First glimpse at the new Shoei J.O2, with vintage style and modern safety what's not to like?

Shoei have updated their classic open-face helmet to conform to the new ECE 22.06 safety standards and will release it in August. 

The J.O2 retro style helmet has had its first complete overhaul in nearly a decade, first released in 2016.  

The new standard – ECE22.06 – was introduced in 2021. It states that all motorcycle helmets need to satisfy stricter safety requirements. This effectively builds on the previous standard and adds a variety of changes, including increased velocity for some tests, a random selection of impact areas, assessment of sun visors and testing flip-front helmets with the chin bar raised as well as closed. It also adds a requirement for protection against rotational injuries, which are a significant contributor to brain injuries in addition to direct impacts, according to research. 

The most obvious visual update is three studs across the helmet’s brow, to accommodate a motocross style peak or an old school bubble visor.  

This slightly detracts from the helmet’s minimalist look but adds a surprising amount of versatility, fitting in with more styles, bikes and riding terrain. Adding a peak could be particularly useful for keeping the sun out of your eyes on long, hot trails. 

Shoei also added an extra shell size; there are now four, which helps with weight, fit and comfort, and avoids that bobble head look on smaller heads.  

There are also a few more subtle differences; the rubber piping surround loses its pin-marked finish, and there is now an extra rivet on either side to reinforce the chin strap mount.  

Though it has an upgraded visor system, the CJ-4 doesn’t look to be much different and still offers the same five tint options: Clear, Dark, HD Yellow, Spectra Gold and Silver and Photochromatic. 

The first batch will come in 13 colours, four have vintage-inspired graphics, with hopefully, more to follow.  

Coming in at around £30 more than the old J.O model at an RRP of £349.99, it isn’t the cheapest open face on the market. We’ll be able to tell you whether it’s worth it once we’ve tested one.

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