Shoei RF-1400 - First Look

If we were presented with a rider and were told to guess which Shoei helmet that they wore, selecting an RF model would be a smart choice. The RF line has been one of Shoei’s best sellers for a generation. In fact, the first RF helmet was introduced in 1984, and the Shoei RF-1400 continues the path of incremental improvement to this ever-popular line. In the press materials below, the idea of Kaizen, a Japanese term for continuous improvement, is mentioned. Each new release in the RF family has layered new features on the previous model while still retaining the essence of the family. The same features that have made the line popular with riders also apply to the MO staff, which has collectively owned most, if not all, of Shoei’s RF line and can vouch for it being a sweet-spot helmet. The value delivered by this line of helmets has captured the hearts of riders ranging from bagger fans to track day riders and every kind of rider in between. The Shoei RF line of helmets has traditionally hit the Goldilocks price vs features point of this premium helmet, and the RF-1400 appears to be no different.

Shoei RF-1200 Helmet Review

Don’t look for wholesale changes in the step from the six-year-old RF-1200. (We don’t know why RF-1300 was skipped.) Instead, look for updates. The design philosophy is the same with the rider’s head being a medium to long oval in shape. The aerodynamics were revised to improve slipperiness by 4% and reduce lift by 7%. To achieve this, both the shell and the visor were slightly reshaped, though the family resemblance is still clear. The venting in the helmet top still uses three closures, but the center one gains an extra vent hole to improve airflow. The cheek pads have had their lower volume increased so that they wrap more closely to the rider’s face and head below the ears, resulting in a further reduction in wind noise. Different-sized cheek pads allow riders to customize the RF-1400’s fit. The visor’s new shape – complete with a centrally-located latch and Vortex Generators on its trailing edges – combines with revised eye-port beading for a tighter, quieter seal.

There’s good news when it comes to pricing, too. With all the changes made to the RF-1400, the price only increased by $10 to $500 for solid colors and $600 for graphics. Still, as always, the proof is in the riding, and we have a shiny, new Shoei RF-1400 on hand for testing. We’ll make sure that we publish a full review before the helmet is available on January 1, 2021. To increase your appetite, we’ve included Shoei’s full press release below.

Begin Press Release:

SHOEI RF-1400

The Evolution of Perfection

DESIGN CONCEPT

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means “continuous improvement” and inspires the change-for-the-better approach to everything we do here at SHOEI. It is this time-tested, respected philosophy that drives our constant progression in all aspects of helmet design and development, no matter how large or small the incremental improvements. With kaizen principles always at the forefront, we believe that The Evolution of Perfection is a fitting tagline for the longest-standing, most decorated full-face helmet model in the SHOEI lineup, the RF.

The process of improving is a constant evolution, and with a world-class team of designers and engineers leading the charge, we pushed our resources and technologies to the brink, utilizing our state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility, extensive array of proprietary materials, and the industry’s most stringent quality assurance practices to develop the all-new RF-1400. SHOEI’s lightest and most compact SNELL-approved full-face helmet model, the RF-1400 has evolved the pursuit of perfection to the next level.

AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

Developed and refined in SHOEI’s state-of-the-art, in-house wind tunnel facility from the very beginning stages of life, the RF-1400 boasts impressive improvements in aerodynamic performance, including a 6% reduction in lift and a 4% reduction in drag (as compared to the RF-1200).

More so, thanks to a compact, aerodynamic shell shape that features an integrated spoiler, along with strategically-shaped air intake and exhaust vents that help streamline the helmet’s overall profile, the RF-1400 significantly reduces the load placed on a rider’s head.

Optimal shell aerodynamics not only improves the helmet’s ability to cut through streaming air, it also contributes to a welcomed reduction in wind noise without blocking the road’s valuable informative sounds.

CWR-F2 SHIELD & BASE PLATE SYSTEM

The all-new CWR-F2 shield system features improved visibility, functionality, and performance over its predecessor. Like all SHOEI full-face shield systems, the CWR-F2 provides a vast field of vision and protects against 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Thanks to SHOEI’s innovative 3D injection-molding process, the CWR-F2 shield also offers a distortion-free view throughout the entire RF-1400 eyeport.

Highlighting a long list of updates, the CWR-F2 2D “flat” outside surface combined with 3D technology inside offers an aggressive look with optimized visibility for a more natural view. Vortex Generators (borrowed from X-Fourteen technology) on the sides of the shield improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, and an all-new center locking mechanism helps to evenly distribute shield forces across both spring-loaded base plates. Additionally, the first position opening function offers advanced venting and defogging capabilities.

A completely redesigned base plate system boasts smoother shield opening and closures, and a new shield adjuster mechanism allows for easier, more precise tuning. Combined with an all-new window beading that reduces wind and water intrusion, the CWR-F2 shield and base plate system is the most advanced on the market today.

PINLOCK® ANTI-FOG SYSTEM

The new, 10% larger DKS-304 PINLOCK EVO lens system improves lateral field of vision thanks to relocated pins outside of the eyeport, and offers the most effective anti-fog protection in existence.

OPTIMIZED VENTILATION

Overheating while riding or racing can have a direct impact on rider fatigue and safety, which is why the ventilation performance of the all-new RF-1400 was a crucial feature while designing the helmet. Utilizing SHOEI’s in-house wind tunnel to help reveal the optimal balance between airflow and silence, SHOEI designers and engineers relocated the center/forehead vent, and also equipped it with an additional air intake hole, to help increase the volume of cooling air entering the helmet. Additionally, a new, enlarged exhaust outlet vent helps take better advantage of negative pressure suction at the rear of the helmet, yielding improved hot-air expulsion.

In total, the RF-1400 features six (6) air intakes (2 lower, 2 front, 2 upper) and four (4) exhaust outlets.

MULTI-PLY MATRIX AIM+ SHELL

Few characteristics of a motorcycle helmet are as critical as its first-layer of defense, which is precisely why the all-new RF-1400 features the SHOEI-exclusive Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell construction. Combining a six-ply matrix of fiberglass with lightweight organic and high-performance fibers, the RF-1400’s proprietary AIM+ shell provides optimal impact-absorption, strength and elasticity, and is available in four shell sizes to ensure a custom fit for heads between the sizes of XS-XXL.

DUAL-LAYER MULTI-DENSITY EPS LINER

The RF-1400’s Dual-Layer, Multi-Density EPS liner not only provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam in key areas around the rider’s head, it is designed to allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, further enhancing the RF-1400’s superior ventilation characteristics. In addition to enhanced impact absorption and ventilation, the precise placement of multi-density EPS liner material yields a more compact, lightweight design.

3D MAX-DRY INTERIOR SYSTEM II

The RF-1400 is equipped with a fully removable, washable, adjustable, and replaceable 3D Max-Dry Interior System II. The 3D center pad components are three-dimensionally shaped to match the contours of a rider’s head, allowing for an extremely comfortable fit while maintaining the secure hold necessary for distraction-free, high-speed riding. Additionally, the RF-1400’s 3D-shaped cheek pads are available in multiple thicknesses for a customizable fit, and SHOEI’s exclusive Max-Dry material absorbs and dissipates sweat 2X faster than traditional nylon.

Newly designed cheek pads feature more volume on the bottom for greater comfort and reduced wind noise, and the soft yet durable lower cheek pad fabric provides an extremely plush fit and feel. The hybrid of moisture absorbent, quick-drying material in areas that cover the cheeks and brow, along with soft, raised fabric in areas that tend to rub against the rider’s face during helmet removal, give RF-1400 riders the perfect balance between plushness and performance.

Adding to the comfort package, specially designed cheek pad channels help eliminate the pressure created by eyeglass arms around the temple area for riders who wear glasses.

EMERGENCY QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM (E.Q.R.S.)

Borrowing technology developed for SHOEI’s road and off-road racing helmets, the RF-1400 is equipped with the SHOEI-exclusive Emergency Quick Release System that allows emergency medical personnel to easily remove the cheek pads from an injured rider’s helmet. With the cheek pads removed, the helmet can be safely lifted from a rider’s head without creating unnecessary strain in the neck area.

ADVANCED NOISE REDUCTION

Taking in the road’s informative sounds is important, but too much unwanted noise inside a helmet can negatively impact the riding experience, which is why the RF-1400 underwent significant testing to strike the perfect balance. In addition to optimal shell aerodynamics that reduce wind noise around the helmet, the RF-1400’s advanced shield aerodynamics (thanks to Vortex Generators), all-new air-tight window beading, and voluminous cheek pads, which further restrain wind noise inside the helmet, combine to create an incredibly quiet riding experience.