Kel has been busy reviewing bikes for the past few months and while at it, she has been putting the Shoei NXR2 helmet and Dainese Metractive shoes put to the test...

When road tests are back-to-back, how comfortable riding gear is can be just as important as its protective qualities. After a few months of riding I have to say that this Shoei NXR2 helmet and the Dianese Metractive riding shoes have won me over…

Noise and stability is spot on at highway speeds.

A good helmet and the right footwear can make or break a test day. When you’re jumping between bikes, stopping for photos, writing notes and clocking decent kays, all-day comfort on and off the bike is as equally as important as protection and two pieces have really impressed.

I also received a Dainese Rochelle D-Dry women’s waterproof jacket and Dainese Tempest 2 D-Dry women’s waterproof gloves, but they turned up towards the end of spring, and it simply hasn’t been cool enough to wear. I’ll include a few photos for now and I’ll be using both through winter, then I’ll update impressions once they’ve done enough kilometres in the conditions they’re designed for. And if you’re wondering about the DriRider boots in the main image, well I photographed them before I realised I needed a half size, which they don’t come in…

Shoei NXR2

Shoei calls the NXR2 its lightest and most compact full-face helmet and the weight is the first thing that stood out. It genuinely feels small and light in the hand, and that impression carries through once it’s on your head. There’s nothing bulky or top-heavy about it, which is a big deal when road testing means long stints, fast bits and slow-speed stuff mixed with highway time (and plenty of standing around).

The white-fronted lid is both easy to see and easy to see out of!

I’ve always loved Shoei, but I’d spent the last few years in another brand. Coming back to Shoei reminded me why I rate them so highly. The fit just works for my head shape. With the NXR2 I don’t get pressure points building as the hours tick by, and I don’t get the red forehead mark after a long ride. Vision is another strong point. The eye port is wide meaning vision is excellent – anything that allows you to see more without having to turn your head as far is a win.

The NXR2 was developed in Shoei’s in-house wind tunnel and the firm claims a 6 per cent reduction in lift and 4 per cent reduction in drag compared to the original NXR, with a focus on reducing turbulence and wind noise. In practice, it’s a calm helmet at any speed and, while I’m an earplug wearer, I have no issues with noise.

Motorcycling is so much more enjoyable when you’re not thinking about niggly or uncomfortable gear.

Ventilation has been updated too. The centre/forehead vent has been relocated and enlarged and there’s a bigger rear exhaust outlet designed to take advantage of negative pressure suction to draw hot air out. That’s exactly what you want in some of this extreme heat we’ve had in Victoria lately.

The NXR2 uses Shoei’s Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ shell and a multi-density EPS liner, and it includes Shoei’s E.Q.R.S emergency cheek pad release system. The visor is the CWR-F2 system and it comes Pinlock-ready. And thankfully, it’s still a Double D-ring fastener. I know plenty of riders like quick ratchet systems, but I prefer the simplicity of D-rings. There’s less to go wrong.

I also received two additional visors (dark smoke and spectra silver). Because I hadn’t used Shoei’s visor system for some time, I expected the swap to be fiddly, especially with the silver one where you can’t see through it to assist in lining up the lugs. But I did it pretty quickly on the side of the road, which impressed me (the visor design, that is – not my visor-changing abilities!).

“A premium lid that’s comfortable, light and very easy to live with”

With a retail price north of $1000, it’s not achievable for everyone. But the Shoei NXR2 is a premium lid that’s comfortable, light and very easy to live with. Certainly my new favourite. And there are more Shoei product reviews available here.

Shoei NXR2 features

• Light, compact full-face design
• AIM+ shell construction
• Dual-layer/multi-density EPS liner
• CWR-F2 visor system, Pinlock-ready
• Ventilation: multiple inlets and rear outlets
• Aero-focused shell with integrated spoiler
• E.Q.R.S emergency cheek pad release
• Fully removable, washable interior padding
• Intercom-ready (SENA SRL EXT compatible option)

Shoei’s NXR2 helmet is available from $1049 in a range of colours and graphics. Visit www.premiumhelmets.com.au for more. 

 

 

Dainese Metractive D-WP

The other piece of kit I’ve already put plenty of time into is the Dainese Metractive Woman D-WP riding shoes. To be honest, I’ve rarely found motorcycle footwear comfortable in the past, but I always wrote that off as the trade-off. They’re protective equipment first, ‘walkable footwear second. Most riding boots feel fine on the bike, but as soon as you’re standing around, doing photos, walking across servo forecourts or running to the loo, that discomfort starts to grate.

The Dainese Metractive D-WP shoes ooze good quality.

The Metractive shoes were different from the first try-on. I checked sizing in my local AMX store and walked a few steps in them, expecting the usual stiff, clunky feel. Instead the footbed felt supportive and genuinely comfortable – and I actually commented on it to the fellow helping me. That’s when I learnt Dainese uses Ortholite insoles, and Ortholite is a major name in footwear (including running brands). Kudos to Dainese for recognising that off-bike comfort is a real need and leaning on an industry expert rather than just looking to a motorcycling-specific insole.

The shoes are made from full-grain leather with a mesh liner and a waterproof D-WP interior. The Groundtrax asymmetrical soles have differentiated gear and brake areas, and they’re designed for grip, stability and impact deformation resistance.

The Metractive shoes aren’t bulky, meaning they work well with a range of different riding pants.

Fit is well thought out. You’ve got laces, but you also get an zipper on each shoe so you can really snug them up after tightening. That gives you a more secure fit than laces alone, which I like. I don’t adore the look of the thick white-coloured soles, but comfort and protection will always trump looks in my book anyway.

On safety, I’ll admit I’ve tended to resist the riding-shoe trend. I’m not convinced the casual look always matches the protection offered. But these don’t feel flimsy, and while they don’t replace a full touring boot for every ride, they do feel like a serious piece of protective footwear for day-to-day testing and urban riding, especially when comfort and practicality are part of the job.

“They do feel like a serious piece of protective footwear for day-to-day testing and urban riding”

They’re waterproof, too, and while I wouldn’t choose them for a full wet ride (because at that point you may as well wear taller boots), I do think they’ll do exactly what most riders actually need: handle a light shower or an unexpected damp commute and get you home with dry toes, even if some water finds its way in from the top. You can read more of our Dainese product reviews here.

Dainese Metractive features

• Full-grain cowhide leather upper
• Waterproof D-WP interior
• Ortholite insole for breathability and cushioning
• Groundtrax asymmetrical sole design
• Differentiated gear/brake zones
• Designed specifically for men’s and women’s individual ergonomics
• Lace-up with external side zipper closure
• Light weight for everyday wear

The Dainese Metractive D-WP riding shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and are priced at $349. Visit www.mcleodaccessories.com.au for more.

 

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