Sport full-face with four shell sizes, a Pinlock EVO insert in the box and a claimed 1,390 g. The helmet many riders end up buying after trying others.
Why it stands out
The NXR2 is Shoei’s do-it-all full-face and the direct successor to one of the best-selling helmets in Europe. The figure that defines it is its weight: around 1,390 g according to Shoei, which is very little for a helmet that already meets ECE 22.06. That standard is considerably tougher than the old one (more impact speeds and more impact points), and many helmets got heavier to pass it. Shoei managed the opposite.
The other key point is that it is made in four shell sizes. In practice, a size S helmet is not a size L with extra padding: it is smaller on the outside, lighter and catches less wind.
In the UK, ECE 22.06 helmets are fully road legal.
What to know before you buy
- There is no internal sun visor. It is a design choice to save weight and keep the shell compact. If you often ride into a low sun, you will need sunglasses or a separate tinted visor.
- The Pinlock EVO insert comes in the box, which other brands often charge extra for.
- It is a snug-fitting helmet. Try one on if you can; if it feels firm in the shop, it will bed in with use.
Our verdict
If your budget allows and you do not need a sun visor, it is one of the most complete full-face helmets on the market. If the sun visor matters to you, look at the HJC RPHA 71, which has one at a slightly higher weight.
