In this review, we will look at the Shoei's feature packed "Premium Sports Touring Helmet" - the XR1100 - and explain every feature Shoei have managed to squeeze into it. I know this is a lot to read but there is reason for it - there is a lot built into these helmets! Having ridden with one of these helmets, I can vouch for the incredible quality and comfort but for those of you out there who need a more technical approach, just read on.

According to Shoei, the XR1100 is "superior to all previous helmets in every respect" and here's why:

SAFETY
The quality of safety features is often overlooked in helmets as it is the one aspect that is not normally made obvious. Although all road legal helmets must have met a set of standards, Shoei have gone well beyond the minimum to ensure second to none safety.

The outer shell is made from what Shoei call AIM+ (or 'Advanced Integrated Matrix +'). Essentially, all this is, is 6 layers of material intricately laid out to provide maximum shock absorption whilst remaining rigid and lightweight.

The internal lining of the helmet is made from two different types of foam, both with different densities. This helps ensure that maximum shock absorption can occur while still remaining comfortable to wear.

To add to all this, Shoei provide a locking mechanism on their visors to ensure your visor stays down and steady at high speeds. The Double-D rings are easy to use and ensure a perfectly adjusted fit every time.

COMFORT
Quite possibly the most important quality of a helmet. If a helmet isn't comfortable, you won't wear it. Its as simple as that. To ensure you can wear this helmet for hours on end however, Shoei have paid special attention to the finer details.

To ensure perfect fit and perfect proportion-ness on your head, the XR1100 is available with 5 different shell sizes. Basically, this means a smaller shell than other helmets regardless of what size you wear. For an even more perfect fit, the cheek pads inside the helmet can be swapped out for thicker or thinner ones if need be. There are 6 different thickness cheek pads for intricate fine tuning. Not only this, but the entire inner lining is removable and washable to ensure your helmet stays constantly fresh.

Weighing in at only 1450g (+/- 50g) means that long distance travels are no longer a strain on the neck. Having test ridden with this helmet cross country I can comfortably say that combined with the great aerodynamics, you hardly notice it on your head.

AERODYNAMICS
The aerodynamics of the XR1100 make it ideally suited to those on sports tourers or sports bikes. It sits best with a slightly leaned forward riding position but even when sitting upright this helmet is incredibly steady. Every helmet Shoei produce is developed in their very own in-factory wind tunnel. This lets them analyse in great detail the smallest changes in shape of the helmet and how they affect performance so you can be sure you are getting the best.

Both the spoiler and the vents are integrated into the shell of the helmet. This ensures ultimate smoothness of air across the helmet and also that the spoiler and vents are in the perfect position. The spoiler, both at the back of the helmet and moulded into the sides, as well as the small tail fin, directs air smoothly over the helmet to ensure steadiness.

VENTILATION
Its clear that this helmet was definitely designed with ventilation in mind. Three intake vents and six exhaust vents ensure ultimate adjustability to the amount of air flowing through the helmet. The interior is lined with air flow channels to direct the air for better flow. Physics says that 1. fast moving air creates a lower pressure and 2. air will be forced to move from a higher pressure to a lower pressure. The XR1100 takes full advantage of this principle and thanks to wind tunnel testing, the exhaust vents are perfectly positioned for maximum pressure difference inside and outside the helmet. In effect, air is actually sucked from inside the helmet to ensure superior ventilation.

The vent covers on this helmet are by far the strongest I've seen on a helmet. There are no small flimsy parts, just large, glove friendly covers that slide into place nice and firmly.

Even with all these vents, the XR1100 is still the quietest helmet I've ridden with. The supplied chin curtain lets you quiet it down even further if need be.

CW-1 VISOR
The new visor system introduced with the XR1100 offers a larger field of view than ever before. Not only that, the outstanding Pinlock anti-fog insert is also bigger, meaning you no longer see the edges of it. It also no longer needs to be purchased separately as it comes with the helmet. Pinlock works by trapping a thin layer of air between itself and the visor to reduce the moisture build up and heat transfer. Effectively working like double glazed windows your visor will never fog up on you.

The CW-1 visor also sees the introduction of a spring loaded system, so that when closed, the visor is pulled back into the helmet. This ensures a perfect seal for water tightness and air tightness. No more high pitched whistling noises from poorly sealed visors.

The CW-1 is easilly replaceable with tool-less removal and is available in a rage of different options including clear, tint, high definition and a range of mirrored finishes.