BamaRider
Guy
Recently, I took delivery of Shoei's new dual sport helmet, the Hornet X2. I also own 3 GT Air III's. I know I don't need 4 helmets, but I like to match my lid with my bike, pants, jacket, and gloves. I may not be any good, but I'm going to look good going down the road. I have always had a thing about helmets, going back to high school football, baseball, roller hockey, and the fire department. My headgear was always an integral part of the task at hand. The two Air III's not pictured are white/red and black/red. All 4 units are Sena-equipped.
I don't need a dual sport helmet. I don't take the NT 1100 off-road. Let's just say I bought it because it was different and looked aggressive. Shoei says the Hornet is a hybrid, good in the dirt and touring. Well, I'm going to find that out so y'all don't have to.
At the outset, let me say, the Hornet X2 is typical Shoei. Outstanding craftsmanship, fit, and finish. Humans add many parts by hand. All moving parts of the X2 are precise; the shield optics are class-leading, with no distortion. The fit is snug and comfortable. I've never had a hot spot with ANY of the 8 Shoei's I've owned over the years. The X2 is no exception; after 2000 miles, and one all-day ride of 500 miles, comfort was not a problem.
The X2 lacks the inside sunshade of the Air III, but it has the peak, which, frankly, does such a good job of shielding the rider's face from the sun that I didn't miss it. I thought the peak would bring wind buffeting, but no. Keep in mind the NT 1100 has excellent aerodynamics, so that helps. This helmet, in combination with the NT 1100, is so slick in the wind, the noise so dampened, the rumble of the parallel twin all I hear. Both the bike and the helmet have spent hours in a wind tunnel to get this right. The X2 and Air III are NOT a polycarbonate shells; they are AIM, a proprietary material of Shoei. It is lighter, stronger, and absorbs impacts better than polycarbonate or carbon fiber; the tradeoff is that it is more expensive. Both of these helmets have one overlooked attribute: no modular can match — balance. It is the first thing I noticed when I tried on a modular years ago: the pull in front. For me, they just have too much going on. That's a minority opinion, because most of y'all are modular?
The venting on the X2 works ok, but because the NT has excellent wind control, I ride with the shield up anyway, on both the Air III and X2. Look, on a 98-degree day on a motorcycle, you're going to be hot, just the way it is.
The eye portal on the X2 is larger to accommodate goggles. I don't own a pair, but I do like the more open view it affords. The X2 has the D ring, whilst the Air III is ratchet. I prefer the ratchet, but the D-ring works fine.
The bottom line is that the X2 is excellent for long riding, but keep in mind your bike will have a say in how deep that effectiveness runs. If your bike is a barn door in the wind, I don't know, my stats are only good on the NT 1100, and other similar rides. So, if you like the look and versatility, the X2 is a good choice.
I don't need a dual sport helmet. I don't take the NT 1100 off-road. Let's just say I bought it because it was different and looked aggressive. Shoei says the Hornet is a hybrid, good in the dirt and touring. Well, I'm going to find that out so y'all don't have to.
At the outset, let me say, the Hornet X2 is typical Shoei. Outstanding craftsmanship, fit, and finish. Humans add many parts by hand. All moving parts of the X2 are precise; the shield optics are class-leading, with no distortion. The fit is snug and comfortable. I've never had a hot spot with ANY of the 8 Shoei's I've owned over the years. The X2 is no exception; after 2000 miles, and one all-day ride of 500 miles, comfort was not a problem.
The X2 lacks the inside sunshade of the Air III, but it has the peak, which, frankly, does such a good job of shielding the rider's face from the sun that I didn't miss it. I thought the peak would bring wind buffeting, but no. Keep in mind the NT 1100 has excellent aerodynamics, so that helps. This helmet, in combination with the NT 1100, is so slick in the wind, the noise so dampened, the rumble of the parallel twin all I hear. Both the bike and the helmet have spent hours in a wind tunnel to get this right. The X2 and Air III are NOT a polycarbonate shells; they are AIM, a proprietary material of Shoei. It is lighter, stronger, and absorbs impacts better than polycarbonate or carbon fiber; the tradeoff is that it is more expensive. Both of these helmets have one overlooked attribute: no modular can match — balance. It is the first thing I noticed when I tried on a modular years ago: the pull in front. For me, they just have too much going on. That's a minority opinion, because most of y'all are modular?
The venting on the X2 works ok, but because the NT has excellent wind control, I ride with the shield up anyway, on both the Air III and X2. Look, on a 98-degree day on a motorcycle, you're going to be hot, just the way it is.
The eye portal on the X2 is larger to accommodate goggles. I don't own a pair, but I do like the more open view it affords. The X2 has the D ring, whilst the Air III is ratchet. I prefer the ratchet, but the D-ring works fine.
The bottom line is that the X2 is excellent for long riding, but keep in mind your bike will have a say in how deep that effectiveness runs. If your bike is a barn door in the wind, I don't know, my stats are only good on the NT 1100, and other similar rides. So, if you like the look and versatility, the X2 is a good choice.
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