After years of switching between mid-range helmets, I finally decided to try something more premium. The SHOEI Neotec II caught my attention, especially with the recent price drop after the release of the Neotec III. At first, I was hesitant—spending over £600 on a helmet isn’t a casual decision—but after riding with it for a few thousand miles, I can confidently say it was worth the investment.
From the very first ride, the Neotec II impressed me with its attention to detail, comfort, and overall build quality. Whether I’m commuting through the city or tackling longer touring routes in unpredictable weather, it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. If you’re searching for the quietest helmets for comfort, this one easily makes the shortlist.
Features That Make a Difference:
Modular Design: Flip-up face cover and shield lets me easily switch between full-face protection and open-face airflow. Great when riding through town or stopping at traffic lights.
Lightweight Yet Tough Shell: Built with SHOEI’s exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) material, it’s surprisingly light for a modular helmet without compromising durability.
QSV-1 Internal Sun Shield: Anti-fog and anti-scratch visor that drops down smoothly. It’s easy to operate even with gloves and comes in handy with changing light conditions.
Advanced Ventilation System: Good airflow even on warmer days, with vents that can be adjusted on the go. It also reduces internal humidity on rainy rides.
Quiet Ride: SHOEI worked in some clever noise reduction tech, and while it’s not totally silent, it’s far quieter than my previous helmets.
Secure Fit and Easy Adjustments: The micro ratchet chin strap is convenient, and the helmet stays firmly in place once secured.
DOT-218 Certified: Offers the safety assurance I need for both daily use and long-haul trips.
My Pros and Cons About the Model
✅ Pros – What I Loved About the SHOEI Neotec II
Excellent Build Quality
The craftsmanship is superb. You can see and feel the difference right away—especially compared to mid-range options like the Nolan or Bilt helmets I’ve worn before.
Comfort That Lasts All Day
I’ve done multiple day trips in this helmet without a single pressure point. Once I swapped to the 31mm cheek pads, it fit my face shape just right.
Noise Control That Actually Works
I’ve had severe wind buffeting issues in the past, especially with my LS2 Valiant. The Neotec II dramatically reduced it, making highway rides much more enjoyable. If you’re wondering what is the quietest motorcycle helmet for highway cruising, this one absolutely belongs in the conversation.
User-Friendly Mechanisms
The sun visor slider, the chin bar release, the vent switches—all of them are designed to be glove-friendly and work flawlessly. No fiddling around.
Ideal for Glasses Wearers
I wear glasses daily, and they slide in without hassle. No pinching, no uncomfortable pressure spots.
Balanced Weight
While it feels slightly heavy in hand, once on my head, I honestly forget about it. The weight distribution is spot on.
❌ Cons – Things That Could Be Improved
Cheek Pads Still Too Tight for Some
Even after switching to the thinnest available pads (31mm), I found the fit around my cheeks a little too snug. I’ll likely need to remove a bit of foam for the perfect fit.
Still Noisy at Higher Speeds
Below 40mph, it’s impressively quiet. But once I hit motorway speeds, the wind noise picks up noticeably. Better than cheaper helmets, sure—but I expected more at this price point.
Ventilation Could Be Stronger
The vents do their job, especially for anti-fogging, but the airflow isn’t as intense as I’d hoped on really hot days. Still good—just not outstanding.
High Price Tag
Even on sale, this isn’t a budget helmet. While I believe it’s worth the money, some riders may find better value in slightly cheaper models that offer 80% of the features.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the SHOEI Neotec II is a premium touring helmet that earns its reputation. It’s well-built, extremely comfortable, and delivers a noticeable improvement in ride quality—especially in terms of wind management and fit. While it’s not perfect, the pros clearly outweigh the cons for me. If you’re serious about comfort and want one of the quiet motorcycle helmets on the market today, the Neotec II is a solid investment and a serious contender among the quietest helmets for comfort.