Shoei XR1000 Helmet review [Archive]

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Paulus

26th February 2006, 19:38

I was looking inside the shell of my old faithful Shoei RF700 the other day when I noticed that it was made back in 1994. Wow - time really flies! Therefore I decided it was time for a new helmet. I've owned 3 Shoeis over the years and definitely have a Shoei shaped head. However I decided to also try on the Arais, Sharks and Suomys (all available within a 1 minute walk of each other on lower Manchester Street) in order to see which fitted best. As much as I like some of the Arai paintjobs (especially the Re-entry) they just didn't fit my head properly and at the end of the day I decided to go with the Shoei XR1000 with the new (06) Diabolic 3 paintjob (the one with skulls on one side and a cherub on the other) for $799 from Eric Woods. Now that I've had the chance to go for a decent ride with it I thought I'd give it a bit of a review. It's also a chance to compare it to a 94 vintage RF700 and to see how far they've moved on in the last decade or so.

Weight - Shoei claim (with a sticker on the side) that the new XR1000 weighs 1400g (in my size L). My trusty kitchen scales indicte 1350g so they're (the scales) probably about right. The same scales put my size 59cm RF700 at 1650g. That's quite a difference and you can certainly feel it.

Ventilation - the vents on top of the helmet work really well and help keep your head cool. The old RF700 top vent was hardly noticeably different between open and closed but this one works well. The lower vent for the visor doesn't seem to work as well as the old model (it was quite autumnal early Saturday).

Finish - this is a well made helmet. Including this I've had 4 Shoeis now (1 dirt and 3 road) and they've always been good. The paint job (okay decals) is beautiful.

Fit - if you have the right shape head then the fit is excellent. I read a review somewhere that stated XR1000s fit differently to other Shoeis but this Large (59-60cm) fits exactly the same as my old 59cm RF700. One thing I do notice is that the cheek pads on the XR1000 don't come as far forward leaving you feeling a little less enclosed. Both are very comfortable helmets. You can get sunglasses on pretty easily too.

Noise - this helmet makes about the same low frequency rumble as my old one but unfortunately the new top vents add an annoying high frequency whistle. Definitely a step backwards.

Aerodynamics - the XR1000 doesn't exhibit the lift problems the the RF700 does. However it's light weight causes your head to be buffetted around much more (you can really notice the difference).

Fastening - the XR1000 has a double D type fastener with a rather useful clip on the end of the strap to secure the left over length to the snugged up D rings. The RF700 had a quick release type system and this has always functioned well. I believe that double D type fasteners are now required for racing. I prefer the quick release.

Impact resistance - haven't tried it (and hopefully I never will).

Features - Shoeis visor attachment system is the best there is (IMHO of course). Cheek pads are removable for washing/replacement. It comes with a lovely carry bag and a few stickers and manuals. I didn't buy the optional breath deflector or chin curtain available for this helmet. Note this helmet uses the new Shoei visor (CX-1V) which looks almost identical to the older style (CX-1) but they are not interchangeable (apparently).

Warranty - I'm not actually sure how long the warranty is.

Images - I didn't take any photos because you can find good professional images of this helmet on the web at http://www.shoei-europe.com/en/swf_products.php?name=XR-1000

Conclusion - this is a lot of Helmet for $799 (only $599 for a plain one). It has a love it or hate it paint job (I love it). Overall I'm very happy with it. If you are in the market for a new helmet you may be suprised to see how affordable Shoeis have now become.

Grumpy

26th February 2006, 19:53

Excellent review. My head is more Arai shaped but the Mrs won't wear anything but a Shoei.

Hitcher

26th February 2006, 20:01

My new lid is a Shoei XR1000 Diabolic 2 TC-5 (as illustrated) in a XXL. Weight sticker says 1.5kg.

Today I went mad inside it and crushed some of the styrene at the front to improve the fit (successfully). Yes, gentle readers, a XXL is still a bit on the snug side for me.

And I then took it riding. And it was brilliant, as the world's best helmet should be.

saul

26th February 2006, 20:04

I have an xr 1000 and I love it.:love:

I would say that the nose guard/ breathe deflector is a must when it starts to cool down.:doobey:

I also put in an oxford defogger.:done:

Cheers

far queue

26th February 2006, 20:07

Thanks for the great review. My Shoei XR600 is due for replacement (best helmet I've had) and I'm looking around at the moment.

DemonWolf

26th February 2006, 20:15

Very good review.. any noticeable wind noise?

Hitcher

26th February 2006, 20:31

any noticeable wind noise?
Not that much with my ear plugs in. Wind noise is due to a combination of factors, some of which are the helmet's fault, others are caused by ancilliary turbulance from screens, fixtures and fittings, vehicles in front and so on.

I am told that Shoei are amongst the quieter helmets, not that it matters one jot to me.

cowpoos

26th February 2006, 20:32

Lou Girardin

27th February 2006, 09:06

They are a great helmet for sure.
There is what Shoei call a whisper kit available for XR1000's and Raid 2's. It's a neck curtain and chin guard which does cut noise and draughts for cool weather use. About $60 at your friendly Shoei dealer.

k14

27th February 2006, 09:33

Fit - if you have the right shape head then the fit is excellent. I read a review somewhere that stated XR1000s fit differently to other Shoeis but this Large (59-60cm) fits exactly the same as my old 59cm RF700. One thing I do notice is that the cheek pads on the XR1000 don't come as far forward leaving you feeling a little less enclosed. Both are very comfortable helmets. You can get sunglasses on pretty easily too.
Agree on that one, compared to my XR900 (which fitted very nicely) the XR1000 isn't the same size, even though they are both medium. My chin sticks out the bottom of the XR1000 a bit, still a good helmet though. Wind noise is higher than my XR900 by a fair amount too. Might get the chin curtain etc to see if that makes a difference, always wear earplugs regardless.

Have to replace my raid, stuffed it in my crash at paeroa. They're too expensive at the rate i crash at.

Grahameeboy

27th February 2006, 09:36

I am on my second xr1000....and they crash and protect very well..
very comfortable...I fitted the whisper kit to mine and it reduced the wind noise right down to the point I never wear ear plugs.... two thumbsup!!

you need a whisper kit Mr CowPoos........or is that a kissing kit....always best to keep a lid on your helmet......know w't I mean geezer....:laugh:

Grahameeboy

27th February 2006, 09:39

Yeah bought my Patriot last year...subtle UK flag......sold out quick too...nice helmet, not too closed in....not too noisy I guess but I am on a bike!!

bugjuice

27th February 2006, 09:46

I've recently just aquired a Shoei XR1000 myself (as seen in my profile pic (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/customprofilepics/profilepic3042_8.gif)), with the 'Patriot' graphics. My old lid was a THH modeled on a bowling ball.. So this lid is a jump from the crass 'it'll do lid' to the luxury liner.. First thing I noticed was the weight, or lack of it.

It's a very nice fit too, almost like some took a mould of my noggin and made a lid to fit. That was the key seller for me. The air vents too, the air rushing at my forehead is quite intense I found, almost like I have a cut away for the air to get there (which it almost is I guess), which also isn't a bad thing. The air rushing up the visor too, I found to dry my eyes out a little, but it's no biggie. The tinted visor (and clear) is nice and sharp too, altho I found it distorts the road very slightly. I've also got the nose guard for mine too, which hides my face well away (see da pic).

I was told by a few people tho, that this lid is super quiet.. My old lid was loud. 70kph+ meant ear plugs or ringing for a week, so I know loud. This lid is way quieter, but not as quiet as I was lead to believe. I rode up to 100 (and may be a touch more), and while it was bearable, the wind noise was still quite loud. I plan on getting the whisper kit for it (a skirt which goes around the bottom near your neck) to see how much more that help. But with ear plugs and this lid, it's pure bliss. I haven't tried it with my iPod yet, but I'm sure I'll be able to hear music better too..

I haven't tried too many lids to compare this one too, but I rate it as being a bloody good lid. I've only had it for a few weeks too, and haven't done any decent length rides with it yet.. It's worth the money too. The comfort alone is just awesome. I'd rather sleep in that, than on my pillow at night!

quickbuck

12th November 2006, 19:42

Agree on that one, compared to my XR900 (which fitted very nicely) the XR1000 isn't the same size, even though they are both medium. My chin sticks out the bottom of the XR1000 a bit, still a good helmet though. ...

At the risk of being a thread dredger, I will put in my ten cents worth here.

My XR800 is due for replacement now, so I'm on the look out.
Tried on a Medium (as that is my size) XR1000. My chin felt like it stuck out the bottom too. Not impressed with the fit :(
So I grabbed a X-11 (M) and put that on. There is the good fit I am used to.:niceone:

So to put it another way, I paid $800 for my plain XR800 5 years ago (plus $110 for an extra visor). I put on a Graphic XR1000 (retail for $800) and it doesn't fit.
Put on a Graphic $1200 Helmet and it fits... The price of inflation???

Well, knowing I ride with confidence when I'm comfortable, I guess my head is worth more than $800, and more than $1200 come to think of it.

So there is my 10c (Fives are no longer legal tender).

Mental Trousers

12th November 2006, 20:53

I am on my second xr1000....and they crash and protect very well..
very comfortable...I fitted the whisper kit to mine and it reduced the wind noise right down to the point I never wear ear plugs.... two thumbsup!!
On my 2nd Raid 2 (the base model Shoei). I can vouch for the crash worthiness of Shoei's as well as for the Whisper Kit (get one, they're far more comfortable than wearing earplugs but obviously not as quiet. Quiet enough to never need ear plugs as you won't suffer from hearing lose)

Alice

13th November 2006, 11:50

Interesting to read reviews and opinions, I have just purchaes a XR1000 and it fits like a glove, only 1300 weight in a xs.I really wanted the Kaganana (hoewever you spell it) thats the Koru type graphics in red/white, but it would have meant waiting to Jan, and since my bike is only 9 days away now, it was an obvious no brainer decision.
I look forward to trying it out on soon, sounds some of the accessories will be a good purchase for winter.

skelstar

13th November 2006, 12:09

...wanted the Kagayama (hoewever you spell it) thats the Koru type graphics in red/white...
...and we would have been twins!

Gorgeous helmet eh?

vifferman

13th November 2006, 12:25

Gorgeous helmet eh?
Yeah, it is pretty sweet. :niceone:

I'd like a new helmet, but I haven't killed the one I've got.
Yet.

And I'm not about to do a "land on my head while bedding in the front brake pads" piece of dickwittery like what killed my last AGV. Which by the way will be my last AGV, after 12.5 years of wearing them. I like the features and the fit's not bad (ish), and the current one (XVent) is quiet, but the quality of construction when compared to my wife's bottom-of-the-Shoei-line Raid is pretty poor for a helmet who's RRP was twice that of the Raid.

Matt

13th November 2006, 14:13

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 14:38

i think my XR1000 is shit.

it's as noisy as an open piped harley and it fogs up quicker than daddy's car after the senior prom

Toaster

13th November 2006, 14:59

I've got an ARAI, which is also shit - we are all doomed.......... noisy, fiddly, gets moist way too easy (I was describing the helmet... not the girl in the back of daddy's car).

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 15:01

i'm just waiting to harvest my crop then i'm gonna get an AGV Ti-Tech, but not in that italian poofs colours.

that's a nice helmet, I hear the shark ones are good too but they're french and I couldn't trust my protection to the french. Maginot line anyone?

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 15:10

I can get one from the states, landed, for about $850.

skelstar

13th November 2006, 15:11

Yeah, my Shoei was super noisy when I temp lost my ear plugs the other day...I find it hard to ride without plugs in now I've used them for a while.

Comfortable helmet though, find the visor mech. a bit fiddly though.

Mr. Peanut

13th November 2006, 15:18

Notice how everything here is more expensive, but the wages are lower... ARG.

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 15:21

Funny skel, I find the visor mechanism and comfort pretty good on the XR, it's just noisy and foggy.

I rode to work with earplugs in today (freebie from big boys toys) but got paranoid about sirens cos I couldn't hear my detector.

Peanus, be grateful bro, at least the weed is cheap and plentiful.

Hitcher

13th November 2006, 15:38

Geez, you pricks who have a choice of helmet really piss me off at times.

DMNTD

13th November 2006, 15:38

Been really pleased with my XR1000 (Patriot colours, yes, you can still order them) - great fit and finish - although it worked out the wrong side of $1,000 with the whisper kit/breath guard (no fogging ever now!), new tinted visor and pinlock insert.

Holy snapping arseholes! Got mine with tinted visor,breath guard and whisper kit for $810 all up.
Disappointed wiith the amount of wind noise even though I have the whisper kit :mellow: Other wise I'm happy with it

skelstar

13th November 2006, 16:06

Funny skel, I find the visor mechanism and comfort pretty good on the XR, it's just noisy and foggy.
Good mech, just an arse to line up with the tinted visor.

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 16:06

try removing the helmet first.

skelstar

13th November 2006, 16:12

Genius...Im not worthy of being an engineer :).

Alice

13th November 2006, 16:44

...and we would have been twins!

Gorgeous helmet eh?
Yep, bummed out a bit they did not have that one avalible till Jan, still I like the gloss black I've brought, and guess I saved a few dollarous ! still would rather have had the Kagy whats a ma call it !

Alice

13th November 2006, 17:03

I have the benefit of ignorance to keep me happy with my choice, it is my first helmet, decided to buy a good one, the XR100 reviewed well, and because I do not know any better / differant I will presume all is sweet, unless I find it is expedentually bad when I finally get on the road, then I will remember the comment, -"its shit ! "

Jonny Rotten

13th November 2006, 17:23

i have a xr1000 i love everything about it apart from that fact i have had it for a year and the chin strap is nearly worn out......for some reason it is fraying.....

does anyone know if you can replace chin straps?

Mental Trousers

13th November 2006, 17:31

For anyone who gets their helmet fogging up there's a couple of alternatives. You can either use the breath gaurd, an insert or some spray on gunk. The breath gaurd stops your hot, moist breath from getting up onto the visor and condensing. An insert goes on the inside of your visor and prevents it from fogging up. I haven't found any decent spray on gunk yet, but apparently Cat Crap (that's it's name) is pretty good.

skelstar

13th November 2006, 17:41

Ive not had any trouble with fogging. I do have the breath guard...and the nifty lever that pops the visor a crack usually solves any extreme fogging issues.

NinjaBoy

13th November 2006, 18:31

Tried on a Medium (as that is my size) XR1000. My chin felt like it stuck out the bottom too. Not impressed with the fit :(
So I grabbed a X-11 (M) and put that on. There is the good fit I am used to.:niceone:

Interesting.... I've tried both the XR1000 and X-Spirit (X-11) and didn't notice any difference in fit. Anyway went with the X-Spirit in the end due to the extra ventiliation and preferred the graphics. Bought the Kayonari TC1.

The_Dover

13th November 2006, 18:37

Ive not had any trouble with fogging. I do have the breath guard...and the nifty lever that pops the visor a crack usually solves any extreme fogging issues.

maybe I just have bad breath

skelstar

13th November 2006, 19:45

maybe I just have bad breath

I thought all the hot air came out of your arse.

Matt

14th November 2006, 07:36

i think my XR1000 is shit.

it's as noisy as an open piped harley and it fogs up quicker than daddy's car after the senior prom

Just get a pinlock visor and it'll never fog again (although LASEK helped too!!)

At $800 for the helmet alone, I think Motomart saw me coming though...

Matt

skelstar

14th November 2006, 07:45

Pretty sure that $899 is the RRP. If you don't ask for a discount or shop around then you're fair game.

Got mine from Motomart and paid a better price than that.

The_Dover

14th November 2006, 07:56

Just get a pinlock visor and it'll never fog again

fuck that shit.

pay out more hard earned to remedy a problem with a piss poor defective design?

if they can't vent the fucker properly then make the pinlock standard

Matt

14th November 2006, 08:03

Pretty sure that $899 is the RRP. If you don't ask for a discount or shop around then you're fair game.

Got mine from Motomart and paid a better price than that.

Yeah that's the RRP I was quoted, so I didn't think $800 was too bad at the time - still I guess there's always a better deal around the corner... agreed Shoei are tight-arses for not including Pinlock as standard though!!

skelstar

14th November 2006, 08:17

In alot of climates where the lid is sold you wouldn't need one. Lets face it, no such thing as 'included for free'...its gonna cost you somewhere. I don't need one, I commuted on my bike in the Hutt every day until recently, I'd rather not pay for something I don't need.

The_Dover

14th November 2006, 08:19

Big Dave

14th November 2006, 09:41

...and we would have been twins!

Gorgeous helmet eh?

Yep - got the X-spirit Kagayama. Beautiful thing.

"D" FZ1

14th November 2006, 09:51

Any excuse to post a pic of you on the Buell aye Big "D" :yes:

Big Dave

14th November 2006, 10:07

Any excuse to post a pic of you on the Buell aye Big "D" :yes:

Sure, I need an excuse.

Paulus

15th November 2006, 20:20

maybe I just have bad breath

No, I noticed it too. Wasn't a big issue once you got moving but definitely fogged up much easier than the old RF700 ever did. It's still a great helmet though.

Mental Trousers

15th November 2006, 20:38

yeah, and the helmet represents such great value as it is.

most climates have cool enough mornings to result in condensation, otherwise car manufacturers wouldn't bother with demisters in their cages.
Car drivers are soft cocks bro!! They need air conditioning cos they can't figure out how to wind the window down or dress appropriately for the climate.

The_Dover

16th November 2006, 06:02

Car drivers are soft cocks bro!! They need air conditioning cos they can't figure out how to wind the window down or dress appropriately for the climate.

but I haven't seen you on a bike yet crazy pants!!

Mental Trousers

16th November 2006, 16:35

but I haven't seen you on a bike yet crazy pants!!
Come on mate you're not that slow that you can't see me :p

What?

27th November 2006, 06:01

I had a bit of time up my sleeve on Saturday morning, so went and annoyed all the nice shop keepers and tried on a few hats. Quite a few.
HJC CL10 was comfy, but I was not convinced. Similar thoughts around a couple of Arais. Tried a Shark S500 - absolutely fugginawful. Fittingly (pun intended), from the country that gave us Citroens... Anyway, moving right along, I tried on a Shoei Raid 2. This, I thunk, was nice. Then I tried an XR1000, and suddenly the raid 2 wasn't quite as nice. Swapped backwards and forwards (no, not the helmet direction) a few times, re-tried some others ansd ended up thinking that an XR1000 could well end up hiding my mug from the world.

quickbuck

27th November 2006, 17:35

Interesting.... I've tried both the XR1000 and X-Spirit (X-11) and didn't notice any difference in fit. Anyway went with the X-Spirit in the end due to the extra ventiliation and preferred the graphics. Bought the Kayonari TC1.

The Kiyonari is my favorite graphic too.

Maybe that is why it seemed more comfortable.

Lil_Byte

27th November 2006, 19:07

I can vouch for how well the XR-1000 survives a crash. It held together as my head was being dragged across the seal face down, have you ever noticed how black seal is at close range.

My head was unscathed other than a bruise from the sunglases:scooter:

Kendog

27th November 2006, 19:11

I like Arai (but not the price), but tried on both the Raid 2 and the XR1000 over the weekend, and have to say I rather liked both (in xs, if anyone knows of one for a good sale price. hint hint).
Mrs KD.

Sanx

4th December 2006, 14:08

Having been bitten once when buying an AGV AirTech about four weeks ago (don't get one - they're noisy as hell, prone to buffetting and the distributor won't import the visors) I decided on an XR1000 myself. It had the winning combination of a good fit and a good visor system. I thought Shark's visor system was best, but the helmets just didn't fit my fat head. Uvex's Wing RS2 (http://cycletreads.retail.sprint3.com/package/webservice/kernel_images_ActualRender.asp?strImageCode=21.448 ) had the best fit, but the visor system was made out of chewing gum and willpower.

So, I ended up with a XR1000 Patriot :done: . I bought dark visor and an Oxford anti-fog at the same time from Mt Eden Motorcycles and they even gave me a discount. Bargain. So far, one reasonable ride later, and it's not too bad. I'll definitely be fitting a chin-curtain (if not the full whisper kit) and a breath deflector though.

Bytor

4th December 2006, 15:20

Matt

4th December 2006, 15:32

...ended up with a XR1000 Patriot :done: . I bought dark visor and an Oxford anti-fog at the same time from Mt Eden Motorcycles and they even gave me a discount. Bargain. So far, one reasonable ride later, and it's not too bad. I'll definitely be fitting a chin-curtain (if not the full whisper kit) and a breath deflector though.

Snap! I've also got the whisper kit (awesome noise reduction but makes fogging worse!) & breath guard (looks good but not that useful IMO) - just get a tinted pinlock visor/insert and you'll never fog again!

Matt

bert_is_evil

5th December 2006, 14:57

Does anyone know if the RF1000 and the XR1000 are the same? I've tried on an XR and loved it but have found an RF on ebay (new) that's going to work out $80 cheaper including postage. They look the same to me but...

Hitcher

5th December 2006, 16:35

bert_is_evil

5th December 2006, 16:42

Excellent, I will probably order the american one then, and hope that it doesn't invade any other countries on it's way here

Twig

5th December 2006, 21:52

I've got a Raid 2 (S) it's about a 1 1/2 years old. I love it, it's a great lid! However, it's started feeling a bit to loose for my liking. I tried on a XR1000 (XS) the other day and I think it is the one for me! The only other lid I tried on that fit my odd shaped head was a Suomy Max Biaggi Replica, absolutely stunning helmet but at $999 it's just a little bit rich for me (if I win lotto, it's mine). The whisper kit sounds like a must have!

bert_is_evil

11th December 2006, 12:30

I've just been snooping around the Shoe websites - it seems that the American model RF1000 comes with a Breath guard and a Chin curtain included, while the European model XR100 we get in NZ (which Hitcher confirms is the same) doesn't, although you can buy them as extras...
Rip off!

quickbuck

11th December 2006, 13:21

I've just been snooping around the Shoe websites -

I thought we were discussing helmets.

Hope you found some nice ones to match your hand bag....

bert_is_evil

11th December 2006, 15:11

I tried but none of them seemed to include a chin curtain or a breath guard...