Shoei XR1000 Helmet review

[Paulus]

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_p...p?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]

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

[Hitcher]

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]

I have an xr 1000 and I love it.

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

I also put in an oxford defogger.

Cheers

[far queue]

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]

Very good review.. any noticeable wind noise?

[Hitcher]

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]

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!!

[Lou Girardin]

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]

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]

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....

[Grahameeboy]

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]

I've recently just aquired a Shoei XR1000 myself (as seen in my profile pic), 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]

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.

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]

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)