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.
The Shoei helmets are distinguished objects of industrial design as these helmets not only serve the main function of shielding the rider’s head but are also noticeably beautiful. The sleek design is the most notable feature of Shoei helmets. Adding to this is the adequate ventilation that the helmet has ingrained into its structure lessening rider fatigue. Once again the Hornet-DS helmet from Shoei is worth mentioning. We can’t help thinking whether this helmet has been designed for its looks rather than function as its frontal projection from the cranium and termination in the nosepiece makes it an apt Star Wars prop. The beauty of this helmet adds to its inventive qualities and has been scientifically designed for: 1] safety of the head; 2] adequate air passage within the helmet structure to keep the face and head sufficiently fresh and dry.
Furthermore, beyond design and function Shoei Helmets are also extremely durable. This is not surprising since their ancestry lies in helmets manufactured for the Japanese construction industry. When Shoei began producing helmets specifically for motorcycle use in 1960 they immediately met the industry standards in Japan for durability and ability to withstand an impact. To this day that remains the foremost concern of the manufacturer. The first use of carbon fiber and Kevlar in a motorcycle helmet was the GRV, a Shoei product. Now many Shoei Helmets even meet the guidelines of the Snell Memorial Foundations M2005 rating. The Snell Memorial Foundation has sometimes been criticized for how stringent it’s safety standards are and the helmets that meet these standards are therefore easily the safest helmets available for motorcycle riding.
Shoei helmets have received many awards for design as well as safety features. The sales of the Shoei helmets have been greatly boosted by the fact that the Honda Motor Company linked these helmets to its motorcycle product line in 1965.
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.
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