Arai RX-7V Evo road and track review after six months
Toad’s been out and about testing the Arai RX-7V Evo for the last six months, on road and track – here’s his definitive verdict
WITH lots of road and track launches in 2022, Toad’s had ample chance to test out the new Arai RX-7V Evo road and track motorcycle helmet.
It’s been with him as he wound his way up mountain passes, and even lapped the iconic MotoGP circuit of Mugello. Here’s what he’s learned after six months of use.
Arai RX-7V Evo road and track review
Sitting very near to the top of the range from Japan’s most famous helmet maker is the Arai RX-7V Evo. Like the AGV Pista GP-RR we reviewed earlier, it’s favoured by some of the best motorcycle racers on the planet.
Unlike the Pista GP, the RX-7V is not a new design. In fact, the general ethos of the RX-7V stretches back to 1996 when the original RX-7 was released. Since then, it has evolved steadily and in line with Arai’s core values despite outwardly looking much the same.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Price
The RX-7V starts at £699.99 for plain colour options, rising to £799.99 for race reps and £875 for the 2022 Isle of Man TT replica (see above). That does make the RX-7V Evo a more cost-effective option than the Pista GP-RR, which starts at around £1,000.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Sharp rating and homologation
The RX-7V has a five-star Sharp rating, and there is no reason to believe that the new Evo version isn’t just as well performing in the test. It’s also certified to the latest ECE 22.06 standards, making it one of the first lids in the Arai range to do so – along with the new-for-2022 Quantic.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Comfort
Like any of the other lids in the range, the RX-7V Evo is a beautifully comfy place to be. It’s a snug fit on me (size medium 57 – 58cm) but not in an uncomfortable way. It’s like a hug for your head every time you put the lid on. I’ve spent long days in the lid without any problems whatsoever, and that’s in spite of it (on paper at least) being a few grams heavier than the competition.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Vents
ECE accreditation aside, the vents are one of the areas where the lid has had the most updates. There are some changes to the size of the inlets and outlets, and the top vent is slightly easier to find in winter gloves thanks to a larger switch.
In truth, you’ll be hard pushed to notice the updates – unless you happen to have a wind tunnel and a ton of computer equipment! It is though a very well-ventilated motorcycle helmet. Even an early spring ride around Mugello for the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa review I was never left wanting more airflow. The centrally mounted chin vent is excellent and feeds a constant stream of fresh air right to where you need it!
I’ve also tested the lid back in the UK and in more inclement weather. As with every other Arai I’ve tried, I never had any problem with the vents letting in water. The two-position chin vent will either flow air to your mount in hot weather or up to the visor of the helmet, helping (along with the included Pinlock) to keep any misting at bay.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Visor
Pretty much every Arai I’ve tested has had a very wide aperture and the RX-7V Evo is unsurprisingly no different. Its wide field of view is extremely useful, and the visor itself is crystal clear – as you’d expect from one of the best motorcycle helmets on the market.
For track riding, I do feel that the more aggressive stance of the AGV Pista GP-RR makes for a more relaxed racing crouch. It sounds confusing to say that, but the high neckline at the rear of the AGV makes it easier to get my eyes pointing to where I want them to be when I’m riding on the straights.
As mentioned in the above section, I also tested the Arai back in the UK and in April this year, and yeah, it rained. A lot. During those rides, I’ve never come across fogging of the Pinlock, although on some wetter rides the visor around this has fogged. That leads me to believe that a Pinlock is definitely required for this helmet in colder, wetter weather.
Arai RX-7V Evo | Verdict
It seems weird to say this, as it is a helmet born on and designed for the track, but I prefer the RX-7V as a road-riding helmet. It really only comes down to the visibility when crouched, and not much more. I just always lean to the Pista GP-RR when it comes to track riding. And while the AGV is comfortable, considering its aggressive design, it can’t touch the Arai for plush loveliness when a long day in the saddle lies ahead.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
