Arai RX-7 Evo Motorcycle Helmet Review

European regulations aren’t exactly the most exciting thing, but when it comes to safety standards, all bikers should take note. The recently introduced ECE 22.06 motorcycle helmet rules, which replace 22.05, have ushered in a wave of new lids that are safer than ever. One such helmet is the Arai RX-7V Evo.

I’ve had an RX-7V Evo on test for around a year, covering many hundreds of miles on the road and using it on track. I’ve tested it both with a clear visor and a tinted one, in both instances with a Pinlock insert.

At a glance, it looks much the same as the lid it replaces, but Arai claims “everything” is different. Perhaps the most important change involves a reshaped shell to improve ‘glance-off’ protection, which mitigates impact forces, potentially saving you from a serious head injury and perhaps even worse.

Arai has also worked hard to improve airflow to keep the rider’s bonce nice and cool. The central air duct features an 11 per cent improvement in airflow, while the side air channels are a bit lower to better feed air from around the cheek pads to the side ducts. There’s also a 20mm longer diffuser sporting 19 per cent larger intakes.

Sure enough, it’s a breezy lid that hasn’t ever left me feeling unduly toasty, even on hot days. It’s far from the quietest lid out there, though. It’s noticeably noisier at speed than the Arai Concept XE I’ve also had on test over the last year.

One thing it does have over the Concept XE, though, is the ease with which the visor can be changed. It’s a toolless system which admittedly I needed to watch a YouTube video first to grasp the concept, but once understood, visor swaps are fast and easy. Ideal if your sunny track day becomes particularly overcast. 

I tested a size medium, which fits as expected. It’s comfortable to slide on and off, and while in use. There are no pressure points that cause aches or pains after wearing for an extended period.

As we’ve come to expect from Arai, and as you’d expect for a pricier helmet, the quality is first-rate. It feels like a premium product and has faired well in terms of wear.

Should you buy an Arai RX-7V Evo?

For many, the price of an RX-7V Evo will be a bit of a non-starter, but if you’re willing and able to pay a premium when protecting your head, the Arai is a strong option, especially if you intend on doing a few track days.

Don’t discount it if the intended use is mostly or even exclusively on the road, though. The RX-7 Evo is a great helmet for sporty road riding - you just have to bear in mind that there are quieter lids around, and some indeed from Arai itself (the Concept XE).

Should you fancy an RX-7V Evo, you won’t be wanting for colourways. Whether you want something simple like the classy-looking Frost Black I tested or a more lurid finish, there’s plenty of choice.