In our continuation Looking for a sourcing of motorcycle gear that combines safety and style, we bring you our thoughts on Shoei’s new ECE 22.06 approved NXR2 helmet. Along with a stealth riding parka from Akin Moto, and perfect urban riding gloves from Rev’It!.
Shoei helmet NXR2 It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Shoei’s helmet. Every Shoei I own fits and feels good from the first wear, with no big deviations in their size or shape from model to model. So when I was looking for a full street helmet to replace Shoei RYDThe new NXR2 is a no-brainer… and it doesn’t disappoint.
I love the RYD for its combination of neutral styling, comfort, and ventilation. Essentially, the NXR2 is like a premium version of the RYD; it has the same clean aesthetic, but increases performance. And it’s one of the few helmet meets the new and more stringent European ECE 22.06 standard.
Most of my helmets come in black or white, but this time I took a short cut and opted for the bright red NXR2 instead. It also has some more signature and less muted colors, and a wide range of graphic options to suit my taste. The glossy red finish looks great in daylight and has the added bonus of being easily seen on the road.
The NXR2 is very comfortable right out of the box, with, as far as I know, no obvious hot spots. Shoei manufactures it in five different case sizes, with a variety of cheek pad thicknesses. The lining is plush and moisture-wicking, along with being completely removable and washable. There are also recesses for connecting system speakers and tabs below the cheek pads, so that first responders can easily remove them in the event of an accident.
I haven’t tried removing the liner yet, but I swapped out the face shield and it’s a cup — like when installing the included Pinlock face shield, chin shield, and breathing guard. There’s excellent visibility through the visor, and the Pinlock system does the job of cracking to keep it fog-free.
There’s a solid feel from the shield when opening it, as it clicks through its various positions. Once closed, it secures via a tab located at the front of the helmet, with a button to release it again. It’s easy enough to operate, but it also feels odd – like something that’s been fixed without breaking. I can’t really fault the system, even if I question the longevity of the button.
There’s no internal drop-down sunshade on the NXR2 (you’ll have to look elsewhere in the Shoei range for that). A double D-ring strap keeps the helmet locked in place.
Where the NXR2 really scores high, is in aerodynamics. It’s the best helmet I’ve found so far for riding barefoot or short windshield bikes. It’s also quiet on the road and my XL cap weighs in at a reasonable 1.57 kg [1.26 lbs].
It also has many vents. There are five operable air vents at the front, with a wide spoiler hiding a spacious air vent at the rear. Between the vents and sweat-friendly lining, my NXR2 still smells like new box.
I only have one nit to choose from, and it’s incredibly small. The part of the liner that runs across the brow is a bit loose and needs to be pushed back into place once. It doesn’t affect safety or comfort, but it does trigger perfectionism in me.
I probably wouldn’t have noticed it if the rest of the NXR2 hadn’t scored as high everywhere else. And it’s certainly not a deal breaker; when it’s time to replace my NXR2, I’ll probably reach for the NXR3 (if it’s expired).
Love and cherish Looks good, feels great Not sure about That weird face lock mechanism Price $579.99 | Than | Buy Shoei RF-1400 *
* The NXR2 is sold as RF-1400 in the United States, with minor structural differences.
Akin Moto Alpha 3.0 Jacket A lot of equipment manufacturing companies throw around the old “rider for rider” slogan, but it doesn’t always make sense. Even so, Australian company Akin Moto also gets it. I’ve been wearing their new Alpha 3.0 jacket for a short while and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into it.
I’m on the hunt for a parka motorcycle jacket It’s cut longer, built to be roomy, offers both warmth and protection, and is stealthy enough to fit any type of bike. And Akin read a lot of my thoughts.
My biggest trouble with motorcycle jackets is usually finding something that fits my dad’s bodice, without having to increase the size to the point where my arms are drowned. Akin’s size is conservative; I checked their size chart and the result is XXL, a size larger than most jackets I wear. But their size chart works and their XXXL fits perfectly.
Predictably, it hugged my stomach a bit, but not so much that I looked like an avocado with legs. If you’re in better shape than me, the Alpha 3.0 feels roomy without being baggy, unlike many slim-fit devices these days.
The outer shell of the Alpha 3.0 is a tough 600D fabric, with a back membrane to help prevent water. It uses a seam construction, with a waterproof YKK zipper all around. Like being very serious about bad weather, so there’s a burly (but sometimes a bit freaky) storm that pops up through the main zipper, which is secured through thumbtacks. There’s also a zip-out thermal liner that adds extra warmth without being too bulky.
As the name implies, this is the third iteration of the Alpha jacket—so plenty of rider-friendly features. The main zipper is a double duty, so you can rip the bottom of your jacket off if it gets in the way of your gas tank. There are two interior pockets, plus a Napoleon pocket on the outside, which is easy to grab with your left hand. The bottom hand warmers are lined with soft fabric and have a zipper.
Wrist retracts with a large hook and loop adjuster, which I love. They are easy to use with gloves on and give you the freedom to lock up or let in more air.
Inside the cuffs are fleece windscreens, with additional neoprene ‘socks’ to secure on your thumb. They’re there to keep the sleeves from bouncing and keep you warm, but the flip side is that they can get in the way — especially when you’re trying to secure a thermally lined cuff, which is attached via a Small loop inside sleeve. I’m on the fence, and wonder how the coat wouldn’t look without them.
The Alpha 3.0’s monochromatic look fits my alley, with its super-subtle black-on-black branding. There’s not much use for the hood on a motorcycle jacket, but I like the way it looks, and it’s also removable. It also doesn’t vibrate much while riding — although there are some clever ways to lock it down.
It also has pockets for shoulder, elbow, and back armor, but these are all sold separately. I’ve tried cramming some of the D30 protective gear I’ve had lying around — but in the end I’ve never been a fan of the hassle of having separate armor.
I’ve worn the Alpha on everything from scooters to adventure bikes, and it’s a remarkably versatile piece. However, I stock it up for miserable cool days. Akin has built-in a pair of underarm vents (without them it would quickly get clogged when it heats up), but ultimately the Alpha 3.0 gets better as the weather turns more inclement.
I’m a fan of Alpha 3.0, but I’m sure Akin Moto isn’t done with it yet. If I had a wish list for Alpha 4.0, it would include more air vents, a way to protect the hood and rethink the sleeve gussets.
Love and cherish Outstanding aesthetics, wide fit Not sure about Those stupid neoprene gussets Price $230.55 | Buying
Rev’It! Kinetic Gloves Dutch brand Rev’It! was tapped into a new aesthetic of late: urban-focused gear that takes cues from adventurous equestrianism and tech gear. And their Kinetic glove is perhaps the best example of this. Available in both vivid and muted colors, it’s a short cuff motorcycle gloves Includes more protection than most in this style.
Kinetic combines a goatskin palm with a knit mesh upper and a neoprene cuff — which means it’s soft and comfortable. It fits very well though, and some of the seams feel a bit stiff against your fingers when the glove is broken.
Kinetic uses a simple hook and loop pin to secure it to the wrist, along with a retractable loop to help you pull it in. It’s a smart addition, and the loops on my gloves have yet to show any signs of wear – despite some people’s deliberate tug.
Rev’It! claims that the mesh knit fabric provides airflow, but it’s less perforated than it looks. It’s airy enough to keep the Kinetic from feeling stuffy – but ultimately this glove is best suited for ‘winter or moderate summer/winter days.
There’s a substantial enough foam knuckle guard on the top, and if you flip it up you’ll find additional protection via a couple of reinforced foam pads and a section with the exclusive PWR Shield fabric. The rights of the company are sewn on. The tips of the thumb and forefinger also wear a touch screen-compatible fabric; This feature is a hit-and-miss on most gloves, but here it really works.
Brand of Rev’It! Bold without being too overbearing, through a rubberized version of their logo linked to the cuffs and subtle lettering on the little finger. I’ve used the Kinetic for everything from running errands in the city to negotiating rugged pine forest trails, and gave it high marks for style, comfort, and versatility. The gray version I got adds a great contrast to the mostly black gear I usually wear — but I wouldn’t mind wearing another pair in black on days when I want to keep things hidden.
Love and cherish Smooth styling, ergonomic drag loops, and touchscreen tips work Watch Finger seams; they need some break-in Price $109.99 | Buying
Photo of Devin Paisley | With thanks Triumph Cape Town
