The "RAPIDE NEO", which was released last year of December, not just a new model.
This time, lets pay attention to the "Design"and "Feeling of wearing" because we got here the real helmet, and explain about the "Changes"!
It is not just a new model. What is the attraction of the new trend of Arai "RAPIDE NEO"?
First, from the entire design.
The easiest part to understand would be the left and right side of the shield cover.
Until now, Arai helmets had a curvilinear cover like a shell.
RAPIDE NEO is a cover of a simple design as if the cover was removed.
At first glance, you might think "It was just changed the design, right?".......but!
For Arai, whose motto is to use smooth curves as a safety factor, represented by the "R75 Shape",This design is an innovation phase.
Being unpainted black is also a design accent.
As a result, Arai might be succeeded in emphasizing the wildness and simplicity of RAPIDE NEO.
Of course, please rest assured there is no lack of safety.
To feel the breath taking art of the designer in every detail
Personally, I like the SNELL Standard sticker affixed to the back of the head.
It can be seen that sharp, urban fonts are being used and designed.
It seems that we do not need to peel this off.
Three Slits and a Sharp Jawline with a vintage atmosphere
The design icon for RAPIDE NEO is 3 slits in the mouth part and a sharp jawline.
The jawline design with edge is the flow from the previous model of XD, but it is more emphasized in RAPIDE NEO.
The Arai helmet, which had many streamlined designs, stands out for its solid appearance.
It has a design that impressively inherited the atmosphere of the vintage helmet.
New promotions, such as collaboration with ROARS ORIGINAL.
Such as the collaboration with the apparel brand "ROARS ORIGINAL" which is familiar to riders with high fashion sensitivity etc.,the promotion of RAPIDE NEO is different from previous Arai model, and this is something new movement for Arai.
I feel the intention of ARAI to deliver to users who want a highly secure and stylish helmet.
Design Conclusion: A full-face helmet captures the vintage style of the city.
It is a design that shines in the urban cityscape which inherited a vintage style with a modern sense.
There is no doubt that RAPID-NEO designs brought the new trend to the Arai.
In addition, "NEO RETRO" that dominates the recent motorcycle scene seems to be becoming a standard category rather than a temporary boom.
The spirit of inheriting the universal coolness of good things will be heard by many people.
RAPIDE NEO of Arai has been a masterpiece born from the intention of warmth old wisdom.
The graphics model to be released in the future are also stylish designs that match NEO RETRO motorcycle such as KAWASAKI Z900RS and YAMAHA XSR900.
From now on, please check this out!
- It is the graphics model to be released in the future which has also a vintage-style design.
- There is no doubt that it is a good match with the NEO RETRO motorcycle such as KAWASAKI Z900RS and YAMAHA XSR900.
What about the concern of the "wearing feeling" and "wind noise"? Actual riding impressions!
So far, I have focused on the design aspects of RAPID NEO but still, the important point is the feeling of using it.
If the comfort while driving is bad, there is no meaning no matter how it is cool design.
So, I tried it on the actual riding situation!
At first, wearing feeling.
This time, I tried a helmet size of 57-58cm.
The fit is the same as with other Arai helmets, there is no uncomfortable head tightening.
The teak pads are a little cramped for new products, but it will fit moderately while using it.
The weight is unknown, but it is almost the same with the other Arai full face helmets.
Feeling of being protected, wearing feeling and comfortness, are indeed Arai fitting aspect.
Next, checked the wind noise while riding
Test Motorcycle: DRZ400S
Situation: Public Road-Expressway, Speed: 0 - 100km/h, Travel Distance: 20km
I rode in an upright position because the DRZ400S is off-road motorcycle, but this time I assumed using with SS and naked motorcycle, etc., and I tried checking in various positions such as leaning forward posture.
From the conclusion, there is no unpleasant wind noise and it was very comfortable.
I was a little worried because the shape of the shield cover was changed, but there is no reason to be feared at all.
There is no problem even for a long-distance riding without being irritated by high-frequency wind noise.
*It is an impression when using the standard shield. There are individual differences in how you feel the sound, so please use this impression for reference.
What is the effect of the ventilation?
The "RAPIDE NEO" ventilation system is a simple design.
Running wind is introduced from the "Mouth Slit" at the mouth part and "Blow Ventilation" at the forehead,and through the air route in the helmet, it is discharged from the three exhaust slit at the back of the head.
- Open-close Mouth Slit
- Open-close blow-ventilation
- Airflow Liner Ventilation
- NE Nozzle
When tested, the wind that passes between my head and helmet was perfectly effective.
The slit at the mouth is also quite windy, but there is no unpleasant entrapment such as dry eyes.
The shutter opening and closing is also simple and easy to operate, and it is a good point to be able to close quickly when it is cold.
Also, it was impressive that the shield was fog-free even if the mouth slit was closed. *PINLOCK sheet is not used.
I tried the "Pro Shade System" with RAPIDE NEO.
While other helmet brands have adopted the "inner visor" method of storing the visor inside the cap body, Arai has been adopted a "Pro Shade System" which is an "outer visor" system that overlays a visor on top of the shield.
The visor function can be installed to the helmet, through the SNELL Standard.
Advantages of the "Pro Shade System"!
It is good that it is easy to be raised and lowered because the visor is attached to the outside of the shield.
Also, it is reassuring to use the visor function with a helmet that passes the SNELL Standard.
Disadvantages of the "Pro Shade System"!
I was concerned about the lack of coolness in appearance.
In addition, in the case of a motorcycle in an upright position, such as an off-road motorcycle, a wind noise occurred when traveling in a state where the helmet visor was raised.
If leaning forward a little, the wind noise disappears. It seems that this point is greatly affected by the position.
Summary: You will seriously love these three major aspects of Arai helmet! The Safety, Design, & Comfort.
Honestly, I had never been a candidate to purchase of Arai helmets.
Of course, I knew that things were good, such as the high safety, but It was incompatible with my desire design.
RAPIDE NEO is also cool design and wearing feeling is also excellent.
The vivid color use is also the best such as gray and bright red!
I really like modern gray color.
I would like to recommend these for those who are looking for a stylish and safe helmet!
Here, we introduced RAPIDE NEO in "Web!ke TV" Youtube Channel!
See Accessories of Arai
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z900RS
See Accessories for YAMAHA XSR900