Shoei helmets.

Critz · 06-19-2003, 7:44 AM

RF900 or Z11 ?

SlvrSurfr · 06-19-2003, 7:46 AM

XSP 2 or X11

J/k

a friend has an rf900

hes very happy w/ it !

SS

OSIRIS · 06-19-2003, 7:52 AM

I've got an RF-900 (I think...may be an RF-800) Picotte replica and I really like it a lot. I like it way better than the AGV I had, but the AGV wasn't one of their nicest models. You probably want to try a Shoei on first to make sure it fits your head right.

ccwilli3 · 06-19-2003, 8:04 AM

check out the X11...

Supposed to be the BEST ventilation and have a good fit. Supposedly an alternative for 'arai' heads...

Critz · 06-19-2003, 8:17 AM

Quote:

ccwilli3 : check out the X11...

Supposed to be the BEST ventilation and have a good fit. *Supposedly an alternative for 'arai' heads...

i'll have a run down to the local shop and do some try-ons..

x11 = $$ching $$ching

lfg929 · 06-19-2003, 10:21 AM

For street riding either of them will do. If you do any track days then try to find one with a removable liner (not sure if the Z model has one or not). A couple of track days in the hot sun will funk up a helmet like nobody's business.

deez · 06-19-2003, 10:33 AM

I got the X11 a while back. I bought it because I wanted a summer helmet (good ventilation) and I didn't want to give Arai my $ due to their chitty internet policy. Vote with your wallet right? I'm glad I did too, the X11 is better than anything Arai makes currently. It's better than my Arai RX7 or my Quantum. The ventilation is excellent, chin skirt keeps the noise down, shield change is quick and easy. And the ventilation man, it's like nothing I've used before. You actually get some air that will go across your forehead to cool you down. From Helmet Harbor I got the helmet and the tinted shield for under $500 and the shipping was free. Glad AZ talked me into trying the Shoei. BTW, the X11 fits exactly like a Quantum/Rx7 so if you know your size in the Arai it should be the same.

954inMN · 06-19-2003, 10:58 AM

I got a RF-900 for about 350 bucks. I like it. Vents well, comfy, seems a lot quieter than my old helmet. It develops a kind fo a quiet whistle from somewhere right around 100mph. I like the faceshield removal procedure a lot better than the way you remove shields from Arai's.

The metallic silver matches the metallic silver on my 02 954 like it was made to.

Definitely try it on first. My chin comes pretty close to touching the inside of the helmet and I think I might be better off with something else, but it is improving with break in.

HondaGal · 06-19-2003, 11:07 AM

The X11 is sweet. We had a Shoei rep come to our track day with samples for us to wear on the track. Unfortunately, the weather was so bad there was little to no riding.

I did try on the X11 and it's sooooo light. Much lighter than my Arai RX7-RR4. It fit nicely too. My next helmet will be the X11 without a doubt. The faceshield is easy to remove too. And, it seemed much quieter than the Arai, even just with it on. Venting looked awesome too. The sizing for this model runs pretty even with the Arai sizing too and they even have XS sizes too.

Holeshot · 06-19-2003, 12:19 PM

I manage to snag an XSP-II delivered for $320. *Best helmet I've ever owned. *My Arai Quantum is a joke in comparison (and I HATE that shield system... WTF is up with that??).

One of my previous helmets was an RF700 which I really enjoyed bu this XSP-II is so vastly superiror to both the RF and the Quant.. I can't imagin bying a low-line helmet ever again. *

It also has the removable liner, excellent vents (probably not as good as an AGV X-vent but still really good IMHO).

This is the one I got:
http://bikestuff.marlinmedia.com/mis...k_XSP-II_1.jpg
Try motoxoutlet.com *that's who I got it from. *They might still have some clearance models in stock.

I don't think you can go wrong with Shoei.

- DH

EDIT: It also comes with a factory smoke shield and a nice lined bag. Now, wheneve I look at the Arai helmet and accessoried, I just laugh.

TCD · 06-19-2003, 7:56 PM

go with the x-11. i just stepped up from the rf-800 and the difference is phenominal. it weighs a lot less and the ventilation is so good that i don't have to lift my visor to stay cool (in 90 degree weather mind you). plus the aerodynamics are much better and it slices through the air. the only downside is that it is a bit noisy at first, but you get used to it after a couple of days.

alexandra · 06-19-2003, 9:31 PM

X11 ...... Got a good deal and service at HelmetHarbor.com plus free shipping!

firebladetoronto · 06-20-2003, 1:05 AM

I have the RF900, XSP-II and the X11. RF900 is good, but the lining does not come out. XSP-II has very good ventilation, comes with carry case, tinted visor, neck mask and nose guard, and you might be able to find some cheap because it is older. The X11 is the ultimate in helmets, but does not come with extras. The finish on the X11's are AMAZING!!!! The pictures don't do it just...

But the end of the day, it depends on your budget and the fit to your head.

These guys have cheap lids in their closeout specials..
Shoei

I got my X11 from these guys for $399 USD delivered, back in April.

aBnorMal · 06-23-2003, 11:49 AM

Used to hate my RF-900 for its weight and bulk....till it saved my life. Next helmet will be a shooo-weee as well. Removable lining would be a nice benny.

BTW when I say saved my life I mean it...that helmet took a serious blunt impact that all but shattered it. It stayed together though but spider webbed the entire left side. I don't think I could hit a new one with a sledge hammer and mimic the damage.

DavidGS · 07-04-2003, 4:44 PM

I have an XSP-II and it's great. Wouldn't buy an Arai because of their internet policy. Got the XSP-II for only $230 shipped - brand new.

Chain · 07-04-2003, 4:53 PM

Quote:

Critz : RF900 or Z11 ?

Slightly guilty of not answering the question here Critz, but don't overlook the KBC line if you want a top shelf lid at a screaming bargain of a price. One of my Hoot buddies just bought a VR-1 and I had a chance to try it out in Knoxville. A great lid all the way around, particularly for the cashola.

http://webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-mot.../kbc/index.htm

PS - I'm an Arai Snob, so plugging another line takes alot for me, but Shoei is a great helmet too...

bwhip · 07-04-2003, 4:57 PM

This'll tell you how I feel about my new Shoei:
Threadlink

Bacchus · 07-04-2003, 5:27 PM

You might consider the XSP-II. It is a superb helmet and as others have pointed out, you might save a lot of $$. I love mine, although I must admit it is somewhat noisy (that's what earplugs are for ).

Pete · 07-07-2003, 3:11 PM

Quote:

TCD : go with the x-11. *i just stepped up from the rf-800 and the difference is phenominal. *it weighs a lot less and the ventilation is so good that i don't have to lift my visor to stay cool (in 90 degree weather mind you). *plus the aerodynamics are much better and it slices through the air. *the only downside is that it is a bit noisy at first, but you get used to it after a couple of days.

I was going to say the same thing about my new Z-II, having stepped up from an RF800.

Mattress · 07-07-2003, 3:13 PM

I had an RF-900 before going to an Arai Astral....great helmet, but I'm buying Arai from now on

Pete · 07-07-2003, 3:15 PM

Quote:

booth23 : BTW, the X11 fits exactly like a Quantum/Rx7 so if you know your size in the Arai it should be the same.

You can't make that statement unequivocally. Maybe it does for your head, but it doesn't for mine and several other riders that I know.

Critz · 07-10-2003, 8:42 AM

i stopped by the shop the other day and tried on all the shoei's they had .....all of them just about ripped my ears /piercings when I tried to get them off I do remember the one arai i tried on wasn't as bad to remove... I'm going to go back again today or tomorrow to give them all another try

ccwilli3 · 07-10-2003, 9:31 AM

yeah,

don't compromise on how it fits. Get one that feels perfect to you in every way. I had a shoei and I couldn't wait to get it off at gas stops, etc. Once I went Arai, I was golden. I never take it off unless I am stopping for more than 10-15 min.

Bottom line, if it doesn't do everything you want it to do, keep looking!

ConqSoft · 07-10-2003, 9:36 AM

Quote:

Critz : i stopped by the shop the other day and tried on all the shoei's they had .....all of them just about ripped my ears /piercings when I tried to get them off I do remember the one arai i tried on wasn't as bad to remove... I'm going to go back again today or tomorrow to give them all another try

A helmet is supposed to fit snug. Might want to remove piercings when riding.

nomad · 07-10-2003, 9:52 AM

I have a Shoei RF-900, and before that I had its predecessor (errr RF-800? I can't remember). Anyway, it saved my life. My head bounced off the ground HARD and I did not feel the impact, just a soft 'boing'; the face shield didn't break and the helmet absorbed all the force. (Thanks Shoei). It is light enough, but not the lightest. As said previously, the liner doesn't come out of the RF-900 and the venting is ok, but the front vent doesn't work as well as it's predecessor.

It's all you need in a helmet... but if you have the pocket book, you can get all you WANT in a helmet from moving up the line.

2cents.
J.

ConqSoft · 07-10-2003, 9:54 AM

When I went from the RF900 to the XSPII it was like night and day to me. I love the new one.

Which model did you try on?