Shoei RF-1100 Full-Face Helmet
Following its 2003 introduction, the RF-1000 soon became Shoei’s hottest-selling helmet. Boasting a slew of popular features and good value, it’s no surprise that it took the company’s engineers a while to improve upon it. That day has arrived with the introduction of Shoei’s all-new sport-touring lid, the RF-1100.
The RF-1100 tops its predecessor in comfort, safety and visibility. The face opening and new CW-1 face shield are both taller and wider than before, providing a greater field of view. The shield is held in place with a new Quick Release Self-Adjusting (QRSA) baseplate system incorporating a spring-loaded design which eliminates the need for base plate adjustment. Each time the shield is closed, springs press it into contact with the seals, ensuring a more wind- and rain-proof fit. Shoei’s previous Quick Release Base Plate (QRBP) system was one of my favorite face shield mechanisms, allowing changes in seconds. The QRSA keeps that convenience, but seals noticeably better.
Thanks to updated manufacturing technology, there’s an all-new Snell M2010-approved shell with an integral spoiler to reduce lift during high-speed riding. This new process allows Shoei to incorporate the spoiler into the helmet, rather than attaching it to the outside, while maintaining strength and keeping weight down.
The new shell incorporates three intake and six exhaust vents that are repositioned. Wind tunnel testing revealed that the best location for vents is much higher on the rear of the helmet than originally thought. Better ventilation and aerodynamics are achieved by separating the spoiler and exhaust vents, and a dual ventilation system allows cooling air to pass through tunnels created in the EPS liner. The result is a very palpable improvement in ventilation; you can feel a breeze even when behind a windscreen.
Inside, the RF-1100 is equipped with a fully removable, washable, and replaceable center pad and multi-layer cheek pads. The RF-1100′s center pad components are shaped to match the contours of the rider’s head to provide a helmet with an extremely comfortable fit, while maintaining the firm grip needed for high-speed riding. I noticed immediately that this lid felt snugger than previous Shoei helmets. Multi-layer cheek pads are available in six thicknesses to allow riders to custom fit the helmet, and the liner has eyeglass channels. An integrated neck pad, combined with the other aerodynamic features, provides a quieter riding environment. A removable breath guard and chin curtain round out the comfort features.
Shoei offers an industry-leading five different shell sizes in the new RF-1100 to ensure a custom fit for heads between the sizes of XXS-XXXL. Size XXXL is available in solid and metallic finishes, but pricing has not been announced. We found fit and finish and overall quality to be top-notch, and to back it up Shoei offers a five-year limited warranty. There are 28 color choices; manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are $399.99 for colors; $419.99 for metallic colors and $499.99 for graphics.
Shoei’s Safety Helmet Corp.
(714) 730-0941
