I recently decided to upgrade from my Shoei TZ-R. I like the TZ-R, but after a few years of riding and weight change, it was apparent that the helmet was entirely too big. Not to mention I had dropped it a couple of times and it was starting to show its age. Being that I liked my original Shoei, and that previous fitting attempts with other helmets have led me to construe that my head shape is what Shoei has in mind when they produce their products, I decided to stick with the brand, but went for one of the higher end models. The RF-1000 was nice, but the X-11 had all the features and reputation that I was looking for. And, since I was splurging on a new lid anyway, I thought I'd go for something a little flashier than the basic black of the TZ-R I had previously sported.
Construction:
It is immediately obvious that the X-11 is produced to the highest standards. The finish is flawless and beautiful. The colours really stand out, and look much better in person than they do in print or on a website. The interior material is equally as high grade as the exterior. The 'leather'-ish material is soft and feels comfortable when donning the helmet, and the liner breathes well. Another nice benefit is the compatibility of the face shields between models, so my tinted shield from the TZ-R snaps effortlessly onto the X-11. The quick change mechanism for the visors is so easy to use and would allow, with practice, someone to switch from a tinted to a clear shield without removing the helmet. Very nice.
Features:
The X-11 comes with a full compliment of accessories and features, as you would expect from a helmet in this price range. Like al Shoei helmets, it comes with a bag for storage, but it also comes complete with a chin 'sock' and a breath guard. Both of which are optional on other Shoei helmets I believe. My TZ-R had 2 vents, one on top and one in the chin guard. The X-11 does two better by adding vents at the forehead and in back on the spoiler. The chin strap is comfortable, but is secured with the classic D-ring. I personally have no issue with this. It's a proven design and it works well, but some look for something a bit more modern and easily adjusted. Shoei does have a nice little hook mechanism that allows the extra length of strap to be secured to the D-ring so it doesn't blow around.
Comfort:
The TZ-R I had was a large and moved around quite a bit so I went with a size medium X-11. The medium fits much better. It's snug against the top of my head and doesn't wiggle. The cheek pads are very snug and a little disconcerting at first, but after wearing it a while, it started to break in, or I ceased to notice. Whichever, the helmet was simply not noticeable once I was underway and riding.
Out on the road, the helmet did exactly what it was supposed to do. There's nothing about it that causes a distraction, leaving the rider to concentrate on the tasks at hand. I tested it out on a windy day, which usually has my head bobbing around a bit with the TZ-R, but in the X-11 I was cutting through the air without a problem. There was no discernible lift or adverse movement at all during my test ride which included some city riding in traffic, some high speed highway travel, and a few mixed speed corners. Vision is great as well with good peripheral field of view (something that I tend to notice. My peripheral vision is pretty wide).
Noise wasn't an issue with a small amount of the whistling wind getting through. I wore ear plugs for half my test ride and with them in place my ride was peaceful, quiet, and tranquil. The other half I removed the ear plugs and the wind noise was a little louder, but it was the clutch and exhaust that broke through more than the wind. I also opened up the vents during the second half of my test ride and the resulting airflow through the helmet was much greater than through the TZ-R. With all the vents opened the helmet was very cool (almost too cool in the high 60 degree weather). I can see this being very beneficial in the summer heat of NC.
All in all, the Shoei X-11 is a great helmet and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking at the high end of the market. When I'm shopping for anything, I tend to look at the features and compromises a product makes as compared to the price, and when I pay top dollar, I expect very very little compromise and a whole lot of features. The Shoei X-11 definitely meets my expectations. The overall comfort and protection of the helmet makes it a consideration. Factor in the easy change shield, the effective breath guard and chin sock, and the efficient and beneficial vent system and you have a premium helmet that's worth the price of admission. If you go for a solid colour, you can get the helmet for $80 less than the $600 I spent on the Kagayama replica as well. Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but the way I see it, my head is worth it.
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q85/superjohn_rtp/IMG_1189.jpg)
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q85/superjohn_rtp/IMG_1190.jpg)
(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q85/superjohn_rtp/IMG_1191.jpg)
Gotta agree! If you have a Shoei head, you won't regret buying the X11. I love mine. [thumbsup]
i have the same helmet but in the vermuelen colors, all valid point the only thing i would say is that compared to the arai the aria has a much more plush interior to it. its too bad teh rx7 arai didn't fit,i wanted that helmet so bad, but it gave me headaches after 10 minutes and i wore that thing for hours after getting it from a store, exchanged it for an x-11 and love that helmet.
the only thing is that compared to the hjc cl-sp, the x-11 has a smaller eye opening, so that took some getting used to when i first got it, wasn't used to the more closed in feeling that the x-11 gave me. but i have to say that optics of the hjc and the x-11 are both perfect crystal clear vision in both when they are both cleaned.
have the same helmet. Used to have the RF1000... and got this because of the great reviews on ventilation..
It is a lot noisier than the RF1000.. I wear plugs.. and still noisy. I notice that the noise comes from wind buffeting under the helmet. If I raise my shoulders.. there is no noise.. of course wearing plugs. My .2 Love how light and that it is cool during summer months. Great helmet.
I got a solid white X-11 a month ago and am loving it so far. Since its my first helmet, I don't have much to go off of, but it is super comfortable, quiet, and seems to have good airflow. I got the white version for its visibility to other cars at night, and it knocked over $100 off the price so I could afford it! I highly recommend it!
on a side note, does anyone know how much it would cost for a pinstriper to throw some lines down the middle of it? I could always just add some red electrical tape for the lines if the pinstriper would be too expensive...
x-11 are the best. crached into a wall 60mph+, straight. the helmet got destroyed, i brike the spine in saveral places, ribs and shoulder but got no brain damage or canium deficiency.
i owe my life and ''health'' to an x-11
ride safe!
I've "used" three X-11s now. They're great. Unfortunately, they're the only helmet that *really* fits my head. I've tried other brands and they just don't work. Even the RF-1000 doesn't fit as well. The TZ-1 is close, but the X-11 nails it. I, too, have found that the pads feel nearly uncomfortably tight at first. But they break in well, and then the helmet is just perfect.
I've never understood people's complaints about noise when it comes to helmets, so I can't tell you if it's a noisy or not.
Echo. My X11 is the best helmet I've owned. My primary factors are comfort, fit and weight. The X11 is the clear winner in all those categories. My only wish is that it were more quiet. I've had a cheap HJC helmet that was quieter, but the X11 is superior in all other regards.
d
My silver X11 gave it's life to save mine earlier this year, when I went down at about 60mph. I took a hit to my head hard enough to crack the face shield and totally abrade one entire side of the helmet, but I didn't even have so much as a headache afterwards (until I saw my bike, that is, but I can't very well blame that on the Shoei). I actually replaced the X11 with an Arai RX7, which I decided fits just a teensy bit better and has a slightly more plush interior, but I'll forever be indebted to Shoei and would recommend the X11 without hesitation.
I just purchased an X-11 it seems to be very comfortable, haven't worn it on the bike yet. I really wanted the Arai RX-7 but it also seemed to press on my temples and start a headache almost immediately.
Quote from: Spidey on November 16, 2008, 08:37:56 AM
Unfortunately, they're the only helmet that *really* fits my head. I've tried other brands and they just don't work.
me too, nothing worse than trying on a gazillion helmets in the hope of having a 'choice' and realising that your head shape fits the most expensive helmet in the store!
The AGV were really funny, no ear spaces...they bent back the cartilage in one of my ears! whoa!
the Shoei is a good helmet though and great options depending on the weather with the guards and vent and all.
I may not have a pretty face but I appreciate my brains! ;D
Quote from: Spider on January 01, 2009, 07:16:32 PM
The AGV were really funny, no ear spaces...they bent back the cartilage in one of my ears! whoa!
My KBC folds back my ears when I put it on. I end up having to smooth them down after I get the helmet pulled down. I figured it was just my big ears... The X11 does this to me also, but not as bad. I can't wait until my new one gets here...
Which was today! All I can say is WOW!
I needed to get tighter cheekpads to get a perfect fit and went with the XXS pads since they weren't TOO tight (close though). The difference between this helmet and the KBC that I was wearing are like night and day. Zero lift, breathes like there is no tomorrow. I took the bike up to 120 for the first time and couldn't tell the speed for the helmet, it was happy to continue to let me push, but sanity prevailed.
All I can say is that if you have a Shoei head, you must spend the extra scratch to get an X11. It will allow you to focus on your riding and not your misfit lid.