Question on Shoei helmets
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
As much as I liked my Shoei 1100 and 1200 helmets, the GT Air helmets with the drop down sun visors are the effn ballz, I can drop the sun shield and leave the clear shield up and get a lot of wind reduction while still getting some air across my face.
One of my GT Airs ( original series not the newer II type) is set up for HD intercom/speakers and it gets a lot of use on group rides where we use CB's to communicate.
Before I bought a RF series I'd check out the GT Air II
One of my GT Airs ( original series not the newer II type) is set up for HD intercom/speakers and it gets a lot of use on group rides where we use CB's to communicate.
Before I bought a RF series I'd check out the GT Air II
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 848
Likes: 403
From: Oklahoma
I roll with HJC. Full face during the winter rest of the time a three quarter. Works for me. No radio no intercom just a bucket for your head. Besides you can leave a HJC on the seat of your bike and know one will steal it. Plus from experience they work. Just no bragging rights I guess. Fit Form and Function.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
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.
When I picked up a Shoei Neotec II helmet at a local dealer, to try it on, it felt so heavy and massive compared to my RF1200, that I didn't even bother to try it on.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 19
From: Richland WA
I have an RF-1200, RF-1400, and Neotec 2. I find the RF-1400 significantly quieter than the RF-1200. I haven't tried the Neotec 2 on my SportGlide yet because the shell is so much larger (seriously: I feel like moon man in it) I assume I'll get buffeting (as it gets hotter I'll probably get around to trying it). One thing about the RF-1400 design is I can't find a good place to mount my Sena battery (no flat surfaces) and ended up stuffing it under the padding back behind my left ear. The Neotec 2 is designed for the Sena SRL so that battery has a pre-built place to put it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 628
From: IE, CA
LOL.... Ive been using their top of the line "racing helmet" X14 for almost 6 years on all my bikes (Streetglide, Dyna, ADV Super Tenere & Crotchrocket Busa) and its an awesome helmet for every bike like every Shoei is..... Guy is FOS, that RF will be great for whatever you run it with, hardly a sport oriented helmet only. 👍 Between the two, I'd go RF1400 myself...
Banned
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 325
From: Virginia
LOL.... Ive been using their top of the line "racing helmet" X14 for almost 6 years on all my bikes (Streetglide, Dyna, ADV Super Tenere & Crotchrocket Busa) and its an awesome helmet for every bike like every Shoei is..... Guy is FOS, that RF will be great for whatever you run it with, hardly a sport oriented helmet only. 👍 Between the two, I'd go RF1400 myself...
The only differences I notice between the X14 and RF is X14 has a tighter fit and heavier than RF, with nicer lining materials and a sportier looking shape. RF series is a nice light comfortable helmet good for a cruiser. Seems to have more wind noise than X14 though in my two samples.
Last edited by E-clip; Jun 3, 2022 at 09:40 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 628
From: IE, CA
They are two different helmets... The RF is a very nice helmet and a very nice helmet to live with. X 14 is lighter then the RF actually. A fast ride with both will convince of the X14 difference in every way, fit, aero & ventilation.
Theres a reason for the $300 increase in price between both and in my case its always worth it. Im actually on my second X 14 as my first hit the five year mark (I swap helmets at the five year mark). Ive personally always run top of the line Shoeis since late 80s.
Sorry off topic for OP...
Theres a reason for the $300 increase in price between both and in my case its always worth it. Im actually on my second X 14 as my first hit the five year mark (I swap helmets at the five year mark). Ive personally always run top of the line Shoeis since late 80s.
Sorry off topic for OP...
Last edited by Highwaymans; Jun 3, 2022 at 10:15 PM.
Banned
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 325
From: Virginia
They are two different helmets... The RF is a very nice helmet and a very nice helmet to live with. X 14 is lighter then the RF actually. A fast ride with both will convince of the X14 difference in every way, fit, aero & ventilation.
Theres a reason for the $300 increase in price between both and in my case its always worth it. Im actually on my second X 14 as my first hit the five year mark (I swap helmets at the five year mark). Ive personally always run top of the line Shoeis since late 80s.
Sorry off topic for OP...
Theres a reason for the $300 increase in price between both and in my case its always worth it. Im actually on my second X 14 as my first hit the five year mark (I swap helmets at the five year mark). Ive personally always run top of the line Shoeis since late 80s.
Sorry off topic for OP...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 628
From: IE, CA
Now that you've had your arguments about helmets for no reason, enjoy whatever helmet you prefer. 👍
OP, both of your options are great helmets and will do you well... Get the one with the style and fit you prefer.
