Helmets are increasingly complex, with attributes and technology you could only dream of just a couple of years ago. MD was invited to the U.S. press launch for the Shoei X-Fourteen helmet last week at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway here in Southern California. This is our report.
The Shoei X-Fourteen is the new top-of-the-line helmet from the Japanese manufacturer, and it will grow to be the race helmet of former MotoGP champ Marc Marquez, among other racers. Shoei threw each design trick it had at this helmet. Beginning with aerodynamics, the new X-Fourteen was created in Shoei’s wind tunnel to save essential milliseconds on the racetrack. The helmet also incorporates an completely new ventilation method.
Sticking with aerodynamics for a minute, an all-new shell shape was utilised in order to improve stability at higher speeds and reduce some of the aero forces that could lead to problems for racers and road riders. There is a new Rear Stabilizer Technique that features a common set of rear flaps that can truly be replaced with optional, narrower flaps in order to fine tune the aerodynamic functionality of the helmet for diverse situations and various riding styles. Ridges along the top of the shell and chin bar lessen drag. Ultimately there is a removable decrease air spoiler that can be used to additional boost aerodynamic stability. Even the new CWR-F face shield plays a part in aerodynamics with tiny Vortex Generators Shoei claims decrease air friction and boost air flow about the helmet. The X-Fourteen features six air intakes and six exhaust outlets that operate together with channels cut through the EPS liner to maximize cooling air flow to the rider.
That new face shield is very carefully made, according to Shoei, to supply a distortion-totally free view, and we indeed found the shield very clear with no visible distortion. Ribs on the top and bottom edge of the shield increase rigidity, and a double shield locking mechanism is designed to stop undesirable openings as a outcome of an accident.
Shoei employs its Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell building, which combines fiberglass and organic fibers in many layers that perform separate functions created to keep the rider secure even though remaining incredibly lightweight. Shoei delivers the X-Fourteen in four shell sizes, and finished sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Maybe the most significant news about the X-Fourteen involves the removable, washable interior system, which Shoei calls the 3D Max-Dry Custom Interior System. The rider can’t only replace person pads for a far more custom match, the X-Fourteen allows the line elements to be rotated up to 4 degrees to increase the upper field of vision … essential while tucked in behind a race screen. In other words, think of the face shield being rotated upwards 4 degrees.
Ed Sorbo tested the X-Fourteen for MD at Chuckwalla by carrying out quite a few laps aboard our Kawasaki ZX-6R test bike. Chuckwalla has a fantastic deal of assortment, such as high-speed sweepers and straight sections exactly where speeds are properly in excess of one hundred mph. Initial and foremost, Ed loved the rotation feature, simply because he has a peculiar dilemma with his eyelids, which exacerbates the issue of limited vision a rider has in a race tuck out the best portion of the face shield. At least one other rider Ed spoke to was very pleased to have the option to rotate the interior liner to boost the variety of vision in this manner. An intriguing, special and beneficial function.
Despite the fact that the X-Fourteen is not intended to be as quiet as Shoei’s very best touring helmets (Shoei tipped the balance in favor of aerodynamics for racing purposes), Ed (wearing ear plugs) had no concerns with the noise level, and discovered it comfy sufficient that it “disappeared” whilst riding. Possibly most critical for racing, whilst moving from a tuck to an upright position at the end of straights, or whilst turning his head to look through corners, Ed identified the X-Fourteen was very steady … no buffeting to report. This is in maintaining with Shoei’s claims that the new X-Fourteen characteristics 3% less lift, ten% less drag and 50% much less buffeting than the model it replaces. The contours and spoilers on the helmet seemed to do their job effectively (note that the spoilers at the rear of the helmet are developed to pop off for the duration of a crash).
We will report back when we get a lot more street miles on a Shoei X-Fourteen, but we have been quite impressed with our short track test. Pricing for the X-Fourteen ranges from $ 681.99 for solid colors to $ 839.99 for Replica helmets (such as the Marc Marquez helmet, and other people). Take a look at Shoei’s web site for additional specifics and accessible graphics.
Eddie Lawson was present at the press launch. He has been wearing Shoei helmets given that 1986.
See a lot more of MD’s fantastic photography:
Shoei X-Fourteen: MD Track Test (News) (Solution Evaluations)
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