The new Shoei NXR is a helmet which Shoei say they’ve gone right back to basics on.
It’s a helmet that they’ve built purely for enjoyment sports riding – and this comes across loud and clear when you take a closer look at the features of the NXR.
The first thing you notice is the radically different shape of the Shoei NXR – it’s very different from it’s predecessor, the XR1100. Much shorter, much more compact, much smaller and it has a re-designed angular baseline. It’s a completely different look, and we like it.
The shell of the NXR is an Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) and it is available in four different sizes, so if you order a smaller size helmet you’re not just going to get a bigger shell padded out to make it smaller. This ensures you’ve got the same high level of protection, regardless of what size helmet you wear. The AIM shell is strong, rigid and very lightweight. In fact, the NXR weighs in at just 1310g, which is a very respectable weight for a helmet of its type.
Within the outer shell of the Shoei NXR, there’s a multi density shock-absorbing EPS liner which provides high impact protection in the areas where you need it most. But, in the areas where you don’t necessarily need so much protection, the weight is kept down by being a slightly lesser density. This in turn offers more protection: less weight = less risk to your head and neck in the event of an ‘off’.
The visor on the Shoei NXR is a whole new CWR visor, and it is a definite improvement from the previous CW-1 visor. It is Pinlock ready (the NXR is supplied with a Pinlock, too), and there are two ridges which run along the top and bottom of the visor, creating a stepped recess into which the Pinlock sits. This creates an absolute seal for the Pinlock, but the recess also serves to keep the Pinlock away from the top visor seal on the helmet, which often accumulates grit and grime and in turn scratches the Pinlock insert as the visor is moved up and down. Having the Pinlock recessed into the visor combats this by lifting the insert a few extra millimetres away from the visor seal. A simple yet ingenious development from Shoei.
The NXR also retains Shoei’s impressive quick release visor plates (you simply pull a lever and the visor comes off, it’s really easy). However, the visor base plates have been slightly re-designed to allow for super-fine adjustment of the visor plate and ensure an absolutely optimum seal between the visor and helmet.
To re-fit the visor, it’s also really simple. You just line the visor up on each side and pop it into place on the base plates. The visor lock on the NXR is placed at the base of the visor and is just a fixed catch – rather than a movable lock mechanism to the side of the visor as seen on previous Shoei helmets.
It goes without saying that Shoei have also tested the NXR in their wind tunnel, and this means two things: firstly, the aerodynamics on the NXR are exceptional and, secondly, the ventilation is absolutely second to none. Across the top of the NXR there’s three brow vents and a large vent to the chin to allow a free flow of cool air into the helmet. To the back of the helmet, underneath the aerodynamic spoiler, there are exits vents to pull warm out of the helmet.
The internal liners of the Shoei NXR are comprehensive. The chin curtain is an optional item – fit it to lessen the amount of fast flowing air which enters the helmet. The cheek pads are pretty special – they’re Shoei’s emergency quick release cheek pads. In an emergency, these cheek pads can be removed from the helmet before it is removed from the wearer’s head, widening the opening at the neck of the helmet significantly and causing less jarring of the vulnerable rider when the helmet is eventually lifted off. These emergency cheek pads are exclusive to Shoei and are something which was previously only seen on the likes of the X-Spirit (Shoei’s top of the range race helmet). There’s also a fully removable crown liner, the attachment points for which are purposefully positioned away from your head to avoid pressure points. Every piece of the liner is 3D contoured covered with a micro-wicking, quick drying fabric offering a really close, comfortable fit right out of the box. The internals can be hand washed, but be sure to let them dry naturally – no artificial heat sources!
Taking a look inside the NXR, a complex network of deep air flow channels are revealed. These work in conjunction with the vents to the front and rear of the helmet to supply an endless flow of cool air to your head. Tested in Shoei’s wind tunnel, you can be assured that airflow around the lid (both inside and out) will be fantastic.
The Shoei NXR is fastened with a double D ring strap. It is ECE 22.05 and ACU Gold approved for use on domestic race tracks.
Overall, the NXR is a fabulous helmet from Shoei and a worthy replacement for the ever popular XR1100.