Nexx XR1R Carbon review

Updated: 21 November 2014

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When MCN reviewed the Nexx XR1R Carbon, writer Dan Aspel concluded that it was “The best road helmet I’ve worn”, and awarded it 5 stars.

Thanks to its carbon shell, the Nexx XR1R Carbon is one of the lightest motorcycle helmets available, weighing just 1250g. It features one of the largest fields of vision he’d ever seen and he commented that it had excellent venting, was extremely comfortable and featured low noise levels. The Nexx XR1R Carbon is ECE 22/05, DOT and ACU approved, for road and track use.

Now, MCN have teamed up with Nexx stockists, ForMotorbikes, to ask the opinion of bikers who have bought the Nexx XR1R Carbon, to discover whether the helmet lives up to the hype. Here’s what customers had to say:

“Let me put it this way, the Nexx XR1R Carbon is just about the best purchase I have made in motorcycling! I have had Arai, Bell in the past (been riding for 33 years). I have AGV and Nolan, but since I got the Nexx, the other helmets are literally collecting dust. It is so light and comfortable and is so easy on the neck.” (Mohammed Zabeer)

“I’ve moved from a Shoei, I have so many things I like about the Nexx XR1R Carbon. The lightness of it, the larger aperture, the new quick release visor system is also fantastic. It is most definitely a quality helmet. Also with the different size padding it is easy to get it to fit very comfortably. And the added bonus to it all is the fantastic service I received from your self, Matt, at the ForMotorbikes team.” (Liam McGloin)

“Fantastic product and really does knock spots off my previous mainstream helmet (Arai).” (Michael Hay)

“I bought mine on the recommendation of a friend who spent 3 months in Oxford Intensive Care in an induced coma after crashing (whilst wearing the Nexx XR1R Carbon). They said the helmet saved his life.” (Richard Talbot)

“To put it simply, I love it. I’ve never had a better fitting and more comfortable helmet. Even without fitting any of the additional pads, it’s quiet, both with reduced wind noise and engine/exhaust sound and the peripheral vision is excellent. Top all this off with how light the helmet is, how classy the design looks and how good it looks in Matt Black and Gold (I own a black and gold R1), I’ve never owned a better lid. My old lids were both Shoei (Z1 & Raid 2) and both have been retired.” (David Buck)

“I came from a Shoei RF-1100 and my XR1R Carbon surpasses my Shoei with weight savings, quietness and view port area! I have a chronic neck injury, and I’ve been able to ride pain free with the lightness of this helmet.” (Michelle Cheng)

“I just thought I’d let you know that the helmet did arrive the day after you posted it, thanks, that’s brilliant service. I picked the new bike up today and it’s excellent. I must say though that the helmet is better than my old Arai, it really is exquisite! Thank your for your help, I shall recommend you to all!” (John Bauer)

“The helmet is incredibly light and the view port so large I didn’t really notice the helmet after a while. Nice finish and overall very impressive helmet for the price, I very happy that I didn’t buy Shoei or Arai, I genuinely think Nexx are the better helmet.” (James Hardie)

“I’ve previously owned Shoei and Shark lids. However, since having owned the Nexx XR1R, I don’t think I shall be looking back. It’s styling is great, definitely the best-looking helmet I’ve owned, and it’s light as a feather. I really notice a difference wearing other helmets on the bike now, when trying to turn my head at speed. Vision is superb through a wide visor and the Pinlock is a great little touch. Comfort is premium, noise is minimal and pricing is very attractive! I have recommended it to family and friends.” (John Harris)

“Wow what a helmet, I had been suffering with neck trouble and wearing my Shark Vision R was proving a little to heavy and aggravating my problem, enter the XR1R, it’s so light weight that it really is like you’re not wearing it, after a long ride my neck is fine with no aches or pains. I always ride with ear plugs so noise isn’t an issue, that said, one day I forgot to put them in, but the wind noise from the XR1R was negligible, now that is impressive.

Having worn Shark and Shoei helmets I can safely say the quality of the XR1R is up there with the best, and when it’s time to replace it, well I won’t be shopping around it will be another XR1R.

I’d also like to say a bit about Matt and ForMotorbikes.com, what a great guy, his customer service has to be one of the best I have ever come across, I have no doubt he will continue to be successful and will be in business in years to come for me to buy from.” (Jason Holden)

“I love it! Hands down best helmet I’ve owned.” (Christopher Garcia)

“Bought a Nexx XR1R full carbon from ForMotorbikes, Matt was very helpful and advised trying a medium, as they are a snug fit, as I usually wear a small. Fast service, arrived next day and for me a good fit. I agree with the first MCN review, best helmet I’ve owned.

Ultra light, good, simple vents that work, Pinlock works really well and a good all around view and good finish. Feels much lighter than any Arai or Shoei I’ve owned. If you’re after a new skid lid, try one.” (John Crowther)

“My wife bought me the XR1R Carbon for my birthday last January, what a present it turned out to be, the best. I had always been an Arai fan up ‘til then, I started with the Quantum then two RX7 Corsairs and to be honest I thought they were the dogs! But I’m a changed man; I absolutely love the XRIR Carbon. I’ve done 9000 mile on my S1000RR, that included two trips to Europe, one was 3000 mile trip the other 1900 mile.

The noise suppression in the helmet is unreal, I always used earplugs, but if I’m being honest, with the Carbon you don’t really need them. Ventilation in the helmet is far superior to the Arai’s, also the size of the window in front of you is amazing. I put my old RX7 on to try it out, what a let down it was, I was claustrophobic and deaf, haha. The only down side to the helmet was no quick release, but I’ve just heard they are doing a kit to convert the helmet to quick release, mine is on order.

So thank you Matt (ForMotorbikes), I would recommend this helmet to anyone.” (Terry Murphy)

“Thanks for your email. I don’t mind helping you out with a review, as the service you provided me was exceptional. I previously wore a Shoei for many years. In comparison the Nexx XR1R is extremely light, quite and very comfortable. All my mates are jealous and cannot believe the weight of the helmet. Best crash helmet I have ever owned.” (Denver Margetson)

“Really light and so much quieter than my previous helmet (a Roof Daytona). I bought the Roof because I had read reviews that said it was a quiet helmet, nowhere near as good as the Nexx and of course the Roof was heavier. MCN are right when they say you get so much more vision from the Nexx visor than other helmets, absolutely marvelous.

I have also “messed about” with the extra padding the helmet comes with and it fits me just about perfect now. All in all I am really pleased with my purchase and the price, so much so that a pal of mine has been in touch with you.“ (Alan Brown)

“It’s fantastically light and as reported by others, visibility is unmatched.” (Ian Grant)

“My previous helmet was an Aria RX7, which was a lovely fit and well vented. The XR1R is easily as comfortable with much better visibility, I can now see the clocks on my Diavel! Also the quick release for the visor deserves a mention as it’s the simplest I’ve ever come across.” (Mal Marise Jones)

“I bought this helmet mainly for track day use on my CBR600RR, as I was having real problems with the forward visibility from my ‘AGV S4-SV Naked’ helmet in a crouched racing position on track. It was hard to spot the apexes and I was constantly pushing the chin up to see where I was going. I needed the right tool for the job and in general, the XR1R has been fantastic, doing exactly what I wanted it to do, i.e. Superb visibility, top quality protection, extremely light weight and it looks good too.” (Robert Wooldridge)

“Previous helmet was an AGV, the Nexx XR1R Carbon is so much better, I love it, it is lighter, and I can see more. Rode at some high speeds on my Suzuki B king and had no noticeable helmet movement at speeds in excess of 140mph (on track), wind noise is down compared to the AGV, overall very impressed and will buy another if I need one.” (Steven Barker)

“I’m still extremely pleased with the Nexx XR1R Carbon. It’s very comfortable and so light that you hardly notice you’re wearing it. It looks bang up to date and gives an excellent field of view. All in all, a great product, at a reasonable price.” (Martin Prince)

“The first ride out I had with the XR1R Carbon helmet was unbelievable, so light and comfortable. With great visibility and also a lack of “head wobble” and less wind and road noise than I have experienced in my last two helmets.” (Jim Cannon)

The Nexx XR1R Carbon comes in a variety of colours and designs, all of which are stocked by ForMotorbikes

ForMotorbikes offers FREE UK Delivery on everything and ships to anywhere in the world.

To read more about the features of the Nexx XR1R Carbon, visit http://formotorbikes.com/why-nexx-helmets.html and to see how it compares with Arai and Shoei, visit http://formotorbikes.com/compare.html

View the full Nexx XR1R Carbon range at ForMotorbikes.

By MCN Staff