Ride review 2010 Shoei RF-1100

[F-106]

2010 Shoei RF-1100

My first impression of the new RF-1100 was that it is an updated version of the old RF-1000 I had been wearing for the last 5 years. And in a way it is, however after a closer look you can tell the shell is all new with new vents for better airflow into the helmet. The new helmet has a larger viewing area and a full removable liner. I put the helmet on and it feels like my old RF-1000 but with the larger shield you get the feeling you have more room in this helmet than before. Fit and finish are first rate as will most Shoei helmets and mine being gloss black it is easy to find imperfections in the paint. However I did not find any on mine. The paint looks 100 feet deep and wet looking. The finish feels a tad soft but feeling my RF-1000 back to back it to feels the same way. So far my rating is 10 out of 10 for out of the box impression.

It was a good day here in Fresno to ride 55deg and clear. I changed out the clear shield for the dark smoke one for the first ride. Just riding through town to get out into the country my impression was the new 1100 is quite and I got no wind noise at all up around the ear area of the helmet. A minor problem I have with the RF-1000. As I got out of town and onto the 2-lane in the country my speed increased to freeway velocity. The helmet felt snug and comfortable and much quieter than my old RF-1000. As my speed hit 60 I could feel the air moving though the vents and hitting my hair. The problem with testing a helmet on the valk is the valk’s windshield works so good you sit in a dead pocket of air and it is hard to get a feel for any problems with helmet. I did stand on the pegs and got up into the airstream for a ½ mile or so. In doing that I did not notice any rattling or buffeting of any kind. At this point I am about 25 miles into the ride and felt not pressure points or pain in any area of my head.  Heading back to the house down the freeway I hit 85 and all was quite. Sound levels did rise a bit but nothing over the top that would cause me concern. During the ride the RF-1100 felt oversized to me. It was snug and tight but I felt the whole helmet felt bigger than my old 1000 did. That is because it has a bigger shell compared to the old 1000. When you look at the two helmets side by side you can tell it is noticeably bigger. However, it feels noticeably lighter on my head. Figure that one out.

My overall impression of the new RF-1100 is that it is an improvement over the old 1000 it replaces but not by a landslide. I do like the fully removable replaceable liner and spring loaded face shield as well as the new venting system. The downside is it is not that much better than what I have in the RF-1000.Would I but it again? Most likely I would. I like the new stuff and I had $280.00 in discounts and gift certificates to but it. However if money was a factor I would look at a 2009 RF-1000 for 100 bucks less. I will write a long term review on this helmet after I got my headset in it and ride with it for a few months. .

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I special ordered a color matching Shoei  ( don't remember the model # ) for my Suzuki Bandit 1200 S. I'm glad I let it go with the bike as I never cared for it 

[F-106]

Joe, as you know helmets are a funny thing . They work for you or they dont. They may feel fine in the store but after 100 miles of riding you may not feel the same way.I have had the full line of shoei's RF line over the years and this is a great helmet ,but as I stated it just was no a big jump from what I had before. However I did look back to see what I paid for my last set of RF-1000's and it was $369.99. This new one was 379 before tax. We will see as time goes how this one fairs.

[Farther]

What prompted you to purchase a new helmet, was the old one shot?

[F-106]

Father, my RF-1000 was bought in 03. It had 6 riding seasons on her and the inside liner was showing its age. I always go by the 5 years replacement rule but to be honest when heard about the new 1100 I decided to upgrade. I do like the new 1100"s replaceable liner and check pads.

[BF]

The RF 1000's don't have a removalbe liner then?  

Also, how would you describe the fit of the new RF 1100?  Is it more of an oval or would you consider it more of a long oval (such as the Arai Profile series...or Shoei's X-Eleven series)?  I've got a big melon and it's sorta more long than round.  I've not found a helemt other than the Arai and Shoei listed above that fit me worth a darn without causing those pesky pressure points.  

Right now, I'm just using an HJC AC-2m half helmet for everything.  It's a great helmet and fits me great, but I'd like to get a good fitting full-face helmet too. 

[F-106]

BF, the RF-1000 does not have a removerable liner, only the cheek pads are removeable. I too have more of a long shaped head than round. In the RF-1000 I take a XL but in the 1100 I take a Large. I think the new 1100 would work for you. You would just have to try it on and see. Now, what I forgot to say in my review was I bought the helmet at Cycle Gear. The XL was a bit too loose so they changed out the check pads for a bigger size and that worked for me. This new RF has differant size check pads you can buy to get the right fit for you if you have a head that is in between sizes. The salesman worked with me to get the right fit and did not charge me for the larger pads. He just swapped them for the stock ones to make the sale. As far as overall fit goes. It is great. I feel it is made for more for a long shaped head. The new shell design allows for more room and it fit me better than my old 1000 does. I only have 40 miles in the helmet but so far I like what i see. Hope this helps. 

The RF 1000's don't have a removalbe liner then?  

Also, how would you describe the fit of the new RF 1100?  Is it more of an oval or would you consider it more of a long oval (such as the Arai Profile series...or Shoei's X-Eleven series)?  I've got a big melon and it's sorta more long than round.  I've not found a helemt other than the Arai and Shoei listed above that fit me worth a darn without causing those pesky pressure points.  

Right now, I'm just using an HJC AC-2m half helmet for everything.  It's a great helmet and fits me great, but I'd like to get a good fitting full-face helmet too. 

[fudgie]

Do helmets expire like car seats do? I have a HJC full face I bought when I started riding in 96ish. It hasn't been worn since 2000. How do you dispose of them? Is it ok to give them to Good Will/ Salvation Army so they at least could be used by others who can't afford a helmet? Thx.

[MP]

The suggested age is 5 years, I believe.  The foam padding will get harder with age, and thus you lose protection.

I pulled out an old helmet I got back in the late 60's.  Hard as a rock inside.  Would not do much good, except for abrasion resistance!

MP

[98valk]

The suggested age is 5 years, I believe.  The foam padding will get harder with age, and thus you lose protection.

I pulled out an old helmet I got back in the late 60's.  Hard as a rock inside.  Would not do much good, except for abrasion resistance!

MP

I have never found any test results of a 5 yr old or older helmet that prove an older helmet does not provide protection anymore. It seams it is the helmet makers who have put this 5 yr replacement idea out there.
If u have any reports that show this to be true please provide a link. thanks

[MP]

I thought my old helmet that was as hard as a rock meant something, but no.