Shoei is a premium helmet brand, who’s each and every helmet is handcrafted in Japan utilizing a complicated process and advanced methodologies.
Their RF helmet series has been around for over four decades, and Shoei has released a new model every couple of years with updated features. It is Shoei’s longest-running and most awarded helmet series.
Shoei introduced the Rf-1400 helmet seven years after introducing its predecessor Rf-1200, one of Shoei’s best-selling helmets.
With the slogan “Evolution of Perfection”, Shoei claimed that Rf-1400 is one of the lightest and most compact SNELL-approved full-face helmets.
They manufactured it using a wide range of unique materials and the industry’s toughest quality assurance procedures.
From strong shell construction to optimal comfort and performance, the Rf-1400 helmet is a step beyond its forerunner in just about every way. In this article, we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about this masterpiece. We’ve carefully put together a list of primary features to help you make a better decision! So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet Features Review
The Rf-1400 helmet has several up-to-mark features which we need to know about. Let’s take a closer look at what this new edition of the Rf series helmet has to offer.
Shell Construction
To produce a protective helmet shell that is both strong and elastic, Shoei uses its proprietary Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell construction. It combines a six-ply fiberglass matrix with lightweight organic and high-performance fibers to ensure maximum impact absorption.
It has a dual-layer, multi-density EPS foam liner which provides the protection and support you need when riding. With its foam density variations, it absorbs impacts efficiently while it has internal channels too that allow cooling air to circulate within the helmet.
Safety Features and Certifications
Rf-1400 helmet has Shoei’s strongest, lightest, and most elastic shell that offers maximum impact absorption.
As the impact force is applied to the helmet, it is dispersed by the outermost layer of its AIM+ shell, which is designed to absorb the force and disseminate it evenly over a higher number of protective fibers and layers.
This exclusive construction of the Rf-1400 helmet satisfies both SNELL M2020 and DOT requirements, making it one of Shoei’s DOT, ECE and SNELL certified helmets.
Size and Fit
The Rf-1400 helmet is designed with an intermediate oval head shape so it is a little bit longer front to back and narrowed down the sides of the head. It is meant to fit 80 percent of riders in America’s market.
To make the smaller helmets appear smaller and suit smaller heads more readily, Shoei provides four alternative shell sizes for the Rf-1400 helmet. On the other end of the scale, it also helps to reduce the overall weight of the helmet.
In general, the Rf-1400 helmet is narrower than other Shoei helmets, which may make it uncomfortable for round-headed riders.
Ventilation
The RF-1400 is a wind tunnel tested helmet having optimal vent shapes and locations. It has a 3-channel ventilation system with six intake vents and four exhaust vents.
The two intake vents on either side of the helmet remain the same as in the Rf-1200 while a center vent is added to enhance air intake within the helmet.
The exhaust ports have also been expanded in the Rf-1400 model to allow the helmet’s negative pressure to remove heated air properly. This increases the exhaust vents capacity by nearly 50%, allowing air that’s come inside the helmet from the front to escape more easily through the exhaust ports. We believe that good ventilation is the heart of every helmet and this helmet has got it all!
One of the critiques that the Rf-1200 helmet received was its vents opening and closing. It’s hard to figure out on which side the vent is open or closed, especially if you are riding while wearing gloves.
In the Rf-1400 helmet, Shoei updated the design of vents and made it easier to open and close the intake vents, even with gloves on, while the exhaust vents are passive, meaning that they remain open all the time.
Chin vent design has also been revised to make it more functional. Rf-1400 has two separate vents on the chin, as opposed to the 1200’s narrow vent. In addition, the 1400’s chin vent has a wider raised lip that spans the whole vent, making it easier to operate. Another change is that the elevated portion has become much more prominent so it will be easy to open and close with gloves.
Face Shield
The Rf-1400 helmet comes with a CWR-F2 face shield manufactured from optically transparent plastic to provide 99% protection from damaging UV radiation. It also keeps the vision clear by deflecting dust and debris off the shield.
Rf-1400 helmet comes with a Pinlock insert, which is a little liner that lies within the face shield. The Pinlock insert has been enlarged by about 10% to improve visibility better than most helmets.
The RF-1400 shield, like the Shoei X-Fourteen helmet, is equipped with vortex generators to enhance aerodynamics. Rubber gaskets are incorporated into the helmet’s visor to prevent distortion or warping at high speeds. This function secures your visor in place while you’re riding.
A newly revised CWR-F2 base plate system allows faster and smoother shield swaps. The redesigned method for adjusting the shield allows for easier and more accurate adjustment.
To improve ventilation and defogging, newly designed base plate gear has been equipped with a shield opening feature in the “first position.”
Moreover, Spring-loaded technology from Shoei provides wind and watertight seals.
Aerodynamics and Noise Reduction
Compared with the Rf-1200, Shoei’s Rf-1400 helmet features a more aerodynamic shell design. This helmet is designed to reduce drags by 4% and reduced left by 6%.
This will affect the rider in two important areas. First, the reduced strain on the rider’s neck minimizes fatigue. Second, the interior of the helmet is quieter as a result of enhanced aerodynamics. Important noises, such as traffic sounds, are easier to hear when the helmet is less noisy.
In addition to a 6 percent lift reduction and a 4 percent drag reduction, the RF-1400 helmet is developed and improved in Shoei’s state-of-the-art, in-house wind tunnel.
The redesigned face shield and vortex generators also help cut down on wind noise flowing over the visor. Multi-layer cheek pads help to reduced wind noise too.
Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.)
The Rf-1400 helmet is equipped with an EQRS (Emergency Quick Release System). If an accident occurs, this system will make it easier for emergency medical personnel to remove the cheek pads from an injured rider’s helmet safely and easily.
Although we hope you’ll never need it, EQRS is a wonderful helmet feature that can protect you against neck or spinal injuries that are potentially life-threatening.
Comfort
The Rf-1400 helmet is designed to give maximum comfort to the rider in all-weather situations, much like other premium helmets from Shoei. It has a 3D Max-Dry II internal liner that will keep your head and face dry, even in the warmest and most humid weather conditions.
In addition to providing comfort and cooling, this helmet’s 3D Max-Dry System II liner dries perspiration 2X quicker than standard nylon.
Comfortable, breathable, and intended to better cradle and seal against your jawline, the helmet’s multi-layer cheek pads ensure a snug and luxurious fit and feel. The cheek pads are easy to remove and replace while the lining material is detachable and machine washable too.
Furthermore, a range of sizes is available for both shell and interior components, allowing you to personalize the helmet fit.
Weight
The Rf-1400 helmet is 3 ounces heavier than its predecessor Rf-1200 helmet. This increase in weight is because of the reinforced multi-density EPS liner on the sides of the helmet which provides better impact protection.
But due to its improved aerodynamics, wearing this helmet on the road, or even just roaming around, makes it feel much lighter than it is.
Shoei also claims that the Rf-1400 is their lightest and most compact SNELL-certified helmet. The medium size rf-1400 helmet weighs 3 pounds and 9 ounces, which isn’t too hefty. You can ride while wearing this helmet all day long.
Price
The Rf-1400 helmet is expensive but it is Shoei’s top-of-the-line model, with many amazing features and a high level of safety. Because Rf-1400 is a hand-made helmet with highly sought characteristics and a 5-year warranty, its $529 pricing represents significant savings.
But if you don’t have enough budget to buy this outstanding version of Shoei’s flagship, you can buy its considerably more affordable version, the RF-1200 helmet.
Specification at a Glance
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What do we like most?
- AIM+ Shell Construction
- Improved Aerodynamics
- Great Ventilation
- Wider Peripheral Vision
- Snug but Comfortable Fit
- Include Breath Guard and Chin Curtain
What we don’t?
- High Price
- Not a good fit for Round Heads
Final Thoughts
The rf-1400 helmet delivers more than most riders are looking for in a premium helmet. You will not be disappointed by investing in this high-end helmet if you are serious about your head’s safety.
Your satisfaction and protection will be guaranteed with its advanced aerodynamic performance, greater ventilation, and supreme comfort.
So, no matter whether you are an experienced track rider or an urban tourer, the Rf-1400 helmet will be an excellent choice for you.
Mark Anderson is a trusted expert with over 25 years of riding experience. At 56, his deep knowledge of long-distance touring and participation in major motorcycle rallies makes him a reliable source for gear recommendations on ProtectiveGearz. Mark’s decades of firsthand experience ensure his advice is authoritative and valuable to riders seeking expert guidance.
