Shoei X-Eleven

2OHOH2 · 08-16-2003, 3:00 PM

Got a large X-Eleven today, in metallic titanium. Being new and all, it was a very snug fit, just like the Quantum and the RX7 that I bought new. One immediately noticeable plus is the removable Shoei sticker, and the removable stickers and info on the sides and rear of the helmet; you can practically have it look completely stealth, not much giving away the fact that it's Shoei's best.

I rode in the heat for a bit over 1.5 hours. First and foremost, the aerodynamics of this helmet are awesome. Where I'd get buffeted with my Arai helmets, the X was, well, unnoticeable; it was almost like not having it on at all. Second, the helmet was about as quiet as the Quantum that I wore on the way to the shop, and definitely quieter than the RX7.

Towards the end of the ride, however, I started feeling two symmetrical pressure points in the back of my head. By the time I got home and got the helmet off, it was a relief to do so. I'm certain that helmet vs. head shape is to blame, and I'll look into ways of maybe molding the two spots in the helmet that bothered me. On a positive note, the outer ear cavity is much better than what Arai has, and there was no undue pressure on my outer ears, or the earphones that I hardly ever ride without.

Overall, I feel that these are superior to the best that Arai has to offer at this time, the minor fitment issue aside.

ULEWZ · 08-16-2003, 3:42 PM

I love my X11 helmet. The cooling is the best thing about this helmet. I just happen to have a Shoei head, so I have no pressure points. Helmet Harbor says that this helmet is quieter than every Arai made and rate it as the best helmet on the market. I rode in 106 degree F heat last week and the venting worked great. Once the sweat starts to flow, the vast amount of cooling air starts evaporating the sweat, thus keeping your forehead cool. Your have to try it to believe it. Everyone that I have talked to that raves about the Arai cooling, can't believe how much better the X11 ventilation is. Just my 2 cents. Great helmet, spend the money, ask for forgiveness later.

ConqSoft · 08-16-2003, 3:45 PM

Has anyone had the X-SPII then went to the X-Eleven? I'm trying to decide if it's worth upgrading.

ConqSoft · 08-16-2003, 4:00 PM

Also, does the X-Eleven come with the breath guard and chin curtain like the X-SPII did? I finally decided to put my breath guard in yesterday and it makes a BIG difference in the airflow around your face. Much cooler with it in.

ULEWZ · 08-16-2003, 4:06 PM

Quote:

ConqSoft : Also, does the X-Eleven come with the breath guard and chin curtain like the X-SPII did? *I finally decided to put my breath guard in yesterday and it makes a BIG difference in the airflow around your face. *Much cooler with it in.

Breath guard, yes. Chin curtin, no.

aBnorMal · 08-16-2003, 4:44 PM

I got mine (X-|&#124 from kneedraggers and it came with a bag, chin gaurd, breath protector and a 2 visors (clear and tinted). Cost was 360 I think.

And I love this helmet! I went to a local shop and tried them on to find the size I wanted. They wanted 530 for the same helmet.

ConqSoft · 08-16-2003, 4:45 PM

Quote:

aBnorMal : I got mine (X-|&#124 from kneedraggers and it came with a bag, chin gaurd, breath protector and a 2 visors (clear and tinted). *Cost was 360 I think. *

And I love this helmet! *I went to a local shop and tried them on to find the size I wanted. *They wanted 530 for the same helmet.

No way. *The non-graphic ones sell for $395 at kneedraggers. *

They don't come with the nice bag like my X-SPII did either.

http://www.cbrxx.org/gallery/shoeixspii

aBnorMal · 08-16-2003, 5:01 PM

dude...conq...i just got it 2 weeks ago and it came with all that from kneedraggers. I didn't get the graphics. It's solid black. I don't like all that graphics flash. With it I got the Spidi Air Back. Total price tag was right at 500 if I'm not mistaken, with shipping.

2OHOH2 · 08-16-2003, 5:08 PM

Quote:

aBnorMal : dude...conq...i just got it 2 weeks ago and it came with all that from kneedraggers. *I didn't get the graphics. *It's solid black. *I don't like all that graphics flash. *With it I got the Spidi Air Back. *Total price tag was right at 500 if I'm not mistaken, with shipping.

' Step One: Please Confirm Your Selection
Qty. Description Size
1 Shoei X-11 Helmet - Anthracite Large
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price $571.99
KneeDraggers' Price $395.95
You Save $176.04
You can change or remove quantities later.'

aBnorMal · 08-16-2003, 5:15 PM

hmmm...go figure. wish I still had the reciept then. maybe it was a whopping 35 bucks more than what i thought I paid.

Either way I remember at the time price comparing to Helmet Harbor and it was about the same but having never bought from them I went with the trusted kneedraggers. Kneedraggers had to wait 2 days for it to come in and of course they called me to ask if that was ok. Great guys.

It still came with all the doo-dads!! And the air back is sweet too!

ConqSoft · 08-16-2003, 5:21 PM

What won't you get with the X-11 that you did in last years XSP-II? *The X-11 comes with a standard helmet sack, while the XSP-II had a actual helmet bag. *There is no extra dark smoke visor as well. *You will get a chin and breath deflector, and silicone to put on the moving parks of the visor and rubber visor gasket.

You sure you didn't get an X-SPII?

aBnorMal · 08-16-2003, 5:29 PM

Now you made go and get it and put it on the desk in front of me.

On the back it says 'X-Eleven' It came with a helmet sack not bag. My bust, oops. It has (2) visors. A tinted one and clear. It has a breath gaurd AND chin curtain.

I'm still pretty sure on the prices but could have made a 35 dollar mistake. For me that's not too bad.

deez · 08-16-2003, 5:42 PM

Quote:

ULEWZ : Quote (ConqSoft @ Aug. 16 2003, 4:00pm)Also, does the X-Eleven come with the breath guard and chin curtain like the X-SPII did? *I finally decided to put my breath guard in yesterday and it makes a BIG difference in the airflow around your face. *Much cooler with it in.

Breath guard, yes. Chin curtin, no.
Umm chin curtain yes, I got one with mine, maybe you got a raw deal? I got my Ukawa replica and a dark smoke shield for $500 to my door from Helmet Harbor.

ULEWZ · 08-16-2003, 6:08 PM

My X-11 did come with a chin curtin. For some stupid reason, I thought Conq was referring to the pull down kind like on the Arai. *
I guess I need to turn you guys on to HelmetShop. Here are their Shoei prices:
X-11 Solid *$382.99
X-11 Graphic $456.99
There site says to 'call for prices', but click that link and select 'Request a Shoei Helmet Price List- Click Here'
, and poof it appears on the screen without e-mail.

I have bought 2 helmets from them and both times they had the cheapest prices. It came the same week and was undamaged.
I paid $495 (no tax or shipping) at Laguna Seca this year. I could have saved money at the HelmetShop, but I got the instant gratification there and didn't have to wait.

Oz · 08-16-2003, 6:52 PM

Quote:

ConqSoft : Has anyone had the X-SPII then went to the X-Eleven? *I'm trying to decide if it's worth upgrading.

I just tossed my almost 4-year-old X-SPII and bought an X-11. If I had a fairly new X-SPII, I wouldn't go spend the money just to upgrade, but I'd definitely choose the X-11 if I was buying new. The venting, peripheral vision, and aerodynamics are all noticeably better on the X-11.

bwhip · 08-16-2003, 8:03 PM

I couldn't be happier with my X-11 Norick. It is the most comfortable helmet I've ever owned, lightweight with great field of vision, and the ventilation is unbelievable. It's rather loud at high speed, but what do you expect with such great ventilation - you're going to get some wind noise. I bought mine from HelmetHarbor.com for $469.95 including shipping.

firebladetoronto · 08-17-2003, 9:55 AM

Quote:

aBnorMal : Now you made go and get it and put it on the desk in front of me. *

On the back it says 'X-Eleven' *It came with a helmet sack not bag. *My bust, oops. *It has (2) visors. *A tinted one and clear. *It has a breath gaurd AND chin curtain. *

I'm still pretty sure on the prices but could have made a 35 dollar mistake. *For me that's not too bad.

Does you lid have a big wing on the back?? Does it look like this?

http://www.kneedraggers.com/index.ph...=32-SHO-X11-UK

I have the X-SPII ( with carry bag and visor and stuff), but my X-11 does not come with extra visor or bag. I got mine in April for $400 shipped...it's the Ukawa replica pictured above

2OHOH2 · 08-21-2003, 11:42 AM

OK, I've put a few hundred miles on the X, and have to say, it kicks ass. It is easily the best helmet I've ever worn/tried. Take the best features of the Quantum F and the RX7-RR4, and the result still won't be as good as the X. Which is not to say that Arai makes crappy helmets, they don't of course, it's just that Shoei's latest release simply spanks Arai's current (hmm, aging?) best.

2OHOH2 · 08-21-2003, 4:05 PM

A little addendum. I also picked up the Daijiro replica helmet (very nice, detailed graphics), so now I have two X's, the other, and first, anthracite (which I completely destickered). The RX7 has sold, and I'll likely soon sell the Quantum.

http://www.shoeihelmets.com/X11daijirolarge.jpg

http://www.accwhse.com/photos/shoei_...mt_anth_03.gif

deez · 08-21-2003, 4:07 PM

You'll want the Quantum in the winter man, less airflow = good in the winter.

luvtolean · 08-21-2003, 4:10 PM

Just as a data point...I had a Shoei X8-air that fit well, and my Arai Rx7RR fits great too. Other Arai's don't fit so well.

Anywhoo, my roomate has an X11 and I love the feel of it. Assuming I get another bike sometime soon, this will be the helmet.

2OHOH2 · 08-21-2003, 4:12 PM

Quote:

booth23 : You'll want the Quantum in the winter man, less airflow = good in the winter.

If it gets too cold (freezing) to ride, I won't. With the riding season in most of the US coming to an end, I probably wouldn't get top dollar for the Q, so I might wait. Who knows, I've got about 5-6 helmets right now (two are real cheapies, one of which I use for the Fast 50), so there's no hurry

soon2b954 · 08-21-2003, 6:32 PM

Quote:

2OHOH2954 : Quote (booth23 @ Aug. 21 2003, 4:07pm)You'll want the Quantum in the winter man, less airflow = good in the winter.

If it gets too cold (freezing) to ride, I won't. With the riding season in most of the US coming to an end, I probably wouldn't get top dollar for the Q, so I might wait. Who knows, I've got about 5-6 helmets right now (two are real cheapies, one of which I use for the Fast 50), so there's no hurry
The Shoei X-Eleven will be my next helmet (as it's the only helmet that fits me properly)

My question is how is the airflow with all venting closed as I am a bit concerned about wearing it in colder weather?

20psiGTI · 08-27-2003, 8:28 AM

I had to remove the breath guard because it kept brushing against my nose; very annoying to say the least. I may have to cut it a bit. *I love my X-11 otherwise. Kinda noisy but very stable at speed.

moregrip · 08-28-2003, 7:23 PM

what does it mean to have a Shoei head?

and whatare the general rules to head shape vs a certain brand of helmet?

ULEWZ · 08-28-2003, 8:09 PM

Quote:

moregripmoretip : what does it mean to have a Shoei head?

and whatare the general rules to head shape vs a certain brand of helmet?

It simply means that the Shoei helmets fit your head best. Arai makes different shaped helmets for different shaped heads (round, to thin and long). Even though Arai makes different shaped helmets, my head still fit the Shoei X-11 best and the venting is second to none. The only gripe is the helmet strap holder is a real POS. I lost mine the first day. I just paid $2.99 for a new one, but may stick to just tucking it in.

moregrip · 08-31-2003, 2:10 AM

In case anyone was wondering I found this on the Arai website:

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SHAPES?

It comes down to a basic fact: the shape of the head - the relationship between length and width - are as important as head size in determining the right helmet for you a helmet:

1. The traditional Arai fit - the 'Long Oval' - For heads whose length is distinctly narrow side-to-side, combined with a longer front to back measurement. Arai's Long Oval shell shape is currently available in the Signet, Renegade and Tracker GT series.

2. The transitional fit - the 'Round Oval' - For heads that are distinctly rounder, the length and width being almost even. Arai's Round Oval shell shape is currently available in the Quantum series. (The RX-7 series has a 'relaxed' Round Oval shell shape, which is not quite as pronounced as the Quantum's.)

3. The bridge fit - the 'Intermediate Oval' - For heads with a round shape, but with considerably more forehead length. This shape 'bridges' the gap between the two previous shapes. Arai's Intermediate Oval shell shape is currently available in the Astral series.

Plus from talking to some people it seems that those who like the fit of the Arai Quantum should like the fit of a Suomy. And that Shoei seems to fit women and Asians well (as told to me by a korean lady). And that KBC helmets bought old Shoei molds for their product line. Just what I've heard. peace.