Shoei X-Fourteen Helmet

SHOEI X-FOURTEEN HELMET

IGNITION

CW EVALUATION

Racing improved the breed

Mark Hoyer

I deal "track pack"? Loading our well-used CW van with the long-term Yamaha YZF-R1 fitted with Michelin slicks and throwing in a whisper-quiet Yamaha EF2000iS generator and pair of Chicken Hawk tire warmers. Strangest part of the scenario? I didn’t pack a helmet!

Shoei invited us to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California to wear the new X-Fourteen racing helmet at speed, and I found it nearly impossible to leave a lid out of my gear bag.

Even though Shoeis have always fit my head well, I was relieved to pull on my XL (sizes are XS-XXL) and have it feel as though it were custom fitted. And, in fact, the helmet can be custom fitted since the modular 3D MaxDry Custom interior offers optional sizing on most components to tune it to your cranium’s subtle contours.

But the best feature is the “rotating” liner components that allow the helmet to be tipped 4 degrees back from the standard street position on the rider’s head to allow for a better forward view when tucked in.

Aerodynamics are a big part of the success of this helmet. From the shieldsideplate vortex generators to the changeable rear flaps, the design leads to a dead-smooth passage through the air—the smoothest I have worn—and no detectable lift.

ROTATE IT: Arrows show how the liner can be repositioned on the snaps to alter the position of the helmet on the rider’s head. The “race" position tilts the helmet (and therefore eyeport) back for better up-track vision when tucked in.

The CWR-F race shield (pinned for antifog insert and tear offs) has a locking mechanism that takes practice to open, but it closes securely.

Careful composition of the dual-layer multi-density EPS liner (similar to that used on the X-Twelve) allowed for more compact design due to the “tuned” absorption qualities. It also allows for the ventilation channels (six inlets, six outlets) to be amply sized, and airflow through them is exceptional. The new cheekpad vents also work great.

The X-Fourteen is a marked improvement from the excellent X-Twelve, a longtime favorite, with no change in pricing.

SECTIONALISM: The plush liner is modular and removable for cleaning. Individual pads are available in various thicknesses to allow precise fitting. Cheekpad emergency quick-release system allows for easier helmet removal in case of accident.

Only downside really is that it’s not a particularly quiet helmet. Hard to do when you let so much air in through the vents. But you’ll still be able to hear the crowd cheer when you win your next MotoGP race.

SHOEI X-FOURTEEN

shoei-helmets.com PRICE: $682-$840

UPS + Great ventilation and fit + Exceptional outward view + No turbulence

DOWNS - Many-piece interior can be a puzzle - Which vents are open versus closed? - What?! No X-Thirteen?