Shoei GT Air

[macca]

As my collection of lids was aging and my current lid of choice being my 4 year old Shoei Hornet (also the newest) I was getting an itch for a new bonce protector. I really like the hornet as its peak means I can ride with a clear visor in sunny conditions as I hate being caught out with a tinted one in dusk/darker conditions, however it is a noisy lid and in blustery conditions can lift and turn your head . My other lids are a Shoei XR1000 which is my oldest lid (cant remember how old but it was a recent model intro when I got it) and a Shoei Multi-Tec (II?) both of these are black which I don't like but was the best of a band bunch of crap colours choice or hideous graphics (fashions of the time?). I never really gelled with the XR1000 and regularly used my then Arai TourX eve taking its peak off when riding my Ducati as it seemed to require odd neck craning to get vision out of the visor without looking at the pin lock top line (very irritating) and the multi tec bought on a whim (previously owned a Roof Boxer -nice style poor implementation) that I thought may be useful as commuting and touring lid turned out to be heavy and leaky in wet conditions where the liner would get soaked (and unpleasant putting a cold wet lid back on after a comfort/fuel stop) so its rarely been used over the years.

So my interest was peaked when I saw Shoei had a new lid for more upright riding with a built in sun visor called on this side of the pond GT-Air. I was a little reluctant to buy 1st without reviews and that I couldn't find anyone offering discounts . But as I was motivated by a need for a comfortable lid for a long ride coming up in the next few weeks I took trip to the local Shoei shop to have a look feel/try on. My main worry that it sun visor would catch my specs was unfounded and I was disappointed that the UK doesn't get Shoei's Ratchet strap I still felt it was worth a punt especially when I got 30 quid of the price.

Sofar I've only ridden it 12 miles home in a snap rain storm but it kept my bounce dry and visor fog free. PS it has the new "edge to edge" pinlock so vision isn't interfeared with by the top pinlock line. Pics attached
Hopefully

 

[Kevhunts]

I am seriously considering the GT-Air and you answered my question about the sun visor clearence.
Now I need to know how well you feel the ventilation works. It is supposed to be much better than other Shoei models.

 

[macca]

Too early to tell as I've only covered a few miles in it. its steamed up when I've started off but it was chilly out and currently got the two top vents closed .

 

[tomatocity]

I am looking to replace my Arai Signet-Q. Thanks for the lead and review.

found this...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/gt-air/review.htm

and this...

Shoei GT Air Wanderer Helmet Review at RevZilla.com

and this...

http://gt-air.shoei-europe.com/

 

[macca]

I've just spotted a thread on ADVRIDER with owner views on the GT-Air, most seem very positive. As to my view, had it out for a short spin (as the weather is still really patchy/ showers and cold here) and its Hugely quieter than the hornet (not a surprise) but its making the bike "feel" far far smoother -suspect its damping out harsher noises being made by the bike and I don't notice the vibey/humming K60s anywhere near as much as I did with the Hornet qll of which is subconsciously making me rider a little faster too !?

 

[TierHawg]

Good review. I'm looking for a replacement for my RF1000 and have been eyeing this one along with the RF1100. Was thinking the time to buy would be in about 6 months when the "normal" riding season is over. Should be able to score a RF1100 for a decent price then, but maybe I should hold out for the GT Air. My only concern with the GT Air is the retractable visor and how sturdy it is. If it can hold up to long term use, I'll just spend the extra money and get the GT over the RF.

 

[Kevy 511]

I'm thinking of getting this helmet as well. I now have a Signet Q (for this oval head of mine) and was told that the GT air leans more oval than their other lids. So I went to Revziller and Bobby was nice enough let me keep it on my head for about 20 min. I felt that wasn't as comfy as the Signet Q ( being my head is very oval) but It was still quite good I would say. The real test of course riding for hours with the wind pressing the helmet. The reviews I have read are all positive see this one http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/gt-air/review.htm. What I like about it is it's reportedly good air flow, visor and aerodynamics. Also for me, I thought it had a better port view than the tank like view of my Signet Q. Still on the fence because with helmets seems I'm never satisfied.

 

[avc8130]

Is that Matte White on that paint scheme?

ac

 

[tomatocity]

Is that Matte White on that paint scheme?

ac

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?GT-Air&h=22&t=1

I don't think so. Looks like they show the word "matte" when describing the colors.

 

[macca]

Is that Matte White on that paint scheme?

ac

No Matt but it does have very light silver hexagon detailing on the sides/jaw area that isn't showing on the pics. The white itself is also a pearl/mica type white so it looks far better in the flesh than the pics.
When I was eyeing the catalogue pics prior to my trip to the dealers the one I picked wasn't really on my short list of colour choice. I liked the white with red/blue details and the black with red details though I've a mental rule not to buy black helmets (anymore - both my old XR1000 and Multitec are black an and I'm inclined to think they may your head hot it warm/sunny conditions) so i'd advise getting a look at them 1st if possible before making any colour choices. I was nearly tempted by the plain red as I missed the ducati red Arai I used to own years ago, but they didn't have one to look at as this seems to be out of fashion round here and Shoei reds of the past have been a little like Retirement colours seen on pensioners mobility scooters/cars.

 

[FlaDave]

I just took my first ride with my GT Air. All I can say is....WOW is this a quiet helmet!
It's very well made and the fit & finish are nop notch. Of course at $492 at Cycle Gear I would expect no less.
I'll try and ride without the chin skirt tomorrow for a comparison on the noise and heat.
I can imagine this will be a warm helmet in the winter months too. The chin skirt and the pads around the neck
do a good job of sealing off the wind. I usually wear sunglasses with foam around the lenses because my contacts
dry out so easily (not just on the bike..everywhere). Even though there is plenty of room under the sun visor
for my sunglasses, I took them off and had no problems with my contacts since this helmet seals out the air flow so well.
Speaking of the sun visor, it works well as does those top air vents. They really cool my dome nicely.
However, the sun visor always seems hazy and not clear to look through.
The GT XL fits slightly snugger than my XD-4 XL did but, it's still very comfortable and allowed me to use my usual XL size.
All in all, this is a really nice helmet and shouldn't dissapoint anyone. After all the trouble with my XD-4 and the wind
management on the S10...I look like this after I ride now ::013::