Shoei Neotec II Modular Helmet | Gear Review

Shoei Neotec II
Shoei Neotec II in Matte Blue Metallic.

After years of swearing by full-face helmets, lately I find myself reaching for a flip-up-style lid for commuting and longer rides. Although “modular” helmets tend to be a bit heavier and noisier, being able to leave it on and flip up the chinbar to expose your face (namely your mouth to speak, eat, drink, smooch, etc.) is worth a couple trade-offs. Safety isn’t really an issue, since the quality modulars all have solid metal latching systems and the same impact-absorbing EPS foam in the chinbar that is used in the head form.

In the past the Cadillac of modular helmets has been the Shoei Neotec, primarily by virtue of its comfortable fit, relative quietness and solid feel. Its other features are exceptionally well done, too, like the built-in, drop-down sunshield, removable, washable liner and cheek pads, easy one-handed chinbar operation and headset-readiness (e.g. speaker cutouts in the ear area).

Sequels rarely live up to the original, but Shoei has blown that notion away with the new Neotec II. While it returns with all of the best qualities and features of the original, Shoei has also made definite improvements in the Neotec’s performance and convenience.

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Shoei Neotec II
Sena SRL System.

First up is the integration of an optional headset system created with Sena called the Shoei Rider Link, or SRL. Although the original Neotec accommodated most headsets well, the Neotec II has special channels in the EPS for the SRL headset wiring and integrated battery and control compartments that help make installing the $299 SRL a snap. It has the same audio feature set as Sena’s 20s and 10C headsets, too, so you can connect phone, music, GPS and up to eight riding buddies with a one-mile range, 10-hour talk time, voice commands and more. The audio sounds great, phone calls are clear and easy to make (when stopped of course) and by using Sena’s app the volume can be boosted enough to hear the audio wearing earplugs.

Shoei went with four shell sizes for the XS-XXL Neotec II size range to ensure a good fit with minimum weight (about 5 ounces more than the original in large, with the SRL installed). The shell shape has been significantly enhanced overall, and several changes were incorporated with the help of Shoei’s wind tunnel for better aerodynamics and noise reduction, including soft “Noise Isolator” wind deflectors on the cheek pads and a “Vortex Generator” lip on the bottom of the chinbar. Worn back-to-back with the original the Neotec II does seem about 10-percent quieter, though it’s still not as quiet as most of Shoei’s full-face lids. Fit runs slightly larger but I found it even more comfortable than before.

More new features include a super convenient and comfortable micro-ratcheting quick-release chinstrap; new air and watertight beading around the eyeport (that does indeed keep water out) for the Pinlock-ready, 3D injection-molded face shield; more effective intake and exhaust venting, with a new chinbar vent that is harder to close accidentally; and a dual-lock system for the chinbar that holds it securely in the open position (this was requested by the numerous police departments that use the Neotec).

Shoei Neotec II
Shoei Neotec II with chin bar in the open position and interior sun shield lowered.

The Neotec II isn’t so much a helmet as it is a superior system for protection, comfort, convenience and communication on a motorcycle. The new venting flows significantly more air, the shield seals tightly and with the included Pinlock Evo fog-resistant liner installed you’re essentially impervious to the elements. I love the new QR chinstrap, and much appreciate the reduced noise. As before the upper eyeport edge is a bit low, so you have to tilt your head back farther on sportbikes, but otherwise the Neotec II is more than ever my go-to modular helmet for commuting and long rides. 

The Shoei Neotec II retails for $699 in solid colors and $799 in metallics or graphics. The $299 Sena SRL system is available exclusively through Sena and its dealers; see sena.com for more information. 

For more information, see your dealer or visit shoei-helmets.com.

5 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve had a few Shoei helmets. I replaced my Shoei Multitec with this new Neotec 2 and I am deeply disappointing with it due to it giving my headaches after 40 minutes and it being a noisier helmet mainly because the top air intake’s design creates wind noise where my Multitec top air vent was a flush design and therefore quieter. Add to all this that Shoei released this helmet too early before being able to provide inner head padding’s or different visor options. All in all its an over priced over hyped disappointment.

  2. I have just purchased this helmet along with the SRL system. I’m replacing an older Nolan flip helmet. It fits fantastic, feels lighter, although the actual weight says different, and I had no issues pairing the SRL with my 2018 Gold Wing. I can’t wait until the weather gets better and I give it a really good testing!

  3. Very quiet helmet. Runs a size smaller than any of my other helmets. The neotec 2 is superb. I rode almost 2,000 miles Friday and Saturday in complete comfort in this helmet.

  4. Just rode today, for the first time, with my SHOEI Neo 2. Overall, a good fitting helmet. My wife and I both decided to wear them. We ride Can Am Ryker Rallys, which are the dual sport editions of the Rykers. I installed the SENA SRLs in both of the helmets. The communication element was important to both of us. We had gone to a Cycle Gear store to look at helmets. I prefer the traditional full face helmet. My wife spotted the SHOEI modular Neotec and was all over it. I had never owned a modular helmet. I was interested in the “graphically inspired” 1200. I then thought about the communication aspect. I had just installed a SENA system in mine and my wife’s helmet. Works awesome. My wife’s helmet was new, mine was a 16 year old ARAI. I was in need of a new helmet. When my wife saw the SHOEI and, tried it on, she was hooked. Well, after trying it on, I was sold. $2000.00 later, we both have the Neotec with the SENA SLR. Ride test. As mentioned before, we ride the Ryker Rally 900s. We live in Arizona and get a lot of wind. That being said, the helmet is not really quiet. Wind noise is more than we had expected. Slower speeds, not so bad. Freeway speeds, pretty bad. For those installing the SENA SRL, you can still hear your music. Conversation as well. If anyone has an adjustment to reduce the wind noise, please post. I really like the fit and quality of the helmet. The ability to integrate the SRL communication/bluetooth is awesome. It’s made for the helmet. I’ve been riding for 50 years. I always buy the best helmet I can afford. I’ve owned several SHOEIs and ARAIs. Both are great. First time “modular helmet” owner. Shoei makes a great helmet. I just wanted to let you know my experiences.

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