The Shoei GT-Air II is a popular one here at BikeReview HQ with both Jeff and Nick wearing one. When the new graphics came out, Toddy had to have one also... Words: Toddy Chappo
Shoei’s GT-Air II was released in 2019 and became an instant hit among sports tourers and daily riders due to the neat design and being ready for a Sena SRL2 System out of the box. Some awesome new graphics came in 2022 and the Ubiquity caught Todd’s eye…
Todd has been riding for almost five decades and has owned a number of Shoei lids over the years but rates the GT-Air II as his favourite… He uses the GT-Air II as his daily go to lid for his CBR1000RR Fireblade use…
After complaining about getting old, neck fatigue, sportsbikes and generally not enjoying riding, it all changed when just at the right time in my life, a Shoei GT-Air II Ubiquity landed in my lap. I’ve owned a lot of helmets over the years, some I’ve kept and worn until the linings are falling out, while some I’ve worn twice and passed on. This Shoei is an absolute keeper. It’s premium at $1249.90 but will last!
The M sizing for me is a snug and comfortable fit and the lightweight construction combined with aerodynamics have made neck fatigue a thing of the past for me and it was really bothering me before. I’ve been wearing the lid for 12-months this week and have had zero issues with it or with my neck!
The generous air vent closure and visor use all have great ergonomics for ease of use while wearing gloves. The vents also work a treat. I opened the top vent during evening summer rides and can truly say the vents work. The GT-Air II comes with a PINLOCK Anti Fogging Lens, which I’d never used before, so I installed it onto the clear visor (easy job as the visors are PINLOCK ready.
Again in the colder weather, and the times I’ve been caught out in the rain, the PINLOCK was a great addition to the visor keeping vision clear and crisp. The breath guard and chin curtain also assist in this. In the rain, the visor to helmet seal is superb in the closed position, I did apply the silicone supplied to the seal before use as per Shoei recommendations.
“Again in the colder weather, and the times I’ve been caught out in the rain, the PINLOCK was a great addition to the visor keeping vision clear and crisp.”
The helmet also has some other cool features. Being an ex first responder I think the E.Q.R.S is a great asset to have built into your helmet. There are compartments for Intercom and Battery if you are into that tech stuff as it is SENA ready (check out Nick’s review of the GT-Air II and SENA SRL combo).
The quick release ratchet style chin buckle is easy to use, with or without gloves… For comfort I have to give it a perfect score as it is just so comfortable even on long rides and in a head wind. It’s not too noisy either, considering the amount of ventilation, and I don’t tuck in a full race tuck these days so haven’t had any issues with the rear spoiler tagging my leathers.
The Ubiquity graphics I have are the bomb to me but style is a personal thing. Aerodynamic testing must have played a huge role in the styling dept, as I haven’t noticed any buffeting at all.
The only thing I can fault is cold air entering from around the chin strap area and circulating back up into the helmet on cold days but a neck warmer did solve this problem and it was a benefit in summer anyway when the more cool air you get the better and the rest of the vents are fantastic in summer.
The quality is outstanding, it is easy to clean and look after, visor changing is a cinch and in summary I’m very happy with this helmet. Highly recommended. It’s given me a better riding experience.
Todd has been riding and racing on and off road motorcycles for near on five decades and rates the Shoei GT-Air II as one of the all-time best helmets he has owned.
SHOEI GT-AIR II TECH TALK
Featuring a lengthened internal sun shield for optimal sun-glare protection, an all-new “first position” shield opening for advanced ventilation and defogging, enhanced aerodynamics and noise-reduction technology, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with the all-new Sena SRL2 Communication System, the GT-Air II is equipped to accommodate your every need.
Wind-tunnel optimised to maximise airflow and reduce unwanted noise, the GT-Air II’s three intake and five exhaust vents have been strategically shaped and positioned for improved cool air intake and hot air expulsion. A redesigned upper air intake shutter and enlarged lower air intake opening yield greater airflow throughout the entire helmet.
More than just aggressive styling and aesthetics, the GT-Air II’s progressive shell shape is compact and streamlined to reduce air resistance and drag. Improved, airtight window beading and an enhanced internal sun shield system prevent unwanted wind noise inside the helmet.
The GT-Air II’s advanced outer visor system provides a large, distortion-free view, facilitates smooth and easy shield changes, an all-new “first position” visor opening., while the GT-AIR II also comes equipped with a new lengthened internal sun shield for optimal relief from glare in one quick motion.
The Shoei GT-Air II features a CNS-1 visor, which comes equipped with Pinlock EVO fog-resistant system, while tinted visors are available separately in Light and Dark Tint as well as Spectra Blue, Silver and Fire Orange.
The internal sun visor is a QSV-2 system and is 5mm longer to give riders improved, instant relief from sun glare in one quick motion, thanks to a large, easily located switch. The forehead area of outer shell is also raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun visor, allowing for the integrity of the helmet’s inner EPS liner to remain intact.
The GT-Air II is equipped with a fully removable, washable, adjustable, and replaceable 3D Max-Dry Interior System capable of dissipating sweat two times faster than traditional nylon interiors. Multi-layer cheek pads for comfort and helmet stabilization along with premium two-tone interior fabric and red stitching accentuate the GT-Air II’s unmatched fit and finish. Optional interior components are also available in different sizes for a customisable fit.
Shoei GT-Air II Helmets
Few characteristics of a motorcycle helmet are as critically important as its first and second layers of defence, which is precisely why the GT-Air II features the Shoei exclusive Multi-Ply Matrix AIM shell and Multi-Piece/Multi-Density EPS liner.
Proprietary technology integrates a multi-ply five layer laminated fibre matrix shell, with hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with organic fibres and resin, while a shell-integrated spoiler with consistent shell thickness that guarantees proper strength and weight.
There are also three Shell sizes and four EPS liner sizes for a perfect fit, and the helmet is ECE 22.05 Certified. Other features include Shoei’s EQRS – Emergency Quick Release System, and a micro-ratcher chinstrap system, as well as the CNS-1 base plate system for the visor.
See your local Shoei stockist for more information, or visit the Shoei Helmets Australia to view the complete 2023 Shoei collection and for full pricing.
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL SHOEI AUSTRALIA GT-Air II VIDEO
The Verdict | Gear Review: Shoei GT-Air II Ubiquity TC-9
Perfect!
The Shoei GT-Air II is a popular one here at BikeReview HQ with both Jeff and Nick wearing one. When the new graphics came out, Toddy had to have one. Here are his thoughts after 12-months use…
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