KBC vs HJC

[gav]

OK, I'm looking at a HJC AC11 or a KBC VR1, anyone have a preference or any feedback? They look pretty similiar and look to be about the same price (around $450)

[jrandom]

HJC are better.

[White trash]

KBC are better.

[Marmoot]

They are both the same

[James Deuce]

I like the shiney one.

[gav]

Nah, Shoei is better but I'm on a budget... :whistle:
nice, thanks guys for the great input, maybe I should just put up a poll?
Out of curiosity WT, what price do you guys do them for?

[jrandom]

Nah, Shoei is better but I'm on a budget...

You can get a Shoei Raid for $500 these days. Only $50 more.

[Hitcher]

[Hobbyhorse kicks open gargre door] There is only one helmet. It is a Shoei. It is black. It fits. End of story.

[Sensei]

Haven't heard much about those brand's . You could get a Shoei for around that price Quaility & Safety guaranteed . Try all brand's before you buy ,as some fit way better than other's & are a lot quieter to . Own 3 Shoei's as they in my opinion are the best !! Sensei

[White trash]

Nah, Shoei is better but I'm on a budget... :whistle:
nice, thanks guys for the great input, maybe I should just put up a poll?
Out of curiosity WT, what price do you guys do them for?

$425 depending on the colour scheme for the HJC and we aren't KBC stockists so I'll check and let you know tomorrow.

[White trash]

In fact, I'll do a Shoei Raid, in black for $450 + freight. PM me.

[jrandom]

we aren't KBC stockists

I hear they're better.

[White trash]

I hear they're better.

Yeah but some clown tried to tell me that HJC were better.

[Cajun]

Shoei better in long run, visors last alot longer, wife had same mirror visior on her shoie for like 3 1/2 years now, i have in that time gone thru 4 tint and 2 mirror on my hjc cl12

[jrandom]

Yeah but some clown tried to tell me that HJC were better.

I thought they were too, until a respected authority said otherwise.

[Sensei]

Hey Cajun : Had Blue mirror len's on mine for 6year's . Was still great till bird hit it at 180klm shattered in two & smashed both holder's off side of helmet
$ 200 to fix bugger . Sensei

[F5 Dave]

HJCs are very similar to Shoeis. In fact there is a very strong rumour that they come out of the same factory, the Japanese have become good at technology transfer & have been doing this with a lot of products.

Consequently (brand snobbery aside) I would suspect HJC are built to a similar level of quality as Shoei. My AC11 is a bit better than my AC10 & is my fav helmet.

After my Arai of course. :whistle:

[dangerous]

Well I'm in the need for a new hat shortly and have seen Shark and Nitro in a shop.
How do these hats rate? They look like toys and the prices arnt to bad, just woundering.

[aff-man]

HMMM shark .If you talking about Mt Eden they got the fibreglass shark helmets for $499 and then they start going up in price utill the hit the +- $1200 cabon fibre ones. I have seen those nitro ones as well don't sound to bad but some look tacky with all the shiney bits so if you are getting one please get the all black one. :killingme :killingme

[Coldkiwi]

Sharks have always fitted me nicely - although I've never had the cash for one. Take one out on the Mwy on a windy day and see how you like them :)

[vifferman]

I tried on an HJC AC-11 this week and was quite impressed by it (light and comfy), but at 9.3 times what my head is worth, I'm not sure if it's a good buy for me..:wacko:
Oh by the way, Jim2 - it was the shiny one, courtesy of a kewl metallic paint job.

If you want to get an idea about different helmets, go here (where I did) and see what various dunderheads and more sensible people have to say:
www.motorcyclegearreview.com (http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/)

[Omega1]

I have a KBC Vr1 in Matt black with black tinted visor, I love it, though some reckon it makes me look like Darth Vader....

[dhunt]

I like my HJC. Don't have any problems with it at all. Very good fit and comfortable. I still normally wear airplugs as you get some wind noise. I can't comment on the KBC 's as never tried one.

David

[riffer]

HMMM shark .If you talking about Mt Eden they got the fibreglass shark helmets for $499 and then they start going up in price utill the hit the +- $1200 cabon fibre ones. I have seen those nitro ones as well don't sound to bad but some look tacky with all the shiney bits so if you are getting one please get the all black one. :killingme :killingme
I've got an all black Nitro. Recommended to me by White Trash when I was looking for a new one back in June.

The helmet fit is very good. There's very high quality padding inside the helmet, with removable liner and optional differing sized cheek pads, and the overal feel is quite good.

My main complaints about this helmet would be:

1. VERY NOISY - a lot of wind howl in this helmet.
2. It tends to pick up the wind a bit, which means a crosswind can pull your head to the side. I get more neckache with this helmet on really windy days than my last helmet
3. The plastic aerofoil bits are VERY fragile. The one at the back tore loose when I was riding in the storm recently (150km/hr+ winds). I eposy'ed it back on though.

Still, even with these faults, I've very happy with the helmet. And, of course, its all black. :D

[Bandito]

OK, I'm looking at a HJC AC11 or a KBC VR1, anyone have a preference or any feedback? They look pretty similiar and look to be about the same price (around $450)
I've just gone from a shoei raid to an HJC cl14 (one model down from the ac11 you are looking at) and have made :niceone: the following comparisons:
HJC is more comfortable
HJC is quieter
HJC has better ventilation
HJC visors are more redily avaliable at half the price
Can't speak for the KBC but clearly the mid-range HJC is a better lid than abottom of the range SHOEI and is still cheaper

[Devil]

I've just gone from a shoei raid to an HJC cl14 (one model down from the ac11 you are looking at) and have made :niceone: the following comparisons:
HJC is more comfortable
HJC is quieter
HJC has better ventilation
HJC visors are more redily avaliable at half the price
Can't speak for the KBC but clearly the mid-range HJC is a better lid than abottom of the range SHOEI and is still cheaper
Have an HJC CL14 as well, absolute bargain for $300.

[Eddieb]

SO why are KBC better?

We've had quite a few votes for HJC, with reasons to back up why, but only 1 for KBC so far.

[James Deuce]

I tried on an HJC AC-11 this week and was quite impressed by it (light and comfy), but at 9.3 times what my head is worth, I'm not sure if it's a good buy for me..:wacko:
Oh by the way, Jim2 - it was the shiny one, courtesy of a kewl metallic paint job.



Mmm shiney - watch out for magpies.

[dhunt]

SO why are KBC better?

We've had quite a few votes for HJC, with reasons to back up why, but only 1 for KBC so far.
Better price tag. (ie larger numbers)

David

[vifferman]

:headbang: I'm getting a new helmet;:banana: :banana: :banana: I'm getting a new helmet!:banana: :banana: :banana:

[James Deuce]

Lol you nana.

Oh, I see you've already realised that.

[Eddieb]

Go on tell us, how, when, why?

[dhunt]

Go on tell us, how, when, why?
Yeah. For those of us at work with nothing better to do that wonder what you have. Don't leave us in suspense.

[vifferman]

... but leave you in suspenders, I must.
All I can tell you is that I am either buying one tonight, or if not, then I am buying an HJC AC-11 or CL-14. Depending.:spudwhat:

What it does not depend on is the accountant/wife, who has sanctioned the replacement of the AGV I punished the asphalt with last week.

[Fryin Finn]

I have an HJC helmet - can't remember the model number but the graphics say Mingus on the back (some kind of Irish). It's a good fit and leaves marks all over my face in warm weather when I take it off (puffy face?) It has removable bits and I may take the cheek pads off as they stop you from eating chocolate bars with the helmet on.
Today I took on 04 R1 for a ride and found at 180kph or so there was a noticible wailing sound coming from the helmet. A quick scan in the mirrors confirmed it wasn't bad boys in blue. :scooter:
Bloody nice bike - helmets good too.

[ching_ching]

OK, I'm looking at a HJC AC11 or a KBC VR1, anyone have a preference or any feedback? They look pretty similiar and look to be about the same price (around $450)

Have had my VR-1 since beginning of the year... I think.
Anyways, tis one of the most comfortable helmets I've ever worn. Good padding, removable, washable and all that. Relatively light. My melon never fit right in Shoei's and other brands I was looking at were a bit out of my price range. Got the VR-1 for just over $400- 'cause I was buying some other stuff as well. Whistling and wind roar start to become noticable at about 130kph.

Happy helmet hunting.

ching_ching

[gav]

hmmm, cheapest in NZ, eh?
Trade Me KBC VR1 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/0001-0026-1252-/auction-15368512.htm)

[vifferman]

Go on tell us, how, when, why?
Yeah. For those of us at work with nothing better to do that wonder what you have. Don't leave us in suspense.OK, I can tell you now.
Last week when I was ... ahem... bedding in my new brake pads, and fell on my head (there's a thread about this sordid tale somewhere), Yamahamaman kindly offered to sell me his ex-girlfriend's helmet, an AGV X-Vent. So last night, I went to see him, and it fit, and it's great, and he sold it to me for a VERY good price. Thanx, Yamahamaman - you rock! :third:
I feel guilty actually, as it's a very nice helmet, much better than any I've had before, and it came complete with a helmet bag and a spare tinted/mirrored visor. There's no way I could have found such a good helmet anywhere else for the money, unless I stole it (which I practically did). So I'm really thrilled about it, and the wife's pleased, and wants a new helmet of her own. Thanx to Yamahamaman's generosity, that's no longer out of the question.
Anyway, here's a picture of it:

[James Deuce]

Kudos to Yamahaman!

[vifferman]

Kudos to Yamahaman!Indeed! he's a Top Bloke, that Yamahamaman.:niceone:

[gav]

ebay, ya gotta love it!
http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/derrickm/helmet1.jpg
Always thought these were so cool, on ebay a guy has one for sale that he bought brand new in 1993 as a collectors item, its brand new and has never been worn, now wants to sell it :niceone:
BUT for racing can't have a helmet over 10 years old, if its brand new its still not eligble? :crybaby:

[Marmoot]

Im having an orgasm just looking at that arai....

[Badcat]

Im having an orgasm just looking at that arai....
yes - it truly is a beautiful hat.
pity it would be a HUGE risk in an accident.
i have a great racevent R i just can't use anymore as it's 10 years old.
perfect condition - but too old...
can't sell it either - don't want to risk someone else's life.
personally - i can't understand how anyone would buy a used helmet.
i always cringe when i see them in cash converters and on trademe.
i'm sure a virtually new one is much less risky.

also - does anyone on the list list own BOTH a KBC and an HJC?
surely only that person is qualified to say what is better?

"WHY YES - THERE IS A HYPHEN IN ANALLY-RETENTIVE, WHY DO YOU ASK?"

[gav]

OK, a month later looks like I'm gonna buy a HJC CL14 at the bargain of $240. Same as this
http://www.motoemporium.com/hjc/cl14switch/mc-5_black.jpg
Why the HJC? Fits OK, way better than the Shoei Raid which is a real base model and is nothing like my current Shoei (RF200V) Incidently Eric Wood M/Cs has a black Shoei Raid on the shelf for $399!!
HJC you certainly need to try them on, they seem a small fit , my current Shoei is a Large but looks like I'll need a XXL in the HJC !!
Apparently the CL14 has the same shell as the AC10/11, but is a superceded model hence sharp price. Oh yeah, looks like Trevor Pearce M/Cs will get my hard earned bucks. May still use my Shoei for the road and keep HJC for track days, we'll see. Got a price to paint my CBR too, $1000 + gst :blink: :eek:

[dangerous]

Oh yeah, looks like Trevor Pearce M/Cs will get my hard earned bucks.
Got a price to paint my CBR too, $1000 + gst :blink: :eek:
Never thought about going in there, what other lid brands does he carry?
Whos price is that? I looked at K14's repair work the other day done by Muzzabikes and was very impressed.

[gav]

He carries mainly HJC, he retails the CL12's for $299 so next model up for like $60 less is pretty cool! :yeah:
Andrews & Gilmore in Welles St, asked a couple of bike shops who they could recommend, and general consensus was these guys are the best, but not the cheapest. $1000 + gst is just to paint in one colour (black) but may be more depending how much plastic welding is involved :shit:
Who are Muzzabikes? might be worth a look?

[gav]

OK, so this helmet looks pretty cool! so the first thing I do is, gee, wonder how these visors attach, wonder how they come off, cool, wonder how they go back on?





errrr, I'm still wondering....can't get the ferking thing back on :eek:

[dangerous]

Who are Muzzabikes? might be worth a look?
well there add is on the racing calander for the new season (have a spare if you want) but it was Kirk that used them and I'm a fussy bugger when it comes to paint work, I thought that it was a good finish.... after all I did see the job K14 did on it :niceone: He would be the best to ask about this co.

[Bazza]

Had an older Shoei (700?) with the last bike..but found the new raid uncomfortable so just got an HJC and love it! ..think it's quieter than my old Shoei too....but I agree Shoei's probably the better..safer.. etc but only if it fits..

[Yamahamaman]

You will find all helmets cheaper as from the 1st October. That is when the new 0% tax rate came in on helmets.

Thank you Gummint!!!

[Bazza]

You will find all helmets cheaper as from the 1st October. That is when the new 0% tax rate came in on helmets.

Thank you Gummint!!!

Bugger..2 weeks too soon... :bye:

[dhunt]

errrr, I'm still wondering....can't get the ferking thing back on :eek:
<PRE>
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That looks better :)
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Put the round thing (*) in at the top of its slot first. Then fit the /-\ bit in and under and it should just clip in. Hope that makes sense otherwise I might be able to come up with a better description/drawing. Also practice on a clear visor as you can see what you are doing better than a tinted one :doh:

[Devil]

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/ * /-\ | <-- Back
| \_/ |
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Put the round thing (*) in at the top of its slot first. Then fit the /-\ bit in and under and it should just clip in. Hope that makes sense otherwise I might be able to come up with a better description/drawing. Also practice on a clear visor as you can see what you are doing better than a tinted one :doh:
Yer what he said (except the drawing confusing).
Round thing first, then aim the flange under the thingy and it should pop in.
hah.

[gav]

ahhh, sweet , got it, thanks guys, used the clear visor first as you say to see what I was doing, cool, thanks a lot!! :niceone:

[Coyote]

Whats the minimum you should pay for a Helmet?

[James Deuce]

Whats the minimum you should pay for a Helmet?

How much is your head worth to you?

[Coyote]

How much is your head worth to you?
$150, well at least thats what my Dad thinks as he got the cheapest helmet he could buy for me. Stupid Motostar Helmets.

[James Deuce]

$150, well at least thats what my Dad thinks as he got the cheapest helmet he could buy for me. Stupid Motostar Helmets.

Ahh well that's a very different story. I would be thrilled if my Dad was willing to buy a helmet for me, and my nephew has a Motostar and it looks an feels fine for an off road helmet to me.

My question was meant in the way of how much money would YOU be willing to spend? The more expensive helmets have better fit, features, and finish, but all helmets on the market have minimum safety standards to uphold, so how much is more a case of how much can you afford to spend on a NEW helmet. Never buy second hand, because at the very least you may come down with a case of head cooties. Worst case and the helmet looks fine but has been damaged beyond usefulness.