Shoei RF-1500: What's New and Why It's One of the Best Full Face Helmets
Shoei RF-1500 Dedicated 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The Shoei RF-1500 is here, and it's a real step up from the RF-1400. It's Shoei's new premium street full face, the next step on from the RF-1400, and it's built for sport riding, touring and the everyday ride. Shoei shaped it in their wind tunnel to sit more planted at speed, and it moves a lot more air than the helmet it replaces, with the same Snell M2025D and DOT certified build.
RF-1500 vs RF-1400: what's actually different
The RF-1400 is a great helmet, so the RF-1500 had to earn its name. Here's where it moves the game forward:
1. More planted at speed
Shoei reshaped the shell in their wind tunnel: 13% less lift and 3% less drag than the RF-1400. Lift is the upward pull you feel on your head and neck at highway speed, so cutting it by 13% means a calmer, less tiring ride on long fast stretches.
2. It breathes a lot better
A new vent layout with four centralized upper intakes and dual lower intakes moves 90% more air through the top and 40% more through the chin than the RF-1400, and a wind-tunnel developed upper exhaust pulls the warm air out. If you ride in Florida heat, this is the upgrade you'll feel first.
3. Six shell sizes instead of four
The RF-1400 launched on four shell sizes (XS-S, M, L, XL-XXL). The RF-1500 uses six shell sizes across XS to 3XL, so more riders get a shell matched to their head size. That means a more compact, better-proportioned helmet, especially at the smallest and largest sizes.
4. The proven parts stay
Everything RF-1400 owners love carries over: the AIM+ shell, Snell M2025D and DOT certification, the CWR-F2 Pinlock Ready shield with a Pinlock EVO lens in the box, the 3D Max-Dry Interior System II and E.Q.R.S. emergency release cheek pads.
Should you upgrade from an RF-1400?
If you ride a lot of highway miles, ride in the heat, or sit at the small or large end of the size range, the RF-1500 is a real step up. If your RF-1400 fits perfectly and you mostly ride around town, it's still an excellent helmet, and we carry plenty of RF-1400 graphics too.
Why the RF series is one of the best full face helmets you can buy
The RF line has been Shoei's do-it-all street full face for generations, from the RF-1200 to the RF-1400 and now the RF-1500. Every generation keeps the same recipe: a light, strong shell, real-world comfort for long days, quiet aerodynamics and Shoei build quality.
- AIM+ shell. Shoei's Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus, a lightweight blend of materials for strength and flexibility, over a dual-layer, multi-density EPS liner.
- Six shell sizes across XS to 3XL, so the helmet stays compact and in proportion on your head instead of one big shell for everyone.
- 3D Max-Dry Interior System II. Comfortable, moisture-managing and fully removable for washing.
- E.Q.R.S. emergency quick release cheek pads, so first responders can take the helmet off safely.
- Comms ready with COMLINK speaker pockets and routing for the popular mesh Bluetooth systems.
- Made in Japan by Shoei.
RF-1500 colors and graphics
RF-1500 solids, $699.99: Black, White, Shine Red, Matte Radiant Blue, Matte Black, Basalt Grey and Chalk Grey, in XS to 2XL, plus 3XL in White and Matte Black.
RF-1500 Dedicated 3, $799.99: the first graphic, in TC-5 and TC-10, XS to 2XL.
In the box: the helmet with the CWR-F2 shield installed, a Pinlock EVO lens, breath guard, chin curtain and silicone oil.
RF-1500 vs RF-1400 at a glance
| RF-1500 | RF-1400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lift | 13% less | Baseline |
| Drag | 3% less | Baseline |
| Airflow through the top | 90% more | Baseline |
| Airflow through the chin | 40% more | Baseline |
| Shell sizes | 6 (XS to 3XL) | 4 at launch (XS-S, M, L, XL-XXL) |
| Shell | AIM+ | AIM+ |
| Certification | Snell M2025D, DOT | Snell M2025D, DOT |
| Shield | CWR-F2, Pinlock EVO included | CWR-F2, Pinlock EVO included |
| Price | From $699.99 | See RF-1400 listings |
Why buy your Shoei from Ride Depot
- One of the largest Shoei selections around. Over 60 Shoei helmet models and graphics on our site right now (see our Shoei buying guide), across the RF-1500, RF-1400, X-Fifteen, Neotec 3, J-Cruise 3 and more, plus shields, pinlocks and parts.
- Genuine Shoei from Shoei's official US distribution.
- Free shipping on orders over $150.
- Real riders on the other end. Not sure on size? Message us and we'll help you pick the right one before you order.
- Visit us in Boca Raton, Florida. Our showroom is open by appointment.
RF-1500 FAQ
Is the Shoei RF-1500 Snell certified?
Yes. The RF-1500 is Snell M2025D certified and DOT approved.
What's the difference between the RF-1500 and the RF-1400?
The RF-1500 has 13% less lift, 3% less drag, 90% more upper intake air and 40% more lower intake air than the RF-1400, from a new wind-tunnel shaped shell, and it uses six shell sizes where the RF-1400 launched on four. Both are Snell M2025D and DOT certified.
What shield does the RF-1500 use?
The CWR-F2 Pinlock Ready shield, with a Pinlock EVO anti-fog lens included in the box.
Is the RF-1500 Bluetooth ready?
Yes. It has COMLINK speaker pockets and routing for the popular mesh Bluetooth intercoms.
What sizes does the RF-1500 come in?
XS to 3XL, built on six shell sizes, with 3XL in White and Matte Black. Check the size guide on the product page, and if you're between sizes, message us and we'll help.
How much is the Shoei RF-1500?
RF-1500 solids are $699.99 and the RF-1500 Dedicated 3 graphic is $799.99, with free shipping on orders over $150.