Intended as a replacement for the company's best-selling RF-1000 helmet, the new Shoei RF-1100 is an all-new design from the ground up. Utilizing data gleaned from the company's new state-of-the-art wind tunnel as well as input from dealers and customers, the RF-1100 bristles with new features that set it apart from its predecessor. Positioned between the budget-minded TZ-R and the new top-of-the-line X-Twelve, the RF-1100 continues to represent an excellent value, with some innovative solutions that break new ground in helmet design.
The RF-1100's shell continues to utilize Shoei's AIM+ lightweight fiber material now constructed to the new Snell 2010 standards. Shell-forming technology developed from the company's VFX-W motocross helmet permits the RF-1100 to do away with its predecessor's plastic rear spoiler wing by incorporating the spoiler into the helmet shell's shape while maintaining a consistent shell thickness for proper strength and weight. The shell-forming technology also allows Shoei to offer an unprecedented five shell sizes to cover the range of head sizes from XXS to XXXL.
The RF-1100 debuts the new evolution of Shoei's Quick Release Base Plate system, dubbed the QRSA (Quick Release Self-Adjusting) base plate system. The QRSA retains its predecessor's easy-to-use quick-release shield retention system, but also includes a patented spring-loaded setup for the shield pivot base plate that eliminates the need to adjust them to achieve a proper seal. The ingeniously simple yet sophisticated setup basically "pulls" the shield back evenly across the helmet's eye port bead in the closed position. The eyeport is also taller and wider, meaning the new CW-1 faceshield is both wider and taller than the previous model for improved peripheral vision.
Ventilation has also been changed, with the RF-1100 using four rear vents (two more than the RF-1000) positioned higher along the top of the helmet shell, where Shoei says negative pressure is higher to increase the "suction" effect to pull stale air out of the helmet. Shoei's fully removable/washable/replaceable 3D interior (with six different cheek pad thicknesses) is now included in the RF1100, and the liner also features eyeglass channels on each side, plus an integrated neck pad that helps reduce wind noise.
The new RF-1100 is a major improvement over the old RF-1000 (which was already a good helmet) in nearly every category. Comfort is a step above, with the liner/interior providing better support all around; the helmet's fit feels more snug without being overly tight, and the improved fit also reduces the gaps that result in wind noise. In fact, combined with the QRSA base plates that do an excellent job of providing a tight seal to the eyeport, the RF-1100 is easily one of the quietest helmets we've tried. Only when you open the vents does wind noise rise to a noticeable din. The helmet's aerodynamics are superb, with very little buffeting and lift in all of the street riding applications we put it through (including turning your head to look back over your shoulder, where some helmets feel like they're trying to rip your head off).
About the only real issue we had with the RF-1100 (and it's minor) was that while the venting is an improvement over the previous model, it doesn't add up to much (even though it's better than the vast majority of other mid-priced helmets). On hotter days, you'll still be wishing for a premium helmet like Shoei's X-Twelve.
MSRPs for the RF-1100 (subject to change) are $399.99 for solid colors, $419.99 for metallic colors, and $499.99 for graphics, in sizes XXS to XXXL (size XXXL only available in solid and metallic colors, with prices unavailable at press time). The RF-1100 is backed by a five-year limited warranty.
Shoei Helmets
www.shoei-helmets.com