Shoei RF-1400: Ride Tested

Shoei RF-1400: Ride Tested

Shoei just released the RF-1400, their update to the legendary RF-1200. How does the new lid stack up against the classic 1200? And how noticeable are the improvements? Brandon takes the RF-1400 for a ride to see for himself.

[lexingtonconcord]

I bought a Shoei RF1400 in the summer of 2022. In October 2022, I was hit hard and fast from behind on I-44 between Springfield and Joplin Missouri. The car hit me so fast and so hard... it came right up through the tailpipe, bending the middle of the frame upwards, throwing me skyward and sideways off the highway. I don't know if I was rendered unconscious or not, it happened so fast. I found myself lying a few feet into the grass off the shoulder. My lower body was broken pretty bad (three months later, and I'm just now transitioning from a wheelchair to a walker), but somehow my head and shoulders were not injured! This helmet took a number of impacts, as it had damage in two or three locations (front and back). Somehow, God blessed me that this helmet protected me... I'm writing this review for Shoei and placing it in a number of popular online locations to show my thanks for the RF-1400!
And thank you God!
Additionally, this helmet was super comfortable and fit my head snug as a bug in a rug!
(P.S. Don't ride your motorcycle on highways at night)

[willswanson]

I think a lot of people don’t realize why there is a center lock. It is to provide equal tension to the face shield across the seal as opposed to lopsided tension. Allows for a cleaner and tighter seal. They made some big strides with this face shield over the 1200 it seems. And I think that goes under appreciated. Now if they just have a transition shield for this helmet, it is a total win for me.

[robsmotovlog]

Excellent review. And I’m really looking forward to hearing your comparison between the 1400 and the K6.

[leonelcardenas]

Picked one up at cycle gear last week. Best helmet I’ve owned.

[-DC-]

World Class Quality never found anything better than Shoei.

[adobomoto]

definitely a nice lid. I don't know if the 6% reduced drag really makes a difference though. I've been testing it for the past couple of weeks.

[onseki]

Picked a white one up from Cyclegear, love it. Shoei Customer Service said tinted and transition lenses will ship in April. Glad to see this ride test, the first video was pretty harsh on the center lock visor

[krittinteerasawasdi]

AGV K6 vs this Shoei back to back test pls.

[goldie]

I think the latch to open and close the visor makes more sense on the 1200

[lovingmylifeasIage]

Love your choice of bike to ride in this review. I ride a 2012 865 standard Bonneville.

[rammyify]

Shoei are one of the best helmet makers. The visor lock and the ventilation on the helmet are certain things that I feel as the riders ride, they will be able to make adjustments in advance rather on the go and I feel they are a great options given by the company. Also, thumbs up 👍 for the wide visor. Great review 👏 👌 👍

[VincentTL]

Thanks for the review, Brandon! I think the 3 oz additional weight is nothing compared to the Sena and GoPro you have mounted on the helmet. 😂

[MattFromWork]

Nice I was waiting for this for sooo long I have a 1200 and love it. Cannot wait to get this one

[jamest]

You cannot feel 3 ounces… you can swap a lid for one that is 1/2 pound difference and not feel it while wearing it, probably would notice a full pound heavier. You will changes in feel from wind resistance and buffeting and any ‘pulling’, when looking around. So adding 3 ounces to make the helmet safer and quieter is a great trade off.

[luthermclain]

Thanks for an informative, on the road, review. I just got one of these to replace the 1200 that got dinged in a crash last fall. (Left turning city driver.). Been a fan of Shoei for years and have retired all of them but one simply due to years of use.

[robscherer]

Great video/review. I wonder when the transitions shield will be back in stock for this model? Also, what jacket and gloves are you wearing in the vid?

[Scottish_Viking]

So the 1400 is made for people with a more narrow face, because my 1200 is very snug, and doesn't whistle.

[elindenstein]

Just picked this up this morning, coming from an RF-SR. I think it's a very similar feeling helmet to the SR. I was a little disappointed with the venting of this helmet; the brow vent is really nice on the 1200 and the Hornet, so kind of a bummer that it isn't in there. The inside fit is really plush and premium-feeling. I tried on Scorpion's carbon helmet, the AGV K6, etc - nothing felt more like putting my head between two pillows quite like the Shoei. It seems like maybe this helmet isn't as impressive for a sport touring and ADV rider like myself, because my head tilted downward just a bit makes the helmet vent a lot better; upright riding position doesn't yield as impressive of results. But overall, I think of this as an $850 (I got the transition shield too) investment that can be spread out over 4-5 years.. Basically the safest helmet I could buy for about $200/year.

[foundryx]

The 1200 saved my life and is comfortable as hell, so I'll probably stick with that

[arsyadgafli]

im really looking forward for this helmet