With adventure riding becoming more popular, it’s important to complete the look with a decent adventure helmet. But with many ‘adventurista’ never actually venturing off-road, having a helmet with the correct look while offering all the benefits and comfort of a top-level road helmet is now a thing. Enter the Shoei Hornet Adventure helmet. Basically, think of the quality, fit and feel of any other top-end Shoei, combine it with a peak and a bigger chin area and you’ve got a decent idea of what the Hornet is all about.
Slipping it on and it’s immediately clear that the Hornet is going to be comfortable for any decent adventure, whether that’s on or off the road. There’s more room in front of your mouth for better breathing when you’re muscling your 1290cc adventure bike up a mountain… and there’s also decent space around the ears that made fitting my intercom a breeze. All the fixtures are typical quality Shoei, and the visor comes with a Pinlock insert which I fitted the instant I took the helmet out of the box. If you haven’t tried a Pinlock, you really need to. Basically, it gives you double-glazing on the visor meaning it won’t steam up no matter how hard you are puffing.
But the best bit is the peak, which has multiple vents meaning it doesn’t create much drag when you’re carrying decent speed. There’s also plenty of ventilation which is important to keep your head cool. The only negative some have mentioned is the omission of a drop-down internal visor. But the Hornet does have a transition visor option available, which sees the visor tinting like a set of transition sunglasses as the outside light gets brighter.
With the transition from fully clear to fully dark taking place in a matter of seconds, it means you aren’t messing around trying to find the lever to drop an internal visor and can concentrate on what you are doing. Whether that’s hopping over logs, crossing rivers and exploring the great unknown or cruising down a smooth state highway, the Shoei Hornet is up to the job. Finally, the removable, washable interior means that when you do get hot and sweaty, a bucket and some soapy water is all you need to get the interior of the Hornet looking (and smelling) like new.
SAFETY
Shell in AIM+ Organic fibreglass, multi-composite and high performance organic fibre in various layers for a shock-absorbent shell with optimum rigidity.
E.Q.R.S. Security system – E.Q.R.S. (Emergency Quick Release System) for easy helmet removal in case of an accident
COMFORT
4-Shell sizes – For a perfect fit and compact dimensions: 1) XXS-S, 2) M, 3) L, 4) XL-XXL
3D-Centerpad and cheekpads
– For pleasant wearing comfort
– The interior is completely detachable for easy maintenance and washing
– The pads cover are made of a quick-drying fabric to keep you comfortable when sweating
Ear pads – To reduce the noise, that may be created by the large cavity for installing an intercom system, the Hornet ADV is equipped with earpads, that can be placed in the space, in case no intercom is installed.
VENTILATION
Upper air intake – The upper air intake is working as a ducted intake. A lot of air is forced into the helmet and guarantees an incredible air exchange to keep you cool and dry. The air intake can be closed.
Lower air intake – The air coming through the lower air intake is spread in two directions. One part is providing fresh air for your face. The other part is routed along the inside of the visor to prevent fogging and keep your vision clear. The air intake can be easily closed with one gloved hand.
Upper air outlets – The two upper air outlets in the back of the helmet route the used air from the inside of the helmet to the outside. They are specially designed not to cause turbulence or noise.
AERODYNAMIC
V-460 Peak – The peak of the Hornet ADV, called V-460 peak, is specially designed with aerodynamic performance in mind.
The holes in the peak and the big open space between the helmets shell and the peak gives a lot of space for the airstream to pass through, improving the performance during riding with higher speeds.
Rear spoiler – The spoiler at the rear of the helmet provides a defined edge, where the airstream is separated from the shell, resulting in a more stable ride.
Tester: Paul | Distributed by: Whites Powersports | Price: $899 | Check it: www.bits4bikes.co.nz
