Shoei TZ-R Helmet Review

My first helmet was the Shoei TZ-R, which I ironically have not reviewed on this website until now. I'm not quite sure why, it's been a great helmet and the standard by which I measure other helmets that I test out. What spurned this review is that I had to retire my faithful friend recently that I have spent thousands of hours with, perhaps even tens of thousands. The TZ-R was my helmet for 3 solid years and it has since given its 'life' to protect my noggin. A couple weeks ago I was in a motorcycle accident, and that TZ-R saved my face and my brain, so I figured the LEAST I could do is give it a proper review/burial. Read on to hear my thoughts!

Fit and Feel

The first thing I will start with is my head is perfectly Shoei-Shaped. I've had the opportunity to test out a few other brands and no other helmet manufacturer seems to fit my head as well as Shoei. This might not be true for all people, if you have a more egg shaped head you might like Arai more, or if you are more oblong maybe Scorpion or HJC. The point is you should test out and wear a bunch of different helmets before you buy one.

The lining of the helmet was very comfortable from the get go and it became even more comfortable as the years dragged on. It maintained its sponginess and never felt loose or like my head was not firmly in the helmet. The lining did not smell at all even after 3 summers of sweat, grime, and hair gel. I don't know if they have some particular anti-bacterial liner, but scent was never an issue with the TZ-R. The weight was well proportioned throughout the helmet and I had no trouble riding for hours with it on. The chin strap secured tightly and it even had a little flap of comfortable cloth that laid between you and the strap. The end piece of the strap secured itself with a little nub so it wouldn't blow in the wind and hit you in the neck. It was little details like this that I really appreciated in the TZ-R.

The TZ-R that I owned was the basic black model and the paint held up relatively well over the years. It has chipped in a few spots from when it has bumped against my bike or scratched on the pavement, but overall I feel like the paint is of good quality. The face shield is easily replaceable and very inexpensive compared to some other manufacturers. I owned a clear and a dark smoke which were easily switched out using Shoei's quick release shield system.

The Bad

The helmet didn't do everything perfectly however, and there is a reason why it is Shoei's entry level helmet. The TZ-R is the foggiest helmet I've tested, it fogs up more than San Francisco in the winter! In warmer temps the helmet does fine, but as soon as the mercury starts to drop the helmet will fog up, even if all the vents are open. I got in the habit of cracking my faceshield a bit to prevent the fog from obscuring my vision when I rode on surface streets. The fog usually cleared up when I got anywhere above 50mph, but it was quite bad when traveling slow in the cold mornings. The TZ-R I had was a few years old so maybe they have fixed this problem by now, I can't say.

Protection

I have to say that the TZ-R really did it's job the day I crashed. I was only traveling at approximately 35mph at the time and I remember hitting the pavement as my bikes front tire washed out from under me. I was wearing full gear at the time and I remember the grinding sound reverberating in my ears as my helmet scraped against the ground. When I got up, I took off my helmet and tossed it to the ground knowing that I wouldn't be able to use it again. The TZR absorbed the impact of my head hitting the ground and the hard shell on the outside protected my face and ear from being torn up. I love my dashing good looks and I am really thankful that Shoei makes such quality products!

Conclusion

I think the TZ-R is the ideal starting helmet if you are just getting into motorcycles. It's a bit more expensive than other helmets, but I feel like you gain quality with the price. If you are willing to spend a little more dough I think the RF-1000 is a better all around helmet, but for the price the TZ-R is no slouch. Rest in peace helmet, you served me well!

Pros

• Lots of cool paint schemes offered.
• Really comfortable helmet.
• Protects your head well!
• Inexpensive and easy to replace face shields.

Cons

• Vents aren't that great which causes fogging.
• More expensive than offerings by Scorpion or HJC

Specifications

Whether you’re cruising, touring, or sport riding, it’s hard to beat the comfort and protection of the TZ-R. Using technology developed for Shoei’s racing and performance models, the TZ-R’s aerodynamics reduce wind noise and increase stability.

The newest member of Shoei’s full-face family, the TZ-R, comes with a full Shoei pedigree. Extensive hours of wind tunnel and real-world testing refined it’s shape and features. All elements are uniquely Shoei; Aim+ shell construction for strength, removable cheek pads for fit and comfort, and a distortion free CX-1V shield and Quick Release Base Plate System for unobstructed visibility.

Shoei’s commitment to performance excellence, at a surprisingly affordable price the TZ-R has it all.

• Quick Release Base Plate System
• Upper Air Intake
• Lower Air Intake
• Face Shield Defogging Vent
• Removable / Replaceable cheek pad and chinstrap covers.
• Preset Shield Opening Lever With Locking Mechanism
• CX-1V Shield
• AIM + Shell Construction
• Snell M2005
• Dual liner ventilation system
• 3D Comfort liner
• Shell integrated spoiler
• 5 Year Warranty From Purchase Date. 7 Year Warranty From Helmet Manufacture Date. Whichever comes first.

Buy the latest version now at www.Motorcycle-Superstore.com!