Need a new helmet

ILLF8ED

ILLF8ED

Joined
Dec 30, 2003
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I will need to replace my aging Shoei RF900 at the start of the 2013 riding season. The large size and medium oval shell fit my head the best. Full helmet...looking for a recommendation. No graphics and needs to work in an upright riding position per standard roadster.
 
My last helmet purchase was a Shoei RF1100. I wanted a full face helmet with good ventilation. I tried on a dozen different helmets at a well stocked store and then walked around and sat on a lot of bikes with each helmet on before deciding on it. It really comes down to how it fits your head. I was glad I spent the time. I really like that helmet. Seems to me it was about 400 bucks. Not cheap but not outrageous either.

Russ
 
I wear a Nolan N-100 in full-face, I insist on flip-face because I wear glasses and the Nolan seems to fit me well (as does the "long oval" Arai, $$$).

Vince
 
rvich said:
My last helmet purchase was a Shoei RF1100. I wanted a full face helmet with good ventilation. I tried on a dozen different helmets at a well stocked store and then walked around and sat on a lot of bikes with each helmet on before deciding on it. It really comes down to how it fits your head. I was glad I spent the time. I really like that helmet. Seems to me it was about 400 bucks. Not cheap but not outrageous either.

Russ
Click to expand...

Saw a review on this helmet. The author was complaining about the front vent falling apart. No issue for you, right? Since my current Shoei RF900 fit so well and has worked for the last several years with no problems, I'm inclined to get another Shoei. Still open to suggestions as I don't need to make a purchase until around March.
 
Shoei Qwest with a pinlock visor does the trick for me, replaced my old Raid II a year or so ago.
They do a Norton-ish Silver plain colour.
Not as quiet as the marketing says but better than the raid was, and lighter.
 
illf8ed said:
rvich said:
My last helmet purchase was a Shoei RF1100. I wanted a full face helmet with good ventilation. I tried on a dozen different helmets at a well stocked store and then walked around and sat on a lot of bikes with each helmet on before deciding on it. It really comes down to how it fits your head. I was glad I spent the time. I really like that helmet. Seems to me it was about 400 bucks. Not cheap but not outrageous either.

Russ
Click to expand...

Saw a review on this helmet. The author was complaining about the front vent falling apart. No issue for you, right? Since my current Shoei RF900 fit so well and has worked for the last several years with no problems, I'm inclined to get another Shoei. Still open to suggestions as I don't need to make a purchase until around March.
Click to expand...

I haven't had a problem. If I did I would just replace it. They are easy to remove and install. I have to admit that another selling feature for me was the "axis yellow" color. I was glad to be able to buy a nice helmet in a relatively high-vis color. I didn't want day-glo yellow/green, but I don't mind having something that stands out either.
 
I currently use an Arai - I have an 'Arai' head. I've tried Shoei in the past, but they just don't fit me well.

If you want the vintage look, Rockhard has a line of 3/4 helmets that are reasonably priced. I have one in red metalflake and wear my Halcyon goggles when I wear it.

I like going to a shop where you can try on different helmets. Doesn't matter what the reviews or prices are, if it doesn't fit well, you're not going to be happy. In my area we have a local shop, Competition Cycle, that carries 8-10 brands to choose from and try on. We have Cycle Gear, too, who have a more limited selection in their store, but also allow you to try on various lids before you buy.
 
I'm pretty much in the same boat as illf8ted.
My Shoei RF900 has a few years on it and I know that I should start looking for it's replacement.
I figured that I would continue to use it for the upcoming season and keep my eye out for a new one.

The Shoei Quest looks promising but I have not yet tried one on.
 
I looked at my RF900 again, doesn't look so bad. Maybe another season for me too. Gives the new RF1200 some market time and chance to come down in price.
 
Hey ill,

Not sure what the exact differences are between the RF & XR series, but I've had an XR1100 for just on 2 years now and it's excellent. Great ventilation, low noise, good visibility, the visor can be held in just about any position if you like to feel the wind, it's damn light, fully removeable liner for washing, and feels great.
I've got mine in 'Anthracite', sort of a metallic/gun metal grey. Looks great with a couple metallic silver 'Norton' die-cut stickers on it.
 
Ah, you're in Australia. I would guess the RF is marketed here and XR there. I'm wearing a Shoei RF900 now and I like it, just needs to be replaced probably sooner. RF1100s are still out there, but why pay full price when the next generation is coming out :)
 
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