

The same material is also used in other Shoei top models such as the: Shoei Neotec 2 and the Shoei Hornet ADV. The NXR 2 comes in 6 sizes and 4 outer shell sizes. The number of 4 outer shell sizes is excellent because this ensures that the helmet always fits compactly around the head.

Not only is this safer, it also looks better. It also has 2 EPS inner shells, each with a multi-density structure. This sounds very technical but in fact it provides an exceptionally good impact absorption which makes the helmet very safe. Shoei has also installed ventilation channels between these two EPS shells to optimize ventilation.

Comfort

The Shoei NXR is an extremely comfortable helmet. Here it builds further on the 3D Max Dry lining. The new NXR 2 has renewed cheek pads. The new check pads are easier to remove and put on and also offer more comfort when putting on and taking off the helmet.

As with the original NXR, the lining is also removable, washable and antibacterial. The NXR also has an Emergency Quick Release (EQRS), which is an important feature. This ensures that, in the event of an incident, the helmet can be removed in a safe and easier way. Typical for Shoei helmets is the eye for detail.

An example of this is the extra soft material in the inner lining specifically behind the ears, because this area is extra sensitive.

Visor

The Shoei NXR 2 has both a renewed visor and a visor mechanism. Shoei almost always comes out very strongly in our Data Road Tests when we talk about the visor.

This spring mechanism pulls the visor closer against the shell. This will keep out wind and noise better. Shoei has developed this further and we see with the NXR 2 a renewed and advanced visor and visor mechanism of absolute top quality.

Another improvement is that the new Shoei CWR-F2 visor has a 2 dimensional shape which you can also order with other top racing helmets such as the Arai RX-7V. The flat shape of the visor ensures that the visor does not distort the view in any way, which a curved visor often does slightly.

The new CWRF2 visor is also equipped with a renewed visor closing mechanism. This reduces the risk of accidentally opening the visor. You can also slightly adjust the visor with the lever on the side.

The NXR 2 comes standard with a Pinlock lens in the box. This prevents the visor from fogging up and always guarantees the best view. Another improvement is that Shoei has placed the pins for the Pinlock further back. This has made the field of view larger and the area covered by the Pinlock lens also increased.

The closing mechanism is now in the middle of the visor and opening and closing the visor became smoother. The mechanism also offers the option to lock it in a cracked position, which is nice when driving around town.

Aerodynamics

An important characteristic of a quality helmet is that it has been tested in a wind tunnel, as opposed to a computer simulation that you often see with other helmets. The Shoei NXR 2 motorcycle helmet has been wind tunnel tested and this has led to the great advantage that the helmet has an improved aerodynamics. The testing has resulted in a streamlined design that cuts through the wind more smoothly.

The result is that Shoei has succeeded in reducing lift (upwards pulling) by 6% and overall drag reduction by 4%. This doesn’t seem like much, but this is a tangible difference when you test the original NXR and the NXR 2 right after each other. The updated slim design in combination with updated vents streamline the overall profile of the helmet better, and this has the effect of reducing the load on the rider’s head.

Characteristics Shoei NXR 2

Helmet type: Full face helmet

Shell material: Fiberglass composite

Outer visor: Thermoplastic aerodynamically shaped 2D CWR-F2 clear visor with standard Pinlock anti-fog lens supplied in the box

Communication: Integrated preparation for communication system

Closure: Double D closure

Insulation: Sound insulating and compacted lining

Inner lining: antibacterial, removable & washable

Helmet shell: comes in 4 sizes

Ventilation: completely renewed ventilation around the chin, top and back