Been pretty happy with my MIPS Bell and Scorpion helmets. I can't justify the heavy bill with Shoei in my riding career just yet...maybe when I get older and my brain sloshes around in my skull easier...

 

My RF 1400 was the first full face helmet I've bought. I love the fit and quietness but MAN that thing is ripping my ears off every time I take it off my head. I'm getting cauliflower ear on one side !!
On the other hand I have their modular Neo-Tech II and it been awesome, but to your point I should probably be looking around for replacement pads now before they get too hard to find.

BTW - Have you checked ebay or some sites overseas to get replacement pads for your current RF ?

 

@LIRider

I was a perfect Shoei medium and wore RF series Shoeis for decades. Loved the quality and fit.

When Shoei went to the EQRS cheek pads I had the same problem and it was really severe.

Seems that the EQRS design has a sharp rigid backing to the EQRS cheek pads that for some people can act like a knife when removing the helmet.

Spoke to someone at Shoei US about it and they told me that they had received some complaints but not enough to warrant a change in the design.

Actually drew blood once then the helmet was GONE.

Bought an ARAI. Best fitting and most comfortable helmet I've ever had.

 

Ok, now I know I'm not nuts or some kind of jrkoff that doesn't know how to take a helmet off
The helmet is comfortable and quiet once it's on though. It has worn in a little or I'm getting better at taking it on and off but I'm not gonna part with mine so quickly. Arai or Bell was the next brand I was going to consider as I'm in the hunt for a helmet that will go with my 400x

 

@jkdranchek I bought a RF-1400 late '22 and at that time no one, Cycle Gear, Helmet House, including Shoei had replacement pads in stock. Then mid-summer '23 the supply chain improved and checking now I see CG has pads in stock this a link for the center pad, I also saw cheek pads in stock as well

 

Bugstomper,
Thanks very much. I’m ordering a full set now.

 

Just ordered a set of 35mm cheek pads for my new large RF 1400 from Amazon. All the rest of the available pads were not 35mm. I think they may have 1 left.

 

A silk balaclava would be a cheap fix to help with putting on and off?

 

Yep, been there done that.
Its Ok in the winter, but not for summer or warmer weather. My 1400 is getting "broken in" now so the issue is a little bit less.
Just got to put it on carefully and take it of the same way

 

Received my RF-1400 this past Tuesday. My dealer, Hermy’s in Port Clinton, Pa special ordered it in white. Unpacked, etc. last evening and the left side shield attachment wasn’t working properly. I took it back this morning and Lee in Parts tried to adjust it but couldn’t get it 100% for me. He agreed to exchange it for a Matt Black on the shelf which works perfectly. I left 200% satisfied. Kudos to Lee and everyone at Hermy’s for taking care of me. They’ve performed all my service, new tires and Olin’s shocks install, since new (2022 Speed Twin). Customer service makes all the difference in the world. They do an excellent job.

 

Glad you were able to make the exchange on your special order white RF-1400. But I would have insisted on replacing it with another white helmet and not take the matte black helmet (just because it was in stock). Swapping for the black helmet is too much of a compromise IMHO.
Ride well and enjoy the weekend!

 

I didn’t want to chance getting another less than perfect helmet. The Matt Black shield operation was perfectly smooth and symmetrical so I chose it. The difference between the 2 helmets for fit and shield operation was stark. Not sure how the white got through QC.
The Matt Black with the dark smoke shield looks really bad-a## and it matches my bike color. Plus, it will be warmer on cold weather rides. I can always wear my white RF-SR on really hot rides but the increased ventilation of the 1400 should do the trick. BTW, the 1400 has just enough clearance for my sunglasses to fit comfortably. Waiting for the storms to blow through. Looks good for this Monday.

 

I didn’t want to chance getting another less than perfect helmet. The Matt Black shield operation was perfectly smooth and symmetrical so I chose it. The difference between the 2 helmets for fit and shield operation was stark. Not sure how the white got through QC.
The Matt Black with the dark smoke shield looks really bad-a## and it matches my bike color. Plus, it will be warmer on cold weather rides. I can always wear my white RF-SR on really hot rides but the increased ventilation of the 1400 should do the trick. BTW, the 1400 has just enough clearance for my sunglasses to fit comfortably. Waiting for the storms to blow through. Looks good for this Monday.

I still ride in my white RF-1200 and can't be happier. And like you, I'm very surprised that Shoei let that bad white helmet pass QC, they have always been a top-notch, dependable manufacturer. Glad the RF-1400 is working out for you, it's a nice upgrade from your RF-SR. Ride well.

 

Finally rode yesterday in my new RF 1400. It got windy towards the end of the ride. The helmet performed very well. The lighter weight is very noticeable. It’s quieter too. Some reviews have dinged the shield but I had no problem with the center button or the operation. 100% satisfied.