Shoei Neotec Helmet: The Most Versatile Flip Up Helmet!

I wrote to Shoei about their rather pathetic color options, and their U.K. distributer replied with a nice apology, but also said that Shoei were not planning any other colors for 2012.

I know that us that wear intelligent gear (or "UTWIGS") may somehow have given the Japanese manufacturers the mistaken impression that we are, in fact, boring people. However, just because UTWIGS ride ugly (but functional!) bikes, and wear bulletproof (and yes, usually ugly) gear, doesn't mean that we can't remember a dim and distant past of a more riotous nature.

As Shoei did eventually make a racy (ok, racy as in "1960's racy) version of the Multitec, maybe if we all live long enough we'll get lucky again with the Neotec!

In the meantime, does anyone know of a loud helmet sticker set? (Troy Lee's stopped making theirs).

Looked at the Shoei Europe website and the MultiTec is not offered, clearly the Neotec is the future modular helmet for Shoei.

Hope it arrives in the US soon.

That's weird: I just checked Shoei's European website (http://www.shoei-europe.com/) and if you check under "products," the Multitec is still there. Maybe they just took it down for dusting?

Here's to closeout sales on the Multitec!

Just threw the plastic down to pay for a Neotec pre-order through Revzilla.

Boring, solid colors are $584 w/ free shipping. Me, being boring and solid, staked a white XL, discounted a bit through 'Revzilla bucks' from an earlier purchase.

Website says early March 2012 delivery. I really expected the Neo to retail much higher; the Euro sites showed over $700 US, but if Revzilla can make it work for $584, I'm in. Seems like it'll be the lid o' my dreams.

Revzilla:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...dium=affiliate&utm_campaign=%zp&utm_source=CJ

Did they charge your card now? Or charge it when it ships?

They charge now for pre-orders.

And I've been losing sleep debating (in my mind) over the Schuberth C3. Although this is a new model and there aren't any real reports, I'm excited to see it come out. Could be my next lid.

I've had a C3 for close to four years now, no problems and the fit and function is still grade A. But the Neotec sounds promising if it offers similar performance for a couple hundred cheaper. Looking forward to WebBike's review.

Me too. My RF1000 fits me perfectly. I hope the fit is the same.

Shoei USA's website now has quite a bit of info on the Neotec:

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/

I don't see a description of the chin strap on the USA version. Seems to me that the Euro version has the ratchet style instead of the D-rings, which would be a big change for Shoei here.

The charge hasn't hit yet, but I only did it online less than 24-hrs ago (it was a PUI purchase at 0100 Sat AM). I did get an email from Revzilla that my order was "received", so maybe come Monday, when they're back at work, they'll hit my card. No sweat though, I've purchased gear from them before and visited their Philadelphia grand opening; it's a good outfit.

I'll update if/when the charges hit...

Has anyone seen info on the internal shape as it compares to the Multitec and if the chin curtain is removable? I Googled the subject but didn't find anything. I'd like to order one for my wife.

Gawd. I almost choked at the cost when I bought my Multitec, but it has turned out to be the most comfortable, quiet, and versatile helmet I've ever had. Maybe Shoei will have them to evaluate at the upcoming IMS shows.

Saving my pennies...

If I'm going to spend that much for a helmet I think I'd just as soon find another $115 and get the Schuberth.

But given how much I like my X-lite 1002 unless the 104 turns out to be a complete piece of crap(which I highly doubt but you never know) spending more than the $350 needed for the Nolan seems like a big bag of diminishing returns.

I have been looking at the qwest but like the option of the flip up helmet. of the 2 helmets how do they compare I saw the new neotec this past weekend at a bike show and liked it a lot but I am wandering about the noise level of the flip up vs the fullface. Thanks for any help you can give me on this.

Thanks Tojays

If you wear ear protection it won't make much difference. But as this helmet is so new, I don't think anyone can compare the noise level between the two just yet.

Did the charge hit? I really want to pre-order but I prefer that my money not be tied up for 10 weeks.

Yes, it did. I am willing to float the money as I had an unexpected infusion of funds recently.

I also made a quick call to Revzilla for any updates they may have from Shoei regarding US supply, and "Joel" indicated they are still on track for an early March distribution. He also noted that the basic white lid (which I ordered) should be among the first arrivals and I may see it as soon as mid-February (yay!). I'm willing to wait if that doesn't pan out though.

One other thought...while the price of this helmet may seem high, it has features that would cost more to similarly equip my RF1000 and even a Mutlitec. Neo has the built-in shade; it cost me nearly $50 to buy a dark-tint visor. It also appears that the Neo comes with pinlok; it cost me another $50 for a CV-1 pinlok clear shield plus another, say $35 for a tinted insert. So that's about $135 over the initial, what, $450 I plunked down for the RF1000 5 years ago?

That and the multitude of improvements found in the Neotec made me consider this a worthwhile investment. Others may have their own feelings, but Shoei's fit me just right, so it's a done deal for me.

-Don