After a focused three-year development cycle, Shoei unveiled the Optixon helmet at the Osaka & Tokyo Motorcycle Show in 2022. This model represents a collaborative effort with NS West, and it appears that a production version is already in view. The Optixon sits at the intersection of motorcycle safety and wearable tech, offering riders a smart upgrade that keeps critical information in their field of view without requiring them to divert their attention to a separate screen on the handlebars.
A true smart helmet, the Optixon integrates a heads-up display that projects digital tips onto a transparent surface in front of the visor. Users can expect to see navigation cues, object annotations, and other contextual data presented within the rider’s line of sight. This arrangement aims to reduce distraction by ensuring essential information is readily visible at all times, regardless of where the rider looks during a ride.
Visual delivery is managed by a display unit positioned opposite the right eye. The transparent projection glass is adjustable, allowing riders to tailor the image to their preference without sacrificing clarity. In addition to the HUD, the helmet features a Bluetooth module, a dedicated projection device, a built-in speaker, and a microphone, all integrated to support hands-free communication and seamless data streaming.
The projection system sits on top of the chin guard, creating the impression that the on-screen elements float a short distance in front of the rider. The images remain sharp and stable, even as speed or lighting conditions change, ensuring the rider’s peripheral vision is not compromised by the display itself.
All projection content is sourced from a connected smartphone, which communicates with the helmet’s electronics via Bluetooth. This connection also enables navigator voice prompts to be delivered through the helmet’s audio system, providing turn-by-turn guidance without requiring the rider to check a separate device. The result is a more cohesive riding experience, with route information and alerts integrated into the helmet’s audio-visual feedback loop.
Details about weight have not been officially released, but observers at the exhibition estimated that the Optixon’s mass is in line with Shoei’s other helmets. For instance, models in the Neotech II series typically fall within a similar weight range, suggesting the Optixon would be comfortable for long rides while preserving a balanced center of gravity for stable handling.
Pricing and a formal release date for the Optixon have not yet been announced. Early indications from the trade show suggest a price bracket roughly aligned with Shoei’s other advanced helmets, potentially placing it in a similar range to the Neotech II lineup. This places theOptixon as a premium option for riders seeking integrated smart-helmet capabilities without compromising on the core attributes that define Shoei’s reputation for comfort, fit, and safety.