Helmets 2010 Shoei RF-1100 . . . Wow!

TXRoadRash

TXRoadRash

FWDoc
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
223
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Bike
2008 GL1800
Having a Texas-sized noggin ("somewhat narrow" by definition) makes finding a well-fit topper a challenge. I've gone through the following lids in recent years:
  • Shoei RF-1000 (XXL -- had to spoon that puppy into submission)
  • HJC Symax (XXL - ibid. and then some)
  • Arai Profile (XXL which fits nicely but the price was nuts for a helmet that fit like a CL-15 costing 1/3 the price)
  • Arai Vector (XXL which I would, perhaps, buy again if I didn't have three kids in college)
  • Shoei Multitek (XXL - purchased on a whim, regretted it ever since due to fitment and theplacement of the chin bar)
  • Arai Quantum 2 (XXL - which I re-sold within 72 hours of purchase)
  • a Symax 2 (XXL - which not even spooning and a Dremel could fix)
  • an HJC CL-15 (XXXL - which got wasted by the daughter's black lab...don't ask
  • and most recently, the new Shoei RF-1100.
I've got to say, the Shoei RF-1100 fit better right out of the box than any helmet I have ever owned.

The helmet mold provides just the right length -- front to back -- for my narrow but otherwise oversized, round head. No more hot spot on the frontal bone and crown. Blessed relief...

The chin and neck are both covered well -- without creating any obstruction of vision or annoying neck pressure.

The chin curtain (thus far only 80 degree temps) is a nice addition that is provided, and does, in fact, seem to diminish the air noise (roar that is so typical) originating from the chin bar opening.

The ventilation is phenomenal -- and, in spite of some comments to the contrary -- easily controlled with gloved hands. With all vents open it does add to the noise factor, but it's still not obnoxiously loud.

The weight is surprising. It is probably the most lightweight helmet I've ever owned -- yet was the first of the 2010 helmet line to receive both DOT and Snell 2010 rating.

The removable liner and cheek pads are very comfortable. And given the option of changing the cheek guards provides you with the option to adjust the fit a bit.

The noise level is muuuuuuuuch better than I had expected. From the reviews it was rated very good -- but I would probably bump it just over the line to excellent. Adding the provided chin curtain diminishes the air noise even more. It's tempting to ride with this puppy and leave the ear plugs at home!

My XBi2 bluetooth headset was a breeze to install, and the ear/speaker pockets provide just the right space and acoustics cavity for phone, iPod and rider-to-passenger communication audio.

And the price -- $315 shipped from Helmet City (based upon their price matching policy and the "member price" from Helmet Harbor -- and "membership" is free) is unbeatable.

AND it's black, which makes it just fast enough to keep my head up to speed with the STeed!
 
I have one on order that should be here this week. I got the matte black color. Can't wait to try it out.
 
Thanks for the good info.

I too, have been trying on this helmet every chance I get. Nice fit and feel. Just need to decide between L or XL.
 
I've had mine now for about five thousand miles, and I'll agree with everything stated above. Except..., it won't fit in a side case on an ST1100. I've tried every imaginable position, and it just won't allow the lid to close. Don't know about the 1300, someone else can chime in on that. But the RF-1100 is still the best helmet I've ever owned.
 
I also have one with over 10,000 miles on it!! I love it!! One of the best helmet I have ever had!! :4is: :wave1:

:usflag1:
 
It won't fit in an 1100 side case? Oh noes! Not like I really put my RF-1000 in there much. Most of the time leave the helmet resting over my iPod case mounted to the left grip.

I'm pretty sure in a year or two when the price comes down on these, I'll get one. My RF-1000 is only two years old anyways.
 
My RF1100 fits me well and the noise level is much better that the flip up I had before.
I put my helmet in the side case today on my ST1300.....and one water bottle.
 
Just took mine out for a quick ride. I've been waiting for my smoked shield before it goes into service.
With all the vents open it's pretty loud. With the 2 front vents closed it's much quieter. You can definitely fell the air flow with all of them open.

My old RF800 is probably as quiet but the venting sucks. One thing I noticed is the ear pockets are huge on the 1100 and barely any on my 800.
 
Throttlejockey said:
One thing I noticed is the ear pockets are huge on the 1100 and barely any on my 800.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is one of the many things that attracted me to the 1100. I'm working on an upgrade to my XBi2 speakers, hoping to maximize the space by adding a little more "umpfh" to the sound (in-line amp). If I find success I'll probably post something in the tech section.
:p:
 
Shoei RF-1000 (XXL -- had to spoon that puppy into submission)
HJC Symax (XXL - ibid. and then some)
Arai Profile (XXL which fits nicely but the price was nuts for a helmet that fit like a CL-15 costing 1/3 the price)
Arai Vector (XXL which I would, perhaps, buy again if I didn't have three kids in college)
Shoei Multitek (XXL - purchased on a whim, regretted it ever since due to fitment and theplacement of the chin bar)
Arai Quantum 2 (XXL - which I re-sold within 72 hours of purchase)
a Symax 2 (XXL - which not even spooning and a Dremel could fix)
an HJC CL-15 (XXXL - which got wasted by the daughter's black lab...don't ask
and most recently, the new Shoei RF-1100.
Click to expand...

Man, what you need to do is buy a few helmets. Awesome list. LOL
 
I bought my RF-1100 back in February. Best helmet I ever owned. It makes my HJC helmet seem like a playschool toy. I bought mine from comptetion accessories shipped to my door for $290.
 
I have to say after using this helmet some more I'm kind of disappointed with it.
It's really noisy even with the front vents closed compared to my RF800. The shield fogs up way too easily, my 800 never does unless it's single digit temps out. I've found that the large ear cutouts cause my ear buds to loosen up and fall out. Guess I need to find some new ear buds.
 
Okay, after putting a few hundred more miles I can say I like it much better than initially.
Seems that the noise was that my ear buds kept working loose so it seemed louder than the 800 I have.
I would say it may be slightly louder but bearable. The fogging issue was taken care of by going to a dark smoke shield.

I just need to fix the ear bud issue so I guess I'll give the Bluebuds a shot.
 
Not sure.:confused: Maybe the clear shield is just crap? Maybe it gets warmer from the sun because it's darker. All I know is that it doesn't fog up now.
 
I just popped the breath guard in to take care of the fogging tendency. It, along with the chin curtain, come with the helmet. It eliminated most of the fogging issue.
 
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