Motorcycle technology has moved forward rapidly over the last decade. Bikes now come packed with rider aids, advanced electronics and clever safety systems that would have seemed futuristic not all that long ago.
Helmet technology, however, has tended to evolve more slowly. Materials improve, ventilation becomes more efficient and safety standards move forward, but the basic concept has largely remained the same.
The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart looks like it could change that.
This new helmet introduces a heads-up display system designed to project information directly into the rider’s field of vision inside the visor. Instead of glancing down at your dash or a phone mount for navigation and alerts, the information appears ahead of you while you keep your eyes on the road.
It sounds futuristic, but Shoei and French technology company Eyelights believe this could represent the next step in motorcycle helmet development.
Watch Our First Look Video
We recently had the opportunity to take a closer look at the technology and explain how the system works in our YouTube video below.
If you want to explore the latest models and updates, you can also browse the collection here:
View the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart collection at Moto Central
What Is the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart?
The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart is built around the standard Shoei GT-Air 3 helmet platform.
If you are familiar with the GT-Air range, you will know it has become one of Shoei’s most popular helmets for touring, commuting and everyday riding. Riders choose it because it balances comfort, practicality and premium construction.
The Smart version builds on that foundation and adds something entirely new – a heads-up display system developed in collaboration with Eyelights.
This system projects information directly into the rider’s visor, allowing navigation prompts, speed information and alerts to appear within the rider’s natural field of vision.
How the Eyelights Heads-Up Display Works
The Eyelights display uses Nano-OLED projection technology, designed to remain visible even in bright daylight.
Rather than appearing directly on the visor surface, the display is projected so that the information appears roughly three metres in front of the rider. This means your eyes remain focused on the road while still being able to see the information.
The HUD system can display several types of information including:
- GPS navigation directions
- Speed information
- Speed camera alerts
- Incoming calls
- Phone notifications
According to Eyelights, removing the need to glance down at your dashboard or phone could potentially improve rider reaction times by around 32 percent. Real-world testing will ultimately determine how noticeable that benefit is, but the concept itself is certainly intriguing.
Integrated Audio and Communication
The system is not only about the visual display. The Eyelights setup also includes a complete communication and audio system.
Features are expected to include:
- Built-in speakers
- A microphone with active noise reduction
- Voice control through Google Assistant or Siri
- Compatibility with both Android and iOS devices
Eyelights also claim that the system includes a universal intercom designed to connect with riders using different communication brands.
According to the information released so far, the system can support:
- Unlimited riders when connected online
- Unlimited range when using online connectivity
- Mesh-style communication when offline
These capabilities will become clearer once riders begin using the system in real-world riding situations.
The Helmet and HUD Are Separate Products
One important detail is that the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart helmet and the Eyelights HUD system are sold as separate products.
Instead of buying a helmet with the display permanently integrated, the system works as two components:
- The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart helmet
- The Eyelights HUD visor system
The helmet itself has been designed specifically to accommodate the projection hardware, which means it is not exactly identical to a standard GT-Air 3.
However, because the HUD remains separate hardware, it potentially allows the technology to evolve independently of the helmet platform.
The GT-Air 3 Helmet Platform
Even without the smart technology, the GT-Air 3 is already a highly respected touring helmet.
The helmet uses Shoei’s AIM composite shell construction, designed to balance strength and weight. It is also certified to the latest ECE 22.06 safety standard.
Touring-focused features include:
- Internal drop-down sun visor
- Pinlock-ready visor system
- Multi-density EPS impact liner
- Emergency quick-release cheek pads
- Multiple ventilation ports
- Removable and washable liners
- Multiple shell sizes
- Different cheek pad thickness options
These features make the GT-Air platform particularly popular among riders who spend long hours in the saddle.
Expected Price
At the time of writing, official UK pricing for the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart helmet has not yet been confirmed.
Some early international reports suggested a starting price around $1,199, which would roughly translate to around £950 to £1,000. However this figure should be treated as speculation until official UK pricing is announced.
The Eyelights HUD system itself has been listed at approximately £215, and this cost is separate from the helmet.
The final price riders pay will therefore depend on both components together.
Who Is This Helmet Designed For?
The GT-Air range has always been aimed primarily at touring riders, commuters and everyday road riders.
That makes it a natural platform for heads-up display technology.
If you regularly ride longer distances or rely heavily on navigation while commuting or touring, having directions and alerts visible without looking down could be extremely useful.
For track riding or aggressive sports riding, the benefits may be less significant. But for touring and everyday road riding, the concept makes a lot of sense.
Our First Impressions
It is important to note that what we have seen so far is based on a prototype demonstration unit and technical information released by Shoei and Eyelights.
We have not yet had the opportunity to ride with the final production system.
However, the idea itself is incredibly interesting. If the technology works smoothly in real-world riding conditions, it could represent one of the most significant developments in helmet design for many years.
As soon as the GT-Air 3 Smart becomes properly available, we will be revisiting it for a full road test.
Explore the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart
If you want to keep up to date with availability and new models, you can browse the full range here:
Browse the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart collection at Moto Central
Final Thoughts
The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart has the potential to be one of the most talked-about motorcycle helmets in recent years.
A heads-up display inside a helmet still sounds futuristic, but the technology is quickly becoming a reality. Whether it ultimately becomes the future of motorcycle helmets or simply the beginning of a new category remains to be seen.
Either way, it is certainly one of the most interesting developments in motorcycle gear right now.
