Having bought a new GSXR600 this year inn the traditional blue and white I thought that I would have to replace my horrid Red Nolan lid [1] with a new one that at least nearly matched the bikes colours.
 
Originally I was going to go for the AGV X- Vent R series (250 notes) but could I get one that would fit, could I buggery, only ones available were either XS or XL. So after searching al round Milton Keynes (where my folks live and I happened to be visiting) and surrounding areas, returned to the Isle of Man, where I live helmet-less.
 
However all was not lost. After journeying to Jurby airfield for the last track day of the year (Petrolheadonism) I lost one of my gloves for the day (not a big deal as the day was a wash-out and the racing got cancelled). So went into Douglas to Road and Track [2] to purchase some new gloves. Walked upstairs and was accosted by this huge red sign with the immortal words, SALE. Well me thinks might as well have a look and at the top of the helmet stand was the Shoei Interceptor lid. In Blue and white. And it fitted. And it was 120quid off its list price.
 
Went downstairs with it and got them to chuck a Fog City visor insert too. Bargain.
 
The lid is great for me, I must have a Shoei shaped head, I have heard that for some people that the lid is not very comfy but its great. It's very light, (compared to the Nolan) just over a kilo or so, the padding is snug around the top of the head and also on the cheeks but does not squish your face up too much. Also the bits where your ears go seem to be a little more "open" so there is a little space in there for them to sit. Nice and comfy that. All the vents seem to do what they do and at speed the lid is secure and does not lift up or anything. Any over 100MPH or so can get a little noisy, but ear plugs are essential buys with any lid.

The visor mechanism is very positive and the quick release visor system is a joy to use. Waiting now for a blue iridium visor from the friendly guys at the visor shop www.thevisorshop.co.uk which should set the lid off nicely and protect my eyes from the low winter sun.
 
Shoei retain the double D ring faster on this lid, which I prefer over seatbelt types for the simple reason that the lid is secured nice and tight every time you ride and once you get used to the fastening, its no big deal.
 
So at 280 quid for a 400 pound lid I have to say it's a bargain. Comfy, light and the colours right. Only bad thing I have to say is the visor DOES mist badly, so a Fog City insert is a must buy.

[1] really horrid, cheap, heavy and crap, but I needed one quick at the time and I was poor.
[2] the best place for motorbike bits and bike on the Island