New Helmet - RF1400

[36654]

Is there a detent that will keep it open to about 1/2"? That is all I need for a crack. Beyond that I can go full open or "essentially closed" at 1/16" - either works for me.

Short answer, no. There's a detent position at that opening, but it can't take any wind load. I was disappointed, too.

[Grumpy Goat]

Short answer, no. There's a detent position at that opening, but it can't take any wind load. I was disappointed, too.

Thanks for confirming.

[36654]

I see a couple of online retailers have dropped RF 1400 prices by 10%

[36654]

After reading the thread on the Arai Corsair X, I decided to contact Shoei USA and confirm the "minimal" detent function of the shield on my RF 1400. As I feared, the old Shoei feature of holding a fixed shield gap (partial opening) is gone by design. The new designs feature "weak" detents so the shield is forced close at reasonably low speeds. In a crash, this should provide maximum structural support for the shield.

Yep, it's gonna be hotter..........

[Grumpy Goat]

After reading the thread on the Arai Corsair X, I decided to contact Shoei USA and confirm the "minimal" detent function of the shield on my RF 1400.  As I feared, the old Shoei feature of holding a fixed shield gap (partial opening) is gone by design.  The new designs feature "weak" detents so the shield is forced close at reasonably low speeds.  In a crash, this should provide maximum structural support for the shield.

Yep, it's gonna be hotter..........

Thanks for confirming that. Only the other day I was appreciating again the solid detents all the way down, on my RF-1200, and thinking how this is an important enough feature to factor into my go-no-go purchase decision on my next helmet. Not buying the theory that a visor resting against the gasket (but not snapped shut) is better safety-wise than at any detent with a gap.

I wonder if the GT Air II has a full set of detents.

[Ray]

Detent function on my X-14 is adjustable. I thought the RF14 had a similar adjustment screw.

I recall part of the marketing for the rf1400 was more detents for finer adjustment of the opening.I

[36654]

From Shoei-USA
"The shield mechanisms have changed and are self adjusting so they are always trying to close and create a snug seal on the gasket. There is no way to alter that and at some point the wind pressure will push it closed. We do not recommend riding with the shield open as it may be torn from the helmet and lost or damage the shield mechanism."

[Ray]

From Shoei-USA
"The shield mechanisms have changed and are self adjusting so they are always trying to close and create a snug seal on the gasket. There is no way to alter that and at some point the wind pressure will push it closed. We do not recommend riding with the shield open as it may be torn from the helmet and lost or damage the shield mechanism."

You are right, as usual. 
The RF1400 uses a different baseplate than my X-14 - a slightly older helmet design. 

Reportedly, the other 6 positions are designed to stay open under higher pressure...?

I feel an experiment coming on - at what speeds or pressure does the shield close in each position? 
Maybe you can send a note to Ryan Kluftinger at FortNine to get on this. 

Even though they don't put all the info in the marketing, at least they respond to questions.

From Shoei:
Completely redesigned to facilitate quicker, smoother shield changes

New shield adjuster mechanism provides easier, more precise tuning
Redesigned base plate gear has all-new “first position” shield opening feature for advanced venting and defogging
SHOEI’s patented spring-loaded technology ensures a wind and waterproof seal
All-new airtight window beading reduces wind and water intrusion  https://shoei-helmets.com/rf-1400-helmet-technology/

From another reply from Shoei to someone on the ADVRider forum:
To follow up, I e-mailed Shoei to ask about the first position and received this response:

 
Thank you for contacting Shoei helmets. The first position is there to supplement your lower vent which is the primary means of defogging the shield. When you are stopped there is no air flowing through the vent so raising the shield this small amount allows air in to keep the shield from fogging. The base plate system is self adjusting meaning it is always trying to close for a tight seal on the shield and if you try to ride in the first position at a certain point the air pressure on the shield is going to over come the detent and push the shield down. The first position is not needed once you are moving since air would be flowing through the vent for defogging purposes. https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/shoei...324/page-4

[Ray]

Finally - I noticed the RF1400 boasts a central locking mechanism.
Is that similar to the one on the X-14 - the one that I keep accidentally locking and then have trouble opening it with my gloves on?

[36654]

Finally - I noticed the RF1400 boasts a central locking mechanism.
Is that similar to the one on the X-14 - the one that I keep accidentally locking and then have trouble opening it with my gloves on?

A Doo-hickey at the front?  Yes, it has one.

Almost as annoying to open as the Arai Corsair-X latch (at the side) is to open........

BTW - I can't speak to the X-14.  But, RF-1400 shield is beefy thick with nicely rounded edges.  While I always like Shoei shields, the RF-1400 shield is a real step up.

[36654]

From Shoei-USA
"The shield mechanisms have changed and are self adjusting so they are always trying to close and create a snug seal on the gasket. There is no way to alter that and at some point the wind pressure will push it closed. We do not recommend riding with the shield open as it may be torn from the helmet and lost or damage the shield mechanism."

You are right, as usual. 

Are you sure you're talking to me???