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. .
