Inside the SHOEI factory

There’s a huge amount of technology and craftsmanship in a motorcycle helmet. Shoei shows BikeSocial how it is done.
While we were in Japan for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show BikeSocial called in at Shoei to watch how they make their helmets. There were two big surprises; firstly, how much of the process is done by hand and secondly, just how long and how detailed the procedure is.
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[@ferociousfrankie]

I'm surprised Shoei doesn't advertise the fact the helmets are hand made. That is amazing.

[@alexle1935]

They're not totally handmade, more than half of the process is done by machines, only the parts like decals, painting, screwing, EPS insert and QC are done by hand. You can watch the video posted by Shoei Japan by yourself.

[@pistolpete5805]

Shoei thank you, your helmet saved my life heading the ground at race track 140 odd per hr..........no bruising just slight concussion.....unbelievable

[@iamneallyons4263]

That says it all doesn't it..

[@alwynmcmath]

Just bought my neotec2. Beautiful quality.

[@adivarso8175]

The Japanese craftsmen literally have a spiritual connection with the product they are turning out.

[@assortedpov]

After buying a pair of Momotaro jeans, I don't know whether I'll be able to buy jeans not made in Japan again.

[@imagesbyraphael]

About to go from an AGV to a Shoei, and this video makes me appreciate it so much more.

[@Altruistic00]

Would’ve love to see more of the process being done than having the camera pointing at you guys.. Missed opportunity here. But other than that, good insight of the company.

[@jeroenmenting3878]

it's actually extremely boring, the way this is done...it's an amazing process at Shoei so why do you guys need to be in this like that instead of just showing us...sorry guys, but that is just one ruined piece of film

[@bikezonly]

I've visited the Arai factory in Japan before. Many processes are P&C so cameras are not allowed. Had to make do with the images they provided instead. This video is already very good by comparison!

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

They won’t let you record everything, very very little is allowed.

[@creigmacc]

My first Shoei was a RF900, just bought my fourth, a NEOTEC II. To date I'm fortunate in that I've never had to use them in anger, so to speak. Shoei is my favorite good luck charm.

[@georgehatcher8867]

Well that made feel a whole lot better about the huge amount of dosh I put over the counter for two Shoei helmets I brought last year, a proper quality product.

[@glyngreenwood8377]

Hi love the Japanese culture,im considering a shoei shortly to compliment my arai,which is also hand built and that is also a beautiful helmet.In my opinion these two manufacturers are the pinnacle of their industry.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

I want one of those jackets!

[@tedbaxter5234]

Cemoto!

[@S4WYERonPC]

I have a Shoei X-Fifteen on order - this will be my first Shoei helmet after a lifetime of using AGV. The attention to detail and handmade quality of these helmets is incredible...I'm excited to get it in my hands and see the differences.

[@leewatkeys9065]

Fantastic video and so much attention to detail in the factory. On my third Shoei helmet never had any issues at all: you can see why. Bought an AGV K5 thinking it was Italian, made in China internal sun visor mechanism broke within a month. As mentioned elsewhere you can see where your money goes 👍

[@santubandieri]

After seeing this I promise to take better care of my helmet

[@wingandhog]

I have tried a few different brands over the years, but I always gravitate back to Shoei. I use two primarily now. The RF-1400 and the Neotec II. Love them both.

[@drasticthompson1995]

Shoei for me and nothing else. X-12 MM race replica and X-14 Black and Silver smoked visor in my arsenal!

[@Jahmed163]

After watching this i dont feel bad paying $500 for my Shoei helmet.

[@stanleyknife1967]

Excellent video and brilliantly presented.

[@schwartz4074]

That first helmet is a beauty😍

[@mariolucero6468]

Calidad,calidez,inteligencia, humildad orden, respeto, superación,eso es Japón en todo lo que fabrica!! Mi sueño,un saludo desde Argentina

[@kirkdunn1379]

Very impressive from SHOEI.....would not have thought it was handmade like that Almost makes me want to buy one now, lol

[@XxXGhostXxX417]

There is no reason not to buy a shoei after seeing this

[@scottamolinari]

Reminds me of how Katanas are made by hand. Very refined, very detailed and with a lot of pride.

[@drjones694]

So cool I have a new found respect for shoei and the price a lot going into making the helmets and their safety Amazing video can't wait for the Arai factory visit LoL

[@johnward3490]

Great vid really interesting huge amount of labour involved, but too much of back of laptop view. Cheers 👍

[@kuhndj67]

I'm a big fan of Shoei helmets... they have a size that fits my odd sized melon perfectly and the fit and finish of their lid's are as good as it gets. I've gone through two sets of pads on my RF1100 (and about 75000 miles on the road) in the last 5 years and it still looks great. Very happy customer.

[@Coldgecko]

Its so funny... I live in the USA -- dont have a horse in the race (Japan vs Germany...) but I've worn Schuberth for years. I was thinking of switching to a Shoei Neotech 2 for a while -- or go from my Schuberth C4 to a C4 Pro. I wonder if Schuberth (Germans) have the same quality as Shoei? I'm stunned that its not all automated in Japan... Would love to see the Schuberth factory making C4 Pro and compare.

[@FreedomAboveAll]

So wich one have you chose? Schuberth or Shoei? 🙂

[@leemore7630]

Needed this video to be convinced about spending £400+ on the helmet, can safely say I'm very impressed with the workmanship. Will be going to the store tomorrow. 👍🏻

[@Currrn]

Fantastic video lads, and great commentary! Fascinating stuff seeing what goes into it.

[@SilverfoxJB]

Really interesting. The quality of workmanship is stunning. Amazed that the prices can be so reasonable, given the amount of work.

[@mohba01]

note to viewers: always buy a motorcycle protection equipment from manufacturers who do only that. shoei and arai for helmets is a good example, and arai still being a family run business today. I would extend that logic and say Forcefield for armor as they make only armor if you get the idea. people nowadays spend big bucks on gear, and when you try to keep up with jones next door sometimes you can end up with mass-produced products where the accountant tells them how to make it and kind of the opposite of what this video shows. Not nitpicking, but a good example of this would be a Klim Krios. looks and feels like such a cheap lid !

[@Amerigo73]

I find it interesting that Shoei and Arai quality surpasses the official protocols. Some other manufacturers try to meet the regulation, Shoei and Arai surpass them.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

I have Shoei X-14 Marc Marquez replica, the best helmet ever.

[@scottamolinari]

Now I understand why the decalled helmets are so much more expensive.

[@FuriousGerbil5]

Have a rf1400. I don’t think I’ll ever get another brand it fits and feels so good especially with a shaved head

[@1999zrx1100]

Just bought my 4th. Helmet, just love them. 🤓

[@jontnoneya3404]

This was fascinating. Thank you! I only wish Shoei would make one shell larger for those of us with HUGE mellons. I need a proper USA 65cm for my head.

[@tedbaxter5234]

A fabulous video! Thank you!

[@CajunGreenMan]

Great info! Really learned a lot. But yeh, more of the production footage, if possible. At the very least, please put the screen you guys are looking at behind the camera. Staring at the top of a Dell laptop like that was distracting from the taking in the real info. By all means, shots of you two talking is fine, no problem for me. But less of the back of the screen you're both looking at. Keep up the great work!

[@kaneblueskies]

Thank you for your comment. I agree we could have placed the laptop better, and it might have worked more if you could see the images on the screen.

[@cclime0205]

Compare to other factories of helmets，u will know why Shoei is the best helmet brand in the world !!! ..... I bought many famous helmets where OEM in China、Vietnam 、Thailand，even though the brand is made in their own country....Its really suck in details

[@Bredaxe]

Bangin helmets. I love my RF1200. Doesn't feel like you have a damn boulder strapped to your head.

[@K-carbon]

X Spirit III owner here the fit quality is excellent best helmet I've owned I wouldn't wear anything else now but have had different helmets over the years shoei is definitely way ahead of the rest overall

[@Senfflosse]

True. But arai keeps up though or is maybe even leading in quality

[@dottore46full]

I owned Arai and Shoei..even had Kabuto helmet..made in Japan ,you can't to wrong with any of them.. outstanding products..also if you looking for leathers,Rs Taichi,Kushitani,Hyod.. that is all top top quality products made in Japan! You buy Dainese, Alpinestars and other big commercial names,they are made China,Taiwan etc..

[@jackwednesday]

Love to go there

[@happydays1165]

The best lids

[@duffsplunk644]

500 lb head. Boy thats heavy must have reall strong neck muscles keeping that lump up.

[@blue03r6]

That's pounds as in $

[@robertsperbeck8338]

Please Reply, Extremely interested in purchasing a Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet, But got HUGE problem But While trying it on , the ratchet chin- strap is to short by like ( 1 inch ) I can get to connect by like 1 notch , but it up in my throat , I’ve loosened the strap as far as it can go , I’ve even had two other Shoei retailers try to loosen it up , we’re all unsuccessful. I HATE the idea the I might have to get rid of this beautiful helmet. Can you recommend any shop that would fix this ( also what do you think my odds of me contacting Shoei manufacturer to fixing this issue or replacing it with a Double D ring or just adding another 1 to 2 inch more to the strap)

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I'm afraid there's no way the strap could be lengthened, but try contacting the importer for your country (Feridax in UK). Cheers, John

[@sumtingwong6411]

Try contacting Shoei directly they always answer all questions ive had so far. I own a Neotec 2 and i'm so happy with it. Its truly an amazing piece of gear worth every penny. They might be abled to add a longer chin strap. I doubt they would use a d ring since the stainless ratchet works great. I would advice you to buy a glossy helmet instead of a matt finish since the matt finish is damaged way faster. My friend owns a matt TC-5 i own a white red black TC-6 and accidentily bumped it against some things a couple of times (which hurts your heart when you do) but no visible damage to the finish at all. The Matte one is scratched or damaged way faster.. hope you get to enjoy it one day. Greetings

[@DominicEdsall]

The Showa Emperor, known as Hirohito to most people in the west, and the current emperor’s late grandfather.

[@mururoa7024]

Same as Arai, all hand made.

[@petervautmans199]

stopped watching after 5 mins, not interested in two old guys talking behind a laptop, sorry

[@tedbaxter5234]

Should have stuck around a little longer or scrubbed the video for the factory scenes. Actually it was interesting and informative. Also, a young 16 y.o. Would not have the means or connections to make a video like this. Maybe you could look on KidTube for content that is more of your style?

[@AkashAkash-ns7fj]

Added all company factory equipment brands in added all branches added all transportation added

[@krayzieegg7294]

he reminds me of tony shalhoub the guy wearing black shirt

[@timbarnett3898]

Inspection "x"s were marked by inspector so fast, he was familiar with each mold flaws. I'd spend more time on better molds an safety, rather than 45 minutes putting decals on shells, making adjustments to paint. Both non importance to safety! If light can be seen through shell for inspection, are shells too thin an yoo much concerned over decorations. After this video, I'd be into more concerned about safety issues then decals an paint?

[@robkennedy8103]

Go South Africa :)

[@mfranks4731]

I feel like he's staring into my soul at the beginning of the video super creepy 😳

[@dhaangbderes89]

how to compete to arai? Hire japanese craftsmen

[@JohSno]

3mil yen, 3mil gbp??

[@kaneblueskies]

3 Million US $

[@TheGofreak]

They reinforce parts... for regulations? Not for user safety? Wtf?

[@frizenfreeze]

This video would be better if the commentary is over laid the footage of whats happening inside the factory. The transition is annoying. Especially when there is no visual of whats happening.

[@emidyl24]

agreed too much of watching you guys watching footage....VO of the actual footage would have had even more value, had to stop watching

[@kaneblueskies]

Thank you for your comment Adrian, we felt that we needed to explain some of the process as we could not film some of the process or machinery. Shoei protect their R&D and product. // We tried a new format so agree that we could have tweaked a couple of things, for example the laptop may have worked better if you could see the screen. Thank you.

[@frizenfreeze]

@@kaneblueskies thank you for your perspectives!

[@Crazyfornayeon]

you mean cover of dell laptop

[@Showmetheevidence-]

2:10 wouldn’t you research this before being on a video where you KNOW what you should be talking about?

[@kaneblueskies]

History was never my best subject I was always out on my bike :-) Hope you found the helmet related content well researched.

[@tedbaxter5234]

D.B.: I’m sure you post videos regularly and they are all impeccably done.

[@Hampus3313]

Dude on the left looks like Adrian Neweys brother.

[@vhockada]

GRH more like Jack Jeebs’ brother lol

[@davgallas]

shoei is nothing compared to arai

[@MozzyCV20]

I had an arai, I bought a shoei and after wearing the shoei I gave away the arai. Personal preference is personal preference my man.

[@aniv5833]

Yet, not as safe as Arai's! 😄

[@graheme1]

So Shoei make helmets purely for passing tests not to make the safest helmets 😮,

[@goranrudelius5737]

M

[@henryairconcepts2999]

Shoei is so overpriced. I can only afford Nolan price range

[@rabee2040]

Go schuberth