Shoei RF1100

[terryk]

OK, I have had my RF1100 for coming up on a year. This is now my preferred helmet, others are the AGV S4 and K3 lids. Both good products, especially the K3 with the Rossi Dreamtime graphics. The graphics make my bikes go much faster, it is the Rossi effect.

The RF1100 is well made, solid in every way with a special nod to the visor retention and positioning system. Kokaloo at 130 MPH or so and no concerns about the visor leaking let alone lifting from air pressure. And, this thing is streamlined and aerodynamic. The other lids, especially the S4 lift and try to pivot in the high speed winds, over 100 MPH. And, yes the helmets are sized correctly but the wind speed overcomes this. Not so in the Shoei RF1100. The last thing anyone needs to have is a distraction at 100 MPH plus.

And if comfort means a lot to you, it does to me as I wear this lid 10-12 hours a week for 45 or so weeks out of a year, this is a helmet that is very hard to beat. The liner is very soft and runs tight but comfortable above the eye lids to wick any sweat in the hot times, and we ride in 110 plus heat fairly often in the desert.

The eye portal is very large as well and this makes a real safety difference. The lid is very quiet with above average ventilation.

Lastly, the CW1 Spectra Shield is a fantastic option. Mine is in blue and really cuts the glare to almost nothing even in bright sunshine. Also, you can wear this at night and see well if caught out without a spare clear shield. $80, yes expensive. But worth it in my opinion for glare reduction and reducing fatigue.

Graphics are flawless as is the paint, better be at this price point. Hand made helmets in Japan by little Japanese women who work their little fingers to the bones so we can enjoy the fruits of their paint, graphics and assembly labors.

Looking for a new lid, thee RF100 should be on the list if you have the $400 plus it costs to get in this helmet not counting the shiel upgrade. A lot of money to be sure, but a lot of helmet to be certain for the money.

[Dan Filetti]

I agree with much of this assessment. 

Net, net, like Terry, I like my RF1100.

Dan

[FJ Flyer]

I was a bit disappointed in the fit of the RF1100.  I have a RF1000, and have had RFs in the past.  Talking to the Shoei guy at the bike show, he said they changed the shape of the RF from more rounded to more oval.  Since I have a blockhead, the old shape fit nicely.  I tried on the Rf1100 and it just didn't feel right.  He also said the Qwest has the shape of the old RFs, so I tried that on.  Fit well and it will be my next helmet.

[ddlewis]

I was a bit disappointed in the fit of the RF1100.  I have a RF1000, and have had RFs in the past.  Talking to the Shoei guy at the bike show, he said they changed the shape of the RF from more rounded to more oval.  Since I have a blockhead, the old shape fit nicely.  I tried on the Rf1100 and it just didn't feel right.  He also said the Qwest has the shape of the old RFs, so I tried that on.  Fit well and it will be my next helmet.

I'm just the opposite.  Shoei's usually dont fit me right and I like arai for my giant ovalish gourd.  But I tried on a rf1100 and it fit perfect just like my arai.  I'm going to get one for my next helmet.  Arai has lost me with their flicted shield system.

[andyb]

I wear an RF1100.  Haven't tried the RF1000, but in truth I don't give a wet crap about which one is better than the other.  Fit comes first and foremost, so rather than say that I've got a Shoei head, I'd say that I have an RF1100 head.

Annoying the replacement visors are $90 for it, but exceptionally comfy for me, and almost no lift at even fairly nutty speeds.

That said, I don't think there's a 'best' helmet.  Too dependent on the shape of your head and what's comfortable.

[carey]

I like my RF110 better than my 1000.  Both fit well, but the ear pockets of the 1100 made it  easier to install speakers.  I also liked my RF900 better than my 1000.

I also have a Bell Star.  The star has some nice features, but the fog guard doesn't
stay in place.  I lost one already.

One thing for sure, the uglier the graphics, the cheaper they go on sale.

[ddlewis]

I was trying on helmets again yesterday and tried a brand I have never seen or heard of before.  "Strength and Speed" model SS1000.  It is a cheap $ helmet, but DOT and ECE certified, light weight and seems very well ventilated.  It fit on my head so well I couldn't believe it.  Definitely an oval head helmet.  Any words of wisdom on this thing?

The downside is - graphics.  Retarded shit like "My Motorcycle is my Weapon"  decals real big on the sides.  Clearly aimed at the younger squidly diddly's amongst us.  I do see in the catalog they make an all black one that only has the "Speed and Strength" logo - which is bad enough.  

Still I'm tempted.. based on fit and price.  Hell I could take a can of spray paint to it..

(..and the reason I'm looking for a cheap helmet. Been riding the Suzuki DR a lot.  On the highway my dirt helmet visor catches a lot of wind and is really loud.  But I don't like getting my nice street helmets sweaty and dusty on trail rides.  So I'm thinking a cheap street helmet as a compromise.)

[terryk]

I was trying on helmets again yesterday and tried a brand I have never seen or heard of before.  "Strength and Speed" model SS1000.  It is a cheap $ helmet, but DOT and ECE certified, light weight and seems very well ventilated.  It fit on my head so well I couldn't believe it.  Definitely an oval head helmet.  Any words of wisdom on this thing?

The downside is - graphics.  Retarded shit like "My Motorcycle is my Weapon"  decals real big on the sides.  Clearly aimed at the younger squidly diddly's amongst us.  I do see in the catalog they make an all black one that only has the "Speed and Strength" logo - which is bad enough.  

Still I'm tempted.. based on fit and price.  Hell I could take a can of spray paint to it..

(..and the reason I'm looking for a cheap helmet. Been riding the Suzuki DR a lot.  On the highway my dirt helmet visor catches a lot of wind and is really loud.  But I don't like getting my nice street helmets sweaty and dusty on trail rides.  So I'm thinking a cheap street helmet as a compromise.)

Except for the fact that this guy yells all the time:
Speed and Strength SS1000 Helmet Video Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com

[terryk]

I was trying on helmets again yesterday and tried a brand I have never seen or heard of before.  "Strength and Speed" model SS1000.  It is a cheap $ helmet, but DOT and ECE certified, light weight and seems very well ventilated.  It fit on my head so well I couldn't believe it.  Definitely an oval head helmet.  Any words of wisdom on this thing?

The downside is - graphics.  Retarded shit like "My Motorcycle is my Weapon"  decals real big on the sides.  Clearly aimed at the younger squidly diddly's amongst us.  I do see in the catalog they make an all black one that only has the "Speed and Strength" logo - which is bad enough.  

Still I'm tempted.. based on fit and price.  Hell I could take a can of spray paint to it..

(..and the reason I'm looking for a cheap helmet. Been riding the Suzuki DR a lot.  On the highway my dirt helmet visor catches a lot of wind and is really loud.  But I don't like getting my nice street helmets sweaty and dusty on trail rides.  So I'm thinking a cheap street helmet as a compromise.)

But I like the Bell Arrow far better for $68 at competition accessories, 1-800-543-5130. This helmet has had great reviews and it is from a quality company.

Except for the fact that this guy yells all the time:
Speed and Strength SS1000 Helmet Video Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com

[ddlewis]

But I like the Bell Arrow far better for $68 at competition accessories, 1-800-543-5130. This helmet has had great reviews and it is from a quality company.

Except for the fact that this guy yells all the time:
Speed and Strength SS1000 Helmet Video Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com

Yep I'd prefer a major brand like Bell.  But fit is key and the Arrow is advertised as a round-head helmet on webbikeworld.  Hard to find shops that keep a decent selection in stock, but I'm done taking pot shots by mail order..

[terryk]

But I like the Bell Arrow far better for $68 at competition accessories, 1-800-543-5130. This helmet has had great reviews and it is from a quality company.

Except for the fact that this guy yells all the time:
Speed and Strength SS1000 Helmet Video Review from Sportbiketrackgear.com

Yep I'd prefer a major brand like Bell.  But fit is key and the Arrow is advertised as a round-head helmet on webbikeworld.  Hard to find shops that keep a decent selection in stock, but I'm done taking pot shots by mail order..

I agree so I did this when I purchased my RF 1100. I went to a large dealership that stocked the brand. Bell can guide you. I tried on the helmet and asked them if they would match the best internet price delivered to my door. Bingo- they did and I rode away in my new helmet.
Bonus points - they adjust the shield for free for life using a Shoei adjustment jig and this is really something I do every 3-4 months. TRakes 5 minutes, lets me see the shiny new bikes, perfectionm.

[bigbore2]

One complaint about my 1100 is the wind noise.  Louder than I had expected. Otherwise I like the helmet a lot.

[FJ Flyer]

Motorcyclegear.com (newenough.com) has the Qwest (w/graphics) on sale for $274.  Really tempting.

[andyb]

^ I was just going to post that

I did look into it enough to know that it apparently shares shields with the RF1100, so I could swap things around as needed.  What I don't know is what the fit's like?  If it's roughly the same as the RF11, it's going to be very difficult not to pick one up.

Here is a link to them.

[FJ Flyer]

The Qwest is more like the older RFs, in that its more round/squarish, where the new RF1100 went to the long oval shape.  I'm more of a blockhead, so the Qwest fit me better when I tried them.