After the huge success of the RF-1200, Shoei has finally pulled the trigger and released a new version of this fantastic motorcycle helmet. The RF-1400 is Shoei’s new flagship in the full-face helmets category and it is supposed to be even better than its predecessor. This Japanese brand is famous for making premium helmets that are not cheap, but they always deliver in terms of comfort, protection, and overall quality.
The Shoei RF-1400’s official release date was 01/01/2021 and there has been a lot of hype around it. Everyone is curious whether this new helmet can outperform all other motorcycle helmets on the market and become the new pinnacle of the industry. The RF-1200 has set a pretty high standard and it is often considered to be the perfect motorcycle helmet. So, it won’t be that easy.
In this review, I am going to show you some of the most important attributes of the Shoei RF-1400 motorcycle helmet, compare it to the RF-1200, and tell you whether it is worth buying over its predecessor.
Shell Design & Protection
The design of the Shoei RF-1400 helmet hasn’t changed much, which is a good thing in my opinion. The engineers from Shoei have spent hundreds of hours testing the RF-1200 helmet in the wind tunnel, so I don’t see a reason why this proven design should see some drastic changes. The helmet offers great aerodynamic stability, and it is even suitable for track racing. The Shoei RF-1400 is available in 4 shell sizes, and it has an intermediate oval shape, which should provide a good fit for 80% of head types. However, if you have a round oval head shape, the helmet might not fit you that well, so keep that in mind.
The Shoei RF-1400 motorcycle helmet is DOT, ECE, and SNELL-rated for safety. This means that it provides sufficient protection for all types of riding styles and conditions. You can either use this helmet for everyday street commuting or take it on a track! The outer shell is constructed from layers of fiberglass and organic fibers, and it is designed for maximum lightweight and elasticity. The inner EPS liner of the RF-1400 helmet consists of two layers of multiple different densities, which will ensure optimal impact protection of the rider’s head and protect it from potential injuries caused by an accident.
The helmet weighs around 3.62 lbs, which is a tiny bit more compared to the RF-1200’s 3.5 lbs, but it is still one of the lightest SNELL-approved motorcycle helmets on the market. The extra weight is mostly caused by some additional features that Shoei has equipped this helmet with.
Face Shield & Visor
The face shield system of the Shoei RF-1400 has been completely redesigned. It now has the CWR-F2 shield equipped with a brand new center-locking mechanism, which makes the helmet more aerodynamically stable, but it is very inconvenient and hard to use with your gloves on. The shield offers faster and smoother changes and you will be able to remove the shield within seconds. It also comes with a shield adjuster mechanism and a brand new “first position” shield opening feature. This innovative feature will let you keep the shield partially open for defogging purposes.
Other than that, the shield offers up to 99% UV protection against harmful sun rays and it comes equipped with a 10% wider Pinlock lens insert. The visibility is excellent and there are almost zero issues with fogging.
Ventilation & Airflow
If I had to choose one aspect of the Shoei RF-1400 helmet that has seen the biggest improvement, it would probably be its ventilation system. The RF-1200 provided good airflow; however, it wasn’t on the same level as some Arai and AGV helmets.
The RF-1400, on the other hand, is equipped with 50% larger air vents that are much more effective. The helmet has 6 intake air vents (2 in the chin bar, 2 in the center, and 2 on the sides) and a redesigned exhaust vent with 4 outlets. All of these air vents will push cool air toward your face and forehead while releasing hot air out of the interior of the helmet. They will ensure proper front-to-back airflow and leave your head free of sweat or any kind of moisture.
Interior & Comfort
Comfort is the main reason why Shoei helmets are so popular among bikers. If you want the most comfortable motorcycle helmet in any given category, you should always check out Shoei helmets first. The Shoei RF-1400 is no less comfortable than its predecessor. It comes with the 3D Max-Dry System II interior comfort liner, which is the same liner you will find in the RF-1200 helmet. It is fully removable and washable, and it has moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. It can absorb and dissipate sweat much quicker than a usual nylon fabric. You can customize the fit of the interior by adding optional components that are available in different sizes.
Like the previous model, the Shoei RF-1400 comes with an Emergency Quick Release System, which is a safety feature that allows the cheek pads to be safely removed without taking off the helmet. It will be helpful for medical personnel in case of an accident, as they will be able to easily remove the cheek pads from an injured rider’s head.
Bluetooth Compatibility
As with all other premium helmets, the Shoei RF-1400 is compatible with most types of motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. You can easily mount your intercom device onto the shell and enjoy hands-free communication with your friends. The helmet features a pair of built-in speaker pockets, which will ensure the proper fit of the speakers and crystal-clear sound.
The helmet is quiet even at higher speeds, and there is no wind noise coming into the interior. This attribute makes the RF-1400 one of the best motorcycle helmets for Bluetooth headsets and an ideal option for listening to music on the go.
Conclusion:
As you can see, the RF-1400 is yet another outstanding motorcycle helmet made by Shoei. It offers tremendous protection and a high level of comfort to the rider. There are some small changes and upgrades, but I would say that it is still a very similar helmet to the RF-1200. What I like about the RF-1400 helmet is its brand-new ventilation system and a custom-fit interior liner. Also, the helmet is as quiet as its predecessor, which is a great achievement considering the larger air vents and improved airflow.
The only small nitpick I have is its center-locking shield mechanism. In my opinion, this feature should only be included in racing helmets, and it was a bad decision from Shoei to put this on the RF-1400. Also, the helmet is not suitable for round heads, and there are not that many graphics available, only solid colors.
So, is it worth buying the RF-1400 over the RF-1200?
If you already own the Shoei RF-1200 and it is in good working condition, my advice is to keep it. The difference between these two helmets is not that big, and you can spend your money on some other cool stuff, such as a new pair of motorcycle boots.
However, if you don’t own any of these two Shoei helmets that I have reviewed, and you are planning to upgrade your motorcycle helmet, then you can’t go wrong with either one of them!
Pros: Lightweight Design, PINLOCK Anti-fog Lens, Excellent Ventilation System, DOT and SNELL Approved
Cons: Minimal Designs, Not Suitable for Round Heads