New Helmet To Replace The One That Did Its Job
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
My old and new Shoei helmets. You can see the abrasions on the old one from just right of the middle on the chin bar and up and to the left.
My previous Shoei helmet gave its life for mine back on June 29 of last year and finally, today, February 17, I got a new one. Or more correctly, Judy did, a Christmas present, to replace the old one which she gave me as a birthday present some years ago. Thank you Judy.
Just a note: it’s not like I’ve been riding without a helmet ever since; like most motorcyclists I have several, but the Shoei was the best of the bunch.
I had looked at various helmets awhile ago and had considered different models and manufacturers but ultimately decided to just go with another Shoei RF-SR.
Judy went with me to Performance Cycle and the sales guy suggested the RF-1400 as an alternative. It cost about $150 more but he said it is quieter and a bit lighter, with the same level of protection.
I may have had some interest in that one considering that he said it comes in a yellow. The RF-SR does not. I could be interested in yellow as being more conspicuous, more visible, but they did not have any in stock. Why? He said very few people actually want a yellow helmet, but he could order it and it would be here in a week.
Judy was pushing me to go for it but quieter and a bit lighter don’t matter that much to me and I was already figuring on getting the RF-SR in white, which should be a lot more visible than my old black one. As long as the protective qualities are equal I just didn’t feel like doing the hassle of coming back when I could walk out today ready to go. Plus, I tried both of them on and the RF-SR felt more comfortable than the RF-1400.
So I went with the RF-SR in white. Then I asked them to transfer my communicator (speakers and wiring) from the old helmet to the new, which I had been told they are happy to do at no charge if you are buying either the helmet or the communicator from them. I’ve been carrying that communicator around in my jacket pocket ever since that crash. I guess I better get it out and get it recharged.
Biker Quote for Today
A true biker finds freedom even in the confines of a helmet.
