Neotec Solid Modular Motorcycle Helmet

pro_icon

Pros

The Shoei Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet is both quiet & light for a modular helmet.  Zero buffeting or drag at speeds exceeding 75MPH.  Was one of the most comfortable helmets for over long rides, and allows for superb Bluetooth communication.  With the included Pinlock lens system, the Neotec stays virtually fog free across all conditions.

cons_icon

Cons

The Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet doesn’t have any cons from our perspective.  It lacks some of the upgrades the Shuberth C3 Pro includes, like ratcheting chinstrap, and is slightly heavier, but it is also $120 cheaper.

The Verdict:

9.5/10

95 rate

The Shoei Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet is one of the helmets we choose to take down to South America.  This helmet has everything that we feel is going to be essential along our 12K mile ride from Columbia down through Torres Del Paine, and back up to Brazil.  Look for additional posts after our ride to see how the Shoei Netec performed against the Schuberth C3 Pro after the trip.

Summary

The Shoei Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet is one of the most versatile helmets on the market.  Shoei has been in the modular helmet market for a while now.  The Neotec is the their next generation modular helmet after their huge success with the Multitec modular helmet.  The Neotec is one of the most progressive modular helmets on the market.  Shoei boasts improved shell aerodynamics, a wider and taller field of vision, a reduction in wind noise, an internal sun shield, and a fully removable, washable and replaceable liner system; the Neotec is the next level of modular helmet design for today’s hybrid motorcyclists.

Warranty & Customer Service (10/10)

The Shoei Neotec helmet is covered under warranty for five years from purchase date, or seven years from the date of manufacture, whichever comes first.

“The warranty covers all manufacturing defects. Please note that damage caused by the consumer, (i.e. dropping the helmet), etc., is not covered under warranty.”

To have your helmet impact inspected for free, please ship it to:
3002 Dow Ave, Suite 128
Tustin, CA 92780
Attn: Inspections

Bang for Your Buck (9/10)

The Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet is not an inexpensive helmet, but you pay for what you get.  Shoei is one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycle helmets in the world.  They spend big bucks on integrating the latest technology in smart and sophisticated ways.  When you wear a Shoei helmet on your head for 10 hour+, you can feel the quality and precision that went into all of its makings.  The Neotec is ahead of the pack when it comes to modular helmets.

Ventilation & Noise (10/10)

The Shoei Neotec Modular Helmet is one of the quietest helmets we tested, especially on the highway at over 75 mph.  There was almost no upward lift or buffeting at high speeds with the Neotec, and only minimal wind noise.

With the integrated Pinlock lens system, the lens is virtually fog proof.  The Neotec has a state of the art ventilation system that is both effective and easy to use.  When riding in Washington State, we have to deal with an absorbent amount of moisture and cold weather.  The Shoei Neotec is a helmet that is versatile enough to keep the rider both warm, and the lens fog free, even in the most treacherous of weather situations.  While riding, even with gloves on, the ventilation can be easily manipulated to accommodate any weather conditions.

Note from the manufacturer: “Utilizing SHOEI’s wind tunnels to help reveal the optimal balance between airflow and silence, SHOEI engineers equipped the all-new Neotec with a large lower vent shutter for ease of use with riding gloves, a strategically-placed, three position upper vent for optimal air intake, and uniquely-positioned upper exhaust outlet vents to take better advantage of negative pressure suction—all yielding dramatically-improved cool-air intake and hot-air expulsion.”

We had absolutely no problems communicating via the Sena Bluetooth system on the highway at any speed.  We were even able to keep good communication going between the Shoei Neotec and Schuberth C3 Pro while off-road, with the visor up, at speeds exceeding 45 mph.  Many of the other helmets caused the person on the other side of the Bluetooth to suffer from wind noise if the visor was left open while moving.

Note from the manufacturer: “Thanks to time well spent in SHOEI’s wind tunnels, Neotec owners will enjoy a reduction of wind noise without blocking the road’s “informative sounds.” In addition to optimal shell aerodynamics and liner components designed to prevent unwanted road noises from entering through the bottom of the helmet, a dual-ridge window bead and the chin bar’s “Vortex Generator” lip work together to reduce noise and manage airflow around the helmet.”

Features (9/10)

The Shoei Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet is packed full of features.  The Neotec has a modular flip-up facemask, integrated sun visor, the Pinlock lens system is included, and the 360 pivot lock system makes taking the lens on and off a breeze.

The flip up facemask is a must have feature for long touring.  The amount of time, energy, and frustration involved in taking a helmet off anytime you want to ask for directions, or communicate with someone becomes obsolete with the Neotec.  This is the one place that the Shoei Neotec really shined over the Schuberth C3 Pro.  THE flip-up facemask on the Neotec is superb and painless to actuate, locking into place with ease and never getting hung up on anything.  We tested the Shoei Neotec helmet over 1,000’s or miles, and can’t see after having the modular flip-up option, how we could go back to a full-face helmet.  The Neotec modular helmet is so versatile and comfortable; we sometimes forget to take it off when we get into a restaurant.

Note from the manufacturer: “The Neotec’s flip up design offers the convenience and versatility of a full-face helmet that converts instantly into an open-face configuration. Utilizing an enlarged lock release button to facilitate easy handling with gloves on, the Neotec’s lightweight chin bar and face shield rotate with smooth precision on a single axis point, yielding the seamless versatility of a true two-in-one design.”

Another feature that we would have a hard time leaving behind is the integrated flip down sun visor.  The action on this visor is outstanding.  Because the visor is under pressure 100% of the time, The Shoei Neotec gives the rider the ability to adjust how much of the shade is down at any given time.  When traveling around the world and across multiple time zones, you have no idea what kind of weather you are going to come across.  The features integrated into the Shoie Neotec have you covered for all of them.

Note from the Manufacturer: “The Neotec’s built-in QSV-1 sun shield gives riders instant relief from sun glare in one quick motion. A large, easily located switch activates the 3D injection-molded inner shield, and the distortion-free view blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays just like the CNS-1 external shield that lies ahead. Unique to the Neotec, the forehead area of the outer shell is raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun shield, allowing for the integrity of the helmet’s inner EPS liner to remain intact. The QSV-1 sun shield exceeds the ANSI Z80.3-2010 standard for non-prescription eyewear”

We cannot promote the Pinlock Lens System enough.  Watch our video where Dan tries to fog up the Shoei GT Air helmet at the Cycle Gear Store.  This system is an absolute must, and is far superior to any aftermarket spay you can adhere to your lens.  We have used this lens in all kinds of weather and it has never failed us.  Even in cold rainy weather the lens is able to stay clear and visible even at low speeds.  The 360-degree locking system on the Shoei Neotec is one of the easiest lens removal systems on the market.  It requires no tools and takes less than 5 seconds.

Note from the Manufactuer: “The all-new Neotec comes equipped with a Pinlock® EVO Fog-Resistant System, offering the most effective anti-fog protection in existence. A simple, one-step installation process makes every Pinlock® lens easy to install. SHOEI’s proven 360° Pivot Locking System is road tested and made of high quality stainless steel components to ensure a safe and secure closure when the Neotec’s chin bar is in the down, locked position.”

Safety & Comfort (9.5/10)

The Neotec Modular Motorcycle Helmet manufactured by Shoei is one of the safest and most comfortable modular helmets on the market.  Shoei incorporates the Emergency Quick Release System, with a solid fiberglass shell structure, and EPS foam liner.  The inner material is both comfortable and made of high quality 3D Max-Dry material.  The cheek and ear pads are removable and customizable for individual riders.  Of course the Neotec meets or exceeds DOT standards and comes with a 5-year warranty.

 

The E.Q.R.S (Emergency Quick Release System) is designed to make removal of the helmet easier for medical personnel, if the rider is in an accident.  The AIM constructed outer shell of the Neotec is DOT certified.  The outer shell of the Neotec is made of a fiberglass compound mixed with organic fibers.  This allows Shoei to produce an incredibly lightweight, extremely strong shell for the Neotec.  The dual layer EPS liner provides both protection from impact, as well as allows air to move through the helmet cooling the riders head.

Note from Manufacturer: “E.Q.R.S (Emergency Quick Release System) Mechanical tabs disengage cheek pads for easy removal by emergency medical personnel. Helmet can be removed with minimum load to rider in emergency situations. The Neotec’s Dual-Layer EPS Liner not only provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam, it is designed to allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, further enhancing the Neotec’s unmatched ventilation characteristics.”

The inner 3D Max-Dry liner is a high quality, proprietary material produced by Shoei.  The liner is very comfortable over long rides, and breaks in evenly over time.  We have been more than happy with the comfort factor of this helmet in all riding conditions.  The pads are both removable and adjustable to help in customizing the Neotec helmet to custom fit any rider.  We have absolutely no complaints at this time about the Neotec’s comfort, and hope you enjoy this helmet as much as we have if you decide to purchase one.

Note from Manufacturer: “The Neotec’s Dual-Layer EPS Liner not only provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam, it is designed to allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, further enhancing the Neotec’s unmatched ventilation characteristics.  The Neotec is equipped with a fully removable, washable, and replaceable interior system. The 3D center pad components are three-dimensionally shaped to match the contours of a rider’s head, allowing for an extremely comfortable fit while maintaining the firm hold necessary for distraction-free, high-speed riding. The Neotec’s multi-layer cheek pads are available in different thicknesses for a customizable fit.

Manufacture Description

Shoei Neotec Modular Helmet

Building upon the success of their previous modular helmets, the Shoei Neotec Helmet was designed with long distance and ADV touring in mind. The innovative tri-composite shell has been designed to provide riders with a smooth and quiet ride while reducing, lift, weight and increasing overall safety. The shell of the Neotec has also been designed to house the internal drop-down sun visor, eliminating the need to reduce the thickness of the EPS liner and potentially compromise safety.

An integrated face shield and chinbar pivot point reduces the number of moving parts, mitigates wind noise and enables riders to close both the chinbar and face shield in the same motion. Shoei’s stainless steel 360° Pivot Locking System secures the chin bar when it is in the closed position and the dual-layer EPS liner provides enhance impact absorption and is channeled to facilitate ventilation.

From the shell to EPS to the 3D formed comfort liner, the Shoei Neotec is purpose built to provide unrivaled rider comfort and safety. Perfect for nearly any type of ride and rider, the Neotec is the ultimate in touring performance.

Shoei Neotec Helmet Features:

Face Shield Features

  • Easily operable lever mechanism
  • Anti-fog, anti-scratch, 99% UV blocking
  • Pinlock-ready CNS-1 faceshield
  • Wider and taller than the CX-1V that it replaces
  • Includes Pinlock insert
  • 3D injection molding process ensures a distortion-free view

Ventilation and Aerodynamics

  • Vortex generator vents pull air through helmet
  • 276% more airflow than Multitec
  • Added inlets and outlets
  • Vents are flush against helmet to maintain aerodynamics

5-Ply Shock-Absorbing Fiber Shell

  • 3 shell sizes