Question on Shoei helmets
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Canada
Question on Shoei helmets
I think I'm going to go with a full face for my next helmet. I've got it down to two options. One is the Shoei RF-SR. The other is the RF 1400. The dealer is telling me that the RF-SR is designed for upright riding when it comes to the visor location. This fits with my EGlide. The RF 1400 is more for a sport touring or sport bike where the rider is in a more forward leaning position. Does anyone using the RF 1400 (or RF 1200) find any disadvantage with this helmet when it comes to this issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: west Michigan
My Shoei RF1200 works fine on my Road King and my sportier BMW R9T.
Revzilla info
Revzilla info
Last edited by RK4ME; Jun 1, 2022 at 09:11 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,157
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From: TX
It's been a while since I looked at the 1400 but I believe it was supposed to be an upgrade over the 1200 in regards to air flow. So dealer might be a bit wrong in their advice
I have an RF-SR and I like it. It's my first full face other than a bell I wore for like 1 ride and returned. I really like it. I don't feel like it flows a ton of air but I can definitely feel it. But when it's hot outside well, it's just no way around it, you're gonna be hot.
I'll buy another shoei when time comes I think
I tend to almost always wear ear plugs still especially as I tend to only wear my full face when commuting which is at speeds of 80+
I have an RF-SR and I like it. It's my first full face other than a bell I wore for like 1 ride and returned. I really like it. I don't feel like it flows a ton of air but I can definitely feel it. But when it's hot outside well, it's just no way around it, you're gonna be hot.
I'll buy another shoei when time comes I think
I tend to almost always wear ear plugs still especially as I tend to only wear my full face when commuting which is at speeds of 80+
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: SW Fl.
I bought a 1400 recently. Its Shoeis lightest helmet and has great ventilation. Its the most quiet helmet I have had, andI can actually feel the air on the top of my head when riding. A combination I didnt think would be possible.
Last edited by Coverdog; Jun 2, 2022 at 05:46 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: The boonies of northern New England
My RF 1400 works great for me, and I ride a RKS. No issues with visibility or air flow. The JBL ear speakers for my Cardo fit the speaker holes in the helmet perfectly. Like others have said, when it's hot outside, it's hot, any full face helmet will feel hot on days like that. I just ride with the visor open when it is hot.
To the OP, if the RF 1400 fits, and is comfortable for you, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.
To the OP, if the RF 1400 fits, and is comfortable for you, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 186
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