Hemets
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Tidewater Virginia
Well after driving Revzilla nuts with exchanges and returns, I finally found a helmet I love. My criteria morphed and evolved throughout this search.
I wound up with a Shoei RF-1200 full face helmet. I know, it's exactly what I said I wasn't looking for
I took the advise of some here and got over the old skool look thing. Old skool look turned out to also be old skool fit, comfort and venting (or lack thereof).
The RF-1200 is light, well vented, very comfortable and somewhat expensive but the fit of the L with the optional 31mm cheek pads fits me like a glove. The shell is very compact and looks more like a size M than L on the outside. I was able to mount my J&M wired headset. Their HSCP-UTS1 speakers are a perfect fit for the built-in Shoei speaker cavities.
I took it on a nice 160 mile back road ride with a group this past weekend. If I flip the shield up, I can actually forget I'm wearing a full face helmet. It's much cooler than any of my 1/2 or 3/4 helmets without venting. In the morning, I actually had to close the top vents because I was getting brain freeze in 60 deg temps. The field of vision is very wide and high. I have no issues reading my gauges or the Infotainment screen. The Pinlock equipped visor is truly fog free. The shell is very aerodynamic and doesn't lift, pull, etc in any head position.
I know I don't look as cool as those guys with the novelty salad bowls on their heads (I actually think they look ridiculous
) but if I ever went down, my wife wouldn't have to feed me with a spoon. 
I wound up with a Shoei RF-1200 full face helmet. I know, it's exactly what I said I wasn't looking for
I took the advise of some here and got over the old skool look thing. Old skool look turned out to also be old skool fit, comfort and venting (or lack thereof).The RF-1200 is light, well vented, very comfortable and somewhat expensive but the fit of the L with the optional 31mm cheek pads fits me like a glove. The shell is very compact and looks more like a size M than L on the outside. I was able to mount my J&M wired headset. Their HSCP-UTS1 speakers are a perfect fit for the built-in Shoei speaker cavities.
I took it on a nice 160 mile back road ride with a group this past weekend. If I flip the shield up, I can actually forget I'm wearing a full face helmet. It's much cooler than any of my 1/2 or 3/4 helmets without venting. In the morning, I actually had to close the top vents because I was getting brain freeze in 60 deg temps. The field of vision is very wide and high. I have no issues reading my gauges or the Infotainment screen. The Pinlock equipped visor is truly fog free. The shell is very aerodynamic and doesn't lift, pull, etc in any head position.
I know I don't look as cool as those guys with the novelty salad bowls on their heads (I actually think they look ridiculous
) but if I ever went down, my wife wouldn't have to feed me with a spoon. Excellent choice. When it come to helmets, it's all about the fit. I ended up with a schuberth modular. It just fits my head the best. Nice and snug yet still comfy. Also very quiet.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have a stable of helmets. The one I seem to wear more now is the Nolan M43. It has a removable chin bar. I ride with sun glasses as well and when I don't want the shield I just flip it up and ride that way. It doesn't catch the wind when it's up and rarely fogs when it's down.
I do own two Shoei helmets and they are well constructed and comfortable. The 1/2's that I have are off brand and not comfortable. I hate the way they bobble in the wind.
I do own two Shoei helmets and they are well constructed and comfortable. The 1/2's that I have are off brand and not comfortable. I hate the way they bobble in the wind.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 302
Likes: 6
From: Tulsa,OK
Shoei RF-1200 is hands down the most comfortable helmet I've ever had. The light weight and comfort of the interior sold it for me. The venting was better than I expected. Don't try this helmet on if you're interested in something cheaper. I did have to swap cheek pads for a thinner version. It's nice that you can do this for an exact fit, but everything that says Shoei on it is pretty pricey.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
I broke down last year and bought an Arai. It's expensive but it's a quality helmet and it fit's like it should. I also have a Bell Custom 500 3/4 that I like pretty well. I usually alternate between the two and my 1/2 stays on the wall most of the time.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
I also have a Bell Custom 500 (in addition to my primary shoei rf1200). The Bell is Super comfortable with the exception of the complete lack of any venting. It seals so good around the ears and front/rear that it is extremely quiet. The huge downside is that my head is soaking wet even in cool weather after a few minutes.
