SHOEI MULTITEC MODULAR HELMET

I decided to do my bit for the economy once my government "stimulus" check arrived. I had been drooling over the Shoei Multitec Modular flip-up helmet since I tried one on at the NY motorcycle show last year. (I loved it but the price was more than I could manage at the time).

I ordered mine from New Enough. I found lower prices on Ebay and a couple of other online vendors, but I wanted to order from a reliable company in case I needed to exchange or return the helmet (and they offer free shipping). I chose metallic light silver because... well, because every helmet I've ever had was light silver!

My impressions:

First was the weight. I knew the Shoei FF helmets were very light. I was hoping for a light-weight flip-up helmet as well. The Multitec is not as light as I wished, but it's definitely lighter than my old Nolan 102 helmet and the HJC CL-Max I used to have. Now for comfort. Ahhhh... this helmet is comfortable!! Very plush and soft interior lining. Cheek pads are very cushy and feature convenient eyeglass slits. These pads are removable and washable too. The chin strap fastens by means of D-rings and has super-soft strap liners that make it very comfy. (the excess strap snaps back onto the chin strap so it's not flapping in the breeze like I've experienced with other helmets!). I like the fact that the face shield wraps way around to the sides of the helmet, providing better peripheral vision than I had with my Nolan. Another advantage is that the face shield has three distinct locking positions when lifted. Even going over bumps, the face shield holds it's position and does not slip. There are two chin vents which have two venting positions. The upper "air scoop" at the top of the helmet also has two venting positions to regulate the flow of air. I did notice that with the two bottom vents closed and the upper vent open, I get a slight whistling noise from the wind. I'm going to need to experiment more with the vents to eliminate the whistle. Other than that, the helmet is very quiet. The chin guard raises very easily with just two fingers. Even with gloves on, it's simple to open.

My Multitec came with a separate "chin curtain" which can be installed to minimize the flow of air from underneath the helmet to the neck area. I like keeping this in all the time, it's just more comfortable riding with it installed.

My only issue with this helmet is the size. I ordered a size small, which is what I normally wear in helmets. After wearing it for a few weeks, I notice that it is loosening up and at some point I will need to order larger cheekpads. A small price to pay for a helmet I truly love!

The Shoei Multitec proves the old adage that you get what you pay for. Lots of attention to details that make a big difference in riding comfort. Worth the extra money? To me, this one is definitely worth it!

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~ Shellee
Genuine Buddy 170

Shoei is a great helmet but a bit pricey. I always look for the certification before I buy. At least a Snell will do but if it's a cheap helmet, I am OK with DOT.

I also wear this helmet in white, and I have been very pleased with it. Previously, I wore the Nolan 102, but it always looked huge on my head, and it left a big red spot right in the middle of my forehead. The Shoei fits my head much better, has a much cushier feel, and doesn't make me look quite as much as a bobblehead! If the helmet fits, wear it!

So, overall, in a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your new shoei helmet?