Shoei - New Helmet & Visor

A couple of months ago, I was looking for a part for my helmet, and was surprised when the dealership from whom I bought it informed me the helmet was more than 5 years old. Apparently, the common guideline is to pick up a new one every five years because riding, dinging, sun, and general use lead to a breakdown that, after the half-decade mark, renders the melon shield less protective than the day you buy it.

So, off I went to try on lids. I bought a new helmet after trying on dozens of brands and styles. I ended up going with a Shoei because, for me, the crown fit properly in a large, and it expands outward to accomodate my broader (read as: fat) face. They also have a reputation for being quieter helmets, which is a huge plus, especially on the Multistrada, which has an equal reputation for being LOUD!

Riding with the helmet, I found it was much quieter than my HJC composite. I do miss the ability to flip it up and chat at red lights and stop signs, but it's a minor inconvenience. I love pinlock, a feature that allows me to insert a clear shield inside the visor that prevents/reduces fogging. I still get minor fogging because I ride with my glasses on, but it only happens in very cool weather at a standstill, and clears up immediately once I start rolling. This is due to the EXCELLENT ventilation of the helmet, a feature I had not considered fully when I was buying, but really came to appreciate at the end of this summer.

I also just installed a gold visor. This shield reduces the glare from really bright areas and enhances the areas in shade.

I took a ride along the Susquehanna River and through some roads I know to be challenging for the shadows that fall on them, just to see how much better this shield was, and the difference was remarkable. Riding on sun-dappled roads, which are very common in Pennsylvania due to trees overhanging and lining our roads, this visor is absolutely fantastic. It has the effect of leveling out the light and dark contrasting areas, so I can see it all much more clearly.

It has already made me a much more confident rider because my vision is so much better. This setup is not cheap, but for me it was worth it.