TECHNICAL BOOK - Feridax.com

TECHNICAL
BOOK
WHAT IS IN A SHOEI HELMET?

SHOEI TECHNICAL BOOK
CONTENTS
Introduction
03 Quality made in Japan
04–05 Philosophy & safety concept
06–07
The SHOEI Helmet
The constituent parts and their functions
08–09 Passive safety
10–13 Active safety
14–15 Technology and development
16–19 Production & quality assurance
20–21 Handling & care
Annex
22–23 SHOEI locations & history

QUALITY
MADE IN JAPAN
There is no other form of transport that gives a
sense of speed and of rounding corners dynamically
than does the motorcycle. But this also
means that the motorcycle rider must always
reckon with a spill, whether on the race track
or an ordinary country road or in the town. It
is therefore essential for all riders to take suitable
measures to protect against injury in a
crash, whereby the central and undoubtedly
most important element is the helmet.
Introduction
At SHOEI highly specialized employees develop
and produce helmets on the basis of the very
latest technology, and to a large part this is done
by hand. Thanks to decades of experience and
our passion for helmet technology, millions of
passionate motorcycle riders place their trust in
the SHOEI brand.
With its company headquarters in Japan and
further locations in Europe and the USA, SHOEI
reaches its customers in almost 40 countries
around the globe and thus belongs to one of
the leading brands in the international helmet
segment.
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Technical Book
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Three factors – A first class helmet
Of course, the main function of a helmet is to
protect the head of the rider in the event of an
impact. However, we have defined the requirements
concerning SHOEI helmets in a more
comprehensive way. Consequently the basis of
SAFETY
COMFORT PASSION
our product philosophy is 3 core aspects:
the safety of the impact protection, a maximum
degree of comfort in any situation and the passion
for motorcycling have been the basis for the
development of all SHOEI helmets since 1959.

THE SHOEI
SAFETY CONCEPT
In addition to the basic safety properties that ensure protection in the event of an impact, there
are also the comfort aspects that characterise an outstanding helmet. A comfortable helmet
makes a decisive contribution to relieving the load on the rider and helps his concentration – an
important constituent part of the SHOEI safety concept.
Passive safety – active safety
Ensuring its helmets comply with the various
standards worldwide for passive safety takes top
priority at SHOEI. Our strict quality assurance
ensures that this applies at all times and for
all SHOEI helmets. But our products have also
Introduction
Philosophy & safety concept
made a number of contributions to active safety.
For example, the aerodynamics, the comfortable
padding and the efficient ventilation of our helmets
all help the rider to concentrate on the one
important thing: driving safely.
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Technical Book
WHAT MAKES A SHOEI
HELMET STAND OUT
Of all types of helmets, a motorcycle helmet is the one that has to meet the toughest requirements
concerning its protective function. Its strong outer shell and its broad impact protection
distinguish it fundamentally from other types of helmets.
The constituent parts and their functions
Ventilation
Visor
2 Helmet shell 3 EPS liner (inner shell)
5
Chin strap
4
inner padding

1
2
3
4
5
6
The visor
The visor protects the rider against wind, dirt, insects and UV radiation, but
at all times it must also guarantee clear vision without any optical distortion.
The helmet shell
The helmet shell absorbs the impact energy in the event of a fall and distributes
it over the largest possible area.
The EPS liner (inner shell)
The energy that is passed on by the helmet shell is taken up by the shockabsorbing
inner shell and ensures a maximum degree of safety. The helmet
inner shell consists of light, shock-absorbing polystyrene and is pressed
together in the event of an impact.
The inner padding
The inner padding consists of high-quality polyurethane foam of various
levels of hardness with covers of pleasant padding materials and ensures a
perfect hold and pleasant seating.
The chin strap
The task of the chin strap is to hold the helmet firmly on the head. This
is done by using a chin strap whose tensile strength and extensibility are
matched especially to this function. The chin strap is firmly attached to the
helmet shell by means of metal rivets.
Ventilation
The SHOEI helmet
The constituent parts
and their functions
The SHOEI ventilation system directs the wind from the speed of travel into
the helmet and guides warm and damp air to the outside. Ventilation is one
of the elementary and important innovations in the equipment of our more
recent models. The perfect placing and shaping of the inlets, outlets and channels
is the basis of optimum ventilation and requires a very special know-how.
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Technical Book
PASSIVE SAFETY
The impact protection for the head is used to provide passive safety and is, as explained
above, a major constituent part of the SHOEI safety concept. The performance of a helmet with
regard to passive safety is measured on the basis of various international safety standards.
Thanks to many years of know-how and our commitment to quality assurance, the performance
properties of all SHOEI helmets are clearly above the requirements of these standards.
The ECE R22/05 standard
A number of safety standards have established
themselves worldwide and they differ markedly
from one another concerning their criteria and
test scenarios, in accordance with the requirements
in the various countries. The ECE R22/05
Directive applies in all the countries of the ECE
(Economic Commission for Europe) and those
countries that have associated themselves with
this standard. Helmets that do not comply with
this Directive may not be sold in the relevant
countries of the ECE – with few exceptions.
The ECE R22/05 standard tests among other
things the impact damping, the chin strap, the rolloff
behaviour, the structure and the resistance.
The inner shell of a SHOEI helmet
In accordance with its high level of quality, each
SHOEI helmet that is offered for sale in Europe is
given a shock-absorbing double inner shell with
a special shaping. The combination of the various
grades of expanded EPS provides an effective
damping of shocks and impacts and at the
same time for a low HIC value. The upper part
Two criteria are tested in the impact damping
test. On the one hand, the permissible value
for the maximum acceleration is measured in g
(Peak G) and on the other hand the HIC (Head
Injury Criterion), hence the risk of injury for the
head. The HIC represents the total amount of
energy that acts on the head and is calculated
from the impact speed and the length of time
that the force acts. The maximum permitted
values of 275 g and 2400 for the HIC are
handled very strictly in the ECE countries. The
special properties of the outer shell, the high
shock-absorbing ability of the inner shell and
absolute quality assurance ensure that SHOEI
meets these stipulations at all times and shows
the very best results.
of the helmet inner shell is generally softer than
the outer edge. The relatively hard edge of the
inner shell increases the damping effect in the
event of a crash and provides a low HIC value.
The technology has been patented and is regarded
as the technical property of SHOEI.

THE TEST METHODS
The SHOEI helmet
Passive safety
The impact resistance test
Sicherheit! Die wichtigste Funktion eines
Helmes ist den Kopf des Fahrers im Falle
187 cm
1. The helmet is placed on a dummy head that is equipped eines with Sturzes the vor Aufprall zu schützen. Ein
corresponding sensors and then drops from a height of 287 Helm, cm and der with nur dieses Kriterium erfüllt wird
a speed of approx. 27 km/h onto a steel block. The steel blocks nie ein that herausragender are
Helm sein. Shoei ist
used simulate both the flat road surface and the kerbstone. Four points on
überzeugt, dass Komfort auch zu den Eigen-
the helmet are each tested once in this way within the prescribed test area.
schaften eines guten Helmes gehören muss,
2. In the case of integral helmets the helmet falls in addition from a height
da dadurch der Fahrer entlastet und 155 seine cm
of 155 cm onto a flat steel block to test the chin protection of the helmet.
3. The impact speed and impact duration are measured Konzentration with the aid gefördert wird. Das ist die Idee
of sensors in the dummy head. The results are then evaluated hinter by dem com- Shoei- Sicherheitskonzept.
puters.
4. The results of the analysis are converted to indices and shown
Flat Anvil
graphically for evaluation.
The approval criteria of Directive ECE R22/05
1. The acceleration (g) of the dummy head may not be more than 275 g.
2. The HIC value may not exceed 2,400.
Test of the chin strap
1. A weight of 15 kg is suspended from the closed chin strap.
2. The dynamic test is done by dropping 10 kg of these 15 kg from a
height of 75 cm.
Approval criteria for the chin strap
1. The dynamic stress may not stretch the chin strap by more than 35 mm.
2. The static stress of 15 kg may not stretch the chin strap by more
than 25 mm.
The roll-off test
1. The helmet is placed on a dummy head and the chin strap is done
up. A frame to position and drop a static 3 kg weight is attached at the
middle level to the back of the helmet.
Aktive Sicherheit bedeutet für Shoei den Fah-
2. A further dynamic weight of 10 kg then drops from a height of 500 mm.
Pre-load 15kg
rer durch die perfekte Funktion des Helmes zu
Dropping Mass 10kg
Approval criterion
unterstützen und so seine Konzentrationsfähig-
The helmet may not incline forwards by more than 30°. keit zu fördern. Eine leichte und stabile Helmschale
mit perfekter Aerodynamik und geringer
Geräuschentwicklung, Innenpolster mit ange-
Pre-load 3kg
nehmem Komfort, ein Ventilations-System Dropping Mas das
10kg
einen kühlen Kopf bewahrt und 50cmein
Visier-System
das ein großes Sichtfeld bietet.
Impact Acceleration
Flat
Anvil
Kerbstone-
Anvil
Peak G and HIC (Head Injury Criterion)
Judgment
Criterion of
Peek G
75cm
Peak G
Duration Time
HIC
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Technical Book
ACTIVE SAFETY
As opposed to “passive safety” that is ensured by compliance with the various country-specific
safety standards, “active safety” means an improvement in wearing comfort to allow the rider
to devote his full concentration to driving.
Product properties such as improved inner padding for optimum seating of the helmet, the
lowest possible weight to reduce stress on the neck muscles, an effective ventilation system for
temperature regulation and a reduction of wind noises primarily serve the safety of the rider.
This underscores the importance of the continuous further development of SHOEI helmets in
the area of comfort technology.
The inner padding
The interaction of wearing comfort and proper fit
The material and the shape of the inner padding are decisive for
the wearing comfort and proper fit of the helmet. The wearing
comfort covers the effect of the material properties on the skin
of the rider. The fit defines how well the helmet sits on the head
and stays in place and is especially noticeable at high speeds.
In the past these two criteria often worked against one another.
Very thick, soft padding provided good wearing comfort, but it
did not hold well at high speeds and led to wobbling.
SHOEI rethought the structure and function of the inner padding
and developed a new concept. The inner shell of the helmet was
shaped to the head, and thus, thinner padding can be used.
This in turn is produced in a complicated process either from
multiple layers of polyurethane foam of different hardnesses or
else is cut three-dimensionally from a block so as to ensure
optimum hold together with high wearing comfort.
The development of polyurethane foam and padding
thick
polyurethane
flat padding
Helmet may move
during ride although
it fits well due to
thick polyurethane foam.
thin
polyurethane
flat padding
Liner touches cheek.
Helmet does
not move much
but polyurethane
foam is too thin.
thin
polyurethane
3D padding
Movement is minimized
due to thin
polyurethane foam.
Perfect fit is realized
by 3D liner.
thin
polyurethane:
high flexibility
low flexibility
3D padding
High repulsion
polyurethane foam
improves hold further.
Optimisation of the cover materials
The development of new high-performance fabrics allows
the function of the padding with regard to taking up sweat
to be optimised to the extent that we can talk of a “summer
covering”. This is used in the first instance in motocross
and in road racing sport where the amount of physical exertion
and hence the production of sweat is extremely high.
Polyurethane padding
consisting of various
layers of polyurethane
foam.
Polyurethane padding
consisting of 3D-cut
polyurethane foam

Savings in weight and aerodynamics
Improved safety through lighter helmets
Three factors are crucial for the weight of the
helmet as perceived by the rider. The actual
weight that is felt by wearing the helmet, the felt
weight and the dynamic weight which is pro-
The helmet shell that has been optimised for weight
The heaviest part of a helmet is the helmet shell
and this is of special importance when making a
light helmet. Since the shell is also the part of the
helmet that is the most stressed in the event of an
impact, the requirements concerning the manufacture
of a light helmet shell are correspondingly
high. Through its extensive experience in the processing
of fibre compound materials, SHOEI has
succeeded in developing the extremely resistant
and light AIM and AIM+ helmet shells.
1. Shaping process with fibre-reinforced layer
matrix. Generally, an outer shell that is made
of fibreglass (FRP) is given its shape by a
heat-setting plastic. The SHOEI outer shell
owes its ideal function to the integration of organic
fibres and of three-dimensional shaping
in a layered structure. This produces a helmet
outer shell that is characterised by high
strength for a very low weight as compared to
shells that are produced in a conventional way.
2. The compound structure. The AIM shell
consists of various layers of reinforcing organic
fibres and glass fibres. Compared to an outer
shell that is only made of glass fibres, the AIM
outer shell is both lighter and more elastic for the
same strength, and the AIM+ outer shell is even
lighter due to the additional use of special fibres.
The SHOEI helmet
Active safety
duced by the wind resistance and inertia. The
actual weight has a direct influence on the acceleration
forces and directly stresses the neck
muscles in the event of an accident.
Cross-section
of a multi-layer
outer shell
A light helmet shell of great strength
is produced Flat from the various layers of
materials Anvil with a low and high specific
weight.
Specific weight of different materials
Glass Fibres
2,6 Organic Fibres
Special Fibres
1,8
Aramid Fibres
1,3 Resin
SHOEI AIM stands for “Advanced Integrated Matrix” and is made up of three main features:
3. The synthetic resin. A specially modified,
unsaturated polyester resin, a so-called heatsetting
plastic, is used for the AIM outer shell.
This resin acquires the desired strength and
elasticity during the heat hardening process.
This synthetic resin is also extremely resistant to
corrosion for good measure.
AIM
AIM+
High Performance Organic Fibres
Fiberglass Fibreglass
Organic Fibers Fibres
3D Organic
Fibers Fibres
Polyurethane Pad
consisting Fiberglass Fibreglass of 3D Cut
Polyurethane Foam
Fiberglass Fibreglass
Organic Fibers Fibres
3D Organic
Fibers Fibres
Special Fibres
Fiberglass Fibreglass
With these constituent parts we produce outer shells that convincingly produce ideal damping of
impacts, good elasticity, light weight and enormously high strength.
1,3
0,9
1,0
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Technical Book
The advantage of the AIM outer shell over shells that are hardened all the way through.
The AIM outer shell from SHOEI
primarily offers in addition to its
enormous weight advantages the
best possible impact protection
as well. Through the interaction
of the strength and the elasticity
of the various materials, the AIM
outer shell has been designed in
such a way that the effect of an
impact is absorbed as well as is
possible and is distributed over
the entire shell and inner shell.
Helmet
shell
Thus the outer shell and the inner shell may show damage from deformation after an impact, but the head of the rider
is given the maximum amount of protection as a result. Heavy, hard helmet shells do not have this ability and direct
the energy from an impact without any reduction into the inside of the helmet. In many cases the shell may be undamaged
but it was not possible to avoid head injuries. This applies in particular to helmets that were primarily designed
to prevent penetration by sharp objects.
Improving the aerodynamics
The stress applied to the neck muscles when
riding a motorcycle comes not only from the
weight of the helmet itself but also, above all,
from the air resistance. For that reason improving
the aerodynamics is an important factor in
preventing the onset of tiredness. The SHOEI
product development section regularly makes
tests in its own wind tunnel to design helmets
with optimum aerodynamic properties.
Ventilation
Direction of acceleration in
a crash
Head
Back in the early 1980s SHOEI developed a
ventilation system that passed air through holes
in the helmet shell without affecting the stability
of the outer shell. The idea that good ventilation
is crucial for the safety of a helmet caused
a fundamental change in the design of motorcycle
helmets. This once again makes it clear
how important the safety concepts and a spirit
of innovation are at SHOEI. The investment in
a wind tunnel of our own allows us to carry out
intensive studies in the development of effective
and high-performance ventilation systems.
SHOEI has developed a dual EPS liner (inner
shell) whose air system allows an optimum exchange
of warm, used air and incoming cold
fresh air.
EPS liner
(inner shell)
Resistance
(ground)
Front
Direction of acceleration in
a crash
Helmet
shell
5 Min. later
warm cold
Head Kopf
EPS liner
(inner shell)
Resistance
(ground)
The dual EPS liner, a
2- or 3-layer impactdamping
shell, was
developed by SHOEI.
Warm air is effectively
directed to the outside
by the two layers and
this considerably
improves the ventilation
performance.
The effect of the ventilation
during tests in the
wind tunnel is shown in
colour. The helmet with
the visor is exposed to
a wind speed of 100
km/h. The drop in temperature
is measured
after 5 minutes.

The SHOEI visor system
The visor protects the rider against wind, dirt
and insects. In addition to full face helmets,
many open helmets and half helmets are also
provided with a visor. All SHOEI visors are made
of polycarbonate. Most of them are produced by
the so-called injection moulding process. This
guarantees clear and distortion-free vision. Furthermore,
the visor protects against small stones
and absorbs 99% of the UV radiation, its coating
prevents scratches and lets water roll off more
easily in beads. Except the Hornet-DS model all
visors are provided with SHOEI’s own Q.R.B.P.
The Pinlock® anti-fogging system
Our visors are equipped with the Pinlock® antifogging
system that ensures a clear shield under
virtually all weather conditions. The doubleshield
technology has an insulating effect and
prevents fogging of the visor.
Noise exposure
A high level of noise imposes unnecessary stress
on the rider and disturbs his concentration. There
are two ways to reduce noise in the helmet
through suitable design. On the one hand, wind
noise can be reduced by optimising the aerodynamics.
On the other hand, the acoustic damping
properties of the helmet can be optimised by
suitable design of the helmet shell and the padding.
The decisive factor for a comfortable and
quiet helmet is the balanced utilization of these
two approaches. Reducing the noise through a
thicker helmet shell, doing without ventilation or
using padding that is too tight may reduce the
amount of noise experienced, but this is achieved
at the expense of safety and comfort and
hence is not an option for SHOEI.
Flat
Anvil
The SHOEI helmet
Active safety
system and thus allow the visor to be changed
quickly and easily without needing any extra
tools. The smooth surface of a SHOEI visor
comes without an irritating visor cover and so
prevents unnecessary wind noise.
Shield
Silicon seal
Pinlock®
anti-fogging shield
Anti-fogging coating on
the surface
Air chamber between the
visor and the Pinlock® antifogging
shield increase the
anti-fogging performance
Polyurethane Pad
consisting of 3D Cut
Polyurethane Foam
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Technical Book
TECHNOLOgY
AND DEVELOPMENT
All SHOEI helmets are developed from the three points of view of safety, comfort and passion.
Information gained from all over the world goes into the development.
Safety, design and passion
All SHOEI helmets are developed from the three
points of view of safety, comfort and passion.
Product development takes customer wishes,
the state of the market and new trends into
consideration. Although safety and functionality
Tests in the wind tunnel
More than 20 years ago SHOEI was the first
maker to recognise the importance of aerodynamics
for a helmet. In the meantime SHOEI
has a wind tunnel of its own that is an
indispensable constituent part of product
development. In addition to the effects of air
resistance and the various forces applied,
tests are constantly made of the performance
of the ventilation and how noise is produced.
always play the dominant role, the design
aspect is never neglected. This special combination
of perfect functionality and unique
design is testimony to the same passion that
motorcycle riders all over the world experience.

Test drives
Intensive test drives are done in addition to verify
the results of the wind tunnel testing. For
example, the various forms of air flow for different
types of motorcycles or comfort on long
stretches are investigated and taken into consideration
when developing a helmet design.
Racing service
Nowhere are the requirements placed on a
helmet more extreme than in professional racing
sport. The development of SHOEI sports
helmets is decisively supported by our factory
riders in the MotoGP and other international
The SHOEI helmet
Technology
and Development
classes. Among other things, the ventilation system
and the quick-change visor system were
developed first for racing sport. Today every rider
with a SHOEI helmet can benefit from these
technologies.
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Technical Book
PRODUCTION &
QUALITY ASSURANCE
For all the energy and passion that are invested in the development of a product, in the
last resort the quality in series production must comply with the specifications from the
development section. The following explains on the basis of the manufacturing process
what it is that makes up the unique quality of SHOEI helmets.
Production of the helmet shell
SHOEI exclusively uses fibre-reinforced plastics that offer the
best properties for the manufacture of a helmet shell. Thanks
to having many years of experience and highly specialised employees,
SHOEI is in a position to produce helmet shells that
are extremely strong and yet light. Each helmet shell is marked
personally by the employee who is responsible for it and thus
puts his name on the line for the quality of this example.
Laser cutting
Here the helmet is given its final shape. All the protrusions that
area created in manufacture are cut off. The openings for the
visor and ventilation are burnt into the helmet shell with a laser.
Finally the helmet is checked to ensure that it has the correct
material thickness and weight.
Painting
Even though many production steps have been automated today,
it is not possible to dispense with hand work in some areas.
SHOEI combines hand work and automation in production to
ensure superlative quality. *You can find further details on the
painting under the hand work heading.
Final assembly
The ventilation sliders, visor seals, inner shell and padding are
assembled with great care. The helmet only goes for sale after
the subsequent detailed final inspection.
This strict compliance with the production processes with
associated quality control guarantees the constantly high
SHOEI quality.

1
2
3
4
HAND WORK MAKES
THE DIFFERENCE
Hand work plays a significant role in the manufacture of SHOEI helmets.
This is especially clear when we take the example of the painting
The priming
Flat
Anvil
The SHOEI helmet
Production &
quality assurance
After the helmet has been taken from the mould and all protruding
parts and openings have been removed by a laser, the helmet is given
its first priming. Then it is sanded and polished by hand and thus gets a
flawless surface for the subsequent painting operations. Working on the
various helmet shells with their own peculiarities requires a high degree
of experience.
Checking the priming
After the priming the helmet is carefully checked for any small blemishes
and passed for further painting – but only if the surface is absolutely
perfect.
The painting
The quality of a painting operation depends on the quality of its individual
layers. It is virtually impossible to apply a high-quality coat of paint
by machine even with the very latest polyurethane paints. For that reason
only specially qualified employees are used in this work step.
Checking the painting
Subsequently the paintwork is subjected to close inspection for drips,
inclusions and unevenness.
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Technical Book
Applying the design
Elaborate, extremely detailed and spectacular graphics are part of the
brand image of a SHOEI helmet. In a very complicated work step the
designs are applied by hand by specially trained workers to the finished
painted helmet.
Protective varnish
Flat
Anvil
The last step in the painting process is the application of a clear varnish
to the shell to protect the decoration and to give the helmet its unmistakable
brilliance.
The final inspection
No compromise, even for invisible parts
Before it is passed for final assembly, the finished paintwork of the helmet
is given one last meticulous inspection. Perfection, even in areas
that are hardly visible.
Helmet shell
First priming
Second priming
Painting
Decoration
Protective varnish
This illustration shows in visual forms the individual steps of the painting operations. The quality principle of SHOEI is
followed rigorously even when it concerns details of the levels that are not visible.
1
2
3
4
5
6

QUALITY CONTROL
Quality control in the development stage
The country-specific safety standards play a
major role during the development of a helmet.
The helmet shell and the shock-absorbing inner
shell are continuously tested for hardness and
elasticity and modified as required. This results
in a helmet that meets the strict standards that
are applied and nonetheless still combines all
the advantages of the original design in itself.
Quality control during production
The SHOEI helmet
Production &
quality assurance
Each helmet that leaves our factories in Ibaraki und Iwate had first been subjected to
intensive quality control.
Strict quality control tales places at SHOEI in all
phases of production. From manufacturer of the
outer shell up to final assembly. In addition to
that, samples are regularly taken from normal
production and tested at the company’s own test
facilities. Every year more than 3,000 helmets
are tested to ensure perfect safety and destroyed
in doing so. These test helmets thus make a
major contribution to the safety of our products.
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Technical Book
Technical Book
HANDLINg & CARE
The right size and correct seating are of enormous importance for the safety and wearing
comfort of a helmet. In addition, you should be aware that also helmets are subjected to
an aging process. For that reason the way that a helmet is cared for makes a big difference
to how long it lasts. Helmets can lose their ability to provide safety after a crash or due
to aging and then they need to be replaced.
Helmet selection
There are many different types of helmets,
whereby motorcycle helmets have to meet the
toughest requirements of all. The minimum
capabilities of motorcycle helmets are defined
precisely by country-specific safety standards.
Full face helmets offer the greatest level of
Carrying the helmet
Using both hands, the helmet is pulled apart at
the chin strap and put on over the head with a
safety and are ideally suited for sports-type
riding and road racing sport. On the other hand,
off-road helmets have advantages when used off
the road. Each helmet should be selected with
regard to the type of riding for which it will be used.
rolling motion from front to back. The helmet is
removed on the same principle.
The correct way to put the helmet on How to take it off
The right size
Each model of helmet has
small differences in its shape
that affect the fit. For that
reason it is essential to test
the helmet before buying.
Test whether it sits properly
by putting on the helmet
and moving your head to the
left and the right and up and
down while holding the helmet firmly with both
hands. If your head can move too freely within
the helmet, we recommend that you try a smaller
size. If you feel local pressure points, then
choose a helmet that is one size larger or else
adapt the helmet by pulling in the inner padding.

CARE OF THE HELMET
The helmet shell
All SHOEI helmets are made of compound fibre materials.
Therefore use plastic cleaner or wax to clean the helmet shell—
but not on the ventilation slider and other plastic parts. Do not
use polishes on helmets with matt finish paintwork.
Plastic parts such as the visor, ventilation, etc.
All plastic parts are very sensitive to solvents. Here we recommend
using only the mildest possible cleaning agents. The visor and any
other parts that can be removed should be removed for cleaning.
If the visor is equipped with a Pinlock system, this can also be
cleaned with neutral soapy water. The visor and the Pinlock shield
must be absolutely dry before the Pinlock system is reassembled.
The inner padding
All the parts of the removable inner padding should be washed
by hand or in a washing machine at 30° C with the use of
a washing bag. Antibacterial detergents have proven useful in
removing smells. The inner shell can likewise be wiped down
with a mild cleaner. Make sure that everything is absolutely dry
before putting the padding back in again.
When should a helmet be replaced?
The life of a helmet depends on how it is used. A helmet
should be replaced if one or more of the following points
apply:
1. There was a fall that resulted in an impact on the helmet.
2. The helmet is worn as a result of very frequent use and has
become wider.
3. The inner shell has come away from the helmet shell.
4. The styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) inner shell shows
signs of wear and is beginning to break up.
Service
If required, SHOEI will replace the inner padding, ventilation
slider and inner shells as long as the helmet has not been
subjected to an impact.
The SHOEI helmet
Handling & care
21

Technical Book
SHOEI LOCATIONS
AND HISTORY
The history of SHOEI begins in Tokyo in 1959. Since that time SHOEI has constantly
sought to tackle the challenge of being the leader in terms of safety, function and innovation
in the worldwide market for motorcycle helmets. The introduction of leading edge
technologies and constant improvement of safety has brought SHOEI to the status of being
a recognised premium manufacturer and it enjoys extremely high regard among motorcycle
riders all around the world.
SHOEI time line
1959 Founding of SHOEI KAKO CO., LTD. Start of production of universal
safety helmets in Tokyo.
1960 Start of the production of motorcycle helmets. Expansion of production
to other plants in Tokyo.
1962 SHOEI helmets are awarded JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)
certification. Start of development of fibre compound helmet shells.
1963 The first racing helmet, the SR-1, is introduced.
1967 Founding of the SHOEI factory in Ibaraki. Start of production of the
SR-Z full face helmet.
1968 Founding of SHOEI SAFETY HELMET CORPORATION in California,
USA.
1971 The SHOEI plant in Ibaraki is certified to JIS. Production of the S-3
(half helmet), SA-1 and the S-10 (open face helmet) starts.
1972 Production of the STZ (S-20) full face helmet with a two-part structure
starts.
1976 Introduction of the world’s first carbon fibre helmet, the GR-Z.
1978 Founding of SHOEI EUROPE PVBA in Belgium.
1980 New SHOEI factory in Tokyo.
1982 Introduction of the EX-2 off-road helmet.
1983 Appearance of the Z-100 with innovative developments such as the
visor produced by injection moulding and the built-in chin spoiler.
Introduction of the RF-102, a full face racing helmet. Appearance of the
TJ-201, a half helmet with visor.
1984 Introduction of the RF-102V and the TJ-201V. Ventilation is incorporated
into a helmet for the first time. Introduction of the TF-250 – a full face
helmet with ventilation in the chin section.
1987 Founding of SHOEI France SARL (currently Shoei European Distribution
SARL). Wayne Gardner wins the title in the 500 cc class with a SHOEI
helmet .
SR-1
Z-100
X-8
VF-X
X-8SP
J A

P A N
Ibaraki
Tokyo
Iwate
1988 Introduction of the VX-4 off-road helmet. Eddie Lawson wins the world
championship in the 500 cc class with SHOEI.
1989 Founding of the SHOEI factory in Iwate. Eddie Lawson again wins the
world championship in the 500 cc class with SHOEI.
1990 Appearance of the X-8 full face helmet with internal visor mechanism.
Visor coverings are no longer needed.
1991 Introduction of the VF-X off-road helmet.
1992 Wayne Rainey wins the title in the 500 cc class for the third time in a
row, with SHOEI. SHOEI riders have thus won the title for the sixth time
in a row since 1987.
1993 Introduction of the X-8SP with the revolutionary, two-part EPS inner
shell. Appearance of the Duotec folding helmet.
1994 Founding of SHOEI Europa GmbH in Düsseldorf, Germany.
1996 Introduction of the J-Force half helmet.
1999 Alex Criville wins with SHOEI the title in the 500 cc class.
2000 Introduction of the Syncrotec folding helmet.
2001 Founding of SHOEI Europa Distribution Deutschland GmbH (currently
SHOEI Distribution GmbH).
2002 Introduction of the X-Spirit no-compromise racing helmet.
2003 Appearance of the Xr-1000 sports touring helmet.
2004 Introduction of the Raid II touring helmet.
2006 Appearance of the Multitec folding helmet.
2008 Introduction of the Hornet-DS Dualsport helmet.
SHOEI factory Ibaraki / Japan SHOEI factory Iwate / Japan
Head office
5-8-5, Ueno,
Taito-ku, Tokyo,
110-0005, Japan
Ibaraki factory
1793, Haga, Inashiki, Ibaraki,
300-0525, Japan
Iwate factory
27-1, Nooka, Tokuda, Fujisawa,
Higashi-Iwai, Iwate, 029-3404, Japan
Annex
Locations and History
J-FORCE
X-Spirit
XR-1000
MULTITEC
Representation
SHOEI (EUROPA) GMBH (Germany)
SHOEI DISTRIBUTION GMBH (Germany)
SHOEI EUROPE DISTRIBUTION SARL (France)
SHOEI SAFETY HELMET CORPORATION (U.S.A.)
23

SHOEI SAFETY CONCEPT
© 2008 Shoei (Europa) GmbH
Eichsfelder Str. 27
D-40595 Düsseldorf
Germany
Fon +49 (0)211 / 17 54 36-0
Fax +49 (0)211 / 17 54 36-77
info@shoei.de
WWW.SHOEI.DE