While I myself have never ‘crash tested’ a Shoei, many people who were wearing one during an accident report that they have never felt so safe. What makes the Shoei RF-1000 one of the safest helmets on the road?

The AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-fiber Technology) shell is made from materials that increase helmet safety, and make the RF-1000 very rigid, yet elastic. When in an accident, the helmet will absorb and disperse the impact energy, keeping your head protected.

In addition, the RF-1000 is Snell approved. Snell testing includes passing a series of stringent standards. Helmets with this rating are actually tested in 7 different areas including impact, penetration, and flame resistance. Snell testing is voluntary, and the manufacturers pay for the helmet to be tested. Purchasing a helmet that is Snell tested means you can rest assured that your headgear is going to protect you through just about everything.

The RF-1000 is also ECE 22.05 approved. While the process is not quite as involved as a Snell test, ECE helmets are approved for competitive motorcycle events and are the preferred certification by most professionals.

Bottom line, Shoei is a safe bet for your head. If you’ve had a ‘crash test’ experience, let us know!

- Julie

Though Shoei does not create visors with anti-fog coatings, there are many solutions available that will reduce fogging. One of the most popular is the PINLOCK shield.

This shield is made of moisture absorbing plastic. The silicon seal creates an airtight double lens, which reduces fog build up. The shield is EE 22.05 approved and has been recommended by the Snell Foundation. Though there is some minor construction required to install the PINLOCK system to your current visor, it is relatively easy, and worth the trouble.

PINLOCK comes in a variety of colors. Yellow is best for high contrast vision in mist and rain. Orange works for high contrast vision and blocking sun. Clear is best for most all weather types. The light and dark tint shields are for sunny conditions. Many riders keep more than one color on hand for quick change in varying weather conditions.

Those who have used the PINLOCK system report that fogging is no longer a problem, and the device is rather inexpensive. If you’re tired of using anti-fog rubs and sprays with no success, it might be time to give the PINLOCK system a try!

If you have used this system, let us know what you think!

-Julie

As we’ve discussed the helmet design, I’d like to take a few minutes to go over the venting and visor system on the Shoei RF-1000

Clearly the work that Shoei did in the wind tunnel helped tremendously. Venting on the RF-1000 is some of the best around. The chin vent pulls in a lot more air than most helmets and helps out with de-fogging. The brow vents are a good example of the “keep it simple” mentality. Though they are nothing too fancy, they pull in some good air and allow for the rider to keep cool on warm days. The rear vents open and close simultaneously, though it seems best to keep them open.

Shoei uses the CX-V1 visor on the RF-1000, which is built to block 100% of UV Rays. The smooth, clear, design of the CX-V1 with the helmet help to reduce wind noise. The helmet boasts a 3-position lever that locks the visor in place, even at high speeds. Finally, the Quick Release Base Plate System allows for quick change of visors.

It's no doubt that the incredible amount of research really paid off for Shoei.

-Julie

The Shoei RF-1000 boasts an AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-fiber Technology) shell. This shell weaves strong organic fibers into the fiberglass, leaving the helmet lightweight and strong.

Shoei has spent a lot of time in creating the RF-1000. By testing the helmet in a wind tunnel, Shoei has provided good airflow and a reduction in wind noise. Through this process, Shoei claims to have a 24% reduction in drag and a 17.8% reduction in lift with the RF-1000. The result is a very smooth and aerodynamic helmet. In addition, the RF-1000 is a very quiet helmet, a result of not only great design, but also good venting. The outside of the helmet, including paint and graphics are high quality.

With many hours spent in research and design, it is clear that Shoei has delivered once again and has managed to design a lightweight, yet protective and comfortable helmet.

-Julie

Many will argue that the Shoei RF 1000 is one of the best helmets on the market. Here’s a look at how this helmet came to be…

The Shoei RF 200 was an improvement over the 100 series. While it had some great features, looking back we can say it was a little heavy and riders felt a lot of wind resistance.

The RF 700 saw some major improvements. This was the first helmet made with Shoei’s Quick Release Base Plate Shield System. In addition, the 700 offered a better fit and ventilation, and was much more comfortable than the 200 series.

Next came the RF 800, with less notable improvements, but it was definitely quieter than the 700 and featured more padding around the face area.

The RF 900 deserves some praise. This helmet featured an aerodynamic air stabilizer which meant less buffeting for riders. A t-zone ventilation system and larger vents meant better air flow in the helmet, keeping riders cooler on hot days. A redesigned liner also made for a more comfortable helmet.

Finally, came the RF 1000 with a more aerodynamic shape and better ventilation. One of the biggest selling points for this helmet was the advertised reduction in drag and lift. A 3-D helmet liner also made the RF 1000 one of the most comfortable helmets on the market.

With all of these improvements, I can only wonder what Shoei will come up with next. Maybe the RF 1100?

-Julie

Technical Specs + Features:

One of the most technologically advanced helmets for street riders and clearly one of the best-looking helmets on the market.

Shoei’s innovation and cutting-edge design makes the RF-1000 a premium sports helmet.

Aerodynamically superior, the Shoei RF-1000 full-face sport helmet delivers wind tunnel proven high speed performance and ventilation. A perfect fit is achieved through removable and adjustable cheek pads and 3D comfort liner system which doesn’t shift during high speed riding.

My first proper street riding helmet was a lender RF700 in the ole Smokin' Joe the-friendly-toking-camel-that-children-love paint scheme to match the replica bike I was learning the street on (yeah I know, perfect learner's bike to bin and rash). This was a great helmet with good fit that was quiet as can be, but in the traditional bowling ball shape of old compared with today's wind cutting and channeling hyper-aerodynamic brain buckets. It was however a Shoei, with excellent quality and a fit and finish only bettered in appearance by Arai.

Well, After riding with a borrowed bell helmet ( WalMart edition) I decided to sack up and buy the Shoei RF-1000. I really only wanted to spend $100-$150 after buying a Jacket and gloves last week untill I looked at and picked all the brands. The Shoei was more than I wanted to spend but it's worths the extra cone. It was so much lighter than most and fit well without making my face look like a 90 years old man.

Shoei RF-1000 Street Helmet (2008)
Product Review and Evaluation Wanted

Aerodynamic Shell Design
. Aerodynamic properties are maximized through extensive wind tunnel and rider testing
. The Aero Stabilizer dramatically reduces drag and lift coefficients, thus diminishing rider fatigue and
increasing performance

Two-Layer EPS Liner System
. Two-layer liner offers unmatched ventilation with internal channels and exhaust ports throughout the
helmet

Ive been riding motorcycles for over 23 years and have owned many brands of helmets, including Shoei, Arai, HJC, Nolan, KBC, Bell and Icon. Of these, Shoei is the best. The Shoeis last longer without any problems, are not as noisy as other helmets, better ventilated and can take a beating. The other helmets tend to incur small problems after a year or two, but the Shoeis have lasted at least five years and is still in great shape. I just bought the Shoei RF-1000 and instantly noticed that it is lighter than my previous helmets.

Well, it finally happened. The time had come, after 4 years and 40k miles, my old faithful Shoei RF800 was due for replacement.

After trying on a multitude of helmets, from KBC's to Arai's, I settled back on the Shoei's for one main reason: Quick release face shields. Damned if Shoei just doesn't offer the BEST release mechanism in the industry.

I tried on the X11 and the RF900. Whereas the X11 didn't fit right, the RF fit beautifully. And then, it hit.

Shoei RF-1000 Helmet
This Shoei RF-1000 Review is not for anyone who’s got a $50 head, these lids aren’t cheap. Are they worth the money though? It’s a fact that the vast majority of motorcyclists only own one lid so why not make sure it's the best fitting, highest quality and best bang-for-the-buck helmet available?
Top Notch Features

The Shoei RF-1000 is Shoei's latest innovation designed for the rider who demands exceptional quality, function and features Aerodynamic Shell Design; Aerodynamic properties are maximized through extensive wind tunnel and rider testing The Aero Stabilizer dramatically reduces drag and lift coefficients, thus diminishing rider fatigue and increasing performance; Two-Layer EPS Liner System; Two-layer liner offers unmatched ventilation with internal channels and exhaust ports throughout the helmet; Integrated Upper Air Intake minim

By Dirck Edge

I have to begin by disclosing some level of bias here. I have been wearing Shoei RF-series helmets for several years (all the way back to the RF-700). I have always found them a good value, comfortable, and quiet. They also fit my head.

The latest version is the Shoei RF-1000, introduced by Shoei late last year. Having worn some other helmet brands of late, I wanted to pass along my impressions of Shoei's latest effort at a mid-priced helmet.