03-02-2025, 04:51 AM
10 days in service, and the Shoei GT-Air 3 has met all my expectations and remains the best helmet I have ever owned. The verdict is still out on if it is the highest value (performance as a function of cost). I am leaning in that direction, but I may just be trying to justify my choice! 
Well, the money has left my bank account and made its way to Japan. What’s done is done, but I thought this brief follow up may have some benefit for those seriously considering this helmet.
* Comfort & Aerodynamics: The helmet is very comfortable. I rode yesterday in moderately heavy winds at high speeds. It is a very aerodynamic helmet. I am far from an expert in wind tunnels and air currents, but I cannot imagine any helmet being better.
* Weight: On paper, the helmet is slightly heavier than most sport-touring helmets. While I am wearing it, I can’t detect the weight. I suspect the design is such that it distributes evenly over my big, lopsided head. I was on the motorcycle for 2 hours yesterday, and I did not experience any neck or shoulder strain, exhaustion, or anything else that points to an ill-fitted or ill-designed helmet.
* Pinlock Installation / Fogging / Latch / Noise: I installed the pinlock shield easily on the helmet. It does a great job of minimizing fogging. The latching mechanism for the helmet is on the front of the helmet. It has nice presets which enables the helmet shield to be slightly opened to vent air. It also has a nice snapping mechanism. I was able to actuate the latch while driving the motorcycle. It requires a little muscle, but I did complete the actuation while wearing motorcycle gloves. See Pinlock installation link:
https://youtu.be/N3uFXXrglwo?si=R3aEFtcIf36Wh7H4
The helmet pushed wind over and around the helmet. It was relatively quiet.
* Comms Unit: One of the most expensive accessories for the GT Air 3 is the integrated Comms Unit (Sena 3). It is beautifully integrated. The audio quality is exceptional for both listening to audio and speaking on a phone call. On my ride, I used the Comms Unit for map audio, road alerts, and to field a couple of calls. Because I ride alone, I could not test the Mesh functionality. I was able to hearing everything clearly. I was wearing air plugs.
After my two-hour ride, the battery held a 87% charge.
The placement of the USB C Power Connector makes charging easy. The standard cable is also nice.
I believe the Comms Unit is a nice-to-have and not a have-to-have. However, it makes the Helmet much more convenient for how I ride and the life I lead (on-call, business owner, family, etc.). The Comm Unit can be added at any time. Here is a video documenting its slightly tedious installation. I recommend a cup of coffee and a morning install in good light!
https://youtu.be/B8_-0RePUyw?si=n02zhVzjxI2beW8H
* Integration with the Helmet Holder on the CB1100EX: I love the placement and look of the helmet holder on CB1100 EX. The holder is well designed, protects the helmet by moving it against the bike as opposed to dangling from a handlebar, and in my opinion adds to curb appeal. However, in 2017, D-Rings were the norm for helmets. That may have shifted to a locking clasp.
To bridge the two technologies, I used a Lidlox Helmet Extender:
https://lidlox.com/products/3014-helmet-...-pair.html
It proved to be the only affordable part of the upgrade.
Once the Lidlox extender was installed, the helmet can be stored and secured on the motorcycle like the CB1100 Design Team intended. See a few pictures I took yesterday while I ran my errands and put in some time on the motorcycle. Note that I could not use the LidLox which fit my GT-Air 2. The clasp changed between models, and I needed a longer crossover. The Lidlox extender will work with any helmet which has a clasp. It is not unique to the GT Air 3:
![[Image: 05b1f64087c3eb3d301d86e4d19051c9.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/05b1f64087c3eb3d301d86e4d19051c9.jpeg)
![[Image: 5770ce7b701df635bf1d04b55cc120b9.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/5770ce7b701df635bf1d04b55cc120b9.jpeg)
![[Image: 87dc62b100cf6e73a91f1e50fef9d13c.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/87dc62b100cf6e73a91f1e50fef9d13c.jpeg)
![[Image: 22dfdfc162d8fb582201bdc3177b0384.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/22dfdfc162d8fb582201bdc3177b0384.jpeg)
![[Image: b2f377ef669b4bc9327404741c8ee9df.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/b2f377ef669b4bc9327404741c8ee9df.jpeg)
![[Image: 98942dfe04f87cd86e342286792dc748.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/98942dfe04f87cd86e342286792dc748.jpeg)
![[Image: eae47ec227dc9606ccf45dd167e6a18e.jpeg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/202503/eae47ec227dc9606ccf45dd167e6a18e.jpeg)
I hope everyone can find the perfect helment that will protect them while riding. I believe I have found mine. Have a great Sunday and please be safe on your motorcycle. David
Well, the money has left my bank account and made its way to Japan. What’s done is done, but I thought this brief follow up may have some benefit for those seriously considering this helmet.
* Comfort & Aerodynamics: The helmet is very comfortable. I rode yesterday in moderately heavy winds at high speeds. It is a very aerodynamic helmet. I am far from an expert in wind tunnels and air currents, but I cannot imagine any helmet being better.
* Weight: On paper, the helmet is slightly heavier than most sport-touring helmets. While I am wearing it, I can’t detect the weight. I suspect the design is such that it distributes evenly over my big, lopsided head. I was on the motorcycle for 2 hours yesterday, and I did not experience any neck or shoulder strain, exhaustion, or anything else that points to an ill-fitted or ill-designed helmet.
* Pinlock Installation / Fogging / Latch / Noise: I installed the pinlock shield easily on the helmet. It does a great job of minimizing fogging. The latching mechanism for the helmet is on the front of the helmet. It has nice presets which enables the helmet shield to be slightly opened to vent air. It also has a nice snapping mechanism. I was able to actuate the latch while driving the motorcycle. It requires a little muscle, but I did complete the actuation while wearing motorcycle gloves. See Pinlock installation link:
https://youtu.be/N3uFXXrglwo?si=R3aEFtcIf36Wh7H4
The helmet pushed wind over and around the helmet. It was relatively quiet.
* Comms Unit: One of the most expensive accessories for the GT Air 3 is the integrated Comms Unit (Sena 3). It is beautifully integrated. The audio quality is exceptional for both listening to audio and speaking on a phone call. On my ride, I used the Comms Unit for map audio, road alerts, and to field a couple of calls. Because I ride alone, I could not test the Mesh functionality. I was able to hearing everything clearly. I was wearing air plugs.
After my two-hour ride, the battery held a 87% charge.
The placement of the USB C Power Connector makes charging easy. The standard cable is also nice.
I believe the Comms Unit is a nice-to-have and not a have-to-have. However, it makes the Helmet much more convenient for how I ride and the life I lead (on-call, business owner, family, etc.). The Comm Unit can be added at any time. Here is a video documenting its slightly tedious installation. I recommend a cup of coffee and a morning install in good light!
https://youtu.be/B8_-0RePUyw?si=n02zhVzjxI2beW8H
* Integration with the Helmet Holder on the CB1100EX: I love the placement and look of the helmet holder on CB1100 EX. The holder is well designed, protects the helmet by moving it against the bike as opposed to dangling from a handlebar, and in my opinion adds to curb appeal. However, in 2017, D-Rings were the norm for helmets. That may have shifted to a locking clasp.
To bridge the two technologies, I used a Lidlox Helmet Extender:
https://lidlox.com/products/3014-helmet-...-pair.html
It proved to be the only affordable part of the upgrade.
Once the Lidlox extender was installed, the helmet can be stored and secured on the motorcycle like the CB1100 Design Team intended. See a few pictures I took yesterday while I ran my errands and put in some time on the motorcycle. Note that I could not use the LidLox which fit my GT-Air 2. The clasp changed between models, and I needed a longer crossover. The Lidlox extender will work with any helmet which has a clasp. It is not unique to the GT Air 3:
I hope everyone can find the perfect helment that will protect them while riding. I believe I have found mine. Have a great Sunday and please be safe on your motorcycle. David