The Recounter offers a splash of asymmetrical flair to an otherwise straightforward helmet—and it's offered in a TC-5 matte black base with red and white lines, or a TC-10 gloss-black base with BMW Motorsport inspired striping.

Next up is the Flagger race-striped hybrid with a dash of pinstriping and a splay of asymmetrical styling on top - offered in the TC-5 matte black base with skunk-white pinstriping, and TC-6 gloss white base with black racing stripes and red trim.

The RF-1200 is of course also offered in a range of quality solid colors for about 100 bucks less, and minus the flashy paint they're exactly the same great helmet underneath. But as anyone who's had to deal with custom paint knows, doing it right it time consuming and expensive, and sometimes it's nice to splurge.

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It’s not often that a single product has been so well refined—and refined so many times over the last 50 years—as this outstanding helmet from Shoei. The RF-1200 is no less than the tenth iteration of the RF line, all of which have been manufactured in Shoei’s own production facilities in Japan—which we imagine is a very exacting place run by people in lab coats and coveralls who take their work very, very seriously.

This long line of iterative improvements collectively stacks up to the sculpted, tweaked and re-tweaked final product you see here. The RF-1200 has become an instant favorite around the shop for its fit, finish and feel, and for all its bonus features.

This helmet vents well but is still quiet enough for longer hauls on the open highway. Sure it's lightweight, but it doesn't lack for features. All the details have been attended to: the paintwork is impeccable, the antimicrobial liners are easily removable, there are speaker cutouts for a Bluetooth system, and the startlingly clear face-shield closes and locks down with the reassuring thunk of an overbuilt luxury sedan door. 

A multitude of fond online reviews will back this up. Try one out at our Union Street store, or order from this website with free and fast shipping, our satisfaction guarantee and the same price tag as the Big Box motorcycle shops.

"Buy this helmet. It's our favorite—especially equipped with the RF-1200 Transition Shield (an upgrade) with Pinlock anti-fog lens (standard equipment)—and we think you'll love it."

That's the simple short version of the sale pitch.

The long version: RF-1200, how do we love thee? Scroll down and let us count the ways...