A tribute to Yamaha factory racers
The VFX series has been highly popular with riders around the world for its aggressive and innovative styling and high level of safety. The new off-road helmet, the VFX-WR, is the flagship of SHOEI’s off-road helmets, retaining the styling of the VFX series while incorporating SHOEI’s latest technology and completely revamping the shock-absorbing liner, interior, nose cover, visor, etc.
The latest addition is a new pattern called “YAMAHA RACING” produced by Y’s Gear, which sells Yamaha accessories and equipment. The color is based on the vivid blue of the YZ-F series, which is active in AMA motocross and other events, and the white speed lines enhance the aggressive and sporty impression. Although it is a racing model, it uses minimal color and has natural lines that emphasize the shape of the cap, so it can be coordinated with a wide range of bikes. It would look good on motocrossers and dual-purpose models, as well as dirt trackers and supermotards for city riding.
TC-2 (Yamaha Racing Blue)
TC-2 (Yamaha Racing Blue)
TC-2 (Yamaha Racing Blue)
TC-2 (Yamaha Racing Blue)
Inheritance and evolution, opening up a new era of off-road helmets
The VFX-WR features a redesigned visor, nose cover, and shell from the previous model. It is a top-of-the-line model with improved ventilation. In addition, by adopting SHOEI’s unique impact absorption structure “MEDS,” it has succeeded in reducing not only vertical impacts to the helmet but also rotational impacts.
The distinctive helmet body inherits the bold and innovative design spirit of the VFX-W, while taking on a more aggressive form. The visor, nose cover, and other parts are integrated with the shell shape to create a powerful form. The rib shape at the back of the head extends to the sides, not only securing the goggles during vigorous riding, but also making it easier to find the optimal position when wearing the goggles. In addition, a continuous, flowing line runs from the visor to the top of the head, realizing an evolved three-dimensional form using new molding technology.
The shell is made of high-performance organic fiber with high elasticity and tensile strength. Its unique, effectively layered structure creates a high-strength shell. Its lightweight construction also reduces strain on the rider’s neck, helping them maintain concentration during races.
The aggressively designed visor is adjustable, but is set to the highest position that many riders consider to be the standard position. The mesh nose ventilation has been enlarged for greater comfort.
Ventilation is one of the most important features when riding off-road, where you move around a lot and sweat a lot. The VFX-WR has one more air intake and two more air outlets than the previous model. The air taken in passes through the air route in the impact absorbing liner, facilitating the expulsion of hot air from inside the helmet and improving comfort.
The impact absorption performance of a helmet is extremely important in off-road riding, including motocross racing, where falls are common during competition. The VFX-WR provides optimal impact absorption performance by varying the hardness of the impact absorbing liner in different areas.
Furthermore, it employs SHOEI’s unique impact absorption structure, MEDS (Motion Energy Distribution System). An evolution of the conventional dual liner, MEDS maintains the same impact absorption performance against linear acceleration while also reducing rotational acceleration. When an impact is applied to the helmet during a fall, the insert liner swings around a protrusion in the center of the insert liner, effectively reducing rotational acceleration. Compared to the previous model, the VFX-WR achieves a 15% reduction in rotational acceleration.
The interior features 3D urethane padding for a comfortable fit and a firm hold that supports the head even during intense riding. Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric is used on the cheeks and forehead, where sweat tends to build up, while soft, raised fabric is used on the top of the helmet. The hybrid interior fabric reduces discomfort caused by sticky sweat, allowing for both a comfortable fit while riding and smooth helmet removal.
<Main features>
・An aggressive form that adds further functionality to the “VFX” identity
・AIM+, a high-performance shell structure based on a composite laminated structure of organic fibers, with the addition of high-performance organic fibers with high elasticity, that is lightweight yet has excellent rigidity and elasticity ・
Highly efficient ventilation structure designed with off-road use in mind
・SHOEI’s unique shock-absorbing structure “MEDS” (Motion Energy Distribution System)
・Newly designed hybrid interior that combines a soft fit with riding comfort
・Newly designed V-470 visor
・New nose cover that accentuates the design of the VFX-WR
・EQRS, an emergency helmet removal system for use in the event of an accident
Overview of the Y's Gear "SHOEI VFX-WR YAMAHA RACING"
■ Price: 82,500 yen (including consumption tax)
■ Color: TC-2 (Yamaha Racing Blue)
■ Sizes: S (55mm), M (57mm), L (59mm), XL (61mm), XXL (63mm)
■ Standards: JIS, MFJ approved
■ Structure: AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-Fiber)
■ Accessories: Visor, visor screws, cloth bag, mudguard, visor anti-reflective sheet
