Reinterpreting iconic 1980s graphics
The previous model, the X-Fourteen, took the world of racing by storm with its outstanding aerodynamic and other performance features. While maintaining the concept of contributing to rider victory, the flagship full-face helmet, the X-Fifteen, is a completely redesigned helmet that aims for even greater heights after extensive research and wind tunnel testing.
The newly added “GARDNER” design is a replica of the graphics worn by Australian-born WGP rider Wayne Gardner in the 1980s and 1990s. Gardner, along with Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, and Kevin Schwantz, was one of the iconic riders who led the motorcycle boom in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s. He competed in the 500cc class of the Road Racing World Championship on a Rothmans-colored Honda NSR. He was also a familiar face at Japan’s Suzuka 8 Hours, where he became known as one of the most iconic riders in the race, alongside Tadahiko Taira. This graphic follows the blue/white/red/gold Rothmans NSR livery that Gardner wore on his beloved bike. Along with the white/red Lucky Strike livery, the white/orange Marlboro livery, and the blue Gauloises livery, this colorway added a touch of elegance to the replica boom of the 1980s and 1990s. Its simple yet bold image will appeal to both replica fans of the era and those who wear it today, making it a perfect match for modern retro sportswear.
TC-2 (Blue/Gold)
TC-2 (Blue/Gold)
TC-2 (Blue/Gold)
A racing helmet with the highest level of aerodynamic performance
The X-Fifteen is a full-face helmet that brings together SHOEI’s cutting-edge technology. Its distinctive aerodynamic form, born from racing, allows you to experience its evolved aerodynamic performance. SHOEI’s many years of expertise and the pressure analysis that backs it up, led to the creation of a shape with minimal air resistance. Based on this, the helmet was further refined through repeated testing in the company’s large wind tunnel. The aerodynamic form delivers stable aerodynamic performance even at ultra-high speeds exceeding 350 km/h.
The shape from the ridges on the left and right sides of the crown to the top of the rear stabilizer, realized through advanced molding technology, characterizes the X-Fifteen’s design and demonstrates high aerodynamic performance. The rear stabilizer draws air into a tunnel-like space between the shell on both sides and directs it rearward, controlling the direction of the airflow and enhancing stability (patent pending). These combined features reduce the lift force that tends to lift the helmet upward by 1.6% and the drag force that presses down from the front by 6.1% compared to previous models. (All figures are reference data from our company’s large-scale wind tunnel facility.)
The optimal ventilation placement was confirmed through pressure analysis, and the design anticipates use in the racing position. The air route inside the helmet is more than 1.5 times deeper than the previous model, and outlet holes have been added to the tunnel section of the rear stabilizer to achieve even better ventilation.
The shield uses a center-lock CWR-F2R shield, which improves adhesion to the window rubber (window beading) and prevents wind and rain from entering. The anti-fog sheet pin, which also functions as the tear-off button, is positioned outside the field of view, ensuring that the anti-fog sheet covers almost the entire field of view even when the sheet is attached, ensuring a wider, clearer field of view. Vortex generators are equipped on both ends of the shield. The streamlining effect of directing wind from the shield sides to the rear reduces noise generation from the shield sides. The shield base also features a trigger lock mechanism. By locking the trigger lever used to attach and detach the shield, it prevents the shield from falling off due to impact during a fall.
In addition, the eyeport position has been moved 5 mm higher than the previous model. This helmet offers a wider upward field of view without changing the helmet’s position on the head, without compromising the balance of vertical and horizontal visibility. Combined with the racing position of the cheek pads inherited from the previous model, this wide field of view has been highly praised by MotoGP riders and contributes to improved safety during races.
The interior features an improved split center pad, allowing for a wider range of fit adjustments. Each pad is pocket-type, allowing optional adjustment pads to be used to narrow gaps to fit the shape of your head, or to replace pads of different thicknesses. The outer layer of each pad on the front, rear, left, and right sides is removable, allowing for partial loosening of the fit, allowing the user to fine-tune the fit themselves. Furthermore, the unique shape of the cheek pads’ lower edge, which comes near the helmet opening, reduces lift during riding, and the area that comes into contact with the cheeks has been increased by 116% compared to the previous model, providing a firm hold even at high speeds.
The interior surface fabric is a hybrid of moisture-wicking, quick-drying HYGRA fabric in areas prone to sweating, and soft, brushed fabric in areas prone to rubbing against the skin when putting on or taking off the helmet. It
also features SHOEI’s unique Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS), in case of an accident during a race. Simply pulling the special ribbon allows for easy helmet removal while minimizing strain on the neck, which may be injured.
The X-Fifteen supports competitive racing through both aerodynamics and comfort. In touring, this performance translates to reduced fatigue, allowing the rider to concentrate more on their riding.
<Key Features>
– A high-performance shell structure based on a composite laminated structure of tough glass fiber and three-dimensionally shaped organic fiber, with the addition of high-performance organic fiber material with high elasticity, resulting in a lightweight yet highly rigid and elastic shell. –
Safety is assured, meeting SNELL standards. MFJ-approved model.
・Shell design that assumes the rider’s forward-leaning position
. ・Shell surface edges and shape that take aerodynamics into consideration.
・Rear flap that enhances aerodynamic performance (size can be adjusted to suit preference and the course)
. ・Uses a polycarbonate CWR-F2R shield that thoroughly improves optical properties by optimizing subtle curvature and thickness depending on the part.
・The head angle can be adjusted in two stages to suit the riding position.
・Divided interior that can fit any rider.
・Ventilation that actively guides the wind inside while riding, efficiently expelling heat and moisture, allowing you to feel the wind.
Overview of SHOEI "X-Fifteen GARDNER"
■ Price: 103,400 yen (including consumption tax)
■ Color: TC-2 (Blue / Gold)
■ Size: S (55mm), M (57mm), L (59mm), XL (61mm), XXL (63mm)
■ Standards: JIS, FIM, MFJ approved
■ Structure: AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-Fiber)
■ Accessories: Cloth bag, breath guard J, chin curtain D, lower air spoiler, silicone oil, anti-fog sheet, SHOEI logo sticker, shield sticker (No. 11 sticker)
