Shoei RF1000 Review

Shoei RF 1000 Nerve​

Those of you who follow my many random messages probably know that I had to bite the bullet recently and get a new helmet. Here is the review I promised. I tried on probably about 20 helmets before deciding on the Shoei. I narrowed down what was important to me and chose this based on those factors. Here they are in no particular order: fit, cost, noise, looks, weight.​

Fit: the Shoei fits me very well. It wasn't the absolute most comfortable I tried on, but when I put it on my head seems to be snug without feeling cramped. One thing I noticed is that the cheeckpads push my cheeks just so that if I don't keep my teeth together then my cheeks get pushed between my teeth slightly inside the helmet. Not a huge deal, but slightly annoying. I am told that other cheeckpads can be purchased, though. But then, I'd probably sacrifice some of the snug feeling I get from the helmet.​

Cost: This is the most expensive helmet I have ever purchased. Do I think that makes it better? Not necessarily. Do I think it was worth it? Yes. I paid $299 and got it from Competition Accessories with free shipping. It sat right in the middle on price ranges of the helmets I was looking at.​

Noise: This helmet is slightly quieter than the KBC I was using prior. I use my cell phone/mp3 player as a guide. I can hear my tunes all the way to 80 mph with only minimal wind noise getting through, and I can still hear the rumble of the v4 so it's not that my mp3 is loud enough to drown out the noise. The helmet came with a little chin cover thing similar to the NOJ quietrider basic that helps with the noise. (see pic below)​

Looks: The Shoei wasn't my favorite for looks, but just because I generally prefer matte finishes because I have a tendency to scratch things. (hence the nicname for my bike) The helmet came with a high gloss finish with no flaws that I noticed. The shield closes up snug with a decided snap to let you know it's in place. Very good fit/finish. Even looking at the helmet on the inside is visually pleasing.​

Weight: While, I'm told it's not the lightest helmet out there, I can tell you it is lighter than what I'm used to. It's almost like not wearing a helmet when I have this hat on. It may be the balance, the wind tunnel design testing or whatever, but it seems right. ​

Nits: from the top of the lid, the two red dots remind me of cartoon eyeballs. Also, helmet seems to fog up even with the included fog deflector in place (at least in cool weather).​

Likes: Visor can be changed in about 10 seconds. Locking tab on visor. Feels very stable at speed.​

Summary: a good lid for a good price.

Update: I have over 500 miles with this lid now and I wanted to add that the ventilation is good. I can feel the extra air flow with the top vents open on my forehead and in near 100 degree temp riding today, the helmet wasn't too uncomfortable. On the negative side, I seem to get bugs inside the helmet and on the shield quite a bit. Dunno if that has anything to do with helmet design, but it's something I noticed.​

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I noticed that, too. I'm beginning to wonder if should have actually bought a large instead of XL now. I tried them on at the dealer though and large just seemed too tight. I'm thinking I should have bought large then let it form or something...

 

UPDATE: I have had the shoei for over a year and it has over 10000 miles by now. More nits, the left side shield release worked itself loose and the little spring and pulltab thing popped out while on the trip in WA. the front vent by the mouth is difficult to operate.

Plusses: The shield will actually work with those pieces missing as long as you dont raise the shield to the max height (where it pops out). After emailing Shoei USA they sent me new baseplates and told me in the future to tighten them occasionally.

The cheekpads seem to fit just right now and the helmet feels so natural that I rarely notice it being on. The only time it bothers me is when I am taking it on and off several times a day like on the trip up to WA. The backs of my ears got sore by day 3 but you get used to it when on a trip like that.