Shoei J-Wing Helmet

By Keith May
(Originally appeared in Cycle World magazine) 


Hey Darth! Little stuffy in that full-face lid? We know you gotta face only a mother could love, but come on outta that shell. Don’tcha know it’s good to have the wind in your face?

The featherweight (2.5 lb.) Shoei J-Wing is a breath of fresh air. Top-Gun styling is versatile in its simplicity, complimenting a wide range of middleweights and cruisers, older vintage and new. Scooters, too. A tall face-shield keeps wind off your chin and stealthy vents fore and aft are easily found at speed. Cozy interior is removable and wraps your melon like a glove. Over-sized cheek-pads keep noise to a minimum while thoughtful channels accommodate eyewear.

We chose the “Dark Smoke” shield to filter sun, protect anonymity and hide unsightly mechanical details. Scratch-resistant, distortion-free, easily removed and also available in Clear and “Mellow Smoke,” Shoei claims 100% UV protection. Securely closed, aerodynamics minimize buffeting, even during backward and sideway glances. Thirsty? Shield flips up quietly with a flick of the wrist and stays firmly where selected. No straw required.

Multi-fiber shell is available in Wine Red, White, Pearl White, “Anthracite,” Silver and assorted Blacks. And although we can’t vouch first-hand for its safety, Snell and the D.O.T. do. Yes, price is top-shelf for an open-face lid, but this is a Shoei. And you get what you pay for.