wBW Product Review:  Shoei Multitec Motorcycle Helmet
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Available From:  Shoei Helmets	Suggested Retail Price:  $482.99
Colors:  Yellow, White, Silky White, Anthracite, Black, Red, Blue, Silver, Matte Black, Grey.	Made in:  Japan
Product Comments:  650x650 pixel photo of the Multitec (JavaScript window).  Meets DOT standards.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL.

Note:  For informational use only.  All material and photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2009.  All rights reserved.  Read the Terms and Conditions.  See the webBikeWorld® Site Info page.

►Reader Comments and Owner Feedback

From "J.H." (10/9):  J.H. recently had a motorcycle accident and sent this information:  "When buying my
riding gear I originally thought that I didn't need to spend all of that money for a pair of boots.  The Herman Survivors looked fairly substantial, but now that I've had a foot injury from a crash, I recognize the need to spend the extra money for the protection offered by motor-cycle specific gear.

I'd happily lay out the cash to avoid the hassle and pain that these broken bones have caused me.  As for wearing the proper gear, it's a bit funny, but one of my first thoughts was 'now I've got to go out and buy a new riding jacket, pants and gloves'.  I was as upset by that that than the damage done to the bike.

About halfway home in the tow truck it dawned on me that the gear did its job. I thought to myself and mentioned to the tow truck driver, who rides by the way, 'I could be in an ambulance right now if I hadn't been wearing this stuff'.  Actually, I'd very likely be dead right now if I weren't wearing a helmet.  The strangest thoughts go through your
mind following an accident.

Some feedback regarding the Shoei Multitec helmet that I was wearing during the accident.  When I hit the pavement, the left back side of my head took the initial impact that sounded like a gun going off. 

I can replay the sequence that in my head and it seemed to take forever, but in reality took only a couple of seconds, after the initial impact I slid a few feet on my left side, I believe my left foot was pinned under the engine and my left hand was sliding down the pavement (knuckles down) under the end of the handlebar, then the bike and I separated.

The bike maintained momentum off the shoulder into the grass and bushes and I continued to slide on the pavement until I flipped over and continued sliding down the pavement face down and feet forward for about another 10 to 20 feet.

The Shoei took a lot of road rash from this and from the stiff neck that I received I believe that a lot of force was put on the flip-up chin protector.  It looks like someone took some serious course grit sandpaper to the front right hand side of the helmet and shield.

The great news is that the shell, the flip-up chin guard and the shield maintained their integrity and flip-up remained locked.  As a matter of fact it still works like it did prior to the accident.

As a result, I will be buying another Shoei.  Perhaps not a Multitec as I don't know whether the flip-up made that big of a difference putting on and removing my sunglasses and more importantly, I found that my chin was too close to the chin guard.  Not enough that I would have gotten rid of the helmet, but enough that I'll pay more attention to chin clearance for my next buy.

Also, a little lesson learned regarding riding and having an accident.  I never carry my GPS when riding as I have found the Garmin to be a nuisance when riding.

For some reason. I like to pull over and get out a map if I am not certain of the route I want to take.  This is not the case when riding in my car as I depend on the GPS all of the time - it's just something about riding my bike and keeping it simple - no GPS, no radio, nothing but me and the bike and the road.

Well, one thing that I learned when you have a wreck on a back country road; it's not that easy to think straight enough to figure out where in the world you are on a map and there aren't many people around to help give a location to emergency services.

So from now on my Nuvi goes in my tank bag, just in case I need to know where I am in a hurry.  Luckily for me, some very helpful locals showed up about 15 minutes after the accident.  This time 15 minutes didn't matter, but in the event that I run across a bad wreck or I have one, it could."

From "J.R." (5/09):  "My wife and I both splurged on two new Multitecs to replace our older Nolan flip ups.  The Nolan gave me a massive headache after about 90 minutes.  The Multitec doesn't cause me any headaches now, but it does leave a huge indentation on my forehead even after a short ride that takes an hour to go away.  I've tried adjusting the inserts to no avail.

I'm not really happy with the Multitec.  It's heavy and after an hour or so I start getting a neck ache from it.  I know its the weight because my half helmet, old Nolan, and my old shark full face doesn't bother me in the neck department.

Regarding noise:  This is one of the noisiest helmets I've ever worn.  It whistles and really amplifies the wind noise. Again, comparing it my other three helmets, this thing is loud.

Fogging:  It's almost impossible for me to keep the shield closed all the way as it's constantly fogging up and doesn't matter what the temperatures are. And this is with both vents fully open.

You were right on when you stated the shield is tough to open from the fully closed position.  That first notch is a killer.  On the shield mounts.  Twice now while on the road, the plastic screw holding the shield clamp system unscrewed from the helmet and left one side of my shield blowing in the wind while on the highway.  It almost ripped off the helmet when it happed.

The flip up single hand latch is however, a great improvement over the old Nolan two hands thumb trick.  This is the best feature of the Multitec but all in all if this helmet were lost or stolen tomorrow, I still wouldn't even consider it if it's cost was half price."

Editor's Reply:  The forehead pressure problem you are describing is typical when trying to fit a "long oval" shaped head into a round helmet.  That usually causes pressure on the forehead.  Unfortunately, there are very few flip-up helmets with a "long oval" internal shape.  If you get a chance, you may want to try a Vemar Jiano for comparison; it has more of a neutral internal shape.

Regarding the noise issue, as you have probably read in many of our helmet reviews or on our Motorcycle Helmet Noise page, helmet noise levels are caused by many different factors, including how the helmet fits, which is another clue that tells me that perhaps your Multitec doesn't fit your head shape.  If indeed your head shape is not fully compatible with the helmet shape, you will probably experience a more noise than otherwise.

Windscreen turbulence is another big factor, as is the way the helmet fits around the bottom of your neck, and flip-up helmets are notorious for poor sealing around the neck.

From "M" (05/09):  "Everything in your review is dead on for the Multitec.  It is by far one of the the quietest helmets I have had the pleasure of wearing.

Unfortunately, my head is more of a long oval shape and I start developing a hot spot on my forehead after 15 minutes of wear.  I wish there were a way around this because it is a great helmet.

Since I can not bear to wear the helmet for more than 20 minutes, I have switched to a Nolan N103 which is very comfortable and fits me like a glove.  Downside is earplugs are a must because it seems to transmit every bit of wind noise it can find directly into your ears."

From "R.T." (10/08):  "I just read your review of the Shoei Multitec and agree with most of what you said. I have had no problem whatsoever with the visors on mine and have had three different ones installed at various times.  It is a big step up from my old TZ-R and completely eliminates the helmet lift / wobble I sometimes experienced with the TZ at higher speeds.

It seems to be pretty quiet and fits great except that I believe it could use more padding in the very top.  Mine seems to rid a bit low on my head.  My beard does scrape against the chin piece, but it doesn't really bother me and may be a contributing factor the helmet's stability.

The only real gripe I have is that after about a hear I started noticing a blemish on the chin piece that looks all for the world like a scrape with a file or grinder.  It didn't show up when new and was completely covered with yellow paint.  But after considerable wear, the paint seems to be thinning over the ridges of the scrape marks and now the marks are clearly visible. 

I also noticed some paint thinning along the sculpted ridge of the chin bar.  Shoei wanted to see the problem, so I sent it back for them to analyze. I am back to wearing the old TZ and believe me, I miss my Multitec.  I wear glasses and getting them on with the tight fitting TZ is an art.

As far as the Pinlock visor goes - best thing since sliced bread.  I just works and doesn't require any care.  On the cold mornings when my eyeglasses fog up, all I have to do is lift the visor and I can clearly see that there is no fog on the helmet shield area where the Pinlock insert covers it.

I bought the CX1V Pinlock visor from Motorcycle Superstore for only $36.  The inserts are now only $27 and seem to last indefinitely.  I am currently using Seeclear on my glasses and it seems to work fairly well (some slight fogging now and then), but it has to be reapplied every morning.  I have ordered some of the antifog solution that you also reviewed from the Isle Of Man - I forget the name of the stuff (Salclear (review) - Editor).  But I am hoping to get by with a once-a-week reapplication of this product.

Thanks for a great review source."

From "J":  "You guys are great, I read your stuff from halfway round the world, in Singapore and I check every morning, it's like a ritual at work! hehe, well, lets go to my comments on the Multitec.

After suffering with an AGV Stealth XXL that didn't fit properly, probably due to my head shape ( I bought it before I started reading wBW).  Firstly it was too small, sat too high on my head, squished my ears and my chin was way way too exposed.  So I decided it was time (after 10 months of pondering and saving) as it's really hot and humid here ALL year round, I would get a flip-up. 

So my Girlfriend has a Shoei and she loves it,  I guess it was the logical choice! and of course I read your review.  Well over here we're near to Japan, so I guess it was cheaper, mine was SGD$490,  that's about only $355.00 USD.

Firstly the helmet itself has some minor differences, if you look at the Shoei Japan site you will see that the rear vent is different.  It's not at the bottom like your pictures.  It can open and close, but the top vent can open in 2 stages, fully open and half open, I always leave it at fully open.  And I really can feel the wind go through my hair!  So that's a good difference I guess.

Top vent catches significantly more air when my head tilts down more, maybe more effective for sports bike posture?  The front vent to me is great, fogging isn't an issue but I heard some of the locals say that it will in the rain, I haven't tried, only had mine for 2 weeks.  Though i must say it fogs up much easier when the chin curtain is worn and while stationary.  And I can feel the cool air in around my mouth/cheeks area too, great stuff!

Maybe it's me, but I do have a big head, and face, but i didn't face the common problem of having the helmet have short front to back dimensions, only if I stick my tongue out will it touch the front of the helmet.  Maybe they cater to Asian sizing here?  For head fit I feel it's great, the moment I put it on in the store I loved it, still do!.

But one thing i feel could be improved is the cushioning on the top, it feels a little thin, maybe cause it's XXL? 
My liner looks different from your pictures too, although my girlfriend's Shoei J Force II has the same looking fabric liner.  Although i must say it's comfy and does a great job on wicking away the sweat (lots of it here) and cools me down when flipped up.

Removing the visor is easy just like the J force II, but I'd like to try the half tinted visor that they only sell in Europe?? Cause I can't find it here or on several U.S sites I go to.  And no Pinlock here!  Just a plain clear visor.

I really wished they had the helmet in pearl white though, they only had black for my size :(

Overall, I absolutely love this helmet, why didn't I read webBikeWorld earlier?"

From "D.J.":  "I would like to add reinforcement to R.B's comments (below) on the Shoei Multitec:

The Multitec is by far the best working helmet I've ever owned.  Texas summers are killer for any full coverage helmet (until they come up with active, powered venting), but being able to catch some extra ventilation when stopped with the barn door open can save the day.

Regarding R.B's and A.G's comments - I had to buy a new Multitec shield after my neighbor accidentally knocked the helmet off my bike and watched it bounce down a driveway, so I opted for a Pinlock replacement with a couple of different inserts.  I had a trusty Fog City on my old Shoei. 

When the Pinlock came I had the same thought about the clear shield insert (waa, this can't be right) until I peeled the protective plastic sheet off, doh!  Why they make this protective film semi-clear and not completely opaque or with "remove before use" writing I will never know.  The Pinlock shield is *perfectly crystal clear* and you'll never know it's there, and you'll never have a hint of visor fog.  Hopefully A.G as figured this out by now.

Great site and keep up the good work."

From "R.B." in response to "A.G." comments below:  "Firstly fantastic and informative website, fantastic 10/10.

Shoei Multitec review: Read several helmet reviews on your site during my search for a new helmet, as a result of this I short listed and eventually purchased a Shoei Multitec and I am over the moon with it.

Re- reading the reviews on the Shoei Multitec I came across the review from "A.G" who it seems is not pleased with Pinlock visor insert, complaining it isn't clear at all, in fact he claims it is a fog free visor that comes " ready fogged"

His words:  "As a matter of fact they impair your vision by a good 10%.  The fog lens itself is colored a cloudy shade of gray.  It is not a clear lens!  A fog lens that has built-in fog?"

My thoughts are he hasn't removed the protective plastic film from the Pinlock visor insert..................OR he has bought a tinted daytime version of the Pinlock inset by accident...............

Either way it seems a shame "AG" isn't happy with what I personally have found to be a superb product."

From "A.G.":  "I wear two brands of helmets, both 2007 flip-up modular in design.  A Shoei Multitec ($475) and a Caberg Justissimo ($300).  Fit and finish on both are excellent.

However, the Multitec fits my head better and is far more comfortable to wear.  The Shoei is tighter to put on, and the pads hold the helmet in-place.  The Caberg has more features, integrated shade visor, washable liner, center lift lever on clear visor, but it wobbles a bit and rides with more wind noise.

I have put many miles wearing both brands and enjoy both of them.  From previous reviewers there the best you can buy.  The worst feature ... a $70.00 mistake, was buying the Shoei clear visor with Pinlocks and the optional fog lens.  If you wear eye glasses, like me, this set-up simply does not work.  As a matter of fact they impair your vision by a good 10%.  The fog lens itself is colored a cloudy shade of gray.  It is not a clear lens!  A fog lens that has built-in fog?

Why Shoei would put this on the market at such a high price point, and not be clear fog lens is beyond me.  Other than that, the Shoei Multitec Helmet, though expensive, is a winner for long distance touring."

From "R.L.":  "Superb web site with a heap of very informative and useful info - Cheers!  After much reading and reviewing I finally replaced my 12 year old Shoei TXR with a Multitec.  It came standard with a clear and a slightly tinted visor.  Both equipped with the Pinlock system.

Riding 200k's home in pouring rain with all vents closed, no fogging in the Pinlock visor area, excellent system.  Also in the package was a Whisper Kit.  This is a leather gasket which fits around the bottom of the helmet at the back and side and fits snug against your neck sealing the helmet blocking any possibility of wind noise.  (Editor's Note: The Whisper Kit is unfortunately not available in the U.S.A. but seems to be a readily available accessory in other parts of the world).

Also has a fabric and plastic guard on the front of the chin bar which fits snug against the front of the neck when the chin bar is down. 

The vents in the front chin guard are a few too many and I got a cold chin (the weather was terrible though).  I agree there isn't much chin room and if I yawn my chin hit the front bar.

Noise level is great.  The cheek/ear padding seals nicely around my ears and block lots of noise.  I always wear ear plugs, but did a 40 k ride in very windy conditions and was very impressed with the low noise level.

As mentioned in the review the only area of the helmet that appeared to generate wind was around the back of the flip mech.

Noticed a tiny amount of rain dripping down the inside of the visor fro the top (tinted visor fitted) but on investigation found that with the factory clear visor there was a nice seal with the top gasket and with the tinted visor a slight adjustment of the shield bases solved the problem.

Helmet was about the same weight as my old TXR but noticed the the Multitec was a lot more stable in the wind throwing my head around less in gusts.

You mentioned in the review problems with the flimsy visor and it not snapping shut.  I did not notice this at all. (Possible that the Pinlock strengthened the visor)

So far very happy with it.  Keep up the awesome honest informative reviews."

From "M.A.":  "Bought the Shoei Multitec and hate it with a passion.  The guy that sold me it told me that it should be a good tight fit and even though I said it was pressurizing my cheek bones he insisted that was fine.  2 hours later and 2 co-codamols and it was off, serious headache stuff.  I persevered but no way.

Both myself and my husband were touring so dumped the old helmets and bought two of them, we both landed up with 'eye colds' and found that our contact lenses nearly popped out at the end of the day with dryness due to the constant wind flow in our eyes. 

My old helmet (a cheap Nitro) had caused my hair to fall out in bundles after 2 weeks touring due to bad air vents and a lack of flow over the top of the head, I bought a Suomy and this problem immediately stopped, I toured in June with no hair loss at all.  After 10 days in the Shoei my hair was all over my pillow, simply too much air in you eyes and not enough over your head.  In all it's rubbish and I am hoping to sell it if possible."

From "M.N.":  "You have excellent reviews.  Balanced with factual findings and actual emotions.  Some comments on Multitec:

Purchased from webstore, size smaller than usual and got it right (From Europe for European head).  So your point about size stands.  Also, my chin touches the back of the chin bar, except if helmet pushed up-front with hand. It is major annoyance of this otherwise good helmet.

Amazed about quality - seals and details are excellent.  Stable while riding high speed, extra good aerodynamics, while turning your head or having different attack angle.  Was delivered with extra curtain elements.  They reduce noise even more, but also limit ventilation more.

Front too close, and visor gets foggy.  Ordered extra gradually tinted visor - it is good and do not feel any need for flipping sun visor at all.  Suggest!

Upper vent works much better on bike position, than classical one.  Best Regards and keep up, comments based on one season and 4000 km ride on Hayabusa."

From "T.M.":  "Received a Multitec XXL by mail last week and I was swimming in it.  Way too much side to side and front to back play around my skull.  Shoei says XXL fits 7-7/8 to 8, but it's much bigger than that.  I liked the helmet enough to order an XL via expensive overnight shipping with Saturday delivery.  It came as promised.

The XL fit my skull great and the cheek pads were only slightly tight, a good fit.  The problem was that the chin piece was close enough to hold the words in my mouth.  Okay, so I have both helmets here.  Let me try swapping the flip-ups between them.  Unfortunately, there was no difference.  They're both going back.

I really wanted to like this helmet.  I've got a Vega Summit II, and there is oodles of chin space in it, but the quality is primitive compared to the Shoei.  My search goes on...

From "D.K.":  "Due to my state of income I used to have a $200 limit when looking at helmets to buy.  I figured DOT approved is DOT approved.  The $400 to $600 lids seemed ridiculous @ 2 to 3 times the amount.  When I raised that amount by $100 I then realized the benefits to spending a little more.  Comfort, noise and convenience to name a few.  My last helmet purchase was the Modular Caberg Justissimo Mirage that I read about here.  I’m very happy with it.  But at a cost of $329.00 for the Caberg now the Shoei’s $482.00 seems fairly reasonable.  Thanks for the review."

From "H.H.":  "Just read your review.  As always great stuff, thank you.  I just thought that it is a little strange that the Shoei does not come with a separate internal tinted visor that it all the other flip up helmets seem to incorporate.  Especially at its premium price point."