Shoei Open Face Helmets – Do you know your J.O from your J Cruise?
Shoei have been developing helmets for decades and the level of comfort and quality that comes with a Shoei helmet is unparalleled by other manufacturers. From the GT Air to the X Spirit 3, you know that you’re wearing the best when out riding in your Shoei.
Often going under the radar are the Shoei open face helmets; the J-Cruise, the J.O and the RJ Platinum R. These helmets may well be missing the chin bar but that is the only thing they’re missing. The same fantastic comfort and build quality is present in these helmets as their full-face cousins.
The RJ Platinum R
The Shoei RJ Platinum R is an open face helmet with a difference; the compact design offers a secure and comfortable fit as you’d expect from a Shoei but with differences in the design that set the RJ Platinum R ahead of its competitors. The helmet features a brilliantly aerodynamic profile that really makes a difference! The air is controlled and dissipated over and around the helmet thanks to the integrated rear spoiler, a feature often only considered for premium sports helmets.
Ventilation is often ignored in open face helmets as it is argued that the air hitting the face when riding offers cool air flow to the rider. But what about the air within the helmet going stale and warm in the heat? The RJ Platinum R offers this solution with two built in vents at the front and two in the rear. This allows cool air to travel into the helmet, keeping your head cool as you ride. The rear vents allow for easy extraction of warm air, ensuring a fresh, enjoyable ride. These vents can be closed easily if not required.
Lightweight at just 1110g (+/- 50g), the Shoei RJ Platinum R is ideal for the cruiser rider. The helmet offers a reduced weight and therefore less chance of suffering neck fatigue after hours on the road. Comfort comes from the 3D centre pad, cheek pads and chin strap cover. The latter is a feature missing from competitors open face helmets. The lining is fully removable and washable, keeping your Shoei feeling fresh and clean every time.
Do you enjoy riding in an open face helmet but feel as though your being pummeled by the wind? The Shoei RJ Platinum R is your solution! Available for the price of £249.99.
The J.O
Next up, the Shoei J.O! Classic helmet nostalgia with added benefits of comfort and security.
The same AIM multi composite fibre and organic fibre construction found on the J.O is the same as is used in the NXR, GT Air and X Spirit 3. Combine this with the multi-density EPS lining and you’ve got a helmet that can really absorb some shock and impact.
The classic retro styling means this helmet wouldn’t go amiss on the rider of vintage bike. However, the versatility of the style works well with any classic motorcycle clothing. Added bonuses with the J.O are the drop-down CJ-3 visor. This clever visor has been designed to keep wind out of the helmet. Sounds like a daft idea since it’s an open face helmet, right? Say what you like, but the Shoei J.O offers riders the chance to enjoy the freedom of a stripped back open face helmet while ensuring that runny eyes aren’t going to ruin your ride. This drop-down visor is available in different colours if you wish to change the visor into a sun visor. These tinted visors feature the same excellent design as the clear, minimising the runny eyes effect at speed.
With three shell sizes, that signature Shoei fit is present as always, offering a snug fit to the helmet. Cheek pads are available in different thicknesses to tailor the feel of the helmet to you. The double D ring system gives a tailored fastening to the helmet and completes the classic appearance of the lid.
If runny eyes ruin your ride, the Shoei J.O offers the solution, thanks to carefully crafted visor and brilliant design. Prices range from £299.99 for solid colours through to £349.99 for graphics such as the Waimea TC10 graphic shown here.
The J Cruise
Bringing up the rear but by no means the runt of the litter is the Shoei J Cruise!
This open face is a triumph in jet style helmets. An open face helmet that offers the same wind protection of a full-face lid without the claustrophobic feel that goes with it. Similar to the RJ Platinum R, the J Cruise features a direct ventilation area at the top of the helmet, directing air flow across your head. Rear extraction ports let out the warm air trapped inside the helmet, leaving your head feeling fresh when you reach your destination.
Perhaps the biggest selling point is filling the gap that the RJ Platinum R and J.O are missing; the J Cruise features a drop-down sun visor! Rather than pulling over to put on your sunglasses, a simple flick of the switch at the side of the helmet lowers the sun visor, leaving your eyes shielded from the rays and your vision clear. Additionally, the main visor of the helmet is Pinlock ready, ready to accept an anti-mist insert for a clearer, uninterrupted view of the road. These anti-mist inserts are available separately should you require one.
Interestingly, the Shoei J Cruise is also the only one of the three Shoei open face helmets that features a micrometric ratchet fastening system as opposed to double D ring. This is ideal for those who perhaps suffer with difficulties using double D ring systems due to problems with hands such as arthritis. It is also an ideal system for fastening and undoing while wearing gloves as it’s far less fiddly that the double D ring used by its counterparts.
Ideal for those who enjoy the freedom of the open face but dislike the punishing pummeling of the wind. Suitable for touring riders and urban commuters alike. Prices range from £369.99 in solid colours to £469.99 for graphic colours such as the Corso TC10 shown here.
Comparison table
| Shoei Open Face Helmets | J Cruise | J.O | RJ Platinum R |
| Shell | AIM Construction | AIM Construction | AIM Construction |
| Shell sizes | 3 sizes | 3 sizes | 3 sizes |
| EPS Lining | Multi density | Multi density | Duo density |
| Visor | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Pinlock ready | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Sun Visor | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Ventilation | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Aerodynamics | Integrated rear spoiler | No additions | Integrated rear spoiler |
| Lining | Fully removable | Fully removable | Fully removable |
| Chinstrap cover | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Now you know…
With a plenty of selection and graphics to choose from, you’re bound to find the ideal Shoei open face to suit your needs. Now you know some of the features, you can make a informed decision on your new Shoei open face helmet. Plus, if you buy from us, you’ll received a future spend credit onto your Two Wheel Centre account to spend as you see fit! See what you could receive here. If you have any questions about any helmet in the 2018 Shoei range, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable and ready to help! Pop in store to see us or call us on 01623 627600.
