Shoei RF-1400 Unbox, Cardo, and Motovlog setup

The Shoei RF-1400 is a new motorcycle helmet released by Shoei this year. After owning the RF-SR and RF-1200 I decided to buy the RF-1400 to review on this channel and test long term. This is not sponsored content, I just love the Shoei brand and these are the best motorcycle helmets in my honest opinion. I strongly prefer to ride with Snell approved helmets and Shoei meets that criteria.
Catch me on Social Media:
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My motovlogging Gear and Gadgets:
GoPro Hero5 (Handlebars): amzn.to/3b8poQs
GoPro Hero7 (Helmet): amzn.to/3rjfd0V
Shoei RF-1400: amzn.to/3ra5KbC
Sennheiser MKE-2 Mic: amzn.to/3azVAvH
Tascam DR-10 Audio Recorder: amzn.to/3pf9EyP
Cheaper Audio Setup (I ran for 2 years):
JK MIC-J 055: amzn.to/3oe2SJr (Cheaper audio setup ran for 2 years)
GoPro Mic Adapter: amzn.to/33pTerU (Cheaper audio setup ran for 2 years)
My handheld filming Gear and Gadgets:
GoPro Hero 9: amzn.to/3nHrH0k
GoPro Media Mod: amzn.to/2LhN1v4
Rode Wireless Go: amzn.to/3hGRi7j
Lume Cube Panel GO: amzn.to/3oerJgn
GoPro Max Grip: amzn.to/3ndHcvK
My studio Gear and Gadgets:
Canon T5i: amzn.to/2XcN269
Mackie ProFXv3 Series: amzn.to/3ng7PjA
Rode NT1: amzn.to/396FxDs
Dracast LED500: amzn.to/3ndJGu4
Philips Hue LED Lightstrip: amzn.to/3niybBv
My riding Gear and Gadgets:
Dynojet Black Power Vision Tuner PV-2B: amzn.to/3hFbKpc
Shoei RF1400 Helmet: amzn.to/3ra5KbC
Shoei Transitions Shield CWR-1: amzn.to/2JXUHB4
Cardo Packtalk Bold: amzn.to/2Dkvgnx
FOBO Bike TPMS: amzn.to/34r6ePE
Professionals Choice Low Back Support: amzn.to/3pNZR2T (longer trips)
AirHawk Seat Cushion: amzn.to/2MyPcLi (longer trips)
#Gear # Gadgets

[@hangpilot1200]

I've had my new RF-1400 for a whole two days now. It sure feels slightly snugger than my GT-AIR. Maybe just going from a worn-in helmet to brand new? One thing: the new Transition Lens is worth EVERY PENNY of the $200. I can't believe how dark and how quickly it changes! It works better than any pair of glasses I've seen yet.

[@priestharis1565]

Just got today my NXR2 (European name) with the specific visor! Can't wait to ride with them! Just have in mind: Seller told me that this visor has a 2 year life expectancy. I guess time will show.

[@aa7jc]

i have the 1400 and cardo as well. i had to put the spacers on the jbl speakers because i couldn't hear the gps very well. now with spacers holding speakers close to my ears i have to turn volume down. about 10 times the volume.. amazing.

[@ctrlaltowned5223]

I just picked up a 1400, I’m glad to see people are able to fit the Cardo on it because it’s not “officially” supported.

[@johntomasik1555]

I bought the Cardo Freecom, and the speakers were too big for the speaker wells in my RF-1400.

[@Bill-ck3lo]

Awesome review and insight. I'm a recent Harley rider that just went full faced RF-1400 and was curious about the comparison and speaker installation. Spot on and I could see exactly what you were doing! Good job and keep up the good work....off to find that Part 2 😄👍

[@roadglide]

Love this helmet. You set the record solidly straight on blue-tooth module mounting. No issue, no problem. Now that XXL..holy smokes man. God bless that melon. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.

[@GearsGadgets]

lol thanks. I do have a large noggin haha. I have a lot water in this head of mine.

[@RedlineFeline]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for showing that the clamp DOES fit on the Shoei RF-1400. FYI, if it's not sliding on easily, try moving a little more forward, so that it is about 1 cm behind the "Emergency Use Only" text. It may be coincidence, but I felt a lot of resistance but when I did that it slid in very easy. With that, I am still able to fit the chin curtain on as well (the edge of it is flush with the end of the "Emergency Use Only" text.)

[@mrgrey2k]

Hey… from Minnesota and I have to say 64° is prefect riding weather. Get out there! Below 40 is getting a little chilly.

[@SinisterClutch]

I just got the RF-1200 and love it. The RF-1400 felt a little too snug for me when comparing a large with the RF-1200. Plus I don't like that center button. There is no such thing as a perfect helmet. Glad the 1400 worked for you and really nice comms/motovlog setup. Appreciate you taking the time to put together a great video. Take care and enjoy the ride 😎👊

[@GearsGadgets]

Awesome, can't go wrong with the 1200 either. It is an awesome helmet too. Thanks for the kind words.

[@AshleyChuChu]

How on earth did he put on the helmet that smoothly?? I have to place it on my head, then reposition my hands on the straps and yank down 🤣

[@philmayhem]

Great level of detail regarding comms fitting, thank you for that, now happy to fit to my own helmet

[@SPDTWIN1200]

Great video. Thank you for showing the Cardo install instead of just using the sticky piece

[@randyschwan1988]

Jody rec’d my new 1400, and about to add my Cardo - appreciated your video, well done. Excited to try the ensemble out, but it’s still below zero so I have a couple months to go. Grrr.

[@GalvTexGuy]

Shoei fits my head better than any other helmet I've tried. Good job, Dan!

[@GearsGadgets]

Same with me

[@mustaphacheikhali6446]

Just picked up my Shoei RF1400 today and I already love it.

[@gburleson321]

Just what I needed to know. Thanks, excellent video, great delivery

[@_Tamas]

i've had the transitions lens on my 1200 for a solid 4 years so far and it still functions perfectly fine its one of the main reasons i got the shoei and love it! also the ventilation is good on the helmet depending on what riding position you're in

[@benfabian1740]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@malakaijames2853]

@Ben Fabian Instablaster =)

[@benfabian1740]

@Malakai James i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@benfabian1740]

@Malakai James It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

[@malakaijames2853]

@Ben Fabian Glad I could help :)

[@madeiraonwheels]

After receiving my Shoei NXR2 / RF1400 and wearing it without the Cardo Packtalk Bold Black I installed it, just like you did. But I'm wondering if you're feeling some pressure in your ears. I feel that when I'm putting in and out of my head it will ripp off my ears. Is it the clamp where the Cardo is fixed to, that makes some pressure on the left side of the helmet? Aside from that it is a very good helmet.

[@infantrymatt83]

FYI: you aren’t an XXL. Your helmet shouldn’t come off that easy! On and off that easy mean it has movement and as a fire fighter/ rider I can go into detail about the injuries a loose helmet causes when when your helmet hits then the gapping causes your head to hit the inside of the helmet then your brain hits the inside of the helmet. Makes your Shoei high tech foam as useless as an icon vest! Not being a troll just don’t want to see more TBI’s than needed. Get someone trained in sizing you for a helmet and have them explain head shape, proper fitting of a new helmet and a broken in helmet. Be known for being the source of great information and your page will get followers like fortnine or for bad reasons like maxwrist. If you don’t know the difference I can’t help you

[@GearsGadgets]

I can assure you that my helmet fits just fine. I don’t know how people feel they can assess helmet fitment in KZbin comments which would be like telling someone their shoe or pant size based on a visual assessment over video. My head measures around 62 centimeters which is exactly in the XXL low end but at the XL high end, while it might be true I could smash my giant noggin into an XL, I would never wear it due to pressure not to mention the RF1400 is known to run a little smaller. Appreciate the concern but I can assure you it fits perfectly.

[@danjmcs]

Thanks Dan! I just got a Cardo for my birthday and have an old RF-1000 that i'm replacing with the new RF-1400, so looking forward to getting this all setup and you make it look pretty straightforward!

[@GearsGadgets]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@danjmcs]

@@GearsGadgets Went for my first long ride with the 1400 and the Cardo yesterday. My buddy has a Sena setup in his helmet and we used the universal intercom mode and it worked really great. Total impressed with the sound quality at freeway speeds.

[@jackturner1446]

Great Video. Just what I was looking for. Thanks

[@alexanders7730]

Evening Dan! Great video as always. I got the RF1200 for Christmas as my first premium helmet. Haven’t got any riding in yet due to the winter, it’s definitely not 64 here lol. . I to have a large melon between xl an xxl. My new helmet is a bit tight and I thought about changing the check pads but afraid it will make it a bit to loose and they definitely aren’t cheap. I dig it he transitional visor, but man I can’t bring myself to spend the coin on it! I’ll have to keep a eye on a eBay for a deal maybe!

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks Alex, I appreciate that.

[@1155media]

Thanks for posting the video! I just picked up an RF-1400 myself and a 2nd helmet kit and was wondering how the heck to get it situated in there, and this helped me figure it out. Cheers!

[@davidkaplan4709]

That 1400 is too large for your head based on the motion I see.

[@GearsGadgets]

Definitely NOT the case. My head is 7 5/8 which is exactly where the XL starts in sizing guides and you can see my face deform when pulling it off. If it were any tighter it wouldn’t pull on and off.

[@killer2600]

@@GearsGadgets In the video, you said you went up to a XXL because XL was too small; despite shoei charts listing 7-5/8 hat size as the small end of the XL range. Definitely sounds like a fitment issue. As they say, "Maybe you don't have a shoei (shaped) head."

[@jjcurry4452]

I thought so too based on the helmet sizing method I’ve always went by. With the helmet on and attempting to move it, your face/skin should move with the helmet if it’s snug enough. If the helmets slips on your head it’s too big. But you know what works best for you, stay safe and great video!

[@johntomasik1555]

EDIT: I bought the Cardo Freecom 2X. Speakers fit ok in the wells. Had to remove the foam spacer that the ear pads in the helmet have. When I removed the spacer foam, it left behind some of the adhesive residue, which actually helped hold the ear pads in place. System sounds good.

[@whittyg2010]

Super helpful with how to route wires for my cardo 👍🏼

[@martyportersr7008]

Dan I just happen to be in the market for a new lid. I am looking at a few different kinds. I never know what I will end up with. Lol Great job, you cannot go wrong with Shoei.

[@GearsGadgets]

Thanks Marty, The Shoei is a solid choice for sure.

[@guzziryder6566]

A good review thanks

[@MsDenver2]

It looked fine to me , don’t forget the reason the 1400 is tighter on the sides is because shoei have fitted thicker density protection on the sids to improve safty.

[@GearsGadgets]

True. I actually find it VERY comfortable.

[@Blottski]

Great video thank you so much. Do you know anything about the 45 mm speakers and will they fit the cutouts for this helmet? Asking because I am upgrading both my helmet and comms unit this year!

[@davidpeterson943]

good info Dan, Thx for sharing.

[@GearsGadgets]

Sure thing David.

[@caspermoerck]

Just what I needed for understanding if the Pactalk would work with the RF1400. Thanks :)

[@GearsGadgets]

Glad it helped

[@juanescobar2216]

Thanks for the great video. Looking at purchasing the RF-1400. Have a Cardo Bold with the JBL kit. I believe the speakers are 45mm. Do you know if the 45 mm JBLs fit in the speaker recesses?

[@taps_1021]

I am a big shoei fan . Had their gt air rf1200 and neotec 2 now . Quality helmets

[@GearsGadgets]

Me too, its all I have owned. I trust them with my life.

[@TylerHunt556]

What leather jacket do you wear to deal with the heat of Arizona? I live in Myrtle beach so was curious for options to deal with the heat. Thanks

[@sereneturmoil]

Hey, Dan, as a new RF-1400 owner - I actually chose this over an Arai Signet-X because of the fit, fit and finish and vastly better/easier vent and visor mechanisms - who is looking to transition my Packtalk Bold from my Scorpion EXO-AT950 I appreciate the overview. I was wondering, though, what clip/clamp are you using with your Cardo unit? It looks significantly slimmer than the plastic one that came with my unit so I was curious. Thanks, again, for the helpful video.

[@GearsGadgets]

Happy I could help

[@caputo116]

Great comparison video. Which one would you say would vent the best with a cruiser riding style

[@GearsGadgets]

RF1400 for sure.

[@BobCollings]

Which audio recorder do you use on the back of your helmet? I’m thinking of mounting a Rode transmitter there..Is your audio recorder waterproof, or do you find that your recorder stays dry in that location?

[@JarheadSixRides]

Love my Shoei helmet!

[@GearsGadgets]

They are amazing helmets for sure

[@hectichive889]

Do you know if Sena works with this helmet as well? I’m assuming it works just the same as Cardo with that little clip in thing. I’m looking to upgrade some of my gear and get this helmet, as well as buying a bluetooth comms set and I’ve never used one before so I dunno much about it

[@nautilus1753]

Dan, it happened to stumble on your channel looking how to install my Cardo Packtalk Slim on my RF1400. You made it look so easy. I was afraid to push it too hard in there, but will definitely try doing it before my next ride. You just got a new subscriber, and living in Peoria myself (idk which part of AZ you are living in), maybe I'll meet you on the road! Stay safe

[@GearsGadgets]

It is certainly a hard push to get it on but I didnt have a problem myself. I should put together a local AZ ride one of these days.

[@nautilus1753]

@@GearsGadgets it would be nice for sure

[@luxurybedside]

@@nautilus1753 hey, did you figure out how to install the back portion of the cardio slim to the 1400? Haven't bought it yet, but the hump on the 1400 looks like it will make install difficult to impossible for the slim.

[@nautilus1753]

@@luxurybedside Yes I did. I'll try to post a pic once it's done. If u use the shortadaptor for the back and bend the 2 blades that go in btw the shell and foam to

[@luxurybedside]

@@nautilus1753 awesome! That's basically what I did for the 1200. Good to know. Thanks!!!

[@srace06]

Would the cardo 45mm speakers fit on this helmet?

[@Blottski]

I am wondering this as well.

[@michaelknight2897]

The RF-1400 speakers hole are round and the JBL speakers are not. How did you resolve this?

[@SPDTWIN1200]

My JBL speakers are round

[@mattm6575]

Hey! I’m having an issue where when I take the helmet off, it unclips the cheek pad clip. Is this a common issue or fixable?

[@SabresRugby]

Did you use the tape included in the kit to stick the speakers in the helmet?

[@CrazyGreek80]

Great review what's the difference between matte black and black cuz they both look black is the black got a little scene to it?

[@GearsGadgets]

I like matte black which was my RF-SR but it does get scuffed up and harder to keep clean over time in my opinion.

[@hooliganfunnetty4712]

Thanks! I'd like get something to listen to music. Any recommendations. I just use my phone & pandora.

[@GearsGadgets]

I LOVE Cardo but that's just me. Thats all I would personally recommend. I use it for music and phone all the time. I have taken work calls on the bike and have been told you can barely tell im speaking in my helmet on the road.

[@Twilson_Vtwin]

Nice. Just got a balsalt grey one for myself.

[@porkchop10]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new one today, but the gray looks to be sold out now...womp womp

[@Twilson_Vtwin]

@@porkchop10 look around man I’m sure someone has it in stock

[@porkchop10]

@@Twilson_Vtwin snagged the gray display model at Cycle Gear last night, and they also had 10% of on Shoei! They had the darker gray 1200 that matches my bike perfectly on sale too, but for $60 more, I had to go with the new stuff

[@GearsGadgets]

I ALMOST went basalt.

[@xdrobberkills1067]

How did the clip fit easily for you? I cant get mine in all the way

[@benjaminstewart7899]

Same here with Packtalk Edge, did you figure it out?

[@mmedia5727]

I do have a Shoei Ex Zero in XL but it is kinda big on my head. I used XL on my Bell Moto 3 and fits right. Should I down size at Large in a Shoei RF 1400? Thank you.

[@GearsGadgets]

Hmm, I wouldn’t give motorcycle helmet fitment guidance online. I recommend going to a bike shop and having someone who can see it help you out.

[@my.motorrad]

Shoei makes a good helmet. I owned one years ago. I had a GX-1. I probably have more of an Arai head. Either are very good. So, Ruroc didn't contact you? :)

[@GearsGadgets]

I love Shoei. Naw Ruroc didn't contact me but I know they have a heavy social media presence. I would love to put an Atlas 2.0 up against the RF-1400 but I'm not spending another $450 to do it.

[@my.motorrad]

@@GearsGadgets Some folks got it gratis. Seemed a lot did and it was kind of a caricature in the sense of, oh, another Ruroc review video. IDK. In some ways, you're better off buying what you review as there are no strings attached.

[@MsDenver2]

I have another question , I’ve never used a com’s system , is there a danger of one of those things you’ve put on the outside of your 1400 coursing a potential injury in an accident?

[@GearsGadgets]

I personally don't think so, the com system is right over my shoulder and if it were to make impact on anything it would have to first either snap my neck or completely tear off my arm at which case things have already gone horribly wrong. Hate to be so grim but that's kind of my assessment. Of course you have to make that assessment on your own. Just sharing my opinion.

[@Richfiekd]

Thinking of getting that helmet what comm do you recommend? Also don't you need a wam for it to work with a Harley? I have a 2018 sgs. Thanks

[@GearsGadgets]

I personally don't know, I ride a Heritage so I don't have the Boom Box GTS to work with. I do think the wam is required though but I am not a great source for that info.

[@Richfiekd]

@@GearsGadgets ty

[@trippontwowheels]

Howdy Dan!

[@GearsGadgets]

Hey Tripp!!! How goes it.

[@trippontwowheels]

@@GearsGadgets Doing okay. Once I get some folding money I'll need to replace my Shoei Qwest.

[@privatei4772]

Hey, I watched you install the Cardo and it looks like it’s working for you, it looked like the shell was bending a lot at the clap. I’m wondering how it’s been since you installed it, anything unusual happened to the shell, is the bending less, do you feel any pressure points on that side when you’re wearing a helmet. Any help would be helpful.

[@maximos7854]

I'm currently wearing my 1400 while typing this. the foam is definitely very rigid and hard to form around the device. (sena 30k) (its a big device) helmet does not bend, definitely no pressure points, can only feel the speakers themselves gently against the ears.

[@GearsGadgets]

I haven't noticed any changes or pressure points from the Cardo. Seems all good to me.

[@JDsLines]

Have the 1400 in med, per measurement of my head. Got the cardo packtalk with jbl. Two issue i had is my left ear has been hurting and I can hear the wind so bad in my left side where my cardo controller base is installed, If I cover the controller with my hand, the wind noise is minimal to none. Did any of you have that issue?

[@privatei4772]

@@JDsLines that’s interesting and worrisome. I didn’t purchase my helmet yet because of possible issues with Cardo installation

[@JDsLines]

@@privatei4772 ive seen some video where that is the issue with cardo set about clipping to the side of helmet. And the speaker inside is too big for the speaker slot so they are not flushed inside, one of the reason probably its pushing my ear. Probable solution is probably stick the cardo outside

[@paulspurlock599]

Doesn't smashing the padding for the coms affect how it fits? Like can you feel a bump in your left cheek with the helmet on?

[@GearsGadgets]

I didn't notice any changes

[@russdahms]

I have the slim and the rf 1400, it does NOT fit very well, because of the new hard foam piece in the helmet. When he slides the bold in, that clamp piece is slimmer and seems to fit nicely. But the slim's clamp is (ironically) thicker, and even part of the unit's cord is embedded in the clamp. It's thick enough that it separates the shell from that hard foam part significantly, causing massive wind noise on that side and deforming the hard foam part. I'm currently scratching my head wondering how I'm going to make it work. Not recommended.

[@whoknows6880]

@@russdahms I had a terrible time installing my slim on the rf-1400, on top of that my ears folded and pinched when putting on & removing the helmet. I hope I dont hear more wind noise on the side of the helmet that foot long plastic insert needed to go into the next time I ride. Returned the Slim.

[@ebruhhk]

Would the cardo 45mm speakers fit in the rf1400? Or would they he too big and bother my ear? Pleas help

[@Jakesweeklygadgetreviews]

Did the 45 mm speakers fit?

[@ebruhhk]

@@Jakesweeklygadgetreviews I seen a vid of some dude installing packtalk black in the rf1400. I think itl fit. Il confirm once i install mine in my helmet

[@ethanbaker5987]

@@ebruhhk what’s the word?

[@ebruhhk]

@@ethanbaker5987 it fit good, a tad bit too big, but it wasn’t a deal breaker. You will have to remove the padding though, that comes in the helmet

[@tylerwilliams7661]

That's XXL helemt is to loose on you 😬 like really really way too loose it should not slide around and off you head that easily

[@GearsGadgets]

🤦🏼‍♂️. Really really?

[@JacobVaughan]

anyone tried to fit packtalk slim in the rf-1400?

[@GearsGadgets]

Personally I have not.

[@russdahms]

I have the slim and the rf 1400, it does NOT fit very well, because of the new hard foam piece in the helmet. When he slides the bold in, that clamp piece is slimmer and seems to fit nicely. But the slim's clamp is (ironically) thicker, and even part of the unit's cord is embedded in the clamp. It's thick enough that it separates the shell from that hard foam part significantly, causing massive wind noise on that side and deforming the hard foam part. I'm currently scratching my head wondering how I'm going to make it work. Not recommended.

[@ATL_Rider79]

The RF-1400 is an absolute pig, but the fit and finish are very nice.

[@leqthai]

how would the slim fit on the rf1400?

[@russdahms]

I have the slim and the rf 1400, it does NOT fit very well, because of the new hard foam piece in the helmet. When he slides the bold in, that clamp piece is slimmer and seems to fit nicely. But the slim's clamp is (ironically) thicker, and even part of the unit's cord is embedded in the clamp. It's thick enough that it separates the shell from that hard foam part significantly, causing massive wind noise on that side and deforming the hard foam part. I'm currently scratching my head wondering how I'm going to make it work. Not recommended.

[@Rookz]

64 is chilly? Tf?

[@GearsGadgets]

When you live in Phoenix where it’s 115 degrees in the summer, yes 64 is subjectively chilly for the same reason when I grew up in Buffalo after a sub zero winter 64 was warm.

[@Rookz]

@@GearsGadgets not sure about that. I lived in LA for 20 years where 115 isn’t unheard of either. Just came back from a ride in the high 40s and that was barely chilly… But I guess I can see where you’re coming from.

[@leomykolenko4972]

upgrade your cameras pls.

[@GearsGadgets]

👍

[@leomykolenko4972]

@@GearsGadgets great content. The video quality could be better.

[@GearsGadgets]

@@leomykolenko4972 it all takes time and money my friend. This video is 10 months old, my camera setup has improved since then and if you watch videos that are 3 years old you will see it’s grown since then too. You are offering camera tech critique on older videos.

[@leomykolenko4972]

@@GearsGadgets boss, you are doing great job. My comment is more like straight forward suggestion. Nothing else. Glad you are keep growing. Good luck!

[@GearsGadgets]

@@leomykolenko4972 appreciate it. Happy holidays!!

[@erin7995]

i think your helmet is too big no helmet should slide on that easily

[@Bznunyabizness]

Tbh part 1 gave no real interest to the helmet.