The most important piece of motorcycle gear is a helmet, and if you want to keep your head protected, it makes sense to spring for a good one. Even so, there’s a point of diminished returns where a few hundred dollars more in price doesn’t yield the same level of increased protection as lower-priced options. The Shoei RF-SR has sat right in the sweet spot on the price-to-quality ratio since its introduction, and the upgraded RF-SR2 offers even more without adding a single dollar to the price.
That’s not to say the RF-SR2 is a cheap buy. While it is the least-expensive helmet in Shoei’s full-face lineup, Shoei is a premium Japanese helmet brand with prices that reflect that quality. The RF-SR2 can be had for $499, making it the entry point into the brand.
It’s admirable that Shoei was able to update this helmet without increasing the price, and the upgraded features are noticeable during the ride, and offer both a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. The biggest news is improved airflow. Shoei claims an increase of 21% airflow in the two upper front vents, a 43% increase in the bottom front vent, and an 82% increase in the rear exhaust, which is now hidden by a new spoiler to improve stability. The vents are also easier to open and close with gloved hands. All three slide up or down to open and close, and they feature ridges that make it easy to find them.
The helmet comes in four shell sizes, which is more than most budget helmets and allows for a more comfortable fit. XS and S share a shell size, M and L get their own individual shell sizes, and XL and 2XL share a shell size. The interior is removable, washable, and moisture-wicking but not as premium as Shoei’s more expensive lids. There are also many cheek pad options to choose from so you can alter the fit, and it’s compatible with Shoei’s Personal Fitting System, which allows riders to visit certified dealers and have their head measured to adjust the helmet’s pads for a customized fit.
The RF-SR2 comes with Shoei’s CWR-1 face shield, which offers good visibility and is ready for installation of the included Pinlock. I’m a big fan of Shoei’s QR-E base plate system since it makes shield changes quick and easy. If you’re like me and often change shields from clear to tinted as the sun sets, an easy shield change is important. The first detent when raising the shield also offers a solid hold and enough space for air to flow in, keeping the shield from fogging up during slow-speed riding.
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Since the RF-SR2 is Shoei’s least-expensive helmet, color options aren’t as varied as some of the other offerings. The RF-SR2 is available in six solid colors, including white, matte blue metallic, basalt gray, matte deep gray, matte black, and black. However, there are more shield options available since it uses the existing CWR-1 shield.
For those seeking a solid, dependable helmet with plentiful features from a trusted manufacturer, the RF-SR2 offers all that for roughly $300 less than any other full-face helmet in Shoei’s lineup. Even better, the new generation’s updates provide real benefit for riders without raising the price.
