Shoei RF-1000 Helmet - webBikeWorld

Certainly there are a lot of really good helmets for sale, and fierce competition in the marketplace means that it isn't very hard to pick one that will provide the fit and comfort that works at, say, a 90% level.

If you've never found the perfect fit, then the 90% solution might work just fine and you may never know what you're missing. But when the perfect fit does come along, you'll immediately know it, it's an extraordinary revelation, and you'll never again be satisfied with anything less.

That's the feeling I had when I first slid this Shoei RF-1000 over my noggin. "Fits like a glove" is the saying -- it coddles my round head like no other helmet I've tried before. It's wonderful to find a fit like this, since the narrow/long head shape apparently is more common in the U.S.A. and many helmets are designed for that market segment. Even some of my favorite helmet models, which once were designed for rounder head shapes, have been modified during updates to change the internal shape to fit narrower heads better.

Most motorcyclists own only a single helmet, so why not make sure it's the highest quality, best fitting helmet available? Although there are helmets that might have a particularly brilliant feature or two to differentiate them from the crowd, the RF-series is designed to incorporate as many features as possible in a single package that does it all for the large majority of riders. The result is an excellent daily use helmet that is my choice for the helmet I'd pick if I could only have one.

The RF-1000 is the latest upgrade for what has been probably the most popular Shoei helmet models of all time, the RF-series. Starting with the RF-105 (does anyone remember that far back?), to the RF-200, 700, 800, 900 and now the RF-1000, Shoei has been making improvements and adding features which have further increased the model's popularity.

According to Shoei, the improvements are a result of many hours of research and development in the wind tunnel and with computer-aided design.

The RF-1000 is a complete rework of the RF-900, and it includes a new aerodynamic (yet subtle) shape using their AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix plus Multiple Fibers) helmet shell technology; the Shoei CX-1V face shield with their Quick Release Base Plate (QRBP) system allowing fast and easy visor changes (the same unit used in the Shoei X-Eleven race helmet); a new ventilation system; and the addition of Shoei's "3D" helmet liner with removable cheek pads to allow a custom fit if necessary.

AIM+ Shell
Shoei claims to have been spending lots of time in the wind tunnel with their new designs, and the effort is apparently paying off. The goal of wind tunnel testing is to provide smooth air flow over the helmet to reduce wind noise while also allowing effective internal cooling. Shoei claims a 24% reduction in drag and a 17.8% reduction in lift from the new RF-1000 redesign.

The RF-1000's shape proves that radical aerodynamic shapes aren't necessarily better. The helmet has a subtle shape and the wind tunnel work isn't obvious at first glance, but run your hands over the top of the helmet and you'll feel a very smooth blending of gentle curves.

Abrupt surface changes and wings will only serve to increase noise, so smoothness is the watchword here; simpler is sometimes better. On the road, the aerodynamics seem to help the air flow over the top of the helmet and out over the rear spoiler with a minimum of buffeting, lift or movement.

Shoei's AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix plus Multiple Fibers) combines fiberglass, organic fibers and some proprietary "high performance fiber" (which looks a lot like carbon fiber) in a patented mixture that keeps the helmet light in weight while offering high levels of protection. The RF-1000 is both DOT and Snell approved in the U.S.A., and ECE 22.05 and ACU Gold approved in Europe.

Computer-aided design and stress analysis can help the designer understand how to maximize the helmet's protective qualities while reducing unneeded bulk. Our RF-1000 in size XL weighs in at 1610 grams (3 lbs., 8-3/4 oz.), which is a touch lighter than Shoei's X-Eleven of the same size.

While this might be a couple-hundred grams heavier than the lightest weight helmets available, the RF-1000 is lighter than many of its competitors and the weight is carried well; there's no top heavy feeling and the comfortable and plush internal padding may add a few ounces, but helps keep the helmet very quiet.

The shape really seems to work; this is one of the quietest helmets we've tried. In general, helmet noise usually comes in two flavors: a higher frequency "whistling" noise usually emanates from the top of a helmet, caused by poor aerodynamics, vents or wings.

Lower frequency "booming" noises are usually caused by turbulence around the bottom of the helmet where it meets the neck. These low-frequency noises can be greatly increased by various types of buffeting caused by motorcycle windscreens and fairings.

The RF-1000's external shape keeps the higher frequency noises at a minimum, and a nice touch is the two wide flaps on either side of the neck, covering the chin straps, which help prevent any lower frequency noise from intruding. There is an increase in the higher frequency noise levels when the top vents are open, but overall noise levels are low.

Remember that we always wear properly inserted earplugs with every helmet on every ride, and we recommend that you do the same. Helmet noise can be greatly decreased when wearing earplugs, and health and safety can be greatly increased. Visit the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information and reviews on different earplug brands.

The paint and graphics on the RF-1000 are typical Shoei high quality. The graphics on our "Voltage" model give it a nice 3-D effect without being too over-the-top. It's nice to see that Shoei is still offering the Axis Yellow color, which is one of the safest helmet colors available. If you've ever come across a rider wearing an Axis Yellow Shoei helmet, you know what I mean -- that high-visibility color sitting way up high on the rider's head really stands out and promotes safety.

Venting
Shoei's work in the wind tunnel is paying off in the cooling department also. The RF-1000 flows copious quantities of air without relying on gimmicks. You would think, for example, that a simple chin vent would be easy to design to function efficiently, but this doesn't always seem to be the case with many helmets we've used. The chin vent on the RF-1000 pulls in a lot of air, which is directed up onto the back of the visor. This does an effective job of de-fogging, while also indirectly venting cool air onto the rider's face.

The brow vents are also simple yet functional. They're located in the highest pressure zone right at the front of the helmet. Air is forced directly into the helmet, up through the liner and down on to the rider's head through the ample liner vents, and is pulled out the back via the low-pressure area enhanced by the rear spoiler.

The spoiler has a single slide mechanism that opens or closes the rear vents simultaneously. I always leave the RF-1000's rear vents open, and only open or close the brow vents when necessary.

Although the RF-1000 is subjectively one of the quietest helmets we've tried, there is a noticeable increase in high frequency volume when the brow vents are open. It's sort of a wind rushing noise that definitely disappears when the brow vents are closed. But the large volume of air is worth the slight increase in noise in hot weather.

Visor
The RF-1000 uses the CX-1V visor design, which is the same visor that's used on Shoei's X-Eleven race oriented helmet. The CX-1V has excellent optical qualities, and it's treated to block almost 100% of UV rays. The CX-1V visor is designed to smoothly wrap around each side of the helmet to eliminate any external pieces that might catch the wind and generate noise and turbulence.

The RF-1000 also includes Shoei's three-position lever on the left hand side of the helmet, also taken from the X-Eleven. When in the topmost position, the lever locks the visor in place to prevent it from blowing open at way-too-fast highway speeds. Flip the lever down and the visor cracks open just a touch to allow quick de-fogging or a bit of ventilation.

This is a great feature and I use it all the time. This photo (left) shows the lever in the down position, with the visor open about 5mm. The distance that the visor can be opened using the lever is adjustable via a Phillip's head screw which is accessible when the visor is lifted.

In addition to the lever, the CX-1V visor has 7 "clicks" to open, with fairly strong detents that keep the visor in the desired position.

The RF-1000's visor also uses Shoei's Quick Release Base Plate system, which allows very easy visor removal and replacement (see below).



The RF-1000 has a simple but effective venting system. The chin vent directs a large volume of air up onto the back of the visor and is very effective at de-fogging. The brow vents are hidden behind slides.	The RF-1000's spoiler helps direct air off the back of the helmet to prevent buffeting, while also creating negative pressure to pull air through the helmet. On this silver/grey "Voltage" model, the spoiler is clear with a slight dark tint.

Shoei's continuous improvement approach for the RF-series has made it one of the most popular motorcycle helmets in the world, and with good reason. It does just about everything and does it very well.

Quality, comfort and quietness have always been the hallmark of the RF design, and the RF-1000 brings class-leading aerodynamics, and state-of-the-art ventilation to the mix.

Throw in some features found only on the most expensive and exclusive race helmets, such as the quick release visor, adjustable lever for visor opening, AIM+ composite shell and a large assortment of colors and graphics, and this is a lot of helmet for the money.

Product Review: Shoei RF-1000 Motorcycle Helmet (Shoei XR-1000)
BUY IT: Please use this link to buy your Shoei RF-1000 Helmet or all Shoei Helmets from Motorcycle Superstore and help support webBikeWorld!
Available From: Shoei Helmets	Suggested Retail Price: $340.99 - $480.99 (Street price ~ $260 to $370) Made in: Japan
Colors: White, Wine Red, Axis Yellow, Black Metallic, Black, Silver, Deep Grey, Monza Red, Pearl Grey, Royal Blue. Patterns: "Storm" Red, Blue, Black/White; "Voltage" Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Silver/Grey (shown). Replicas: Zemke, DuHamel.
Product Comments: Shoei's latest version of the best-selling RF-series is a complete redesign. The RF-1000 is very quiet; has a removable liner and cheek pads; flows large amounts of air; the chin vent does a great job of de-fogging the visor. High quality fit and finish; levers and vents open and close with typical Shoei precision. DOT and Snell approved in the U.S.A.; ECE 22.05 and ACU Gold approved in Europe as the XR-1000. See below for comments from RF-1000 owners.
More: wBW Motorcycle Helmet page \| Shoei X-Eleven Review \| Windjammer Helmet Wind Blocker Review \| Earplugs and Hearing Protection page

Note: For informational use only. All material and photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2001-2008. All rights reserved. Read the Terms and Conditions. See the webBikeWorld® Site Info page.

►Owner Comments

Comments? Send them to Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.

From "B.W.S.": "Just recently bought this helmet. based on your review and any comments on it, i couldn't agree more with it. My face little bit "long" at the chin, so whenever I try any helmet, my chin is still exposed, it's not covered by helmet (what's the point using full face type if my chin is not covered up?...hehehe...).

But with this RF-1000, it covers my chin thoroughly. That's one point plus. Another one is, the inner helmet fits properly with my forehead. It presses firmly, but not cause any painful to my head. (I'm using it with balaclava too).

As for the noise within helmet, I have no problem with it. It's still below my expectations for this db noise.

Thx for your review."

From "G.P.": "I was the guy who wrote to complain that the Shoei TZ-R was a terrarium. Since I seem to be extra finicky about fogging, I thought I'd drop a line about the RF-1000 I just bought.

I spent about three hours riding yesterday in 50 degree weather, and except at stop-and-go traffic speeds, any fogging which occurred cleared up almost instantly. The ventilation is excellent in the RF-1000. Stuck in traffic, I just popped the shield open a little. And Shoei included both the breath guard and chin curtain which I have yet to install - very nice.

As far as noise, it was almost as quiet as the TZ-R which it replaced. I did a little bit of highway driving on this first trip out, but I didn't notice any of the booming mentioned in the review. The aerodynamics of the two helmets are quite different; the increase in wind pressure when I turned my head to the side to double check the lane next to me wearing the RF-1000 was very noticeable.

The one complaint I have is that the brow vents seem somewhat awkward to operate, especially with gloves. Maybe this will change as I get more accustomed to the helmet.

All in all, the RF-1000 is very comfortable, reasonably quiet and exceptionally well ventilated. A+ Shoei!"

From "P.G.: "I have about 500 miles on my RF-1000 and couldn't be more pleased. It is relatively quiet, good ventilation control, fits me well enough (it is still breaking in). While I have not done a back to back comparison, it seems a lot quieter than my (HJC) CL-14. Thanks for the good advice. Your review of the RF 1000 seems spot on."

Fromm "G.M.": "First off, I'll mention that I got a great deal on the RF-1000 from ronayers.com and they were very good to me (after a little persuasion) to return it for a nominal amount. Reason for the return: Unbearable wind volume. Even with earplugs the noise from the wind entering the neck area was actually painful from 40 mph and up and an immediate source of headaches.

Thinking that it might just be my head shape or my bike's fairing, I asked someone else to try it while I wore their VR-1. I noted a major difference and they commented on the noise as well.

True, the noise was reduced when wearing a TurtleFur or other clothing that filled the gaps, but hey, summer's almost here and that won't be happening. I can only wonder how someone could wear this helmet and not have the same problem unless they had a neck like Ahhnold."

Editor's Reply: We've found that all helmets are noisy; some less so than others. But we felt that the RF-1000 was one of the quieter helmets. We always recommend wearing properly fitted earplugs when using any motorcycle helmet.

Of course, all bets are off when you're behind a fairing -- fairings and windscreens can generate all sorts of buffeting, and that buffeting can cause lots of wind noise. This is especially apparent under the neck area of many helmets. You may want to try a Windjammer helmet wind blocker, which we found to be very effective in reducing low-frequency noise on full-face helmets.

From "B.W." "Suggest the Shoei Wind Curtain, available through the Shoei website. They come in vinyl and cloth versions, and fit up under the chin to help prevent buffeting noise.