GT-Air Shoei helmet

[Swampcat]

According to the people at Cycle Gear, you are correct.  They were telling me, recently, that the Air and the RF were quite different.  I wrote off Shoei a year ago because I tried the RF and there was no way it would fit my head.  So I never even tried the Air.   We now know that was a mistake.

And my experience was the opposite. I really wanted the GT-Air and stopped at the Shoei booth at AIMExpo last month to try one on. I was so disappointed that it didn't work for me. The rep got his specialist to measure my head, suggested I try an RF-1200, and it was exactly right. Wish it had the features of the Air, but one of the "features" was going to be a permanent headache and that was a non-negotiable negative.

[DaddyFlip]

I will add my experience for posterity. I've had a GT-Air in XL for two years. Perfect fit all over. My in-store experience said that the GT-Air and the RF1200 fit exactly the same, the only difference being the chinbar and faceshield on the 1200 being closer to the face. I previously characterized the RF1200 being more of a 'race fit' version of the GT-Air. I liked that the RF1200 had the new Snell rating, was externally more aerodynamic (i.e. smaller), and came in some better graphics. However, I was purchasing a white helmet anyway and I really wanted the drop down visor. I have been completely happy with the GT-Air decision.

Regarding break-in: Within the first year, I found the standard XL cheekpads loosened so much that wind noise was creeping in and the fit was loose. I ordered the thicker cheekpads and this helped significantly improve the overall fit. The crown was perfect on day one and is still perfect; I have not changed the main comfort liner.

Regarding drop down visor: This is a 'can't live without it' feature. It is down most of the time. I especially like opening the screen all the way when coasting through towns to get fresh air while still having the visor in front of my eyes to scare off bugs or small debris.

Regarding SMH10: I left the foam pads in the ear cavities and mounted the speakers ON TOP of them. I wear Howard Leight foam earplugs 24/7/365.

Regarding Pinlock: I leave mine installed 24/7/365 and would not ride without it. If I know I am going to ride at night (rare), I carry an extra, brand new shield/Pinlock with me and trade it out at dusk. For daytime riding, I am still on the original 2-year old shield and Pinlock insert without issue.

Regarding the future: For my riding, I would not purchase a helmet without the drop down visor- it is my #1 requirement. I like the extra room between face and chinbar/shield; I don't like poking my chin out and being able to touch the chinbar. I have looked at other DDV helmets, but IMO, you have to buy the best to get a good one. I think the GT-Air is the best.

[maxtog]

I will add my experience for posterity. I've had a GT-Air in XL for two years. Perfect fit all over. My in-store experience said that the GT-Air and the RF1200 fit exactly the same,

Well, they are not the same shape, but I bet for some people's heads (who are probably in the middle between oval and round, or something like that) it won't matter and they can wear either.  You must be one of those lucky ones

Regarding drop down visor: This is a 'can't live without it' feature.

Couldn't agree more.  Had it first on my Scorpion and realized I would never have another helmet without it.

Regarding Pinlock: I leave mine installed 24/7/365 and would not ride without it. If I know I am going to ride at night (rare), I carry an extra, brand new shield/Pinlock with me and trade it out at dusk. For daytime riding, I am still on the original 2-year old shield and Pinlock insert without issue.

I just ordered another front shield and I plan on using that WITHOUT the pinlock and just swapping to the pinlock only if I will be riding in sub 50'sF.  Glare is not worth it otherwise because I can control the fogging above 50 OK.  Removing and installing the pinlock is a huge chore and a nightmare if everything is not PERFECTLY clean, so it just makes sense to swap out the whole shield.

[maxtog]

I waited a long time to post this, because I wanted to make absolutely sure.  Back in the thread I complained about fit and pain issues but thought I had a fix.   It wasn't.  I thought certainly after a while and some more experimentation, it would be "broken in" and my issues would resolve.  It simply isn't so.  For reasons I can't explain, after using it for about an hour, it starts to give me great pain on the top of my head, sometimes even with nausea.  When I take the helmet off I still have deep red imprint across my forehead and three across my scalp.  After a 10 min rest, I can often use the helmet again for another 30+ min.  Early on (but not soon enough) I visited the dealer and also talked to Shoei more than once.  Both were very supportive and helpful, but nothing can fix the problem.  I have tried different sized inserts, bigger, smaller, combinations of both, added my own padding, and nothing helps.  The only thing left Shoei could offer would be custom pad creation, which would require I be thousands of miles away to create a head model.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Since I mounted the comms on the Shoei, I now only use the Shoei when riding with someone, which is about 1/3 my riding.  Otherwise, I revert back to my old Scorpion EXO-1000, which never causes me any type of fit/comfort/pain problem.  I speculate that my head shape is just not compatible and it is more complex than just "round vs. oval".  A word of caution to others-  a helmet might fit/feel fine in the store.  It might fit/feel fine on shorter rides.  But if you have pain, it is likely not going to get better by waiting and it might be uncorrectable.  And if you wait too long, you can't return/exchange the helmet.

The GT-Air is an excellent helmet.  It is good looking, functional, light weight, areodynamic, vents well, constructed well, has great visibility and a wonderful internal shade.  But nothing matters when it competes with pain.

[PlaynInPeoria]

I have had a Neotec for at least 3 years, I suspect it's a lot heavier because of the modular function. On my 2nd one actually, a black buzzard knocked me cold when wearing the 1st. I bought another and had the old one certified as fine by Shoei and sold it for half price.  It had been replaced/paid for by insurance, along with a lot of bike damage in the resulting wreck.

Max, why don't you use the spoon method to make the GT-Air have less pressure?   The bright red spots on your noggin are the template for where to fix.  You've already spent the money, other than minutely less protection and the effort it takes, I am not seeing a downside.

I have never noticed glare from my Pinlock but am on my 3rd shield/pinlock, which cost about $80 to replace.  I had a different problem on my recent trip to Deals Gap where it was in the 30's at various times.  The shield and Pinlock got a small separation at some point and moisture crept between the 2 and that moisture would eventually create fog up to the point of blocking my vision.  I would have to pull over to split the 2 and use a micro fiber cloth to wipe out the moisture.  I would fight that until it got warm enough to stop. It was really pissing me off, but I resisted the temptation to just pull over and rip out the Pinlock, fearing that the fogging would be much worse and there would be no going back.  It was too cold to keep the shield open and no combination of venting and leaving the shield at the 'barely cracked' position would stop it.  I know it's a sealing issue and probably just wouldn't show until it got really cold.  I saw 30F on the display several times and spent large portions of the morning below 40F.  Still had a lot of fun though.

Also, I love the drop down screen, never not have one now, too darn handy.

[maxtog]

Max, why don't you use the spoon method to make the GT-Air have less pressure?   The bright red spots on your noggin are the template for where to fix.  You've already spent the money, other than minutely less protection and the effort it takes, I am not seeing a downside.

I have tried messing with it over and over and can't seem to fix the problem.  I will say I applied more contrast to the photo to make the marks show up so they are easier to see in the posting, it really isn't quite as severe as it might appear (at least on the forehead).  Looking at the photos, one might think the problem is more forehead, but I am almost positive it is the top of my head.  That is where all the pain starts and radiates.  And for that, I just don't know what else to try. 

I have never noticed glare from my Pinlock but am on my 3rd shield/pinlock, [...]

I can see where it would be handy for some people, but it just hasn't panned out for me.  The glare is very dependant on the angle at which you ride and hold your helmet and that will depend on body size, handlebar position, seating position, etc.  In my case, it seems unavoidable.  If I tilt my head down a few inches the glare is gone, but I can't do that so it just isn't an option.  In any case, I really don't have much fogging problems overall, so losing it doesn't hurt much.

Also, I love the drop down screen, never not have one now, too darn handy.

This is my second helmet with that feature and I absolutely *LOVE* it and will never buy a helmet without it now.

I just came back from a cold, 100 mile, 2hr ride with a friend about 30 min ago.  Damn it is such a warm and quiet helmet.  But I have Klingon scalp/hair and the headache still hasn't gone away yet

[PlaynInPeoria]

It would suck to have that helmet do that.  I had an Arai of some sort I owned that made my forehead ache terribly. I spent $400 or so on it.  Luckily I crashed heavily and ruined it, that's when I got the Neotec. 

The Neotec fits, thank heavens because it's so expensive.  I did get a do over on it when the bird kamikazi'ed me, but I bought another one just like it.

[Rhino]

It would suck to have that helmet do that.  I had an Arai of some sort I owned that made my forehead ache terribly. I spent $400 or so on it.  Luckily I crashed heavily and ruined it, that's when I got the Neotec. 

The Neotec fits, thank heavens because it's so expensive.  I did get a do over on it when the bird kamikazi'ed me, but I bought another one just like it.

Doesn't sound all that lucky.  That has absolutely got to be the worst way to replace a helmet. But glad it worked out and your still riding.

[PlaynInPeoria]

OK fine, story time.

When the bird hit me in 2012, I was on a road trip in Missouri and wearing full leathers, Neotec, road race gloves and boots. Not a scratch but tweaked my knee and ankle, took a bit but no big deal.

When I ruined the Arai, it was 2011 and I was on the way home from softball.  Helmet, gloves, shorts and a tank top. DR650 had a flat front which felt funny but I thought I could make it home.   When I put on the brakes approaching/entering a corner, it put all the weight on the front tire, which collapsed. Aluminum rims have poor traction and down I went.  Luckily there was a guy behind me in a pickup with a ramp and tie downs and a cute daughter (who was unimpressed, other than of my luck in them being there).

They hauled me the half mile home, where my luck continued. My buddy was there and was adjusting the valves that Thursday night on my C10, in preparation for a big solo trip I was taking the next Friday.  Buddy helped me unload, GF took me to the hospital to get all the gravel picked out and scrubbed (not as much fun as it sounds).  Left 8 days later on a 6500 mile solo trip from Peoria to the Seattle area (much stuff in between), Olympic peninsula to the farthest northwest corner of the US. Then down 101/US1 to LA, then home. 11.5 days, much fun was had.  Not fun was removing all the bandages and showering every night, then applying Neosporin and new bandages.  Other than that, incredible adventure including a 1000 mile + day from Barstow CA to Fort Morgan CO, mostly slab.  What a ride, the scenery between those 2 places doesn't really suck.  105F going through Vegas, but the scenery going through Utah made up for it.  I had never seen Utah in person and because of what I saw, I have been back 2x and seen most of the national parks and monuments, I highly recommend all of them.

And that's how my Arai got ruined, it got banged up and I wore my previous helmet, which was fine.

[Rhino]

OK fine, story time.

When the bird hit me in 2012, I was on a road trip in Missouri and wearing full leathers, Neotec, road race gloves and boots. Not a scratch but tweaked my knee and ankle, took a bit but no big deal.

When I ruined the Arai, it was 2011 and I was on the way home from softball.  Helmet, gloves, shorts and a tank top. DR650 had a flat front which felt funny but I thought I could make it home.   When I put on the brakes approaching/entering a corner, it put all the weight on the front tire, which collapsed. Aluminum rims have poor traction and down I went.  Luckily there was a guy behind me in a pickup with a ramp and tie downs and a cute daughter (who was unimpressed, other than of my luck in them being there).

They hauled me the half mile home, where my luck continued. My buddy was there and was adjusting the valves that Thursday night on my C10, in preparation for a big solo trip I was taking the next Friday.  Buddy helped me unload, GF took me to the hospital to get all the gravel picked out and scrubbed (not as much fun as it sounds).  Left 8 days later on a 6500 mile solo trip from Peoria to the Seattle area (much stuff in between), Olympic peninsula to the farthest northwest corner of the US. Then down 101/US1 to LA, then home. 11.5 days, much fun was had.  Not fun was removing all the bandages and showering every night, then applying Neosporin and new bandages.  Other than that, incredible adventure including a 1000 mile + day from Barstow CA to Fort Morgan CO, mostly slab.  What a ride, the scenery between those 2 places doesn't really suck.  105F going through Vegas, but the scenery going through Utah made up for it.  I had never seen Utah in person and because of what I saw, I have been back 2x and seen most of the national parks and monuments, I highly recommend all of them.

And that's how my Arai got ruined, it got banged up and I wore my previous helmet, which was fine.

Good story! I'll have to keep this in mind as my other bike is also a DR650. I hate flats and I hate fixing tubes! Have fixed many a tubeless flat in minutes using plugs and 12V inflator. So I tried this http://japan.webike.net/products/21447814.html on my DR650 rear wheel about 3 months ago with great success and now running tubeless on the rear. Will do the front sometime this winter. So instead of riding home on a flat as I would also be tempted to do, I will just use a gummy worm and be on my way.

[KawaC14]

I've used one since Feb. 2016. Put about 3000-4000 miles with it on. Absolutely loved it. I had to order the thinner cheek pads for it. But, I just sold it. I wanted to switch to a modular and Revzilla had a sale on the Schuberth C3 Pro Classic Dark so I purchased that and just sold my Shoei. As much as I loved the GT Air I am impressed with the lighter weight and much quieter ride with the Shuberth. I have not had it very long but it seems to be a bit of a step up from the GT Air.

[maxtog]

I have tried messing with it over and over and can't seem to fix the problem. [...]  That is where all the pain starts and radiates.  And for that, I just don't know what else to try. 

And a year later and I finally give up on the GT-Air.  I simply can't tolerate the pain anymore.  I bought smaller pads, thicker pads, added more padding that Shoei sent me in various places, nothing works.  I absolutely love everything about the GT-Air, best helmet I have ever owned except I can't wear it.   Tonight I pulled the Sena out of it and installed it on the old, crufty Scorpion EXO-1000.

I guess I will have to start a new search for a replacement.  Since how it feels and fits seems to have no relationship to the pain it causes, I have no idea how I am going to find something, and I will be stuck with whatever I get.  I am not opposed to trying a newer Scorpion, but nobody carries it, so it would be a completely "blind" mailorder transaction.  The closest current match seems to be the EXO-T1200 but it looks like that is also an old design and being dropped.  More importantly, there are reviews saying they changed the shape from the 1000, so I might be in the same boat as before; plus it is LOUD.  Ug.

[PH14]

And a year later and I finally give up on the GT-Air.  I simply can't tolerate the pain anymore.  I bought smaller pads, thicker pads, added more padding that Shoei sent me in various places, nothing works.  I absolutely love everything about the GT-Air, best helmet I have ever owned except I can't wear it.   Tonight I pulled the Sena out of it and installed it on the old, crufty Scorpion EXO-1000.

I guess I will have to start a new search for a replacement.  Since how it feels and fits seems to have no relationship to the pain it causes, I have no idea how I am going to find something, and I will be stuck with whatever I get.  I am not opposed to trying a newer Scorpion, but nobody carries it, so it would be a completely "blind" mailorder transaction.  The closest current match seems to be the EXO-T1200 but it looks like that is also an old design and being dropped.  More importantly, there are reviews saying they changed the shape from the 1000, so I might be in the same boat as before; plus it is LOUD.  Ug.

Motorcylegear.com has them on closeout for $149. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/street_helmets/scorpion

My wife and I got the HJC FG-17 last year and like them. They are a bit quieter than the Arai helmets we had, though I forget the models right now. Part if that is due to the better fitting foam around the bottom, which is very likely just a fit issue. They vent well and the pinlock shield is nice, as is the removable liner. They have some left for $79. We got the Mamba. They have only one Mamba left and it's an XXL, they have other sizes in the Banshee model. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/street_helmets/hjc/fg_17_banshee_helmet.html

I love dealing with them, they have been very helpful in the past, and are great with returns. I have had them send two jackets in different sizes, returning the one that didn't fit, and did hte same with helmets. Great customer service.

[Rhino]

2 1/2 years, >20,000 miles on my GT-Air now. Still very comfortable but the liner is wearing out. Starting to look thread bare on the bottom. Will probably be looking for something new next spring.

[maxtog]

Motorcylegear.com has them on closeout for $149. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/street_helmets/scorpion

Wow- thanks for that (and the other) info!  For that price, I might just try it for the hell of it.

Oddly, my head size is 57cm, which Scorpion claims is MEDIUM!!!!  I ordered a large originally, and couldn't even get it on my head and had to exchange for an extra-large (which is perfect in the face and a little loose on my crown).  I just called Scorpion and they said that the 1000 and before all ran quite small and the 1200+ are considerably larger and recommend I go with large (one size smaller than whatever before).  They also say the shape has not changed, and is considered "intermediate oval."  Shell sizes are XS-S, M-L, XL-2X.  Pads are not sold separately but only as a liner kit.  They also don't have multiple different sub-sizes like Shoei, and liners can't move between shell sizes.  So with large, you can put in a Medium "liner" set but not an XL (Shoei has three sub-sizes for each helmet size, the included normal, and optional looser, and tighter; all can be mixed for crown and cheek).  Unlike the EXO-1000/1100, they INCLUDE a DARK inner shield (instead of a stupid light smoke one that has to be immediately replaced).

Hmm

[maxtog]

2 1/2 years, >20,000 miles on my GT-Air now. Still very comfortable but the liner is wearing out. Starting to look thread bare on the bottom. Will probably be looking for something new next spring.

With the Shoei, you can buy replacement liners (cheek or crown pads), just the parts you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-GT-Air-Street-Motorcycle-Accessories/dp/B00CKI919G
https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-Gtair-Cheek-Pad-39Mm/dp/B00DQEJ91I
https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-Gtair-Cheek-Pad-35Mm/dp/B00DQEJ8DM

[PH14]

Wow- thanks for that (and the other) info!  For that price, I might just try it for the hell of it.

Oddly, my head size is 57cm, which Scorpion claims is MEDIUM!!!!  I ordered a large originally, and couldn't even get it on my head and had to exchange for an extra-large (which is perfect in the face and a little loose on my crown).  I just called Scorpion and they said that the 1000 and before all ran quite small and the 1200+ are considerably larger and recommend I go with large (one size smaller than whatever before).  They also say the shape has not changed, and is considered "intermediate oval."  Shell sizes are XS-S, M-L, XL-2X.  Pads are not sold separately but only as a liner kit.  They also don't have multiple different sub-sizes like Shoei, and liners can't move between shell sizes.  So with large, you can put in a Medium "liner" set but not an XL (Shoei has three sub-sizes for each helmet size, the included normal, and optional looser, and tighter; all can be mixed for crown and cheek).  Unlike the EXO-1000/1100, they INCLUDE a DARK inner shield (instead of a stupid light smoke one that has to be immediately replaced).

Hmm

If you have never seen this, here is a good guide on different brands and how they fit. http://www.lidpicker.com/free-data

[maxtog]

If you have never seen this, here is a good guide on different brands and how they fit. http://www.lidpicker.com/free-data

Hadn't see that, thanks.  Excellent info.  I wish it also included older helmets like the EXO 1000 and 1100 for comparison.  Plus, there are other factors that affect shape/fit too, besides circumference and linear roundness (all kinds of angles, depth, ear position, hot spots, cheek area/jaw size).  Sometimes I think it is just a guessing game.

It shoes the GT-Air as being almost one full size smaller than expected, and the EXT-1200 as 1/2 size smaller than expected.  Some are nearly 2 sizes "off", amazing how much variation.

[Rhino]

With the Shoei, you can buy replacement liners (cheek or crown pads), just the parts you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-GT-Air-Street-Motorcycle-Accessories/dp/B00CKI919G
https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-Gtair-Cheek-Pad-39Mm/dp/B00DQEJ91I
https://www.amazon.com/Shoei-Gtair-Cheek-Pad-35Mm/dp/B00DQEJ8DM

Cool! That's a lot cheaper then a new Shoei. Now I just have to figure out what size my current cheek pads are.

[kzz1king]

Just watched a vidio on it. Dennis Kirk I believe.