New Shoei helmets 2027: NXR3 and GT-Air 3 SMART

Shoei replaces the NXR2 with the NXR3 in spring 2027, with solid-colour versions starting at €499.

Shoei carries over the CWR-F2 visor system unchanged from the NXR2, but with a larger visor lock button that’s easy to hit even with winter gloves.

The side vents on the chin bar use a shutter mechanism and, according to Shoei, let through around 40 percent more air than those on the NXR2.

Shoei cites the Speed Triple, CB650, GSX-8S and GSX-8R, and YZF-R7 as typical bikes for the NXR3. It remains deliberately a pure sports helmet, with no sun visor.

The shape, including the integrated spoiler, was developed in Shoei’s in-house wind tunnel, where the position of the exhaust vent was also determined.

Shoei lists low noise levels at high speeds among the NXR3’s key promises. We haven’t put that claim to the test yet.

Eight helmet sizes, from XXS to XXXL, are available across five shell sizes. The NXR3 is ECE 22.06 certified.

Six vents are spread across the brow and chin bar, with the two upper vents on the NXR3 integrated into a single central component for the first time.

Four exhaust vents sit at the back of the helmet, and unlike its predecessor, the rear of the exhaust opening is fully covered.

As well as fully open and closed, the visor has a detent position that leaves it slightly ajar and helps prevent fogging at low speeds.

The rib runs from the upper vents all the way to the rear. The seam lines on the sides of the shell have been eliminated, making the chin bar stiffer.

The upper intake vent slider is integrated into the logo and large enough to find by feel, even with thick gloves on.

The shell is made from AIM+ laminate, with layers of glass and organic fibres.

The flattened tip of the chin bar follows the line of the lower vents, carried over from Shoei’s Z-Series.

With both upper air intakes now positioned together in the centre of the shell, Shoei says around 90 percent more air flows through here than through the NXR2’s front and upper vents combined.

Pull the cheek pads out using the yellow tabs, allowing rescuers to remove the helmet in an emergency without moving the rider’s head.

Exhaust air exits upwards rather than to the rear—this design delivered the best airflow in the wind tunnel.

The NXR3 is secured with a double-D ring closure, while the rear features an integrated spoiler.

The cheek pads are available in 31, 35, 39 and 43 mm thicknesses, each with a removable soft layer like the X-SPR Pro; moisture-wicking fabric is used in the areas prone to perspiration.

The Cloud Stream dragon graphic in the TC-1 colourway is one of twelve designs for 2027. Studio shots of the new NXR3 shell are not yet available; Shoei is currently showing the graphics on the previous-generation shell.

The ant graphic is part of Marc Marquez’s MM93 collection, which Shoei applies to its current helmet range each year.

Basalt Grey is one of the seven solid colours available for the NXR3, starting at €499.

Alongside glossy Black, Shoei offers a second black option: Matt Black.

Burnside is the only graphic Shoei offers in four colourways. TC-1 denotes red and white.

The TC-3 applies the same graphic in neon yellow on black—the most striking of the four Burnside variants.

On the TC-5, the graphics are limited to black, white and silver.

TC-10 flips the look, setting the red linework against a white background.

Chalk Grey is the lighter of the two grey shades and the only sand tone in the range.

The graphics echo MotoGP rider Fabio Di Giannantonio’s helmet, identifiable by the Wolf Studio signature on the chin bar.

Kaboom is the series’ comic-inspired graphic, with the TC-5 keeping it black and white.

The same comic-style graphic looks much more colorful on the TC-10, with turquoise, blue and red.

Lean Angle is the most understated of the twelve graphics; TC-4 combines green, white and red.

The same graphic layout comes in blue, red and white on the TC-10.

Matt Black is the colour Shoei chose for the NXR3 press photos.

Matt Radiant Blue is the only solid colour in the range, standing out from the black, white, grey and red options.

With its samurai and skull motif, Ronin’s Rest taps into the Japanese aesthetic Shoei has been cultivating for years.

Shine Red is the only solid gloss finish, alongside Black and White.

White has traditionally been the colour Shoei uses to best showcase its shell shape, as the edges and ridges don’t disappear beneath the paint.

The NXR3 model name appears as a decal beneath the Shoei logo at the rear, with the covered exhaust vent above it.

White makes it easiest to see how far the two upper vents have been moved towards the centre—that’s exactly what improves airflow.

The person speaking appears on the right side of the field of view, along with their name and photo; the time and speed are displayed beside them.

Navigation is limited to an arrow and distance, with the image appearing around three metres ahead of the rider so their eyes don’t have to refocus.

Shoei sells the helmet and display separately, starting at €649 and €599 respectively, or €1,248 for both.

The forehead and chin vents can be closed and sit behind insect filters. The shell is available in three sizes, covering XS to XXL.

The head-up display projects onto the retractable QSV-2 sun visor, which is tested to EN 1836.