Motorcycle Helmets - Function and Design at the Same Time

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.

Surprisingly, this company, a company with a strong international presence-the Shoei helmet is very sought after in the United States-has a world-wide work force of only 500 people. Despite the popularity of the Shoei product in many regions of the world, and despite the fact that the Shoei helmet could be manufactured in places where costs would be much cheaper than in Japan, the company proudly proclaims that every Shoei helmet is produced in its state-of-art facility in Iwate, Japan. This small company produces a superior product that has delighted motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.