Shoei remembers Norick ABE with new helmet design.

[EJ25RUN]

Hell for leather.....

In 1994, 19-year-old Norifumi "Norick" Abe entered the Japanese Grand Prix as a wild card. His committed riding style saw him challenge for the lead until three laps from the finish, when he crashed spectacularly. Kenny Roberts was so impressed that he offered Norick a place on the factory Yamaha team; he finished sixth during his two further rides that season. A young Valentino Rossi was also impressed, adopting the professional nickname "Rossifumi" early in his career. On October 7, 2007 Norick was riding his Yamaha T-Max when a truck pulled an illegal U-turn, causing a collision; the impact killed him.

Now, Shoei is reissuing Norick's 1994 helmet design on its range-topping X-Eleven helmet. The design appears to be an exact replica, except the omission of the now politically incorrect Marlboro logo. We're pleased to see Shoei honoring one of the most memorable racers of the '90s, especially with the well-chosen '94 color scheme. Its white base, vibrant colors and bold graphics appear completely up-to-date, even 14 years later.

RIP Norifumi

[Footefan52]

This is not a new helmet design. It is a new graphic. The x-eleven is pretty old.

Either way I hope we get one or two into my store

[EJ25RUN]

This is not a new helmet design. It is a new graphic. The x-eleven is pretty old.

Either way I hope we get one or two into my store

Yes i know this. I just figured it is easier to write it that way.

[itsnotarex]

My Dad used to have an Abe replica. What a kickass rider.

I miss 500s.

[EJ25RUN]

My Dad used to have an Abe replica. What a kickass rider.

I miss 500s.

Me too.

My favorite bikes ever are the 990s but the 500 in all its eras will never be replicated.