KBC vs HJC

[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.

[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.

[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..
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

[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.

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.

[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 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 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..
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]

I'm getting a new helmet; I'm getting a new helmet!