There is more than beauty in Shoei RF-1200 Motorcycle Helmet than meets the eye.
The Shoei RF-1200 is a full-face helmet certified by SNELL, the U.S.-DOT, and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, also of the United States. It is a product of Japanese technology and one of the world’s finest.
This Shoei helmet is part of Shoei’s RF series that succeeds the similarly well-loved RF-1100. The RF-1200 is launch in 2014 with more advanced features, such as a noise reduction system, an excellent ventilation system, and a better shield system, among others.
Do you want a more exciting experience and safer feel for riding? Well, this high-tech product might satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we will introduce you to a brand-new safety helmet that will probably revolutionize how motorcycling will be in the 21st– century. So, without further ado, meet the Shoei RF-1200 motorcycle helmet and enjoy reading our comprehensive review.
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Shoei Worldwide Network
Shoei is a Japanese company producing a line of motorsport helmets for more than 60 years.
Shoei has distributors across the globe, such as in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, United States, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Oceania countries (Australia and New Zealand), South America, the Middle East, and Europe.
This vast expanse of a global distribution system makes Shoei the top choice of most motorbike enthusiasts. Unlike other motorcycle helmets, do you know that the Shoei RF-1200 is typically hand-made in Japan?
The sophisticated process of making this quality head-gear involves fifty (50) people for a single helmet alone. Bike lovers firmly believe that craftsmanship makes the difference between RF-1200 and other brands.
How Many Colors A Shoei RF-1200 Have?
The Shoei RF-1200 motorcycle helmet has four colors to match your lifestyle. A combination of colors is also available. One of the best-selling colors is matte-black.
How Much Does A Shoei RF 1200 Weigh?
The Shoei RF 1200 shell design underwent rigid air tunnel testing and lighter than its predecessor, the RF-1100. It is also a more compact and streamlined helmet. This full-face helmet weighs 56 ounces (3.5 pounds or 1.5 kilograms), 3 ounces lighter than the Shoei RF-1100.
The RF-1200 motorsport helmet has a better aerodynamic design than its predecessor, so it is functioning well in high-speed cruising. This custom-made helmet has four sizes than falls within the XS-2XL (4) range, so almost all age-abled riders can have their customize fit.
Helmet Sizing For Shoei RF-1200
The RF-1200 comes in four different shell sizes to give you a customized look and the perfect fit. Today, we will review the Large Matte Black RF-1200 in a while. The Shoei RF-1200 visor or face shield (6) comes with the package, but other colors and texture are separate.
Unlike other motorcycle helmets, the Shoei RF-1200 comes with a manual, so everything is explained.
The chart below is the standard sizing for the Shoei Motorcycle Helmets. The head is in centimeter.
Size Head (cm)
2XS 51 – 52
XS 53 – 54
SM 55 – 56
MD 57 – 58
LG 59 – 60
XL 61 – 62
2XL 63 – 64
3XL 65 – 66
Some tips from the experts: To know your measurement, wrap a cloth measuring tape around your head. Measure above your eyebrows and ears. Pull the measuring tape slightly and comfortably snug. Then, read the length.
For a more accurate result, repeat the process at least three times and use the largest measurement.
How Good Are Shoei Helmets?
Everybody recognizes a Shoei helmet even from afar. The brand rules the market since 1959: when the Shoei Company of Japan first introduced revolutionary motorcycle helmets to the world.
But how good Shoei helmets are? The answer lies in its state-of-the-art but simple/minimalist designs, such as aerodynamic efficiency, nice interior, and comfort of use. The cutting-edge technology used by Shoei is continually evolving to provide better comfort for more bikers.
Moreover, the strict U.S. standards, such as the DOT Certification, the SNELL M2015 approval, and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218), were all met by Shoei’s stringent quality.
In the United States, all automotive helmets must pass these standards. But Shoei didn’t only pass these standards; it exceeded the expectations! Need we say more?
Which Is Better, Shoei, or Arai?
Arai is also a well-known Japanese helmet maker. Shoei and Arai are both regarded as Japan’s premier helmet manufacturers. Both helmets were majority built by hands.
Arai started in 1937 as a hat maker, then shifted to manufacturing protective helmets in the late 1940s.
Comparing the two helmet makers is an understatement because both are well-known in their fields. However, Shoei was the first to introduce carbon fiber and Kevlar-infused helmet (the GR-Z) into the shell. Shoei is also the first to produce helmets with ventilation.
Why Are Shoei Helmets Better?
In addition to the Shoei helmet’s construction and impressive materials, it focused more on the comfort that provides safer driving. Shoie’s concentration on safety driving led to the implementation of more exceptional features, like the pod less face shield system. This system reduces neck fatigue, wind resistance, and noise.
Moreover, Shoei helmets used the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) technique in handcrafting the helmet’s shell, although the design is by a computer.
If that is not yet enough, do you know that current Shoei helmet shells have five proprietary layers? The inner layer of Shoe helmets is fiberglass, topped by special fibers, 3-D organic fiber, another organic fiber, and the outer layer by fiberglass.
The AIM + variants have more organic fiberglass between the 3D organic fiber and special fibers. The reinforcement makes the Shoei helmets more durable from crashes and impacts.
Shoei RF-1200 vs. Shoei GT-Air 2
If you are a fan of the Shoei GT-Air 2 helmet, you will find the RF-1200 more enticing. The RF-1200 is cheaper than the GT-Air. But it has all the features of the latter; except for the sun visor. You can fit it with a sun visor which you can buy separately.
Moreover, the Shoei RF-1200 has the proprietary CWR-1 shield that protects the rider’s face from harsh wind than the GT-Air.
The RF-1200 is lighter than the Air by 200 grams. The RF has a more aerodynamic design that makes it more stable on the road.
However, the GT-Air 2 is quieter than the RF. For other observations, the RF-1200 is cooler inside because of the modern 3D Max-Dry System of its interior. The RF interior is two times more efficient than other helmet’s nylon interiors.
Shoei RF1200 Motorcycle Helmet Review 2020
With the Shoei RF-1200 current tag price, you are sure of its stability and efficiency in running. The smaller design and lightness make this motorcycle helmet ideal for high-speed cruising that gives more comfort to riders.
The excellent ventilation system features five different vents that you can adjust depending on your speed. With this innovation from RF-1100, you feel colder even after hours of use. The helmet’s five layers of material give protection to the rider’s head and neck.
If you wonder if the XL size will fit you right, think again! You see, the RF-1200 has cheek pads that come in different thickness levels to ensure that you get the most personalized fit. Furthermore, the Shoei RF-1200 is more rigid than RF-1100 but lighter.
The RF-1200 CWR-1 face shield is top-of-the-line. It is scratch-proof and blocks almost 99% of UV rays. On top of that, the shield lock is better and fitted with 5-stage rotating dials on each plate to let you fine-tune the fit.
Pros
- This product complies with the US FMVSS 218.
- The helmet is also DOT and SNELL 2015 certified.
- It has a more advanced ventilation system
- Ideal for male motor-bikers.
- The RF-1200 is an innovation of the RF-1100
- The 3D Max-Dry Liner is detachable and washable.
- The helmet’s interior comes with emergency cheek pads.
- It provides better ventilation to a rider.
- Cheaper than the GT-Air 2.
- It is better than a round helmet.
Cons
- More expensive than other brands.
- It has a higher noise level compared to the GT-Air 2.
- No sun visor on the pack, unlike the GT-Air. The sun visor is separate.
What’s The Big Deal?
The Shoei RF-1200 shines above the rest. It is an ultimate relief to riders wanting more comfort while driving in any weather. This full-face helmet meets all of the United States’ standards, such as the DOT and SNELL rating (which the GT-Air 2 is not).
But comparing with the previous RF-1100 model, the RF-1200 is a better improvement. This aerodynamic-designed helmet won’t drag your head in high-speed cruising, unlike round helmets.
The price of RF1200 may be higher compared to other brands, but the extent of its safety and comfort features make the helmet priceless. So, what is the best motorcycle helmet? It’s no doubt; the Shoei RF-1200 full-face motorcycle helmet leads the pack!
Beyond his work as a mechanic, Mark is also the proud owner and author of SouthSeasCycles, a blog site dedicated to all things motorcycle. With this platform, Mark has been able to share his knowledge and expertise with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.
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