Shoei RF-1200 Helmet Review from SportbikeTrackGear.com

[@bwxmoto]

It's crazy that this very old video is still relevant.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Word is the RF-1200 will be replaced this fall with the RF-1400. - Van

[@bwxmoto]

Sportbike Track Gear Yup I heard! I still bought the 1200. 👍

[@gtewewrrrrrr]

After all these years, still a relevant helmet and video! Looking at replacing my GT air and recently purchased a Scorpion exo r1 air carbon. Not impressed with the quality, the visor moves around even in the locked down position and the build quality just isn't there (kinda expected though). And it did not fit my head that well. So now I'm back to looking at Shoei's, and the RF1200 looks for me like a better fit than the RF1400 with the changes (centre lock, more weight). Considered the X14 but It might be kinda a bit overkill, or perhaps not as good aerodynamically on a naked bike like the MT-09 (?)

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Scorpion makes and excellent helmet but comparing them to a Shoei is tough. Shoei has the absolute best build quality in the industry. - Van

[@itsdave2331]

This dude never aged???

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Fifty years old this July. - Van

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Watch Van's review of the brand new Shoei RF-1200! #shoeihelmets #newhelmet

[@aminurrahman2106]

Hello Van! I use a Scorpion EXO 1400 Air Carbon in size L and it fits me perfect. Which size should I buy for this helmet? Thanks in advance.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I would go with the large in the Scorpion 1400 as well. - Van

[@Locosun]

I'm was going to buy the Shoei RF-1200, but now I'm also thinking about the Bell Race Star Flex DLX. How would you compare them? Pro and Cons?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

The Bell Race Star DLX is a couple hundred dollars more so it should be better. The Race Star comes with the flex liner and the ProTint shield. It is an excellent helmet. I would personally go with that over the 1200 if the extra cash is not an issue. To be fair both are excellent helmets. - Van

[@Locosun]

@@sportbiketrackgear Thanks,

[@shawoo]

This guy is actually really good. Have you seen the how to videos? Extremely helpful.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for the feedback and support! ~Aubrey

[@SmokinZen]

I own this helmet but shopped for a replacement I tried all of the Arai and other Shoei the only one close was the GT Air but in the end I decided to just keep my 1200 a little longer. I will be getting another 1200 when the time comes or the price is right.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If you are due for a new helmet, I would definitely go with the RF-1200! I have an RF-1100 and the improvements and attention to detail that went into this helmet is impressive to say the least. ~Aubrey

[@wb4514]

Can I wear Rx eyewear with this lid ?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Yes this helmet is compatible with glasses, Rx or otherwise. - Van

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Brian is planning on doing a full video comparing the two now that he has had a chance to ride in the RF-1200. Stay tuned! ~Aubrey

[@MrBlackem1]

OMG thats a nice looking lid! Was a big fan of the 1100. Thanks for great review!

[@AmirChemE]

When will RF-1300 comes out? next year?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Not sure when it Shoei will redesign the RF-1200. The skipped the number 13 with the X-14 (from X-12 to X-14) because they feel the number 13 is unlucky. Not sure when but I would bet we are getting close. - Van

[@jasonc5822]

The helmet was noticeably quiet. It had a lot less noise from below and a lot less wind noise than I was expecting. I typically ride in a Bell RS-1 and love it but the Shoei was definitely more quiet. With the chin vent closed it was ridiculously quiet and with it open there was so much air flow that it was worth the extra little noise. I didn't know they had spent so much attention to the noise reduction until I told Brian how quiet I thought it was and he told me about all their focus on sound

[@rjc89sir]

is the rf1200 and rfsr glasses friendly?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

They both allow you to slide the glass in but they force the glasses into a channel. For me the test glasses we use would not sit on the bridge of my nose. The glasses were easy to slide in, just would not sit all the way down on the bridge of my nose. - Van

[@DearMajesty]

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical to buy from STG. Their site is a bit outdated and the guy doing these video reviews isnt particularly good, but I decided to buy a good amount of scorpion gear for dirt cheap. These guys had awesome customer service and fast shipping. I would definitely recommend them again. Very good alternative to Revzilla especially since these guys have some closeout pricing that nobody can beat!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for giving us a shot, I like to think that we have great customer service and shipping. We were the first to start the video reviews and just haven't spent as much time and money into our website. We are working on updating it and make improvements daily. ~Aubrey

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

hav to disagree. brian makes excellent videos and is CANDID about wat they sell and doesn't BS anyone.

[@xjado321]

STAGEIIGN Agreed, he makes excellent reviews.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you STAGEIIGN and xjado321 for your support! ~Aubrey

[@RagingBad]

"He isn't particularly good" shut up! He makes very detailed reviews and knows the products very well

[@leperchaun194]

How do you feel about the rf1200 as a sport bike helmet with occasional track days (once a month or so) compared to the HJC RPHA 11 pro? I live in a really hot area and I need a daily rider helmet that is best in the 3/4. I like the rpha but I’ve heard it’s loud but I’ve also heard that the rf1200 is too upright. Any thoughts?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

It depends on the graphics as they are going to start filtering in within the next few weeks, some are available now. Thanks! ~Aubrey

[@EyalMaoz1]

Hi, thanks for the review. How's the airflow when compared to the GT-Air?

[@JiBtard]

Is there a release data for the transitions shield yet? It's still not available on your website (hopefully I'm looking in the right place).

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Not at this time, I wish we had more information but manufacturing was pushed back. Thanks! ~Aubrey

[@moealfaleh5606]

How will this helmet work with someone who wears glasses? Will it be comfortable?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

This really depends on the glasses you wear and the shape of the frames. Only way to be sure is to try it on IMO. - Van

[@22apoach]

Thanks Aubrey, I'm currently riding in a Qwest and had a RF1100 prior that i went down in. I'm def going to spring for the photocrom lens or go with the GT-air. I'm sick of lugging around two shields. What lid would you reccomend for overall use (mostly commuting) GT-Air or RF1200? I think I prefer Snell but have heard conflicting reports on whether Snell is actually "safer" I think overall I trust Shoei's however. Whats your opinion on Snell vs just DOT lids?

[@FAHAD6612]

Amazing

[@everss02]

how does the shield hold up to rocks and bugs? scratches over time?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

+everss02 Most stone chips do not cause issue, that being said all visors scratch. If you take care of the shield the bugs and gunk won't be a problem for a season or two. I usually replace my shield every year just so I don't have to think about it.

[@Wabbit1961]

two things I don't like about this helmet design. first- the brow vent is not only tiny and pretty useless, it has an imperceptible control. which way is open? which way is closed? how the hell do you know! up/down please. like a Bell Star. up/open, down closed. with a thick set of gloves I doubt you can even feel the vent control, which leads me to #2- the rear exhaust vent. it should not even have an open/closed position. it should always be on because regardless if you have vents open or closed air will always get in the helmet from below creating pressure. no water is going to go backwards up the back vent in a rainstorm, so that's just stupid. you don't see that on their X-12 or X-14 and that's why. and they need to come down in price on the transitions shield. $170?! Bell transitions is $120, so fuck you on that Shoei.

[@magsteel9891]

Wabbit1961 totally agree on those slide controls. It is not obvious which way is open.

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

I don't see the transitions shield available on the STG website?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

It has been delayed in production from Shoei and is not yet available. Check back soon though. Thanks! ~Aubrey

[@lordzsk8]

Would you recommend it over a Suomy SR Sport or a Nitek P1 ?

[@murraydane]

What was Jason thoughts, based on the noise aspect of the helmet?

[@Tagzmon]

part 2?

[@bmad87]

Is the rf-1200 way better than the bell rs-1? How do they compare?

[@sonicnofadz]

when are these going to be in stock?

[@22apoach]

Is it worth upgrading over an 1100? How about a qwest ?

[@KNEEDY1]

How does this compare to the X12, flow wise.

[@murraydane]

What was Jason thoughts based on the noise aspect of the helmet

[@inlineschool]

Good review. I have gone from an Shark RSR carbon to this and it is a good as they say. This chin cover need pulling back to get helmet on. Its not so easy to get on but that is a good thing. Only other thing is vision with pin lock in is not so good. The rest is very good.