Question on Shoei helmets
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 4,200
From: The boonies of northern New England
Just bought an RF SR yesterday.
Way back in the day I rode a Shoei 1200. Since then I've been rolling with inexpensive helmets, including Harley's HJC modular, and the Nolan convertible.
Going back to Shoei is gonna be worth it I think, for me anyway. More comfortable and WAY quieter than the other two. For better or worse it seems to be doing a really good job with low frequency noise -- it's hard to hear your engine -- and they seem to have eliminated the Shoei "whistle." Wind roar is OK, I imagine many people will find shooters' or musicians' ear plugs sufficient to take the edge off.
Not a lightweight but well balanced for an upright sitting position, considerably better than the HJC modular and noticeably better than the Nolan. Aerodynamics are excellent with quite a bit less lifting and buffeting at highway speeds. Great on a naked bike but may or may not work all that great with your glide, as air coming up from below the fairing can cause terrible buffeting with any FF helmet. Consider getting some "fangs" if that happens
As far as Shoei's lineup is concerned, my impression was, the rf sr is their el cheapo version. Materials aren't as premium and it's not as quiet as the 1400 but otherwise benefits from Shoei quality and design. Note I got a photochromic visor which pushed my cost up considerably and I was glad to save a hundred bucks. (I don't like wearing sunglasses with a FF helmet and I'm not as big a fan of retractable sun visors as I used to be.) Otherwise the Air -- which I think is the one designed for touring -- might have been a consideration.
If safety is your primary concern, any Shoei is a good choice. For quiet, 1400 has the edge (although if that's the primary concern, Shuberth deserves a look I think). Could have saved a bundle going with the Bell Qualifier DLX for the photochromic thing but was advised it's way louder than the Shoei
Way back in the day I rode a Shoei 1200. Since then I've been rolling with inexpensive helmets, including Harley's HJC modular, and the Nolan convertible.
Going back to Shoei is gonna be worth it I think, for me anyway. More comfortable and WAY quieter than the other two. For better or worse it seems to be doing a really good job with low frequency noise -- it's hard to hear your engine -- and they seem to have eliminated the Shoei "whistle." Wind roar is OK, I imagine many people will find shooters' or musicians' ear plugs sufficient to take the edge off.
Not a lightweight but well balanced for an upright sitting position, considerably better than the HJC modular and noticeably better than the Nolan. Aerodynamics are excellent with quite a bit less lifting and buffeting at highway speeds. Great on a naked bike but may or may not work all that great with your glide, as air coming up from below the fairing can cause terrible buffeting with any FF helmet. Consider getting some "fangs" if that happens
As far as Shoei's lineup is concerned, my impression was, the rf sr is their el cheapo version. Materials aren't as premium and it's not as quiet as the 1400 but otherwise benefits from Shoei quality and design. Note I got a photochromic visor which pushed my cost up considerably and I was glad to save a hundred bucks. (I don't like wearing sunglasses with a FF helmet and I'm not as big a fan of retractable sun visors as I used to be.) Otherwise the Air -- which I think is the one designed for touring -- might have been a consideration.
If safety is your primary concern, any Shoei is a good choice. For quiet, 1400 has the edge (although if that's the primary concern, Shuberth deserves a look I think). Could have saved a bundle going with the Bell Qualifier DLX for the photochromic thing but was advised it's way louder than the Shoei
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 727
From: South Austin Texas
I love my 1400
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
I was actually just looking at this one. RF-1400. I'm just on the fence. I've never wore a helmet and I don't want to spend that kind of coin on something that sits on a shelf. Honestly if I got one it would be for wind noise... but I've heard/read that wind noise can actually be worse with a FF helmet. Once you buy a helmet and wear it, you can not take them back.
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 36
From: South Carolina
I currently use a Neotec 2. I've used this helmet on my Road Glide, a Street Glide and a Road King with no issues. It is comfortable, a little heavy in the hands but I don't really feel it when I'm riding. No buzzing or buffeting at all. The noise level is more than acceptable.
My last helmet was an RF1200. I really liked this helmet because it was comfortable and fit great. The RF1200 worked fine on my Road Glide and a Road king but SUCKED on my Street Glide especially on longer trips where we were running highway speed and only stopping for gas. I have no experience with the RF 1400.
YMMV
My last helmet was an RF1200. I really liked this helmet because it was comfortable and fit great. The RF1200 worked fine on my Road Glide and a Road king but SUCKED on my Street Glide especially on longer trips where we were running highway speed and only stopping for gas. I have no experience with the RF 1400.
YMMV
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 1,880
From: SF Bay Area
When I was upgrading from my R1000 I tried on the RF1400 and while I liked the look I felt claustrophobic in it. Might have been my imagination but the front of the helmet felt very close to my face. I tried on the Shoei GT Air II and bought that one. Lots of air flow and great for upright riding. Best Helmet I've ever owned.
Last edited by Calif Fat Bob; Jun 2, 2022 at 01:02 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 101
Likes: 53
From: Cdn foothills
For my head, the Shoei is the best one I've found. I have a GT Air and love it. I've tried the HD modular but the shape gave me pressure on my forehead. Looking at Shoei for modular one now.
The RF-1400 looks nice as well. Wish it was modular cause I would get it.
The RF-1400 looks nice as well. Wish it was modular cause I would get it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 815
From: Middle America
I have a RF-SR. Overall, it’s a great helmet. I ride a XL1200X, which forces me to lean forward a bit. I’ve never had any sort of issue with not riding in an upright position with it. My only issues: I wish it had more airflow and it’s pretty loud (and I wear earplugs). I had to start wearing the chin curtain with it.