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 RF1000, 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.

With the RF1000, Shoei continues to tweak its ventilation system. Basically, the RF1000 flows more air, and allows the wearer more options with regard to air flow. The vent system includes multiple positions for the vent above the visor, as well as exhaust venting near the rear of the helmet.

One problem with the predecessor version (the RF900) was fogging. Most helmets de-fog themselves with an airflow coming from underneath the visor in the chin area. The RF1000 redesigned this vent, and clearly flows more air to de-fog the visor in cold weather.

I found the liner quite comfortable, and a step up from most of the competition. Arai helmets (which are typically more expensive than an RF1000) may feel a bit more plush, but you pay for it.

The thing that has always impressed me most about Shoei helmets is the shield system. It is very easy to swap shields (from clear to smoke, for instance, for a sunny ride). The mechanism that holds the shield in place is not hidden by a plate (as it is on an Arai, for instance), so it is easy to see what you are doing when you attach or detach a shield. The whole mechanism has proven durable and reliable as well.

The other impressive aspect of the Shoei shield system is aerodynamics. The shield fits very close to perfectly flush, making the whole helmet look better, and reducing wind noise.

All-in-all, the RF1000 is an excellent helmet regardless of its price. Available at retail from the mid-$300 range on up depending on graphics, it is an excellent bargain.

We wanted to mention that Honda provided us with their own version of the RF1000 for evaluation. Available in three, Honda-exclusive color schemes (pictured below), you can have the fine RF1000 in color schemes that match many of Honda’s recent sportbikes. Honda calls its version of the RF1000 the SR4, and it retails at your Honda dealer for $409.99.

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