Let’s be honest. Retro isn’t just back, it’s cooler now than ever. And it’s not just the bikes. The gear is riding that same wave. From leather jackets to lace-up boots, riders are turning back the clock in style. Helmets, too, have become more than just protection. These days, they’re statements. Part safety device, part fashion accessory.
They show off who you are even before you throw a leg over the bike.
That’s why helmets like the Arai Rapide Neo, Shoei Glamster, and Bell Eliminator have earned their place in the spotlight. They look timeless. They carry that unmistakable aura. Whether you’re into café racers or modern retros, these lids check all the boxes. And now, an old name is quietly making its way back into the conversation: the Shoei Wyvern.
I’ll be honest. Until I came across the teaser post, I had no idea what the Wyvern even was. A bit of digging led me down a rabbit hole, and what I found was a helmet with real cult status in Japan. Launched in the 1990s, the original Wyvern was bold and street-focused, with a wide chin bar and three prominent front slits. It gave off strong street racing vibes, a far cry from the aerodynamic race lids of today.
Turns out, the helmet also showed up in the manga Kirin by Shohei Higashimoto, and was worn by several of its characters. No wonder it gained a following.
Looking at it in the context of today, the Wyvern seems tailor-made for the current neo-retro craze. It’s got just the right amount of attitude to match bikes like the Yamaha XSR900 or the Suzuki Katana. The silhouette reminds me a bit of the old Arai XD Snell, and maybe even the Biltwell Lane Splitter. But it also feels a bit more refined, less cartoonish. A perfect balance between full-on retro like the Glamster and sleeker modern lids like the GT-Air.
And judging from Shoei’s teaser, it seems that the upcoming Wyvern is sharper, sleeker, and a touch more modern than its predecessor. Based on what we can see, it appears that the chin vents have been repositioned, and the chin bar itself has been given an angular redesign. The rest of the lid, however, remains shrouded in mystery.
Now, it’s important to mention that the Wyvern was only ever sold in Japan, and it was discontinued years ago. What few examples made it to other markets were likely either sold via the gray market or made available via limited release. As such, this helmet is one of those “if you know, you know” pieces of gear. You’d occasionally see one pop up in a forum or a collector’s shelf, but that was about it.
Now, things might be changing. Shoei recently released a teaser illustration on May 9 featuring a rider wearing what looked a lot like the Wyvern. Then, on June 2, they posted a new silhouette and a short caption: “Information to be released in late June.” It might be wishful thinking, but that sure feels like the lead-up to a proper comeback.
And maybe, just maybe, it won’t be limited to Japan this time. After all, we’re living in a global era. I’m writing this from Manila. You could be reading it from anywhere—North America, Europe, India, or beyond. Gear no longer lives in silos, and Shoei’s decision to post this teaser on their global-facing Instagram account feels deliberate.
If this really is the return of the Wyvern, here’s hoping it’s not just a Japan-only reissue. With its unique blend of vintage looks and modern aggression, it deserves a shot at a global audience.
Fingers crossed.
Sources: Shoei, Young Machine
