1 Shoei GT-AIR II £449.99 graphics from £549.00 www.shoeiassured.co.uk

Costing £449.99 in plain colours, the second generation of the GT-AIR gives a lot of well thought-out features in a lid that is designed to be easy to operate. The two vents are big and chunky, making them very quick to both locate and move with a gloved hand, and the top one has a two-stage opening. The GT has an integrated sun visor, emergency removal system and is pre-prepared for a Sena SRL2 communication system (£220).

A pleasingly sung lid to wear with a very comfortable lining and provision for glasses’ arms, it is obvious on a ride why the Shoei is so popular. Even with a breeze at the back of the neck, the GT’S fit is comfortable and the vents extremely effective. Despite not being made of carbon the Shoei feels light to wear and was quiet with the vents both shut and open. A good, solid, all round performer that’s significantly quieter than the opposition.

Comfortable and packed with features Vents are very effective. Top one is two-stage

Shoei visor system is intuitive and very easy to use