Motorcycle Helmets - Shoei Helmets Combine Style

The Shoei Company is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of high-tech motorcycle helmets which compete internationally at the high end of the market. Shoei helmets are famous for their aesthetic qualities, their toughness and durability and, in recent years, for their versatility as well. As an example of the latter, the Shoei helmet product line now includes the Hornet-DS, a rider-configurable helmet which makes this single helmet suitable for both on-road and off-road riding.

Shoei Helmets are not only functional, they are outstanding examples of industrial design. Good looking, even elegant, they protect the rider’s head, provide proper ventilation and still manage to look strikingly beautiful. The aerodynamically optimized design of the Hornet-DS is a great example. The nose piece stands out in a futuristic way that sets this helmet apart from other, less visually remarkable competitors. As with all Shoei Helmets there is a purpose to the design, however. The curves on the nose piece provide outstanding skull protection and air flow in addition to making a visual impression.

A Shoei helmet is amazingly tough. The forerunners of the modern Shoei helmet were produced for the construction industry in Japan. The first motorcycle-specific Shoei helmet was produced in 1960. This Shoei helmet met official Japanese industrial standards for toughness and subsequent editions of the Shoei helmet have always had impact resistance and durability as the primary considerations governing their design. Many of the company’s helmets meet the requirements of the Snell Memorial Foundation’s M2005 rating. The Snell Memorial Foundation’s rating system has sometimes come under attack for being excessive in its safety standards. Those versions of the Shoei helmet that have received the Snell M2005 rating may therefore be justly considered to be among the safest motorcycle helmets in the world. It is to be noted that it was in a Shoei helmet, the GRV, that Kevlar and carbon fiber technology were first used in motorcycle helmets.

In 1965 sales were boosted by the decision of the Honda Motor Company to endorse the Shoei Helmets in conjunction with Honda motorcycles. Since that time Shoei has remained at the forefront of their field. Many Shoei Helmets have won both safety and industrial design awards over the decades.

Despite being a well-known and sought after brand internationally, Shoei Helmets are all still manufactured in Japan. The Shoei company takes great pride in keeping their entire manufacturing operation under close supervision in their Iwate, Japan plant, where all products are make. It is no wonder that Shoei Helmets are prized not only in Japan but in the United States and other countries as high quality and desirable helmets for all kinds of motorcycle riding.